A couple wanted a bathroom that fit their lifestyle and reflected their personalities and tastes. This 40-square-foot renovation was long overdue—the clients were struggling to find enough storage for their toiletries, keeping up with all the random nooks and crannies, and dealing with minor water damage around the bathtub and ceiling. The goal was to design a beautiful bathroom that's easy to clean and genuinely works for everyday life.

The material palette is inspired by the couple's love of New Mexico art and culture, and every detail was selected with an eye for artistry. The Rosso Alicante marble is a tribute to the organic nature of dunes, while the terracotta subway tile nods to New Mexico's clay soil formations within a contemporary geometry. The black-and-white marble piano tiles—inspired by a piece of Acoma pottery the couple owns—contrast the warm tones and ground the bathroom in the urban context of Jersey City. Brushed nickel plumbing fixtures mediate between the warm and cool tones, and the walnut millwork adds depth and elegance. The blown-glass sconces, handmade travertine vessel sink, and wavy walnut medicine cabinet each add a layer of artisanal touch to the space.

To improve circulation, the toilet was swapped with the vanity, and the in-swing door with a pocket door. The vanity becomes the centerpiece of the bathroom, with opportunities for handmade details like the vessel sink and sconces. The tub was converted into a curbless shower with a rain showerhead for ease of maintenance and a better showering experience. The controls and hand shower moved to the side wall, so users can set the right temperature before stepping under the rain head—and the hand shower also makes easy work of bathing the couple's two chihuahuas. The floor-mounted toilet was replaced with a wall-mounted Toto washlet for function and ease of cleaning. Full-height built-in cabinets, plus toilet and shower niches, provide storage for linens, plants, and toiletries.