Light-Filled Primary Bath With Spa-Like Updates
A bulky step-up tub with oversize architectural details and a dark, narrow shower made this large Nashville, Tennessee, primary bathroom feel smaller than it was. Ready for a change, the empty-nest homeowners enlisted kitchen and bath designer Terri Sears, who had previously updated their kitchen, wet bar and powder room, to reimagine the space.
Working with home building consultant Elizabeth Murphy, Sears transformed the bathroom into a light-filled spa retreat with organic textures and understated luxury. A custom floating double vanity streamlines the layout and boosts storage, while a freestanding hydrotherapy tub frees up room for a larger walk-in steam shower and custom linen cabinet. A hand-painted botanical mural, refreshed bar area and nature-inspired lighting complete the calming makeover.
Before Photo
A freestanding tub and custom floating double vanity enhance the room’s airier feel. A local artist hand-painted the botanical mural in soft, neutral tones, while a sculptural wood chandelier and coordinating vanity sconces reinforce the nature-inspired design. “With the big window we wanted to bring elements of the outdoors inside,” Sears says.
Large-format porcelain floor tile in a blend of gray and brown grounds the space. “It brings the warm and cool tones of the bathroom together,” Sears says. The dark wood door at the back of the room leads to a closet. The door on the right leads to a closet and a water closet.
Double vanity: Mouser Cabinetry; sculptural wood light fixtures: Littlebranch Farm
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Before Photo
A soapstone countertop and backsplash provide durability and understated character. Rectangular undermount sinks pair with vintage-inspired widespread chrome faucets. A local glass company fabricated the custom frameless mirrors with beveled edges and cut them to size, allowing the sconces to remain a focal point.
Faucets: Perrin & Rowe
Before Photo
Before: This closer view shows the former tub area, where a second vanity was squeezed beside the oversize tub surround. “It was kind of dark over there and there wasn’t much space for that vanity,” Sears says. “Having a double vanity opposite the window is much better.”
Tub: Hydro Systems
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With the second vanity and bulky tub deck removed, Sears was able to add this custom walnut linen cabinet with inset construction and a carbon-colored finish. Drawers and shelves provide storage for books, towels and bathroom essentials, while clear glass-front doors feature cremone bolts. “I have something similar in my showroom that they saw and we created this one together,” Sears says. “They also have cremone bolts in their bedrooms, so it’s a nice detail that goes throughout the space.”
Before Photo
Before: The former enclosed shower was wrapped in beige tile and felt dark and uninviting.
The shower walls are finished in 3-by-12-inch white subway tile laid in a modern vertical stack, with horizontal bands of tile and soft white grout. The same tile continues onto the ceiling. “We wanted to keep it bright and airy,” Sears says.
The black ceiling square is a chromotherapy light, while LED cove lighting highlights the tile and creates a softer nighttime mood. A wall-mounted control panel manages steam and integrated audio streaming. Mosaic pebble flooring adds texture underfoot and a subtle nature-inspired pattern while improving grip.
Shower fixtures: Perrin & Rowe
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Before Photo
Before: This bar area off the bathroom included a below-counter refrigerator and small sink, along with dated upper cabinets that felt heavy.
A custom live-edge wood shelf for mugs and supplies lightens up the area, inspired by the bathroom’s celebration of nature. “There’s a ton more storage in the bathroom and more square footage to walk around in,” Sears says. “It’s relaxing and feels like you’re going to a spa.”
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Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: An empty-nest couple
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Size: 250 square feet (23 square meters)
Designers: Terri Sears of Hermitage Kitchen Gallery and Elizabeth Murphy (home building consultant)
Before: Despite its generous size, the traditional-style bathroom felt crowded, dated and awkward to navigate. A dark wood vanity with a small makeup station sat across from a step-up tub framed by decorative columns and a large archway. “I thought that the tub was making too much of a statement and taking up too much floor space,” Sears says. A second vanity stood to the left.
An enclosed shower was tucked into the back corner (see below). The homeowners wanted to keep the large window over the tub and maintain seating in the bathroom but update all the main components, lighting and beige ceramic floor tile. This photo was taken from the doorway connecting the bathroom to a coffee bar and the primary bedroom.
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