Case Study: A Dreamy Floral Bathroom
Nestled in a charming Snohomish, WA neighborhood, this bathroom renovation was all about refreshing a dated and dysfunctional space into a dreamy, elegant retreat. My client, M, was ready for a transformation, but with a few key requirements in mind:
Stay within her $40K budget.
Use easy-to-clean materials.
Complement her feminine, soft aesthetic—her home is a blend of pinks, whites, and grays.
Assessing the Starting Point
Before we dive into the design process, let’s take a look at what we were working with. The existing bathroom lacked both style and functionality. What you can’t see in the pictures? Warped trim work from past water damage, a perpetually dripping faucet, and an awkwardly rounded shower that provided neither comfort or style.
Challenges & Considerations
Beyond the aesthetic updates, this project came with a couple of unique challenges. Since M lives in a condo, we had to adhere to strict HOA renovation guidelines while also navigating the steep staircase in her unit—every material, tool, and fixture had to be carefully transported in and out.
Finding the Perfect Design
Bathroom Moodboard V1
M has a deep love for textures and patterns, particularly florals. She also prefers mid-range wood tones and bold black hardware, creating a beautiful contrast against soft feminine hues. With her inspiration in mind, I curated a Version 1 Moodboard.
Bathroom Moodboard V2
She loved the concept! After a few small tweaks—swapping in a wallpaper that was more aligned with her personal taste, eliminating the bathtub from the plan (she has another in her home), and selecting a floor tile that resonated better—we finalized the materials.
To ensure everything felt cohesive, I put together a 3D rendering. Seeing the design come to life, M was thrilled and gave us the green light to move forward.
The Renovation Process
The renovation took six weeks to complete with an incredible crew on board.
Well, most of the crew were paid professionals…
Except for one four-legged supervisor who left adorable paw prints on the job site…
The biggest hurdle? Midway through the renovation, we discovered that the shower plumbing was only accessible through the lower unit. Thankfully, M’s downstairs neighbor graciously allowed us to create an access point in their ceiling—and of course, we made sure to repair it to perfection afterward.
The Stunning Aftermath
Now, let’s talk about the transformation!
This new bathroom is a dream—a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. The floral wallpaper adds a soft yet sophisticated charm, while the black hardware and wood tones provide contrast and warmth. It’s proof that not every renovation needs to be flashy or expensive to make a major impact.
Fun Fact: The ROI of a Bathroom Remodel
Did you know that mid-level bathroom renovations have one of the highest returns on investment for homeowners? While you won’t always see a dollar-for-dollar return, updating materials and fixtures (without reconfiguring the entire layout) can significantly boost your home’s value.
This project was an absolute joy to bring to life, and I hope it inspires you to see the potential in even the most challenging of spaces.
Would you ever go bold with floral wallpaper in your home? Let me know in the comments!
Designed in Collaboration with Lamb & Co. Design | Snohomish, WA Images by Erica Wall Photography