Design in Progress: A Spa-Inspired Bathroom Renovation
Some projects begin with a floor plan. This one began with a tile.
The client was drawn to the soft movement and warm tones of a Taj Mahal-inspired tile. From there, every decision followed: cabinetry finishes, plumbing selections, lighting, and layout details were all carefully considered to create a calm, spa-like feel throughout both the main bath and the ensuite.
The goal was never to compete with the material. It was to let it lead.
Where the Design Began
When a material is this strong, the design direction becomes clear.
“With the tile being the main jumping-off point, we worked backward from there,” says Maggie, the Selections Coordinator on the project. “We picked out our cabinetry finishes, making sure the undertones were similar, pulling from the veining, the lights and darks, and the mid-tones. We also wanted to provide a place to rest your eye because we wanted the tile to be the feature in both the main bath and the ensuite. So we went with something that felt more like a blank slate, clean and calming.”
The result is a palette that feels layered without feeling busy. Warm wood tones, soft contrasts, and carefully selected finishes all work together to create spaces that feel relaxing and intentional from the moment you walk in.
Two Bathrooms, Two Different Experiences
This Ottawa bathroom renovation includes both a main bath and an ensuite. While the two spaces share the same design language, each one was shaped around how it would be used day to day.
The Main Bath
Designed for the client’s daughter, the main bath called for something contemporary with a little more energy.
“We wanted a finish like matte black, punchy, contemporary, sleek, and modern,” says Maggie. “It’s that wow pop against all of the neutral tones that gives it youth and vibrancy.”
That contrast carries through the entire space. Clean lines and bold fixtures give the bathroom personality while still keeping the overall atmosphere calm and cohesive.
One of the standout features is the custom arched shower glass with a reeded pattern. Rather than using a standard enclosure, the design introduces texture and softness while still allowing light to move through the space. The result feels open, modern, and slightly unexpected in the best way.
The Ensuite
The ensuite takes a softer and more immersive approach.
For the hardware, Maggie and the clients selected Rubinet’s “dirty blonde” finish.
“It’s a really nice balance between your typical brass finish and brushed nickel,” she says. “A brass tone that’s more silvery in nature. It felt like a nice complement to the Taj Mahal-inspired tile, a way to bring in warmth without it feeling overwhelmingly yellow or gold.”
That balance between openness and privacy became an important part of the overall experience. The space now feels brighter, calmer, and more connected.
The ensuite’s defining feature is the deck-mounted tub that flows directly into the shower, becoming the shower bench itself. A single sculptural element anchors the room and helps the bath and shower feel visually connected.
The Finishing Details
Beyond the larger features, much of the impact comes from the smaller decisions throughout the renovation.
“It was really about creative ways to lay out the plumbing that worked within the space while still being practical and matching the aesthetic,” says Maggie.
The team also paid close attention to the finishing details that quietly elevate the entire space.
“We really wanted to get down into the nitty-gritty,” says Maggie. “Even the shower curb, we didn’t just do your standard curb. We did a three-sided quartz curb with mitered edges to give that polished, clean look. In a design like this, it’s really all about those finishing details that give it that elevated look.”
Those details may not always be the first thing someone notices, but they shape how the space feels every day. Thoughtful craftsmanship, cleaner transitions, and carefully resolved details all contribute to the calm, spa-inspired atmosphere the clients were looking for.
The Full Reveal Is Coming
Construction is still underway, and we look forward to sharing the finished renovation soon.
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation and want a space that feels equally thoughtful and intentional, we’d love to start the conversation.