A Thoughtfully Updated Primary Ensuite

Some homes grow with their owners — and this Shrewsbury, MA colonial is exactly that kind of home.

We’ve had the privilege of working with these clients across multiple spaces over the years, including their kitchen, living areas, and guest bath. When it came time to renovate their primary ensuite, the goal wasn’t simply to update finishes — it was to create a space that finally matched both the scale of the home and the way they live in it every day.

They wanted comfort, intention, and a sense of quiet luxury. And most importantly, they wanted the room to function.

Designing for Real Life

The previous layout lacked definition and purpose. The clients didn't have a dedicated vanity space, storage was limited, and the shower didn’t match the size or character of the home.

Their priorities were clear:

• A large, luxurious shower

• A dedicated vanity area

• Meaningful storage space

• A design that felt appropriate to the architecture of their colonial home

  
  

Rather than treating the bathroom as one open room, we approached it as a series of connected zones — each serving a purpose while still feeling cohesive.

Working With the Architecture

The vaulted ceiling was beautiful, but it introduced a challenge: how to create intimacy and function in a tall, open space — especially when the skylight location couldn’t change?

The solution became one of the most defining elements in the project: a natural wood beam that creates a visual transition between the shower volume and the main bathroom space. It grounds the room, adds warmth, and allows the ceiling to feel intentional instead of overwhelming.

We also incorporated double doors leading into the bath, creating a sense of arrival as you move between the bedroom and the ensuite — a small architectural moment that gives the space a quiet grandeur.

The Shower Experience

The shower quickly became everyone’s favorite feature — ours included.

Full slab surrounds create a seamless, calm backdrop while also being incredibly practical. Fewer grout lines mean easier cleaning, and the uninterrupted surface enhances the spa-like feeling the clients wanted.

Generous proportions, warm brass fixtures, and natural light combine to make it feel open, relaxing, and truly luxurious without being overdone.

A Place to Start and End the Day

For the first time, the homeowners now have a dedicated vanity area — something that was a must-have from the beginning. Positioned to take advantage of natural light and paired with a sculptural pendant, it feels less like a utility and more like furniture within the room. That pendant, sourced from Uttermost, acts as the finishing jewelry of the space — a small detail that completes the composition and reinforces the layered approach throughout the design.

Storage was carefully integrated into the cabinetry so everything has a place without the room feeling heavy or crowded.

The Result

What was once a single undefined bathroom is now a series of purposeful spaces working together:

A place to prepare.A place to relax.A place to move through comfortably every day.

The finished ensuite feels custom to the home — not just stylistically, but architecturally — and adds lasting value while dramatically improving daily use.

Great clients and great collaboration always lead to meaningful projects, and this one was no exception.