Our master bathroom shares an open-concept space with our closet. Here are the features I love most that elevated the room, plus my one regret.
When we tackled the renovation, we had to make some layout decisions for the master suite. I admired how a previous home combined bathroom and closet into one open area, so we reduced the bedroom footprint to create a larger, more functional master bathroom and closet. No major regrets—well, maybe one. Read on.
Our 6 Best Master Bathroom Features
1. Clawfoot Tub
I persuaded Charles to center the bathroom design around this Kohler clawfoot tub, and I’m so glad I did. It’s equally beautiful and practical, getting regular use and giving the room a timeless elegance. Our sinks and faucets are also Kohler from the Artifacts Collection in polished nickel, which feels warmer than stainless. This photo was taken before the baseboards were installed, but I’ve always loved the look.
2. Bathroom Island
A bathroom island made sense in our open layout. Our cabinet partners crafted a taller island to house more drawers and give a substantial, furniture-like presence. We topped it with Silestone Statuario counters with a bevelled edge and finished the drawers with polished nickel pulls. Small details like these really elevate the space.
3. Marble Tile
Even though the bathroom is large, I chose a small hexagon marble penny tile for the floor and instantly fell in love with it. I’d used the same tile in a smaller powder room and wanted the same classic texture here. I was warned about grout maintenance with small tiles and admittedly ignored it—my one regret: white grout. Living with three guys, white grout is a constant cleaning challenge. If you pick small tiles, consider a darker grout color. Despite the extra upkeep, the marble floor is worth it to me.
4. Bathroom Chandelier
While practicality often wins in our home, I wanted a chandelier for a touch of glamour. I found this light years ago on sale and it adds an elegant, playful layer to the room. Ours hangs over the island where it’s out of the way, but chandeliers can also be gorgeous over tubs if you have the ceiling height.
5. Hidden Toilet
We debated how to separate the toilet from the main space—door or no door, partial wall or full enclosure. We settled on a dividing wall without a door, which hides the toilet from view behind the tub while keeping the area from feeling claustrophobic. It strikes the right balance for our needs.
6. Built-In Closets
We invested in custom built-in closets that were thoughtfully organized to maximize storage. Each section is divided into upper and lower compartments, with dedicated shoe racks on one side and tall, undivided spaces for dresses on the other. Polished nickel knobs complete the look. The custom layout made a noticeable difference in daily use and keeps the shared space tidy.
We painted the walls and trim in Simply White by Benjamin Moore—trim in satin and walls in eggshell—for a clean, cohesive backdrop. I may experiment with a different wall color someday, but it’s not a priority right now.
Thanks for taking the tour. What are your favourite master bathroom and closet features? Share your thoughts in the comments.