We can't wait for you to see this stunning tile accent wall and discover all the detail we've tucked into the floating vanity. When a South Bend university professor and touring musician came to us through a friend, she wanted a bathroom upgrade that would become her sanctuary. A place to unwind after long trips, perform her daily routine with ease, and enjoy a space that felt unapologetically her.
This homeowner had a sharp eye for detail and a love of design. Her vision was clear from the start: a luxury bathroom that didn’t look like anyone else’s. From the beginning, this project stood apart with its bold materials and uniquely personal touches. By the time it was completed, our client called it “the best bathroom I’ve ever been in.” And we couldn’t agree more.
Setting the Vision: Priorities and Personal Style
Our client’s design brief was focused and full of personality. She wanted something modern, but also comfortable, calming, and completely distinct from the trends she saw in other homes. As a frequent traveler, she’d experienced high-end hotel bathrooms across the globe, and she wanted those same elements of comfort and luxury with more soul.
“Special” was the word she kept coming back to. And in this case, special meant layers of texture, curated materials, and clever solutions that exceeded what you typically expect from a primary bath remodel.
From the very first design meeting, there were a few non-negotiables.
-
Floating vanity cabinets that felt architectural and sleek
-
A heated floor system for consistent comfort, especially on winter mornings
-
A barrier-free shower that maximized the footprint and felt open and expansive
-
Ample lighting, including integrated solutions for both form and function
-
Color and texture, inspired by a painting she planned to hang above the tub
Design in Detail: Layout and Flow
Before the remodel, the bathroom felt dated and confined. The existing layout was typical of older homes: a tight shower enclosure, minimal lighting, and missed opportunities for storage and openness. Our challenge was to rethink the entire spatial experience: How could we bring in more natural light, expand functionality, and create a sense of calm the moment you walk in?
No Boundaries
We began by opening up the original shower, removing unnecessary framing, and building a barrier-free, walk-in shower that allowed the floor tile to flow seamlessly into the wet area. This eliminated visual distinctions and gave the room a more expansive feel, especially when paired with a custom glass enclosure from a local South Bend fabricator. A linear drain added to the sleek, modern aesthetic and kept lines clean and unobtrusive.
Luxury Floating Vanity
Just around the corner from the new freestanding bathtub, we installed floating vanity cabinets in a dark, wood-textured finish. The vanity location allowed for dual sinks, generous counter space, and a natural separation of the bath’s zones, providing one for everyday routines and moments of rest and retreat. This layout lets the design breathe, creating clear pathways and focal points.
Lit Up From Every Angle
Lighting played a critical role in making the layout shine, literally. Under-cabinet lighting, combined with backlit Kohler medicine cabinets, turned the vanity into a centerpiece. We also maximized daylight through the windows and added well-placed overhead lighting to eliminate shadows and give the room a glow that shifts beautifully from morning to night.
Wondering what this or other remodels cost in South Bend this year? Check our complimentary cost guide to see updated local costs for the project you've got in mind.
Material Matters: Every Finish with Intention
In a space designed to feel personal and luxurious, each surface in this bathroom was chosen to be durable and offer just the right interplay of light, texture, and tone.
A Strong Foundation: Large-Format Porcelain Tile
We started from the ground up with 32x32 polished porcelain tiles in a rich, marble-inspired pattern. These large-format tiles create an expansive feel and minimize grout lines for a sleek, uninterrupted surface. The same tile flows from the bathroom floor directly into the barrier-free shower, adding to the seamless effect. The rectified edges of the porcelain tile allow for tighter grout joints and easier cleaning, which means long-term beauty without high maintenance.
Texture with a Twist: Green Wave Accent Tile
The visual centerpiece of the space is undoubtedly the green wave porcelain tile featured behind the freestanding tub and on the shower’s control wall. Its subtle, ridged surface catches light throughout the day, mimicking the motion of water and bringing tactile depth to the room.
What makes this even more meaningful? The tile’s tone was custom-matched to a piece of artwork the client planned to display, proving how design and personal expression can go hand in hand.
Grounded in Granite: Vanity Countertops
The floating vanities were topped with polished granite countertops in a deep, reflective finish. This natural stone surface adds visual weight and contrast that anchors the cabinetry. It also provides exceptional durability for daily use, resistant to heat, moisture, and wear.
Fixtures That Shine: Sleek, Functional Accents
These finishes strike a perfect balance, refined and modern, but never cold. They reflect the kind of everyday luxury that turns routine into ritual.
-
Lighted medicine cabinets by Kohler provide both storage and ambient lighting.
-
Brizo faucets and accessories deliver streamlined, modern design without sacrificing performance.
-
A heated towel bar adds a touch of spa-level comfort while also serving a practical purpose in cold Indiana winters.
Comfort Underfoot: Heated Floors
Indiana winters aren’t exactly gentle. That’s why a heated floor system was a must-have for this client. Beneath the large-format porcelain tiles, radiant heating provides steady, even warmth. This heating system is especially effective in barrier-free bathrooms, helping to reduce condensation and keep the entire space comfortably dry.
Style with Soul: Personality in Every Detail
This design tells the story of the client’s artistic background, musical sensibility, and independent spirit. The overall vibe feels worldly yet grounded, a nod to the client’s love of travel and her desire for a retreat that didn’t feel like every other luxury bathroom. By avoiding common choices and predictable finishes, the space achieves something rare: a modern bathroom with true personality. It’s a space that feels curated, not copied—precisely what the client envisioned.
Built for Challenges, Crafted with Precision
Like any remodel with bold materials and custom details, this project came with its share of challenges, but this is exactly what we’re built for.
Tile to a T
The 32x32 polished porcelain tiles were stunning, but installing them demanded exacting skill. Large-format tile leaves no room for error. Every cut, alignment, and grout joint has to be flawless. Our expert tile setters handled the complexity precisely, ensuring the seamless finish you see here.
Serious Shower Skills
Coordinating a barrier-free shower system also required careful planning. From slope calculations to drain placement to waterproofing behind the scenes, our team managed every layer with technical accuracy and aesthetic vision.
The custom shower glass enclosure, built in partnership with a local fabricator, needed to integrate with our cabinetry, tile, and lighting plan. That level of coordination is where our design-build process shines, keeping every moving piece aligned and every finish intentional.
Your Vision Made Real in South Bend and Harbor Country
Inspired to reimagine your own bathroom? Let’s talk about how we can bring thoughtful design, premium craftsmanship, and your unique vision together. Contact our team today. We cannot wait to create something completely personal to change your life.
