Design Insights
A Brighter Take on a Primary Bathroom in Aptos Hills, CA
The Challenge
These Aptos Hills homeowners were ready for a primary bathroom that better supported the way they use the space every day. An oversized tub they rarely used took up valuable room, while the dark, enclosed shower felt cramped and lacked the accessibility they wanted. They envisioned a brighter, more open bathroom with a spacious shower, better storage, and a layout that made greater use of the room’s natural light.
The Design Approach
The new design rethinks the layout to make better use of the available space, create a larger and more inviting shower, improve accessibility, and take advantage of the room’s natural light for a brighter, more functional primary bathroom.
Designer Perspective
“I wanted to give the homeowners a new, larger shower with improved accessibility while taking advantage of the great skylight and natural light. We’re going to utilize the old shower stall for some much-needed storage and give the clients an updated, beautiful vanity in their preferred style.”
— Wil Venter
Key Design Decisions
Work With the Sloped Roofline
The bathroom layout was planned around the existing roofline, positioning the new shower where the ceiling height could provide comfortable headroom and make the best use of the available space.
Retain and Protect the Existing Skylight
Keeping the existing skylight brings valuable natural light into the new shower and helps brighten the entire bathroom. Thoughtful waterproofing and moisture protection allow it to remain an important feature within the newly designed wet area.
Keep the Shower Open to the Room
A glass enclosure helps preserve sightlines and allows natural light from the skylight to extend into the surrounding bathroom.
Project Insight
Removing the existing tub allows for a more spacious shower and a thoughtfully planned layout that improves functionality while creating a brighter, more open bathroom.