A Study in Violet
Oakland, CA
The Brief
Located in the Upper Rockridge neighborhood of the Oakland hills, this primary bathroom renovation was designed to update and elevate a dated space while improving lighting, storage, and overall functionality. The homeowners—a couple with two young children—wanted the room to feel elegant and sophisticated while remaining highly practical for daily use.
The Transformation
Reworking the floor plan proved to be the key to unlocking the space. By relocating the entrance to the walk-in closet—which had previously been accessed through the bathroom—the design created room to enclose the toilet in a dedicated water closet while also doubling the size of the shower.
The newly expanded shower became a central architectural feature. A full-height framed opening emphasizes the room’s tall ceiling, while a built-in bench and niche ledge crafted from striking Violetta marble introduce color, pattern, and visual drama.
To balance beauty with practicality, materials were carefully selected. Large-format porcelain tile provides durability for the flooring, while quartz countertops offer an easy-to-maintain surface for the double vanity. Violetta marble was used strategically—framing the shower entrance, forming the shower bench and niche, and creating a backsplash shelf behind the sinks—to preserve its dramatic impact while keeping the overall design functional and cost-effective.
Lighting also played a major role in the transformation. Inspired by the homeowners’ recent trip to Venice and visit to the Murano glass factory, the design incorporates three champagne-glass pendants that run along the ceiling, highlighting the room’s height and adding a sense of refined glamour.
Signature Details
- Violetta marble shower bench, niche ledge, and vanity backsplash shelf
- Enlarged shower framed to emphasize the room’s tall ceiling
- Dedicated water closet created by relocating the closet entry
- Freestanding Jacuzzi soaking tub positioned in front of the window
- Three Murano-inspired champagne glass pendant lights
- Large-format porcelain floor tile and quartz vanity counters for durability
- Mirrored linen closet providing storage and reflecting light
- Internal outlets within vanity drawers for hair tools and charging devices
- Sheer drapery panels that provide privacy while allowing light to pass through
- Brass plumbing fixtures and hardware adding warmth and subtle glamour
The Result
The renovation transformed a dated and inefficient bathroom into a bright, luxurious retreat tailored to the homeowners’ lifestyle. Improved storage, thoughtful lighting, and a reimagined layout now support the family’s daily routines, while carefully chosen materials introduce elegance and character.
When the homeowner first saw the finished space, her reaction captured the transformation perfectly: “I’m never leaving. It’s perfect. I’m obsessed.”
