Project Spotlight: Paddock Circle

Wow! The @designREMODEL Team hit this one out of the park!  We took this primary bathroom in this house built in 98’ and magically transformed it into a spa like oasis with a custom walk-in shower and a stunningly sculpted soaking tub. 

Client Goals

This vacation home serves as a long-term retreat for our clients from New Jersey. During their extended stays, they noticed that some amenities in the primary bathroom were either missing or outdated. They wanted to enlarge the shower area and replace the large, bulky tub frame and deck. Additionally, they sought to enhance the bathroom’s heating system, as they found it uncomfortably cold during the winter months.

Existing Conditions

The bathroom featured a small fiberglass shower with a flimsy door and minimal storage, lacking a seat and constrained by walls on either end. The vanity was of economy grade and too low for our clients' comfort. A large, full-wall mirror added to the dated look, and the overall lighting in the bathroom was inadequate. Like many bathrooms designed with a separate shower and bathtub, there was a massive, tiled platform housing an oversized whirlpool tub, which our clients rarely used due to the lengthy fill time and the water never being hot enough by the time it was full.

Quick Facts About This Project

The Plan

We proposed a larger shower area featuring ample storage and fully functional hooks, along with a floating bench seat for comfort and convenience during body shaving. By wrapping two sides of the shower in glass and eliminating one of the end walls, we created a more open and inviting space.

To increase storage and countertop space, we specified taller and deeper cabinets, and added his-and-hers recessed medicine cabinets over each sink. For added comfort, we recommended an underfloor heating system from Warmly Yours, which can be controlled from the client's mobile phone anywhere in the world.

To ensure optimal lighting, we included 8 recessed LED ceiling lights and 3 sconces over the vanity, all fully dimmable on demand, providing bright yet customizable lighting throughout the bathroom.

Design Inspiration

Our clients desired an open, spa-like atmosphere but wanted to avoid a cold, antiseptic feel. While white serves as the dominant color in this space, it's beautifully balanced by warm tones in the wall and floor tiles. The mosaic floor tiles and the herringbone pattern inside the shower add layers of visual interest and uniqueness. The white deep-soak tub contributes a touch of flair and elegance, completing the sophisticated ambiance of the space.

Shower in Style

Step into a shower experience that redefines luxury and craftsmanship. Our team meticulously designed and built a custom tile shower that rivals those found in the world’s finest Five Star hotels. The stunning wall tiles were expertly laid in a herringbone pattern, a sophisticated design that demands precision and mastery—skills that only the most experienced tile installers possess.

The transformation is nothing short of spectacular. The expanded space, now enclosed by expansive glass panels, invites you into a bright, open oasis, a far cry from the cramped, cave-like enclosure it replaced. Every detail of this shower was carefully considered, from the wide storage niche that offers ample space for all your shower essentials to the sleek, low-profile hooks mounted on the walls.

For added elegance and security, we installed beautifully designed balance bars, providing peace of mind for users of all ages without compromising on style. The custom-built seat, securely mounted on solid aluminum brackets bolted into the wall framing, offers both comfort and stability.

To top it all off, this exceptional showering space features a luxurious rainfall showerhead, delivering a soothing cascade of water, along with a separate handheld option for versatility and ease. 

When preparing for the day ahead or unwinding in the evening, this shower provides our clients with a sanctuary of relaxation and elegance, right in the comfort of their home away from home. 

Challenges Encountered

During the renovation, we encountered several unexpected challenges. First, when we opened the wall behind the vanity, we discovered it was a load-bearing wall that also contained plumbing vent pipes. Modifying this wall to accommodate the two recessed medicine cabinets would have been both complex and costly.

To address this, we opted for a practical solution: building a secondary wall in front of the existing one. This approach allowed us to create the necessary space for the recessed cabinets and electrical fixtures. Similarly, we built another wall in front of the shower valve wall, which we found to be more than ½” out of plumb. Constructing a new wall was a more efficient solution to ensure everything was perfectly aligned.

We also encountered a significant hump in the floor where the tub was originally placed. This was due to a large beam beneath the floor that had been set too high. To ensure a smooth and level surface for the mosaic tile installation, our tile installer applied a self-leveling liquid compound across a large portion of the floor. This effectively minimized the hump and provided a flat, even surface.

Additionally, we needed to address a safety concern covered by the Massachusetts building code, which mandates that any window glass within 5 feet of a bathtub or shower must be tempered for safety. The existing windows in this bathroom were not equipped with tempered glass. Fortunately, our trade partner, Glare Care of Sandwich, MA, specializes in installing safety window tinting for both buildings and vehicles. They were able to apply a special film to the windows, which will contain the glass in case of breakage, thereby preventing injury if someone were to accidentally fall into the window.

Details

We replaced the underperforming ventilation fan over the shower with a remote Panasonic fan that has a larger CFM capacity allowing for a more rapid removal of moisture laden air.  The actual fan was placed up and away from the bathroom in the attic space above the bathroom thereby reducing noise and vibration.
At the vanity we added an additional receptacle that also contained a built in LED night light.
As we do with all our bathroom remodels, we replaced the hinges and knobs on all the doors to and in the bathroom with new ones that matched the hardware in the bathroom for a more cohesive look.


Transform your kitchen or bath with the @designREMODEL 360° all-inclusive difference! We turn your dreams for your Cape Cod home into reality with a single point of contact, clear and ongoing communication, and true concierge-level service. Experience five-star, hands-on personal service that saves time, reduces stress, and ensures a seamless, stress-free remodeling journey.