Once their kids had flown the nest, this Palo Alto, California, couple embarked on a multiphase remodel of their 1947 ranch home. One of their first priorities was an overhaul of the primary bathroom, which had a compact footprint, a cramped shower stall and dated finishes. Creating a space that would support aging in place was their top priority. They also wanted to add an exterior door opening to a patio with a hot tub.
They hired Harrell Design + Build to help them maximize every inch of the 127-square-foot room. By adopting a wet-room strategy for the tub and shower, the team was able to incorporate a larger vanity, carve out a semiprivate toilet area and find space for the new exterior door.
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: An empty-nest couple
Location: Palo Alto, California
Size: 127 square feet (12 square meters)
Design-build firm: Harrell Design + Build
Before: The existing bathroom included a separate tub and shower and a double vanity, but both the shower stall and vanity were compact. A chimney from the living room fireplace intruded into the space, further limiting the layout. As part of the larger home remodel, the chimney was removed. Key members of the Harrell Design + Build team included designer Lisa Mellberg, who reconfigured the layout and guided finish selections, and project manager Scott Marshall, who oversaw construction.
Read more: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/wet-room-layout-unlocks-space-in-a-primary-bathroom-stsetivw-vs~184631173