Search results for "Free short" in Home Design Ideas

An Ensuite Transformation in Richmond Hill
This project showcases how we helped a wonderful retired couple in Richmond Hill transform their dated and dysfunctional master ensuite into a tranquil spa-like retreat. These lovely empty nesters, in their mid to late 70s, envisioned a space where they could truly relax and enjoy their time at home, especially when their family and grandkids came to visit. We were so honored to help them bring that vision to life.
Understanding Their Needs:
From our initial conversations, it was clear how much this couple valued comfort and tranquility. The existing ensuite, unfortunately, fell short of providing either. For the wife, the leaky deck-mount tub was a major disappointment, as she deeply cherished her long, hot baths. The husband, meanwhile, was eager to replace the outdated and cumbersome toilet/bidet combo with a modern, single-piece smart toilet – a desire for both convenience and a touch of modern luxury. The shower stall was cramped, dark, and plagued by mold, while the large double vanity, despite its size, lacked functional storage. It simply wasn't the relaxing oasis they deserved.
Addressing Their Concerns:
We understood that undertaking a renovation can be stressful, especially when you're not going to be on-site for much of the process. This couple was understandably concerned about potential delays, workmanship quality, and the possibility of unforeseen issues arising while they were away. We made it our priority to address each of these concerns with transparency, open communication, and a commitment to delivering on our promises.
Our Personalized Solutions:
We worked closely with the couple to develop solutions that perfectly matched their needs and desires:
● A Sanctuary for Soaking: The leaky deck-mount tub was replaced with a beautiful, freestanding oval tub – easier to access and offering a more contemporary aesthetic. The wife's vision of a small decorative table nearby for her bath essentials added a personal touch, creating a true spa-like experience.
● Modern Comfort and Convenience: The separate toilet and bidet were replaced with a sleek, high-tech smart toilet, fulfilling the husband's wish and adding a touch of modern luxury to their daily routine.
● A Bright and Inviting Shower: The cramped and moldy shower stall was completely transformed. We demolished the existing bulkhead and built a custom walk-in shower with frameless glass, a built-in bench, and a niche for toiletries. The result was a dramatically brighter and more spacious shower experience.
● Storage and Style: A semi-custom double vanity with ample cabinets and drawers was installed, finally providing each of them with dedicated storage and eliminating
countertop clutter. This seemingly small change made a huge difference in their daily lives.
● A Calming Atmosphere: We carefully selected a calming spa-like color palette, incorporating muted, neutral tones and high-quality finishes to create a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
Navigating the Challenges Together:
Renovations rarely go perfectly smoothly, and this project was no exception. We encountered delays with plumbing fixture deliveries, which threatened our timeline. However, by leveraging our established relationships with reliable suppliers, we were able to find alternative solutions
and minimize the impact on the project schedule. We also faced a minor setback when the initially chosen grey vanity went out of stock. Working closely with the couple, we explored other options and ultimately selected a stunning sandstone-stained maple finish, which, as it turned out, complemented the other design elements beautifully. These moments reinforced the importance of open communication and collaboration throughout the process.
The Joy of Transformation:
The final result was truly remarkable. The transformed ensuite is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and meticulous execution. The space now features large-format, light-colored concrete-look porcelain tiles, creating a bright and airy feel. The sandstone-stained maple vanity, topped with a quartz countertop, serves as a beautiful focal point against the muted green walls. Matte black plumbing fixtures, hardware, and accessories add a touch of modern sophistication. The custom frameless shower glass enclosure enhances the spaciousness of the shower, while the smart toilet provides the ultimate in comfort and convenience.
A Space to Cherish:
The renovation has made a profound difference in this couple's daily lives. The wife can now indulge in her beloved long, hot baths in a truly tranquil setting. The husband enjoys the modern convenience of his new smart toilet. The spacious and bright walk-in shower is both beautiful and functional. And the new vanity provides ample storage, keeping the countertop clutter-free and contributing to the overall sense of peace and calm. This ensuite is no longer just a bathroom; it's a personal spa, a sanctuary within their home, where they can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy their time together.
Memorable Moments and Hiccups:
● Budget Adjustment: After finalizing the initial design, we worked closely with the clients to reselect the freestanding tub to ensure it aligned perfectly with their budget. ● Vanity Setback: The unexpected out-of-stock situation with the original vanity color required a quick and effective re-selection process, which ultimately led to an even better design outcome. This highlighted the importance of flexibility and collaboration during a renovation.

Custom Walk-in Closet / Dressing Area shown in a modern chocolate finish. Custom designed tall cabinets & shelving that incorporate adjustable shelves, shoe shelves, long & short hang area, stylish built-in armoire with raised panel door faces, crown molding, and bottom toe-kick.
Call Today to schedule your free in home consultation, and be sure to ask about our monthly promotions.
Tailored Living® & Premier Garage® Grand Strand / Mount Pleasant
OFFICE: 843-957-3309
EMAIL: jsnash@tailoredliving.com
WEB: tailoredliving.com/myrtlebeach
Find the right local pro for your project

Request Free Quote
This craftsman style home is located on a small village lot and is nothing short of an entertainer’s dream! The backyard features many elements and spaces for their guests to enjoy! Enclosing the yard is a wooden privacy fence incorporating details of the columns from the front porch. Along the fence line are beautiful capped bluestone walls, built to provide raised beds and seat walls for extra seating. A raised vegetable/herb garden resides along the garage that includes an espaliered apple and pear tree. The jewel of the property is the outdoor “dining room”. This space includes a custom designed fireplace, rectangular bluestone patio, custom-built cedar pergola and a candle-lit chandelier.

Modern Landscape Design, Indianapolis, Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood - Hara Design LLC (designer) - Christopher Short, Derek Mills, Paul Reynolds, Architects, HAUS Architecture + WERK | Building Modern - Construction Managers - Architect Custom Builders

Our client loved their existing deck and used it whenever they could. Unfortunately, summer heat and pesky insects often cut their deck time short. We knew just what to do. With an outstanding design by Scott McElrath and Dangerous Architects, we rebuilt their deck's old substructure with all-new Wolmonized wood and weather-resistant fasteners. We resurfaced the deck with AKEK composite decking material, a new Westbury aluminum railing system with locking gates, built a new gabled roof -tying into the existing roof, and enclosed it with CRIMSAFE security screens. The new screened-in deck area features a vaulted stained cedar ceiling, ceiling fan, and locking screen security door. Now, our clients enjoy their safe, comfortable, bug-free outdoor deck environment any time of

Request Free Quote
This craftsman style home is located on a small village lot and is nothing short of an entertainer’s dream! The backyard features many elements and spaces for their guests to enjoy! Enclosing the yard is a wooden privacy fence incorporating details of the columns from the front porch. Along the fence line are beautiful capped bluestone walls, built to provide raised beds and seat walls for extra seating. A raised vegetable/herb garden resides along the garage that includes an espaliered apple and pear tree. The jewel of the property is the outdoor “dining room”. This space includes a custom designed fireplace, rectangular bluestone patio, custom-built cedar pergola and a candle-lit chandelier.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

An Ensuite Transformation in Richmond Hill
This project showcases how we helped a wonderful retired couple in Richmond Hill transform their dated and dysfunctional master ensuite into a tranquil spa-like retreat. These lovely empty nesters, in their mid to late 70s, envisioned a space where they could truly relax and enjoy their time at home, especially when their family and grandkids came to visit. We were so honored to help them bring that vision to life.
Understanding Their Needs:
From our initial conversations, it was clear how much this couple valued comfort and tranquility. The existing ensuite, unfortunately, fell short of providing either. For the wife, the leaky deck-mount tub was a major disappointment, as she deeply cherished her long, hot baths. The husband, meanwhile, was eager to replace the outdated and cumbersome toilet/bidet combo with a modern, single-piece smart toilet – a desire for both convenience and a touch of modern luxury. The shower stall was cramped, dark, and plagued by mold, while the large double vanity, despite its size, lacked functional storage. It simply wasn't the relaxing oasis they deserved.
Addressing Their Concerns:
We understood that undertaking a renovation can be stressful, especially when you're not going to be on-site for much of the process. This couple was understandably concerned about potential delays, workmanship quality, and the possibility of unforeseen issues arising while they were away. We made it our priority to address each of these concerns with transparency, open communication, and a commitment to delivering on our promises.
Our Personalized Solutions:
We worked closely with the couple to develop solutions that perfectly matched their needs and desires:
● A Sanctuary for Soaking: The leaky deck-mount tub was replaced with a beautiful, freestanding oval tub – easier to access and offering a more contemporary aesthetic. The wife's vision of a small decorative table nearby for her bath essentials added a personal touch, creating a true spa-like experience.
● Modern Comfort and Convenience: The separate toilet and bidet were replaced with a sleek, high-tech smart toilet, fulfilling the husband's wish and adding a touch of modern luxury to their daily routine.
● A Bright and Inviting Shower: The cramped and moldy shower stall was completely transformed. We demolished the existing bulkhead and built a custom walk-in shower with frameless glass, a built-in bench, and a niche for toiletries. The result was a dramatically brighter and more spacious shower experience.
● Storage and Style: A semi-custom double vanity with ample cabinets and drawers was installed, finally providing each of them with dedicated storage and eliminating
countertop clutter. This seemingly small change made a huge difference in their daily lives.
● A Calming Atmosphere: We carefully selected a calming spa-like color palette, incorporating muted, neutral tones and high-quality finishes to create a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
Navigating the Challenges Together:
Renovations rarely go perfectly smoothly, and this project was no exception. We encountered delays with plumbing fixture deliveries, which threatened our timeline. However, by leveraging our established relationships with reliable suppliers, we were able to find alternative solutions
and minimize the impact on the project schedule. We also faced a minor setback when the initially chosen grey vanity went out of stock. Working closely with the couple, we explored other options and ultimately selected a stunning sandstone-stained maple finish, which, as it turned out, complemented the other design elements beautifully. These moments reinforced the importance of open communication and collaboration throughout the process.
The Joy of Transformation:
The final result was truly remarkable. The transformed ensuite is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and meticulous execution. The space now features large-format, light-colored concrete-look porcelain tiles, creating a bright and airy feel. The sandstone-stained maple vanity, topped with a quartz countertop, serves as a beautiful focal point against the muted green walls. Matte black plumbing fixtures, hardware, and accessories add a touch of modern sophistication. The custom frameless shower glass enclosure enhances the spaciousness of the shower, while the smart toilet provides the ultimate in comfort and convenience.
A Space to Cherish:
The renovation has made a profound difference in this couple's daily lives. The wife can now indulge in her beloved long, hot baths in a truly tranquil setting. The husband enjoys the modern convenience of his new smart toilet. The spacious and bright walk-in shower is both beautiful and functional. And the new vanity provides ample storage, keeping the countertop clutter-free and contributing to the overall sense of peace and calm. This ensuite is no longer just a bathroom; it's a personal spa, a sanctuary within their home, where they can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy their time together.
Memorable Moments and Hiccups:
● Budget Adjustment: After finalizing the initial design, we worked closely with the clients to reselect the freestanding tub to ensure it aligned perfectly with their budget. ● Vanity Setback: The unexpected out-of-stock situation with the original vanity color required a quick and effective re-selection process, which ultimately led to an even better design outcome. This highlighted the importance of flexibility and collaboration during a renovation.

Our client loved their existing deck and used it whenever they could. Unfortunately, summer heat and pesky insects often cut their deck time short. We knew just what to do. With an outstanding design by Scott McElrath and Dangerous Architects, we rebuilt their deck's old substructure with all-new Wolmonized wood and weather-resistant fasteners. We resurfaced the deck with AKEK composite decking material, a new Westbury aluminum railing system with locking gates, built a new gabled roof -tying into the existing roof, and enclosed it with CRIMSAFE security screens. The new screened-in deck area features a vaulted stained cedar ceiling, ceiling fan, and locking screen security door. Now, our clients enjoy their safe, comfortable, bug-free outdoor deck environment any time of

This 2 bedroom 2 bath 727 perches 50 feet above the jungle canopy
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park, this 2 bedroom 2 bath home, re-purposed from a 727, has been named by Travel and Leisure, HGTV, Strange Homes and Animal Planet as one of the most unique and fantastic experiences in the jungles of Costa Rica. Wake to the roar of the howler monkeys, have coffee with the playful spider and white faced monkeys to start your day. Fully equipped kitchen, flat screen TV, a total of 3 Queen beds and 2 large outdoor over the wing deck/ balconies of polished teak and handcrafted furnishings make this flight of fancy a truly unforgettable vacation home. Monkeys , sloths, acoutis,
and over 184 species of birds will become your neighbors, greeting you in your private jungle paradise.
You are a short downhill walk to the white sand beach and the shops and nightlife of Manuel Antonio.
Adjacent to Costa Verde Hotel, you will enjoy the 3 pools, one is adult only with a pool bar, 4 restaurants, maid service and tour/ concierge services within a few minutes walk or a call to the bilingual front desk. Free Internet. The closest airport is Quepos, or San Jose International airport which is approx 2.5 hours drive. Arrangements can be made to pick you up at either.
Pez Vela Marina in Quepos is home to some of the best sport fishing in Costa Rica, with daily charters, catamaran cruises, and private sunset sails . Several great ocean front restaurants in the marina have become the place to enjoy some world class sports fishing and be part of the international boating community that docks in Marina Pez Vela.
Waterfalls, ATV's, Hiking, Zip Lining, Manuel Antonio National Park, surfing, bird watching, jungle explorations are all part of the Manuel Antonio experience for the nature lover. Or do nothing, lay by the pool, have a massage on your private 727 and listen to sounds of the jungle with a cold drink in hand. Click on our video for a close up look at the interiors and views. Please note the rates do not include 13% CR tax.
727 Fuselage Home
The airplane, nestled beside the rain forest and beside our Costa Verde II building, is perched on a custom-built platform 15 meters (50 feet) up from the ground. At this height, its guests will be able to enjoy scenic ocean and jungle views from both the factory airplane windows and the handcrafted deck that has been built atop its wings. The inside of the plane has been decorated using local teak wood and Costa Verde‘s renowned innovation. This has resulted in a beautiful wood paneled fuselage with three queen size beds, two bathrooms, TV, AC, kitchenette and safety deposit.

Armando called us for a free estimate, we passed by and shortly got back to him with a quote. We had to remove a very old pre-existing wood fence. We installed a full privacy wood-with frame style fence made with PT wood. We added top crown wood caps to make it look pretty. For no additional cost we converted his double swing doors on the left side of the house into a rolling gate which I recommend since he mentioned buying a boat was next on his todo list (must be nice right haha). You can also see his entrance close to the concrete which is his pedestrian swing door. On the right side we added two 6 foot swing doors with heavy duty hinges. (I always highly recommend for longevity). Overall it was a success and Armando recommended his good friend Gladis which we will be starting next week. Stay posted for her project outcome. We thank you for your vote of confidence Armando.

Modern Landscape Design, Indianapolis, Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood - Christopher Short, Derek Mills, Paul Reynolds, Architects, HAUS Architecture + WERK | Building Modern - Construction Managers - Architect Custom Builders

A luxurious en suite bath was created within this classic 1925 Portland bungalow by reconfiguring the second story’s original small bedrooms and tiny half bath. In this welcoming new urban boho space, eclectic finishes mingle harmoniously, integrated through subtle repetition of shapes and materials.
A furniture-style vanity sets the tone for this luxurious space, introducing materials, colors, shapes, and textures that repeat throughout. Individual walnut hexagons join to create distinctive vanity doors, offset beautifully by horizontal-grain drawers. Topping the cabinetry is a simple concrete countertop with integral sinks. An expansive framed mirror above enlarges and brightens the room. Within the mirror, sconces float, their globes a nod to the hexagons below. Champagne bronze fixtures reflect the warm walnut glow. Nestled into the back corner, a stunning shower features waterjet tiles in a double herringbone pattern, each precisely cut and laid to maintain design integrity at every surface transition. Teak floor tiles and a pebbled niche hint at the classic spa experience. Across from the shower, a large hexagonal window provides a treetop view from the free-standing tub below. The gentle oval of the tub and the beaded chandelier above provide a pleasing contrast to the strong lines surrounding it, as do the softly-shaded pebbles in the full-length niche. Shiplap wainscotting wraps the room, creating an illusion of height in the compact space. Subtle flooring and soft green walls create an understated backdrop for the bold mix of materials, unifying them into a serene oasis.
Asking a century-old home to accommodate a modern luxury bath is a tall order. Asbestos-laden plaster and flooring had to be abated. The subfloor had to be leveled and reinforced to increase strength and prevent deflection. Water lines and multiple electrical circuits had to be brought across and up without disturbing a beautifully-paneled ceiling, something we accomplished by firring out stair walls to hide the chases. Our client had visions of a leafy view from her tub, but the new layout eliminated existing windows. Placing a new window was complicated by deep eaves and flat soffits. By pushing the header into the roofline, however, we were able to accommodate a picture window. The flat soffit was replaced by an inverse hip lined with stained tongue and groove cedar, tying it to the bathroom finishes. Bringing materials up a narrow staircase became truly challenging when it was time to install the big items. However, strategic removal of drywall around the landing got the job done. Our attention to detail is showcased in the shower tile, where precise cuts were required at surface transitions to maintain the integrity of a complex double herringbone lay. The project was delivered on time.
Savvy layout choices minimized spending on structural changes. Because we were dealing with dormer space, head height was an issue. Raising the ceiling would have been complex and expensive so our design accommodated the constraints – tub on the low outside wall, shower on the full-height interior wall. The vanity spanned the spread, accommodating our petite client on the exterior side and her taller husband on the interior side. An under-eave closet was closed off to create room for both a freestanding tub and a separate shower. Rather than building replacement storage elsewhere, we simply added a new door into the closet from the primary bedroom. This was made possible by absorbing the short hallway separating the existing bed and bathroom into the primary bedroom. This new layout also created an en suite relationship between the primary bedroom and the new bath. We saved additional dollars by selecting a furniture-style vanity rather than using custom cabinetry, and the countertop with integral sinks provided a cost savings over a more traditional quartz countertop with undermount sinks. Affordable shower tiles allowed us to put more money into a dynamic tile layout. The project was delivered within budget.

This impressive cedar shake shingle roof, prized for its beauty and sustainability, is located in Shoreline, Washington. Over time, the old cedar shake shingle roof had deteriorated, birds had begun to peck holes in it, and little critters had started to burrow and build nests in the wood. We removed the old cedar shake shingle roof, recycled it, and installed a premium three-quarter hand split cedar shake shingle roof. It’s a beautiful and environmentally friendly wood that comes with a 50-year CCA-treated warranty. The CCA treatment for longevity means the wood is injected with a treatment that prevents insects from growing into the wood which is a very important step. This treatment step is often omitted much of the time on lower quality wood leading to a very short life span of the cedar shake itself.
Three Tree Roofing uses quality wood that will last a very long time. When we install cedar shake shingles, it’s important to use stainless steel fasteners. The reason we use steel fasteners is that the CCA treatment will eat through all other metal fasteners. We use stainless steel so that doesn’t happen. We have an expert roofing crew that specializes in cedar shake shingle installs. It’s a skill that our highly dedicated crew uses every day. If you have any questions about residential or commercial roofing, feel free to contact us for your new roof or give us a call at 206-312-7663 (ROOF)!

?️ Alpine Countertops—Richmond’s A+-rated™, BBB (Better Business Bureau)-accredited stone specialist since 2016—turns ordinary kitchens into long-lasting centrepieces.
? Crafted in-house: Digital laser templating, CNC cutting, and hand-polished finishing all happen under one roof, so seams stay tight and install times stay short.
? Premium & planet-kind: Choose from heat-tough granite, stain-proof quartz, or vivid recycled-glass slabs that divert waste from landfills.
? 2025 style ready: Oversized waterfall islands and wireless-charging cut-outs are already part of our fabrication playbook.
? Local trust: Hundreds of five-star projects across Metro Vancouver and the BC Interior—each covered by our in-house warranty and care guides.
? 604-630-5700 | ? alpinecountertops.com | ? 11181 Voyageur Way, Richmond
✨ Schedule a free design consult today—discover surfaces that work as hard as you do!
hashtag#AlpineCountertops hashtag#KitchenRenovation hashtag#QuartzCountertops hashtag#Granite hashtag#EcoFriendlyDesign hashtag#MadeInBC hashtag#HomeImprovement

For years we have honed our skills and become one of the most widely regarded suppliers of natural stone kitchen countertops in Raleigh and the surrounding area. We have the massive benefit of being able to store large quantities of our material in our warehouse so we can make your custom countertops on premise and on demand. This allows us to be able to make counters to your specifications, not have to rely on a third party product that might fall short and not meet our standards. Call the team at Geo’s Marble & Granite today to ask about our free estimate for competitive prices. We will also be glad to answer any and all questions you have and address any concerns.
We expertly measure your space so we can accurately advise you on the best course of action. Ordering marble, granite and quartz is similar to ordering fabric in that the raw materials come in prefabricated slabs that must be cut down to size. Luckily that’s where we shine, making each countertop to order. We guarantee nothing but the best high-quality materials with competitively low prices because we are able to house our materials rather than ship them in every time we need to fulfill an order.

For years we have honed our skills and become one of the most widely regarded suppliers of natural stone kitchen countertops in Raleigh and the surrounding area. We have the massive benefit of being able to store large quantities of our material in our warehouse so we can make your custom countertops on premise and on demand. This allows us to be able to make counters to your specifications, not have to rely on a third party product that might fall short and not meet our standards. Call the team at Geo’s Marble & Granite today to ask about our free estimate for competitive prices. We will also be glad to answer any and all questions you have and address any concerns.
We expertly measure your space so we can accurately advise you on the best course of action. Ordering marble, granite and quartz is similar to ordering fabric in that the raw materials come in prefabricated slabs that must be cut down to size. Luckily that’s where we shine, making each countertop to order. We guarantee nothing but the best high-quality materials with competitively low prices because we are able to house our materials rather than ship them in every time we need to fulfill an order.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

Our client loved their existing deck and used it whenever they could. Unfortunately, summer heat and pesky insects often cut their deck time short. We knew just what to do. With an outstanding design by Scott McElrath and Dangerous Architects, we rebuilt their deck's old substructure with all-new Wolmonized wood and weather-resistant fasteners. We resurfaced the deck with AKEK composite decking material, a new Westbury aluminum railing system with locking gates, built a new gabled roof -tying into the existing roof, and enclosed it with CRIMSAFE security screens. The new screened-in deck area features a vaulted stained cedar ceiling, ceiling fan, and locking screen security door. Now, our clients enjoy their safe, comfortable, bug-free outdoor deck environment any time of

A luxurious en suite bath was created within this classic 1925 Portland bungalow by reconfiguring the second story’s original small bedrooms and tiny half bath. In this welcoming new urban boho space, eclectic finishes mingle harmoniously, integrated through subtle repetition of shapes and materials.
A furniture-style vanity sets the tone for this luxurious space, introducing materials, colors, shapes, and textures that repeat throughout. Individual walnut hexagons join to create distinctive vanity doors, offset beautifully by horizontal-grain drawers. Topping the cabinetry is a simple concrete countertop with integral sinks. An expansive framed mirror above enlarges and brightens the room. Within the mirror, sconces float, their globes a nod to the hexagons below. Champagne bronze fixtures reflect the warm walnut glow. Nestled into the back corner, a stunning shower features waterjet tiles in a double herringbone pattern, each precisely cut and laid to maintain design integrity at every surface transition. Teak floor tiles and a pebbled niche hint at the classic spa experience. Across from the shower, a large hexagonal window provides a treetop view from the free-standing tub below. The gentle oval of the tub and the beaded chandelier above provide a pleasing contrast to the strong lines surrounding it, as do the softly-shaded pebbles in the full-length niche. Shiplap wainscotting wraps the room, creating an illusion of height in the compact space. Subtle flooring and soft green walls create an understated backdrop for the bold mix of materials, unifying them into a serene oasis.
Asking a century-old home to accommodate a modern luxury bath is a tall order. Asbestos-laden plaster and flooring had to be abated. The subfloor had to be leveled and reinforced to increase strength and prevent deflection. Water lines and multiple electrical circuits had to be brought across and up without disturbing a beautifully-paneled ceiling, something we accomplished by firring out stair walls to hide the chases. Our client had visions of a leafy view from her tub, but the new layout eliminated existing windows. Placing a new window was complicated by deep eaves and flat soffits. By pushing the header into the roofline, however, we were able to accommodate a picture window. The flat soffit was replaced by an inverse hip lined with stained tongue and groove cedar, tying it to the bathroom finishes. Bringing materials up a narrow staircase became truly challenging when it was time to install the big items. However, strategic removal of drywall around the landing got the job done. Our attention to detail is showcased in the shower tile, where precise cuts were required at surface transitions to maintain the integrity of a complex double herringbone lay. The project was delivered on time.
Savvy layout choices minimized spending on structural changes. Because we were dealing with dormer space, head height was an issue. Raising the ceiling would have been complex and expensive so our design accommodated the constraints – tub on the low outside wall, shower on the full-height interior wall. The vanity spanned the spread, accommodating our petite client on the exterior side and her taller husband on the interior side. An under-eave closet was closed off to create room for both a freestanding tub and a separate shower. Rather than building replacement storage elsewhere, we simply added a new door into the closet from the primary bedroom. This was made possible by absorbing the short hallway separating the existing bed and bathroom into the primary bedroom. This new layout also created an en suite relationship between the primary bedroom and the new bath. We saved additional dollars by selecting a furniture-style vanity rather than using custom cabinetry, and the countertop with integral sinks provided a cost savings over a more traditional quartz countertop with undermount sinks. Affordable shower tiles allowed us to put more money into a dynamic tile layout. The project was delivered within budget.

An Ensuite Transformation in Richmond Hill
This project showcases how we helped a wonderful retired couple in Richmond Hill transform their dated and dysfunctional master ensuite into a tranquil spa-like retreat. These lovely empty nesters, in their mid to late 70s, envisioned a space where they could truly relax and enjoy their time at home, especially when their family and grandkids came to visit. We were so honored to help them bring that vision to life.
Understanding Their Needs:
From our initial conversations, it was clear how much this couple valued comfort and tranquility. The existing ensuite, unfortunately, fell short of providing either. For the wife, the leaky deck-mount tub was a major disappointment, as she deeply cherished her long, hot baths. The husband, meanwhile, was eager to replace the outdated and cumbersome toilet/bidet combo with a modern, single-piece smart toilet – a desire for both convenience and a touch of modern luxury. The shower stall was cramped, dark, and plagued by mold, while the large double vanity, despite its size, lacked functional storage. It simply wasn't the relaxing oasis they deserved.
Addressing Their Concerns:
We understood that undertaking a renovation can be stressful, especially when you're not going to be on-site for much of the process. This couple was understandably concerned about potential delays, workmanship quality, and the possibility of unforeseen issues arising while they were away. We made it our priority to address each of these concerns with transparency, open communication, and a commitment to delivering on our promises.
Our Personalized Solutions:
We worked closely with the couple to develop solutions that perfectly matched their needs and desires:
● A Sanctuary for Soaking: The leaky deck-mount tub was replaced with a beautiful, freestanding oval tub – easier to access and offering a more contemporary aesthetic. The wife's vision of a small decorative table nearby for her bath essentials added a personal touch, creating a true spa-like experience.
● Modern Comfort and Convenience: The separate toilet and bidet were replaced with a sleek, high-tech smart toilet, fulfilling the husband's wish and adding a touch of modern luxury to their daily routine.
● A Bright and Inviting Shower: The cramped and moldy shower stall was completely transformed. We demolished the existing bulkhead and built a custom walk-in shower with frameless glass, a built-in bench, and a niche for toiletries. The result was a dramatically brighter and more spacious shower experience.
● Storage and Style: A semi-custom double vanity with ample cabinets and drawers was installed, finally providing each of them with dedicated storage and eliminating
countertop clutter. This seemingly small change made a huge difference in their daily lives.
● A Calming Atmosphere: We carefully selected a calming spa-like color palette, incorporating muted, neutral tones and high-quality finishes to create a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
Navigating the Challenges Together:
Renovations rarely go perfectly smoothly, and this project was no exception. We encountered delays with plumbing fixture deliveries, which threatened our timeline. However, by leveraging our established relationships with reliable suppliers, we were able to find alternative solutions
and minimize the impact on the project schedule. We also faced a minor setback when the initially chosen grey vanity went out of stock. Working closely with the couple, we explored other options and ultimately selected a stunning sandstone-stained maple finish, which, as it turned out, complemented the other design elements beautifully. These moments reinforced the importance of open communication and collaboration throughout the process.
The Joy of Transformation:
The final result was truly remarkable. The transformed ensuite is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and meticulous execution. The space now features large-format, light-colored concrete-look porcelain tiles, creating a bright and airy feel. The sandstone-stained maple vanity, topped with a quartz countertop, serves as a beautiful focal point against the muted green walls. Matte black plumbing fixtures, hardware, and accessories add a touch of modern sophistication. The custom frameless shower glass enclosure enhances the spaciousness of the shower, while the smart toilet provides the ultimate in comfort and convenience.
A Space to Cherish:
The renovation has made a profound difference in this couple's daily lives. The wife can now indulge in her beloved long, hot baths in a truly tranquil setting. The husband enjoys the modern convenience of his new smart toilet. The spacious and bright walk-in shower is both beautiful and functional. And the new vanity provides ample storage, keeping the countertop clutter-free and contributing to the overall sense of peace and calm. This ensuite is no longer just a bathroom; it's a personal spa, a sanctuary within their home, where they can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy their time together.
Memorable Moments and Hiccups:
● Budget Adjustment: After finalizing the initial design, we worked closely with the clients to reselect the freestanding tub to ensure it aligned perfectly with their budget. ● Vanity Setback: The unexpected out-of-stock situation with the original vanity color required a quick and effective re-selection process, which ultimately led to an even better design outcome. This highlighted the importance of flexibility and collaboration during a renovation.
33

