Designing with Intention: A Primary Bathroom Renovation Story
All images in this post are by Kim Thomas of KP Fusion.
A Bold Yet Timeless Primary Bathroom Renovation
Design decisions, materials, and the story behind each choice
As an interior designer, I believe bathrooms should feel just as intentional as the rest of the home—layered, elevated, and deeply personal. This primary bathroom renovation was about refining what already worked, introducing contrast and texture, and creating two distinct vanity moments that reflect both function and individuality.
Rather than starting from scratch, I focused on strategic upgrades—enhancing the bones of the space while allowing character, materials, and craftsmanship to do the heavy lifting.
From White to Cream: Softening the Foundation
One of the first changes was swapping out stark white walls for a warm cream paint color. This subtle shift made an immediate impact. Cream adds softness, depth, and warmth—especially important in a space filled with bold pattern, dark flooring, and rich wood tones.
White can sometimes feel cold or unfinished in a bathroom like this. The cream walls act as a quiet backdrop, allowing the wallpaper, vanities, and finishes to shine without competing.
Tile Selections: Texture, Contrast, and Intentionality
Tile played a major role in grounding the space and adding layers of visual interest.
Shower Floor
I chose Terrazzo Nero Macro porcelain tile in an 8 x 8 for the shower floor from The Tile Shop. The bold black base with scattered aggregate gives the shower floor weight and contrast, while still feeling elevated and modern. It’s durable, timeless, and visually striking without overpowering the space.
Bathroom Floor
For the main bathroom floor, I selected Bento Charcoal porcelain tile in a 9 x 10, also from The Tile Shop. The geometric shape adds movement, while the charcoal tone anchors the room and balances the lighter elements throughout.
Shower Walls
The shower walls are wrapped in Zellige Fossil ceramic tile from Floor & Decor, and this may be one of my favorite choices in the entire renovation.
What I love most about Zellige is that no two tiles are the same. Each piece varies slightly in texture, tone, and sheen—but the overall color remains consistent. This variation creates depth, dimension, and a handcrafted feel that machine-made tile simply can’t replicate. It brings warmth and soul into the shower without introducing additional color.
The shower also got a new glass door with brass hardware from Campbell’s Glass.
The Vanities: Character, Contrast, and Personal Identity
This bathroom features the Nova 55” Marble Top Single Bathroom vanity. What I love most is that the vanity tops are completely different, which subtly distinguishes my side of the bathroom from my husband’s. It’s a simple but thoughtful way to create individuality within a shared space—proof that symmetry isn’t always necessary for balance.It just goes to show you how natural stone is unique. The marble immediately elevates the space and offers a clean, classic surface.
Both vanities features the Redded Burch brown wood finish, which adds incredible texture and warmth. The vertical detailing gives the vanity character and visual interest, grounding the space and tying beautifully into the darker flooring and brass finishes.
Keeping What Worked: Wallpaper & Tub
Not everything needed to be replaced. I chose to keep the existing wallpaper and bathtub, both of which already had strong presence and personality. The wallpaper continues to serve as a bold design moment, bringing pattern, movement, and drama into the room. Instead of removing it, I leaned into it and allowed other selections to complement its energy.
The tub was elevated with the Trinsic Two Handle Roman Tub Faucet, instantly giving it a refreshed, more refined look without the need for replacement. Sometimes the smartest design choice is knowing what not to change.
Lighting & Mirrors: Softening the Geometry
To balance the many straight lines and sharp angles in the space, I replaced the vanity lighting and introduced these beautiful Fenisha Walnut Circle Mirrors.
The circular mirrors break up the squareness of the room and add a sculptural element above each vanity. The decorative spherical wooden balls that are evenly spaced around the circumference adds a unique twist. It adds additional texture. Paired with updated vanity lights, they provide both function and visual relief—softening the space while maintaining a clean, modern feel.
Execution Matters: Pros Contracting
Every design vision needs expert execution, and Pros Contracting handled this project with precision and care. From tile installation to finishing details, they ensured everything was completed to perfection. A well-executed design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about craftsmanship, alignment, and trust in the process.
The Final Layer: Styling
Once construction wrapped, I stepped back in to style the space—adding art, accessories, plants, and thoughtful details that bring the bathroom to life. Styling is where a space truly becomes personal, and I’ll be breaking that process down in a separate blog post.
Final Thoughts
This renovation is a reminder that impactful design doesn’t always require a full gut. Thoughtful material choices, intentional contrast, and respect for what already works can completely transform a space.
Every tile, finish, and fixture was selected with purpose—creating a bathroom that feels layered, elevated, and deeply personal.
Stay tuned for the next post, where I’ll share exactly how I styled the space and why those final details matter just as much as the renovation itself.