La Jolla Spanish Remodel: Primary Bathroom Before + After
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Designing this primary bathroom was all about honoring the soul of a traditional Spanish home while bringing in a fresh sense of lightness, craftsmanship, and personality. The original space was dark, heavy, and dated, with low ceilings, bulky soffits, and tired tile. Our goal was to reimagine it entirely—opening it up, elevating the materials, and layering in custom details that feel collected and timeless.
Elevating the Architecture
The first transformation came from reworking the volume of the room. By removing the oversized soffits and dated built-ins, we immediately lifted the ceiling and introduced a cleaner, more open architectural envelope. This created the perfect foundation for a double vanity moment anchored by custom cabinetry in a deep espresso oak. Vertical reeded fronts and unlacquered brass hardware add warmth and character, grounding the space without overwhelming it.
A Showstopping Tile Feature
To bring artistry back into the room, we designed a full tile surround behind the mirrors using a hand-painted Spanish floral tile—rich in soft blues, warm neutrals, and botanical motifs. This became the defining focal point of the bathroom. The tile frames two clean-lined mirrors and is paired with fluted glass brass sconces, blending old-world charm with a modern, airy sensibility. The mirrors float within the tile, making the entire wall feel like a bespoke installation.
An Elevated Shower Experience
The shower received its own complete reimagining. Creamy hand-cut zellige tile wraps the walls, reflecting light beautifully and adding movement through its natural variation. A marble hexagon niche brings subtle pattern play, while the vintage-inspired brass exposed shower system introduces sculptural detailing. Paired with a small teak bench, the shower feels spa-like yet rooted in the home's Spanish heritage.
This primary bathroom is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can balance respect for a home’s original character with the comforts and clarity of modern living. By combining handcrafted materials, bespoke millwork, and a bright new layout, we transformed a dated space into a serene retreat full of depth, detail, and timeless style—exactly what we love bringing to our clients’ homes.