In the 1800s, restrooms were typically only found outdoors and bathing usually took place in a large water basin. At the time, water would have to be collected from an outdoor well or rainwater source, brought into the home, heated on a wood-burning stove and then filled into the tub before it would be used – clearly bathing was no easy task. In the 1940s bathroom spaces were small and compact and usually no larger in size than a closet. The water that was used for bathing was rationed, as were many things at the time, and many Americans had to bathe in less than five inches of water.

Over the years, the bathroom space and the amenities that it includes, has progressed greatly. The bathroom is no longer a small, hidden room that is abandoned by any sense of style or any ounce of luxury – it is now taking center stage as one of the most important spaces within the home.

In today’s real estate market, bathroom remodel projects are recouping 100 percent or more – on average – at the time of sale, making it a great space to invest in. More and more homeowners are modifying their existing bathroom spaces to accommodate their specific needs and wants.

Now, bathrooms have to be the total package – they have to be functional, beautiful and conducive to the lifestyles of the homeowners. For one local couple “the total package” is exactly what they where looking for as they set out to recreate their master bathroom. To get the project underway the owners enlisted the help of local interior designer Maureen Villmer. Their main request was to enlarge their current 3-foot-by-3-foot shower and small standard bathtub to better accommodate the husband who is well over six feet tall. To ensure a larger tub and shower would comfortably fit in the space, it was decided to expand the existing bathroom by 70 square feet. Since additional square footage was being added to the master bathroom, the pair opted to also expand their master bedroom by several feet to streamline the backside of their home, where both spaces are located. Since their home was already under construction, the decision was made to enlarge their porch which was connected to the master bedroom. A desire for a larger tub and shower ultimately afforded the couple a “larger porch for entertaining, a larger master bedroom and a larger master bathroom,” says Maureen.

Once the walls were expanded, the interior design of the space truly started to evolve. “The project really started from a piece of granite,” says Maureen. (She suggests selecting granite as a great first step for any project.) The Amber Fantasy granite that was selected then led to the selection of the copper-slate tile backsplash, which then resulted in the cabinetry selection. Since the wife loved the wall color throughout the home and wanted to also use it in the new space, all elements were chosen to coordinate with that particular paint color. The taupe paint color, absent of any yellow tones, led to the absence of yellow undertones throughout the space and creates a very cool and fresh atmosphere. Maureen says since the master bathroom is a private space, homeowners can choose to go off of any color and make it different from the rest of the home if they so choose.

To accessorize the space, Maureen helped the couple select items from other spaces within their home. “Often times I tell my clients to go shopping in their own home. There are always great finds and just by moving an old item into a new space makes it feel new again,” says Maureen.

And so the evolution of the bathroom continues.