A transformed master suite creates a luxurious retreat for these homeowners. Architect, designer, remodeler, and photographer: Silent Rivers Design+Build
The Redesign
The homeowners, one of whom grew up in this house, wanted to update their master suite to reflect their “funky contemporary” style (as they described it) while also making better use of the space.
The remodel team came in and — literally — raised the roof. The trusses above the master bath were modified to create a new vaulted ceiling. They expanded the master closet into a storage room above the garage, then reworked the rest of the space within the existing footprint of the suite to allow for a better flow, more natural light, and better views to the outside.
The new plan eliminated the unused Jacuzzi tub from the bathroom and made a new larger shower the focus of the room. New skylights replaced the original leaky models and lightened the room with natural light and fresh air.
The new skylights are operable and will automatically close if rain is detected. A small solar panel creates the energy needed to move them.
Revamping the Bathroom
The exterior wall of the master bath was modified to bring in more light and open up views to the homeowners’ beautiful back yard. New custom cabinets create his and hers vanity spaces, and a small beverage refrigerator allows the owners to skip the midnight trip to the kitchen downstairs. New beams have the appearance of old barn board without the cleanup and refinishing while providing a place to mount new light fixtures.
His and hers vanities offer plenty of space for these homeowners to get ready in the morning and features in-floor heat year-round.
A Juliet balcony inside the master bath offers a view into the homeowner’s back yard.
Beautiful tile work in this shower creates a dramatic focal point as you walk into the master bath.
The linen cabinet adds flair to the bath. The piece also ties the bathroom cabinetry to the cabinetry found in the master closet.
Creating ‘Funky Contemporary’ in the Bedroom
In the master bedroom, the team separated the entry area from the sleeping area to create a more private bedroom while also adding a dressing area. They replaced the old fireplace with a more attractive and efficient unit, along with a new stone mantel. The TV was repositioned to give more focus to the views outside and around the room. A new ductless AC unit improved temperature control for the whole suite and additional lighting was integrated into their whole home control system. A wood floor product was used to panel the headboard wall, and a new, old-looking barn wood door separates the bedroom from the bathroom. New, oiled hickory flooring in a picture-framed, herringbone pattern ties all of the rooms together.
A barn door creates a sense of openness between the bedroom and en suite bathroom but allows for privacy when needed.
Dressing in Style
The dressing room provides space for dressing as well as serves as an entry buffer to the suite. The three-sided mirrors expand the space and give it a more luxurious feeling. The master closet is truly stunning with its custom cabinetry and retail-like feeling. A new shoe storage cabinet was added that also has backlit shelves for the owners’ selection of eyeglasses. All of the hanging rods are lit by undershelf LED lights, making it easy to find funky styles high and low. Cabinetry given to the homeowners as a wedding gift from the owner’s father was refinished to match the new cabinetry and lit from the interior to allow jewelry to sparkle.
Custom cabinetry is integrated with this furniture piece that was refinished to match the master suite’s aesthetic. Backlighting creates retail-like visibility for the clothing and accessories.
On the ‘his’ side of the closet, old barn wood was used to make the dresser fronts and connect them to the other barn wood pieces used throughout the suite. An eclectic mix of lighting was used on both walls and ceilings to give the homeowners ample options to light the space.
Pull-out pants racks, tie rack, hanging rod and clever shoe drawers maximize functionality.
In the end, the homeowners, as well as their parents (the original homebuilders), are over the moon with the final product. A dated master suite, once full of awkward and wasted space, now offers comfortable living, delivering natural light and ‘funky contemporary’ style as requested.
— Ryan Rohlf, Silent Rivers Design+Build
