The Vision
Our client’s home had remained largely unchanged for decades. While the structure itself was sound, the bathroom layout and finishes reflected an earlier era of design that did not align with modern expectations.
The existing bathroom functioned as a traditional hall bath with a single vanity, a combined shower and tub, and minimal storage. Storage for towels, linens, and bathroom essentials was extremely limited, forcing the homeowners to rely on storage in other parts of the house.
In addition to the storage challenges, the layout felt inefficient. The doorway placement limited the available wall space and prevented the homeowners from incorporating additional cabinetry or shelving.
Rather than simply updating fixtures and finishes, the homeowners wanted to reconfigure the layout to make the most of the available square footage. One of the most impactful changes involved relocating the bathroom door. By moving the entry point slightly, the design team was able to carve out space for a dedicated linen cabinet — an addition that significantly improved storage while keeping the room organized and clutter-free.
Another design goal was to improve privacy and visual flow between the bathroom and the adjacent hallway. To accomplish this, the homeowners chose to install a barn-style sliding door that separates the hallway from the living room. The result is both functional and visually striking, adding a unique architectural element while allowing the bathroom entrance to feel more integrated into the home.
This combination of layout adjustments and design upgrades allowed the homeowners to maximize the functionality of a compact space while maintaining the charm of their older Seattle home.
Tile and Storage Improvements
One of the most visually distinctive elements of the new bathroom is the deep green tile selected by the homeowners. The tile adds richness and depth to the space, creating a dramatic backdrop that feels both modern and timeless. The designer helped finalize the tile size and layout pattern to ensure the installation would highlight the color and texture while maintaining visual balance.
To complement the bold tile, the homeowners selected warm gold fixtures and hardware. These finishes appear throughout the room, from the plumbing fixtures to the hardware on the barn door. The metallic accents provide contrast against the green tile while adding a sense of warmth and sophistication.
Storage improvements were another key focus of the renovation. The newly incorporated linen cabinet offers a dedicated place for towels, toiletries, and other essentials. This addition allows the bathroom to remain organized while eliminating the need for external storage solutions elsewhere in the house.
Moving the bathroom door allowed the team to reclaim wall space that had previously been unusable. This simple change created room for the linen cabinet while also improving circulation within the hallway. The barn door solution further enhanced the functionality of the space by allowing the bathroom area to be closed off when needed without requiring the swing space of a traditional hinged door.
Why Armada?
Renovating a bathroom in an older home often comes with hidden challenges, including structural quirks and aging materials. The homeowners wanted a contractor who could identify potential issues early and provide solutions that would protect the integrity of the house.
From the beginning, they felt comfortable working with the Armada team. The open communication and professional approach helped build trust early in the process. When evaluating the home, the team quickly noticed that the bathroom floor had a slight structural issue — a sunken area that could have caused long-term problems if left unaddressed.
Rather than treating this as an unexpected complication, the team addressed the issue immediately and incorporated the fix into the renovation plan. This proactive approach reassured the homeowners that their project was in capable hands.
The partnership between homeowner, designer, and contractor created a smooth and collaborative process from start to finish. The result was a renovation that balanced creativity, craftsmanship, and practical problem solving.
