by Katie Mientka | photos by Dave Pluimer
For ACo clients Sarah and Dave Smiley, joy was the last thing their lusterless primary bathroom brought. Yes, it worked. Yes, it was functional. Yes, they could make do. But bath time (or any other time) wasn’t exactly a trip to the spa. Sarah was ready to change that.
Enter Design & Sales Consultant Kim Trees. Kim specializes in creating purposeful and practical spaces that enhance client lifestyles and well-being. With her transformational touch, Kim was the ideal fit for this remodel.
BEFORE THE TRANSFORMATION
This primary bath was dark and drab. A built-in tub took up prime real estate, and a closed-off shower further sapped the space of light. The vanity area lacked sufficient storage and functional organization. Features like cultured marble and travertine tile gave the bathroom a dated look that just didn’t align with the Smileys’ desire for a sleek, light, and airy experience.
As the primary bathroom, this space is utilized by the entire Smiley household, including their young children who love bath time. Sarah wanted the space to be functional and convenient, of course, but also elegant and inviting. Kim says, “She had a vision. I knew from the get-go that it was going to be a fun project because she has amazing taste!”
A DESIGN INSPIRED BY LIFE
To give this bathroom new life—and to ensure it aligned with the Smiley’s goals—ACo came up with several solutions that worked with the current layout. They removed the walls surrounding the shower space, replacing them with full glass panels on one side and a half wall on the other. This opened up the space between the tub and shower, letting light flow through the entire room.
A freestanding soaker tub replaced the built-in tub, making an indulgent statement with its gold fixtures. Will the kids stop to admire the elegance? Probably not… But they do have a flatscreen, flush-mounted on the wood-look tiled accent wall to entertain them during suds sessions.
The same tile is carried through to the shower, with its slim vertical lines giving visual height to the space. Emser Tile’s Passion in Blanco softens the overall look with a muted white/off-white variegated color palette and natural texture.
No trip to the spa involves travertine countertops, so Kim, with Sarah’s guidance in mind, went with Calacatta Miraggio Gold Quartz from MSI. The crisp white background and refined gold veining makes the ultimate sophisticated statement.
FROM LACKLUSTER TO LUXURIOUS
The Smiley’s bathroom delivers on all their functionality needs while elevating their experience. Turns out joy is a soaker tub in a light, airy space!
Kim says, “It’s absolutely beautiful, and such a huge difference. Much lighter, more open, and elegant.”
Whether you have a vision firmly in mind, like Sarah, or you are unsure of where to start, ACo approaches your project with a singular focus: What do you need from your space so you can live your life more efficiently, conveniently, and beautifully? Let’s go from there. Connect with ACo to discuss your upcoming remodel.
