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Designer Lisa Mellberg of Harrell Design + Build in Mountain View recently helped a Palo Alto couple transform their dated and cramped 1940s bathroom into a spacious, spa-like retreat. The duo wanted to modernize their primary bath, gain more functional space and have easy access to their outdoor patio. Mellberg shares how she created their dream bathroom working within a small footprint.
A dated bathroom
In this 1940s Palo Alto home, the bathroom makeover wasn’t just about fixing leaks — it was about creating a space that felt like a daily retreat for the homeowners.
The couple said there were several things that bothered them about their outdated bathroom, including wasted space, a small tub and a leaky shower.
They were ready for a transformation.
Design wish list
Old bathroom: The original 1940s-era bathroom was cramped, dated and dark with a tunnel-like entry. The shower and bathroom were located side by side. Photos courtesy Harrell Design + Build.
With one homeowner standing at 6-foot, 2-inches tall, the clients wanted a bathroom that not only fit their stature but also offered easy access to their outdoor patio and hot tub.
But with a limited layout, achieving their dream seemed challenging.
“We wanted to give them a bathroom that not only looked great but also met their practical needs,” designer Lisa Mellberg said. “The clients came in with an extensive list of desires for their dream primary bathroom, putting us to the challenge of making their entire wishlist come true within the existing floor plan.”
Crafting a new space
Before & After: The initial floor plan left much to be desired, with wasted space and cramped quarters. Minimal vanity space, a small shower, and a too-short bathtub hindered functionality, while a blank wall, courtesy of a fireplace in the living room, added to the sense of confinement. The crowded entryway, featuring both a door and reach-in closet doors, further contributed to the layout’s inefficiency. Images courtesy Harrell Design + Build.
With some creative thinking – and four or five iterations of floor plans – the team transformed the couple’s space into a spa-like “wet room” by combining the shower and tub for a more spacious feel. The bathtub now sits inside the new luxuriously sized shower room, which features a curbless, sloped floor.
The team also reclaimed space from a dormant fireplace to give the couple additional room for their vanity.
Not only did this reconfiguration maximize space, but the wet room’s design also includes features to make it easier for the couple to age in place when the time comes: The curbless shower has a zero-threshold, making it easier to get in and out. The wet room also includes a built-in bench and wooden blocks in the wall that are primed for grab bars.
The walls of the wet room feature vertical stacked subway tiles in the color seashell to create a sense of depth and texture while keeping the space light and airy.
Finishing details
Behind the vanity, which includes polished nickel fixtures, is golden yellow wallpaper with a visually interesting and contemporary design, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication to the space.
“We wanted to introduce some color and pattern to liven up the room without overwhelming it,” Mellberg said.
Final result
The transformation, which achieved the homeowners’ goals, was a game-changer.
The bathroom, located within the original existing space, feels open and inviting, with plenty of natural light streaming in.
“We didn’t just focus on looks—we also made sure the design was practical, with features like easy-access light switches, plenty of counter space and a spacious linen cabinet,” Mellberg said
Harrell Design + Build is a full-service residential remodeling company based in Mountain View. The company is a regular contributor of monthly design columns for Embarcadero Media.