Bathroom Renovation Restores a Craftsman Bungalow’s Spirit
An extensive remodel honors historical architecture while updating it for modern life
When the homeowner purchased this century-old bungalow in a charming enclave outside Seattle, she knew a down-to-the-studs restoration was in its future. To breathe new life into the home, she hired contractor Victor Ruzhin of Rucon Build and a talented interior designer to undertake a whole-house remodel. Together, they honored the original craftsmanship of the Arts and Crafts era while thoughtfully incorporating modern luxury. In the primary bathroom, bespoke details and a carefully curated material palette evoke the home’s early-20th-century roots.
The layout changed dramatically to accommodate a spacious vanity, a generous shower and a freestanding tub. The toilet is tucked to the left of the vanity.
Throughout the home, a palette of whites and off-whites creates a calm, peaceful atmosphere. To continue that serene feeling in the bathroom, the designer layered soft white hues. Benjamin Moore’s White Dove gives the cabinetry and trim a crisp, clean finish, while the paint company’s Sail Cloth warms the walls with a creamy tone. The designer notes that the colors are distinct enough to complement each other without competing and that Sail Cloth shifts beautifully throughout the day as the light changes.
10 Smart Bathroom Storage Solutions
Throughout the home, a palette of whites and off-whites creates a calm, peaceful atmosphere. To continue that serene feeling in the bathroom, the designer layered soft white hues. Benjamin Moore’s White Dove gives the cabinetry and trim a crisp, clean finish, while the paint company’s Sail Cloth warms the walls with a creamy tone. The designer notes that the colors are distinct enough to complement each other without competing and that Sail Cloth shifts beautifully throughout the day as the light changes.
10 Smart Bathroom Storage Solutions
Elegant simplicity defines the vanity wall, where custom Shaker-style cabinetry is paired with an oversize framed mirror. By wrapping the vanity and adjacent linen tower in continuous millwork, the team created a unified built-in look that also maximizes vertical storage. Hidden conveniences include a swing-arm makeup mirror, an integrated hair appliance drawer and a pullout hamper. “We also added motion-detecting lights under the toekick of the vanity,” Ruzhin says. “These low lights turn on automatically when our client walks into the bathroom at night.”
Although the light fixtures above the mirror are more contemporary, their polished nickel finish ties them to the classic cross-handle faucet and cabinet hardware. Cremone bolt hardware on the linen cabinet’s glass doors reinforces the historical character, while crystal knobs add another period-inspired touch to the vanity. The lower section of the linen cabinet conceals a pullout hamper.
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Although the light fixtures above the mirror are more contemporary, their polished nickel finish ties them to the classic cross-handle faucet and cabinet hardware. Cremone bolt hardware on the linen cabinet’s glass doors reinforces the historical character, while crystal knobs add another period-inspired touch to the vanity. The lower section of the linen cabinet conceals a pullout hamper.
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The clean lines of the subway tile wainscoting continue seamlessly into the shower, where the tiles transition to handmade square ceramic tiles on the upper walls. Their soft putty color and gently undulating surface capture the authentic, artisanal spirit of Craftsman style.
Above the tub, a niche keeps bathing essentials close at hand while allowing a glamorous crystal chandelier, selected by the homeowner, to take center stage.
“This homeowner wanted this job done right,” Ruzhin says. “She was prepared for all the surprises that can come with restoring a historic home.” The result is a warm, restorative retreat that feels perfectly at home within the bungalow’s 100-year-old bones.
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Above the tub, a niche keeps bathing essentials close at hand while allowing a glamorous crystal chandelier, selected by the homeowner, to take center stage.
“This homeowner wanted this job done right,” Ruzhin says. “She was prepared for all the surprises that can come with restoring a historic home.” The result is a warm, restorative retreat that feels perfectly at home within the bungalow’s 100-year-old bones.
See more of this home
More on Houzz
Read more bathroom stories
Browse bathroom photos for ideas
Find design and remodeling pros
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Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A woman
Location: Outside Seattle
Size: 150 square feet (14 square meters)
Contractor: Victor Ruzhin of Rucon Build
Although the house dates to 1913, the bathroom had been remodeled over the years, making a complete demolition necessary. “The framing job was failing and there was little to no insulation,” Ruzhin says. “The floors and ceilings needed to be leveled and the walls needed to be straightened.”
While historical accuracy guided the design, the team also wanted the bathroom to feel as though it had evolved naturally over time. They took inspiration from the home’s original millwork, baseboards and windows, replicating those details where needed.
The curvaceous freestanding tub is the ultimate nod to the Craftsman era, paired with a vintage-style bridge faucet that echoes period fixtures. Elongated subway tile wainscoting offers a subtle update to a timeless classic.
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