Step Inside: An Eclectic Modern Primary Suite
For this recently completed remodeling project in the Coraopolis neighborhood of Pittsburgh, the transformation was one that beautifully blended the client's eclectic taste with thoughtful, functional updates. With a blend of vintage charm, mid-century modern vibes, and a touch of contemporary luxury, this design journey was all about solving space challenges while making the most of the home’s layout. Here's how we turned a cramped, outdated bathroom and an underwhelming primary bedroom into a serene, stylish retreat.
The Problem: A Small, Outdated Primary Bathroom and Crowded Closets
The original bathroom was a snug 5x8 feet, with a 3x3 glass shower stall that was so compact, you half-expected a voice to say, “Please stand still for decontamination”. The other bathroom fixtures were a bold raspberry puree hue—sinks, vanity, medicine cabinet, toilet, the whole ensemble. Now, in the right setting, raspberry-colored fixtures can be a bold, design-forward choice. But in this case? Let’s just say my clients were looking for something a little less unique —at least where their toilet was concerned. They preferred to bring in strong personality with things like tile, textiles, and lighting.
Leading into the bathroom was a narrow 5ft long hallway of small closets. In total, the bedroom had 4 standard sized reach-in closets, including two adjacent to the bathroom, and two along the side wall of the sleeping area. My clients were willing to eliminate closets to gain more space for their bathroom, if we could add closet space elsewhere.
The goal was clear: we needed to maximize the available space, and create a more modern, functional layout.
The Primary Bathroom Before the Remodel - photos by Dahlhaus Design Co.
The Solution: We Doubled the Size of the Bathroom and Added More Closet Space
One of the biggest changes we made was eliminating two of the closets to expand the primary bath into a spacious 10ft long room. This allowed us to replace the tiny shower with a larger, more luxurious one, which now fills the space where one of the closets used to be. On the opposite wall, we installed his and hers vanities with a central makeup table in between — a feature that was relocated from the entryway of the bedroom. Before, the makeup table was so close to the door that my client often had her elbow whacked whilst styling her hair with hot tools in hand. Now, the makeup station is comfortably integrated into the bathroom layout, offering ample space and a more relaxed hair styling experience.
To make up for the lost storage space from the two removed closets, we added two new, larger closets on the other side of the 10ft wall, within the bedroom sleeping area. These were designed to fit seamlessly into the room while still offering plenty of space to move around the furniture. We replaced the old, creaky louvered bifold doors with beautiful single-panel French doors, painted in a neutral mauve color. The new doors, paired with brass handles, felt like a big upgrade from what was there before. These subtle details helped elevate the look while also improving functionality.
The Primary Suite After the Remodel - photos by Dave Bryce
A Warm & Cool Color Palette
When it came to selecting finishes for the bathroom, we aimed for a balance of warm and cool tones that would work in harmony together. The metal fixtures were a combination of honey colored brass and silver-toned polished nickel. Dark wood cabinetry introduced richness and depth to the space, while the “wood” tile flooring grounded the room in warmth. We also included a blue painted door and baseboards (SW Inky Blue), a terracotta fabric seat for the makeup table, a multi-colored striped window valance, and shower tile in a palette of frosty blue and blush pink.
The tile selections were key to creating an elegant yet functional space. The client wanted as few grout lines as possible, so we chose large-format tiles to achieve a cleaner, more seamless look. For the floor, we selected a 2ft square tile that looks like a wood parquet floor. The shower walls were clad in a 2ftx4ft glossy porcelain that reminded me of the morning sky - it created a calming feel and softened the overall atmosphere of the room.
The Kids Bath
The hall bathroom, which serves as both the children's bathroom and a guest bathroom for overnight visitors, also received a thoughtful redesign. We made the space more colorful and playful, but also simplified the layout to make it more efficient. Originally, the space was divided into two small, separate rooms: the first held the vanity, while the second housed the tub and toilet, with a door in between. Given how tight both areas were, that swinging door felt more like an obstacle than a necessity. By removing it, the room instantly felt larger and more open.
Another challenge was the oddly sized tub & shower surround. With a few small modifications to the alcove and adjacent wall, we were able to install a standard sized tub—one that’s more comfortable and easier to replace in the future.
The Hall Bathroom Before and After - photos by Dahlhaus Design Co. and Dave Bryce
This project was a true collaboration between design and function. By understanding the client’s needs, solving the challenges of the existing spaces, and incorporating their personal blend of style, we were able to create charming and practical spaces that enhance their daily routines.
If you find yourself squeezing into a too-tiny shower that feels more like a teleportation pod, or living with a bold design choice (like a raspberry-colored toilet) that you didn’t exactly choose, we’re here to help. Thoughtful design can transform even the most challenging spaces into something beautiful, functional, and uniquely you. Ready to start your own remodel? Contact us—we’d love to bring your vision to life!
