“How was work today?” asked one my my friends recently. As a fellow Interior Designer, it is fun for us to chat about the different projects and styles we are working on. And today was an exceptionally fun day because I got to say “Fantastic, I working on a gorgeous bathroom about 2,000 miles away.”
Seriously friends, isn’t technology great? I spent a decade working at a high-end residential design firm, where I worked daily on Kitchen & Bathroom designs. But it was only for people in the West Michigan area who came into our office in person. But for the last three years I have worked exclusively doing Interior E-Design with my company Postbox Designs.
So with technology, I work with clients all over the country. And because it is via Online Interior Design, I can actually charge a FRACTION of the price I used to as a traditional Interior Designer. Why? Because I can work a lot more efficiently since I’m not driving all over town to grab samples and spend hours in meetings. Double win.
A California Casual Bathroom Makeover Version #1
So when this wonderful client reached out to me from California, asking if I could help her with an upcoming bathroom remodel, I knew the 2,000 mile distance wouldn’t be an issue. And guys, I have to tell you…my client has fantastic taste.
When I looked at her Pinterest board of dream bathrooms I nearly swooned with designer happiness.
Her dream Bathroom had a mix of rustic and elegant, neutral, with a California casual vibe to it. Whenever I work with a new client, I always send them a Welcome Packet so I can get to know their style and budget. And one of the biggest tools I use is their Pinterest board. A photo is worth a thousand words. So for her bathroom makeover, we started with this Inspirational Photo shown as Item #1 on the Mood Board below:
Creating a Rustic Elegant Bathroom Design
When I think of “California Casual” as a design style…I think about all of the reasons California is a destination state. It has a relaxed, laid back casual look, yet polished and gorgeous. My client knew she wanted cerused oak cabinets and lots of marble. So I helped her design a custom vanity (not shown) that was inspired by Item #9 on the Mood Board, topped with Calcutta Gold marble counter tops. A mix of traditional, elegant fixtures like her faucets (#12) mixed with more rustic, casual items like her hardware (#5) and metal Pottery Barn mirrors (#7).
I think one of the highlights to her new California Casual bathroom makeover is their new, giant walk-in shower. It is going to be covered in coordinating Calcutta gold subway tiles (#11) and polished nickel plumbing fixtures (#2). Her shower design (not shown) is going to be similar to Image #10 on the Mood Board above.
And I’m starting to get a little bit giddy with you (so I’ll take big deep breaths here), but I was beyond thrilled when I was able to source the exact chandelier (#6) that was shown in her Inspirational Photo (#1). With that gorgeous chandelier placed over a free standing bathtub (#4)…
Let’s just say if it was my bathroom, you would have to drag me out kicking and screaming!
Mixing Rustic and Elegant in a Bathroom Design
I think the trick for not going too fussy or too rustic in this bathroom makeover, was truly mixing both styles throughout the entire bathroom design. We mixed in elegant traditional items like her vanity stool (#25), plumbing fixtures (#27) and vanity mirror (#22) with more rustic elements such as her sconces (#23), and side table near the bathtub (#17). Not only did they have room for a double vanity, but also for a separate make-up vanity for her. I pulled an image from her Pinterest (#21) as an inspiration and then we chose items to create a similar, but unique look.
California Casual Bathroom Makeover Version #2
For this Bathroom Makeover, my client purchased my Finishes Only Room Package where I helped her choose every single fixture and finish for her Bathroom Design. As part of that Room Package, I include a round of revisions. I sent her Version #1 and asked for her feedback and thoughts. Then we made a few changes to further narrow down the design to her perfect California Casual Bathroom! Different sconces (#2), mirror (#7), and faucets (#12) give a similar look, but were even closer to her dream look.
We also made a few more design swaps such as a different runner (#20), makeover vanity mirror (#22), and a different vanity stool (#25). When you have specific items to look at, is it a lot easier to feel confident to make changes instead of the overwhelm of not knowing where to even start.
In conclusion, my client has brilliant taste, which made my job oh-so-easy! And if I make it out to California, she might have to stop me from crashing her Bathroom and pretending like it is mine 🙂
More Bathroom Designs
Did you know a Bathroom is the most expensive room to remodel per square foot?
In a pretty small space, you have a lot of fixtures and finishes you need to choose. And I’m guessing you only want to do it ONCE, and not regret rushing into any decisions. And for most people….the idea of choosing everything at all once can be really overwhelming and intimidating. That was the exact reason I created my Finishes Only Room Package. I help you choose every single fixture and finish in your space.
Besides, searching through tiles and mirrors happens to be MY idea of fun, but I get it probably isn’t yours!
And I can help you lead you into choosing the right pieces for your budget and lifestyle.
Designing a kid’s bathroom? (Don’t put real marble in there)
Want the most economic finish? (Polished Chrome will be your BFF)
Modern Farmhouse Bathroom Design
But I want to leave you with a few more sources to get inspiration for your own Bathroom makeover. Love the Modern Farmhouse look? You can grab this FREE Bathroom Design + Shopping List right here. Plus I’m also sharing my guide “75 Ways to Update your Bathroom (without a full remodel):
Free Modern Farmhouse Bathroom Design + Shopping List
From Builder Basic Bathroom to Farmhouse Bathroom
Do you know what a “builder basic” room is? (Please no offense to all builders out there!) It usually means boring, cheap, and no character. So when this Michigan Mom reached out to transform her builder basic bathroom instead something a bit more dreamy, I was totally on board. You can check out the Befores & Afters, as well as the design we created for her:
Builder Basic Bathroom Makeover Reveal
Can You Really Design a Bathroom Via Interior E-Design?
Have questions about me designing YOUR Bathroom or Kitchen from my office in Michigan? Yep, I totally get it…you probably have some questions! You can check out How It Works or send me an email at kristin@postboxdesigns.com and we can chat about all of the specifics of your project. Or you can just check out my Bio to know I’m just a normal girl, Mom, and designer who loves skinny jeans and her chai tea (and happens to find looking at plumbing fixtures super fascinating)!
Cheers,
Kristin
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