This 1905 home in the Merriam Park neighborhood of St. Paul was clearly in need of a second bathroom on the sleeping floor. The original layout included four bedrooms and one small bathroom on the second level which no longer met the day-to-day needs for this young family of four. The homeowners envisioned a new master suite which they hoped would include all the luxuries of a true bath retreat as well as a walk-in closet and direct access from their master bedroom. It was also very clear that keeping the vintage charm and authentic feel of the older home intact was an important priority.

The lack of plumbing on the second floor in the desired corner of the house created some notable challenges. Routing new plumbing to the basement without causing unnecessary repair work throughout the house was accomplished through intense coordination with the plumbers and thoughtful framing. With careful planning and intentional placement of plumbing, we were able to create a space that both met all of their desires and was ultimately build-able.

In order to convert the former bedroom into a master bath, windows had to be raised and relocated in such a way that they functioned internally but also looked appropriate from the exterior of the home. The characteristically old attributes of the space, such as extremely out-of-level floors and shallower than normal floor joists further complicated the construction.

The desire to include a pair of traditional pedestal sinks, as opposed to a more contempary vanity, drove the intentional decision to move bathroom storage to a custom linen cabinet in the adjacent hallway. The built in cabinet provides ample space for both bathroom linens and essentials as well as extra storage for personal items near their walk-in closet.

Ultimately the final design includes the following amenities:

•Paired Toto pedestal sinks with custom medicine cabinets and period appropriate sconces

•Large Kohler soaking tub for two with honed granite surround

•Kohler Steam shower with honed granite bench and secondary shower head

•Heated floors throughout

•Unglazed porcelain hexagonal tile mosaic floor, in custom designed pattern

•Subway tile with accent band and decorative chair rail

•Custom awning and double hung Marvin windows

•Frameless glass shower door

•Custom millwork to match existing home

Additional work included floor repairs and new access from the existing bedroom. With the addition of this true master suite, the homeowners now have an ultimate bathing retreat that contains all of the personal and vintage touches they had dreamed of.