I’m really  excited to share a preview of my master bathroom today!

So get comfy, pour yourself a glass and let’s check it out.

Here is a snaphshot of the floor to ceiling tile going up!

We floated the walls (meaning put up cement so the tiles would go on the walls evenly) and stacked the 3×12 white matte tiles straight up all the way to the ceiling.

The master bathroom is coming along nicely and a huge reason why is because of the people who are working on it day in and day out! Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way and this time, I knew I had to take the time to find the right people.

Master Bathroom Preview: Choosing the Right People

A few years ago, when I was pregnant with my third daughter, we decided to remodel the kids bathroom because it only had one sink and a shower/tub enclosure that was neither safe nor functional. We were on a tight budget but I was determined to make things work.

Eventually it did but not without a lot of unnecessary delays and frustration.

This time, I couldn’t afford to make that same mistake with my dream bathroom.

Image Credit: Sarah Sherman Samuel

Although I have designed many bathrooms and kitchens for clients and worked with several contractors, it felt different when it came to my own home. I felt like I needed a second eye to give me confirmation that I was on the right track.

Isn’t it interesting that it is always easier to give advice and make decisions for others?

I wanted a trustworthy project manager that I could bounce ideas off of and who could also provide support with my busy schedule.

I have been working on a HGTV design production and met my friend Lisa Rossman from LL Design Company. We have a similar design sensibility and hit it off as friends as well. Her style is a mix of clean lines, black and white contrast and mixing metals with woods.

Ever the extrovert and collaborator,  I invited Lisa to join me on this monumental project. She was extremely helpful and lent her experience graciously. I highly recommend her design services!

I already had very specific ideas in my mind but it’s always a great idea to talk it through with another designer like Lisa. When I had an idea, she was able to confirm on the construction site whether or not it was feasible.

Image Credit: Sarah Sherman Samuel/ Architectural Digest

All in all, when starting a renovation it’s imperative to find the right people with experience and whom you trust.

Most importantly, they need to be able to see your design vision and translate it into real life.

Obviously, another key player in your renovation success is choosing the right contractor.  I chose Alex Cerda from Keynote Builders because he had the same aesthetics as Lisa and I do. The three of us trusted each other on a design level and had great communication which is so important in a project like this.

So between the three of us, we were really able to hone in on my design for the space.

For instance, Alex knew why I wanted a certain color grout or why the size of the niche was so important to me. This helps immensely because the efficiency of getting done in the right priority is set. You may not get everything you want, but at least your team players are able to see eye to eye with you overall.

Master Bathroom Preview: Design Thoughts and Inspiration

IA second part of the Master Bathroom Preview is chatting about the design inspiration involved. 

Since I was young, I’ve been known for my tendency to day dream. A. Lot.

Now that I can day dream designs as a profession it doesn’t seem like all that time looking up at the sky and wondering what things would be like was a waste of time!

Let me show you my inspo pic for this space.

Image Credit: Studio McGee

I have mentioned this many times before that any design can start with one muse. It could be as organic as a color in a leaf outside your yard to a beautiful fabric that’s caught your eye.

Naturally we all start with Pinterest and when I saw this pic my design intuition immediately started ringing the bell, ding ding! This is it.

Everytime I think of my decision to use white oak for the vanity, I chuckle.

My mom’s house is full of white wash wood. And I really thought I was done with it. Granted her white wash has a pink tone and lawd, no more of that for me! But the white wash itself is something I love, love love. I also knew from seeing this pic that I wanted white countertops, a free standing tub and black fixtures. Not brass.

I am reserving that honor for our kitchen renovation. Someday.

The flooring was a bit of a struggle for me. I desperately wanted a black sexy tiled floor.

Yet I knew my fickle design heart might regret it sooner than later.

I am a lover of natural light and although it gave great contrast. I resorted using the matte black fixtures as my route for contrast.

I have a very precarious relationship with Carrera marble. I love it because it lends a no fail classic look.

But did I want that in my bathroom?

Ultimately, you will see what I decided! For now, let’s just say I am fortunate to have good people around me to bounce design ideas with and glean from their experience. And that is the greatest recommendation I have for you as well.

Alrighty, I hope this gives you much food for thought. This master bathroom preview was really fun to share with you! Remember, whether it is picking the right people to help makes your vision come alive or finding the right muse, go with your design gut. You know what is best for your space.

Happy day!