It’s official—we’ve got bathrooms on the brain after an impromptu weekend update. And it wasn’t just the bathroom that got attention: the closet received a dramatic overhaul too. Meghan and her husband Sean generously shared both makeovers with us, and their projects offer plenty of inspiration for anyone planning a remodel. Below is a clear, polished recap of what they accomplished and how they approached the work.
Meghan explains that she didn’t have a blog when her kitchen redesign was featured, but that attention encouraged her to start documenting their projects. She recently completed a compact but transformative bathroom renovation. The original space was very small, dated (think mid-century), and suffered from an unpleasant odor. The couple decided to open up the room and bring it fully up to date.
To enlarge the footprint, they removed a closet just outside the bathroom, took the room down to the studs, and rebuilt with elegant finishes like Carrara marble and white quartz. The result channels a clean, timeless aesthetic—Meghan even jokingly refers to channeling her inner design personality. The couple prioritized material quality and a cohesive palette to make a small space feel luxurious.
This renovation was originally planned for years down the road, but after several busy seasons of home projects and a growing family, they accelerated the timeline. Sean ultimately pitched in but the couple chose to subcontract much of the work. Meghan handled the design and purchased materials over six months, waiting for sales to stretch the budget further.
As an accountant by trade, Meghan provided a practical breakdown of the project:
- 3: General contractors interviewed.
- 0: General contractors hired—they chose to act as the general contractor themselves and manage trades directly.
- 6: Subcontractors hired for the build.
- 9: Months from start to finish.
- 40%: Estimated savings by coordinating subcontractors rather than using a full-service general contractor.
One playful detail: the new Kohler toilet is named “Memoirs.” Artwork in the bathroom includes a painting Meghan’s father made years ago, adding a personal touch to the fresh, modern finishes.
They chose a Carrera marble palette supplied by Avalon Tile, and the installers delivered meticulous work. Meghan opted for honed marble rather than polished because honed finishes tend to hide small marks and wear better—an important consideration in a household with boys and the inevitable challenges of daily use. Marble does require upkeep and can stain or scratch, so selecting honed marble was a practical compromise for longevity and appearance.
As often happens with one renovation leading to another, the bathroom work dovetailed into a bedroom project. After removing a dividing wall to combine two smaller rooms into one larger bedroom, they lost the original closets and needed a new storage solution.
They admired the look of custom built-ins but couldn’t justify the cost. The IKEA PAX wardrobe offered a promising alternative, though standard units were taller than their 80″ ceilings and they had questions about the long-term durability of the factory doors. Their solution: an IKEA hack.
The couple purchased four 90″ PAX units, trimmed them down to fit the 80″ ceiling height, secured the units to the wall, and built a hardwood frame around them. They then tackled carpentry themselves, constructing tongue-and-groove style shaker doors and finishing everything in Benjamin Moore Decorators White for a built-in look without the custom price tag.
To break up the expanse of doors and add functionality, they incorporated a central bookshelf and a pull-out hamper drawer at the base. Crown molding and interior lighting completed the installation, giving the unit the feel of a custom cabinet system at a fraction of the cost.
Meghan and Sean’s projects are a great example of combining high-end materials with smart budgeting and hands-on problem solving. They achieved an elegant bathroom and a sophisticated closet system while saving significantly by managing subcontractors and doing some carpentry themselves. Their approach shows that thoughtful planning, patient sourcing, and a willingness to learn trades can stretch a renovation budget without compromising on design.
Thanks to Meghan and Sean for sharing their process and photos—these transformations offer plenty of practical ideas for anyone planning a bathroom or closet remodel. — Meg