When David and Elise purchased their 1970s colonial in Sacramento’s Arden-Arcade neighborhood, they knew it needed work. The kitchen was dated, the layout awkward—but the room that truly demanded attention was the main upstairs bathroom.
What they had inherited was far from luxurious: faux-marble laminate counters, a chipped tub surrounded by plastic panels, and lighting that cast everything in a dull, yellow hue. The layout lacked logic. The finishes lacked dignity. And for a couple who valued refined living, the space simply fell short.
In truth, it wasn’t a bathroom. It was an afterthought.
✨ The Problem: A Space Frozen in Time
The bathroom’s narrow footprint and single-sink vanity made daily routines a juggling act. The tub—once considered a feature—was seldom used, while the lack of proper ventilation left the space feeling damp and stagnant. Storage was nonexistent.
“It felt like a motel bathroom pretending to be a guest suite,” Elise remarked. “Functional at best. Frustrating at worst.”
But more importantly, it wasn’t just about style. It was about suitability. Their home deserved a space that served them with both elegance and practicality.
🧱 The Process: Restoring Purpose Through Design
With the help of a Sacramento-based design-build team, the couple embarked on a full bathroom remodel in Sacramento CA, rethinking the space entirely. Inspired by the crisp, luxurious designs championed by Hilary Farr, their plan prioritized both structure and story.
Key decisions included:
Removing the outdated tub and installing a spacious walk-in shower with frameless glass and a linear drain
Replacing the existing vanity with a double-sink, furniture-style unit in matte oak with under-cabinet lighting
Installing large-format porcelain tile in a warm, honed limestone finish to bring texture without overpowering the eye
Upgrading the exhaust system to meet modern efficiency and air quality standards
Replacing every light fixture with layered, LED-based solutions for clarity and warmth
🌿 The Design: Understated, Elevated, and Enduring
Hilary Farr often says: “Good design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating solutions for living.” That belief was evident in every detail.
The new color palette—soft whites, brushed nickel, and warm neutrals—created an airy, serene atmosphere. Recessed shelving in the shower offered practical storage without visual clutter. Mirrors with built-in LED lighting added sophistication and eliminated the need for wall sconces.
Form followed function—and elevated it.
🏡 The Outcome: A Room That Reflects the Rest of the Home
The remodeled bathroom now matches the caliber of the rest of the house: quietly confident, effortlessly refined, and built to support the routines that shape each day.
Elise described it as “a retreat that never asks for attention but always earns it.” And David, a self-professed minimalist, appreciates the lack of ornament in favor of purposeful beauty.
For the couple, the space isn’t just more usable—it’s more theirs. It reflects their lifestyle, their priorities, and their vision for the home.
✅ Final Thought
A bathroom remodel Sacramento CA should never be about trend-chasing or temporary fixes. It should be a deliberate and informed act of transformation—one that restores utility, creates comfort, and honors the home it inhabits.
As Hilary Farr reminds us: “Love it, or make it so you do.” And that’s exactly what David and Elise accomplished—by design.
🧰 CALL TO ACTION
Ready to transform your bathroom into something both functional and timeless?
Our Sacramento-based design experts can help you craft a space that brings your home into harmony. Let’s begin.
