From maximizing storage space to seriously turning up the luxury, we gave this homeowner the retreat of her dreams.
After 20 years, this condo owner decided it was time to give her primary suite the luxurious makeover it deserved. So we pulled out all the stops to transform her spaces from boring builder-basic to a five-star-hotel worthy escape.
Without moving any walls, we were able to completely revitalize this bedroom and bathroom. Clever, custom cabinetry drastically increased her clothing storage, while thoughtful design choices created a soothing spot to unwind each night.
See how we leveraged all the right design details to create a primary suite perfectly tailored to this client’s sophisticated lifestyle and aesthetic…
This Bay Area condo was long overdue for a redesign
A single, professional woman in her 40s — this homeowner was fed up with her dated Bay Area condo. While she initially considered it her starter home, she had built a beautiful life here over the past two decades and decided she was ready to call it home for good.
But as every homeowner knows, 20 years in the same space means the accumulation of a lot of stuff. This homeowner especially loves clothes, shoes, handbags — anything fashion-related.
But her current primary suite had virtually no storage, which left her space feeling cluttered and overwhelming. Nothing like the luxurious downtown hotel aesthetic she craved.
So our mission was clear: leverage smarter storage and design solutions to make the most of every inch of this condo’s primary suite.
Oakland ensuite redesign: the bedroom
Not only was storage in the bedroom essentially non-existent, but an awkward interior window brought views of the adjacent office (and all its desktop clutter) into the bedroom. Not what you want in a relaxing primary suite.
Basically, everything about this bedroom space felt cramped and chaotic.
Our first priority? Leveraging custom storage to make this condo bedroom feel more spacious
The primary objective here was custom, streamlined storage. We kept the original small closet off the vanity area for hanging clothing space, plus a full-length mirror in the door. We also added an entire wall of dresser drawers and cabinets on the wall just outside the bathroom.
On the opposite wall, we created a custom built-in unit of drawers for additional storage. A wallpapered niche above creates a focal point with a mounted TV for movie nights in bed. To the right, a tall, built-in bookcase provides room for display, bringing a bit of her personality into the space.
Oakland ensuite redesign: the bathroom
Double sinks at the small vanity meant almost no counter space, and every inch was littered with products and toiletries. The open layout meant this was visible from the bedroom, adding to the overall feeling of chaos.
In the enclosed bathroom space, an existing tub/shower combo made the small footprint feel cramped, and definitely wasn’t giving the five-star feeling she craved.
While we liked the open vanity area, we knew we needed to make it both more functional and beautiful. So we swapped the double sinks for a single, giving her much-needed counter space for getting ready each day, plus added storage below. A countertop tray keeps products corralled, while a ledge shelf above the backsplash provides a bit of display area and a touch of luxury.
In the enclosed bathroom beyond, we removed the tub and opted for a luxurious walk-in shower with glass doors, making the small space appear more expansive. We opted for large-format marble tile on the walls and charcoal hex tiles on the floor. Together, they create a timeless color scheme, the ultimate quiet luxury.
An additional cabinet above the toilet adds much-needed closed storage, keeping the entire room sleek and streamlined.
Creating a bright, airy ensuite renovation with a masculine edge
We noticed a masculine thread throughout the client’s own design inspiration images. This really resonates with my own personal style, so we had a lot of fun adding in details to play that up.
Still, we wanted to create a soft, soothing retreat, so we kept the color palette clean and minimal. The bedroom is mostly white, with monochromatic accents and wood details for texture and warmth. We also brought in textures with the woven wall hanging and accent pillow, the wallpaper feature, and a subtle plaid pattern in the area rug.
The bedding is layered, clean, and crisp, while the upholstered headboard adds texture and softness. A pair of rust ottomans deliver a pop of color at the foot of the bed, and create a spot to slip on a pair of stilettos on the way out the door.
Modern, luxe finishes make this small Oakland bathroom renovation a knockout
Even a small primary bathroom can feel opulent. In her ensuite, we expertly mixed tiles and finishes for a custom feel. The textured backsplash tile adds a hint of sparkle, creating a lovely contrast with the masculine concrete-look countertop. Finally, the sconces feature orb-style lights for a bit of softness to offset the hard edges everywhere else, while the ledge detail mimics the ledge shelf below.
Extras like radiant floor heating and dimmable LEDs on a sensor below the vanity ensure late-night trips to the restroom always feel safe and cozy. These touches also create that elevated hotel experience the homeowner longed for.
Finally, a polished ensuite for this professional homeowner
Our client had endured a builder-basic bedroom and bathroom combo for too long, and we were thrilled to help her upgrade. We took a cue from her own personal style, her inspiration images, and her lifestyle needs to create a custom ensuite and ensure this Oakland, CA condo finally felt like her forever home.
Wish your primary suite was this luxurious? We’re here to help with home renovations in Oakland and throughout southern CA.
Connect with our design experts today to learn more.
