Mermaid Meets Midcentury: Primary Bathroom Transformation on Rendale Ct.

When our client first reached out about her primary bathroom on Rendale Ct., her goals were simple: make it clean, functional, and a little more modern. The space was dated and lacked personality, and one of her most important functional needs was a no-threshold shower. She had just purchased the home from her daughter—who had moved five houses down the same cul-de-sac! So, while this wasn’t exactly a forever home, it was one she was excited to make her own.

Initially, she wanted a neutral update—something fresh that would appeal to a wide range of future buyers. But after seeing the first round of design concepts, she started to shift her vision. Instead of playing it safe, she wanted to take a bold step and create a space that felt deeply personal. That’s when the real fun began.

She came back to us and said, “I want a grown-up mermaid bathroom with a midcentury flair.” And we were all in.

The Vision: Bold, Breezy, and Beautifully Personal

Our design direction became clear: we needed to combine her love for ocean tones and whimsical shapes with the clean lines and warm wood tones of midcentury design. It was a unique challenge, but one that gave us room to stretch creatively.

We knew we wanted the space to feel calming and refreshing—but also to have that unmistakable spark that says, “This is me.” With that balance in mind, we layered soothing tones, organic textures, and a few playful surprises.

The Statement Wall (and the Star of the Show)

The biggest showstopper in the room? The full wall of teal scallop tile in the shower. This one design decision set the tone for the entire space. The color, the shape, and the scale of the tile felt playful and ocean-inspired, but still sophisticated and grown-up—just like our client wanted.

Investing in a full wall of specialty tile is no small choice, but she trusted us and went for it. And the payoff? Huge. It brings movement, color, and personality in a way that makes the entire room feel special.

To balance that bold moment, we used clean white subway tile on the remaining walls—but with a twist. We installed them in a horizontal straight-stack pattern to echo a midcentury vibe. This subtle detail might go unnoticed at first glance, but it added structure, balance, and a nod to the era she loved.

A Lesson in Layering Styles

One of the biggest challenges with this project was blending such different influences: the whimsical softness of a mermaid-inspired design with the structured simplicity of midcentury style. It took purposeful material selections, strategic placement, and lots of dialogue with the client to bring it all together in a way that felt cohesive.

From lighting and hardware to cabinetry and tile, every piece had to pull double duty—evoking a certain feeling while also serving a practical purpose. The wood tones brought warmth and grounded the room. The brass fixtures added contrast and helped tie everything together.

A Feeling, Not Just a Look

When designing this bathroom, it wasn’t just about aesthetics. We wanted the space to evoke a certain mood. It needed to feel like a sanctuary—calming, clean, and tranquil—but it also needed to carry a sense of individuality and fun.

The result is a room that feels layered, intentional, and a little unexpected. It’s not loud or over-the-top, but you immediately get the sense that the person who lives here is creative, confident, and cool.

Trusting the Process

Like many homeowners investing in a major remodel, our client had a few moments of hesitation during the design process. She even started looking for tile options on her own, feeling unsure if she was making the right calls.

That’s totally normal—and something we see often. When you’re putting time and money into a space, you want to get it right. But what made this project so special was her willingness to lean in and trust the process. Once she saw the pieces come together, she said the materials we sourced were exactly what the space needed.

(And we even let her choose the accent tile for the inside of the niche—a glass mosaic that she found herself. It complemented everything perfectly and gave her a sense of ownership in the design.)

From Bathroom to Bigger Picture

The best compliment we could’ve received? She loved the bathroom so much, she added her kitchen to the scope of work. And she left us a glowing 5-star review.

This project reminded us why we do what we do—not just to create pretty rooms, but to create spaces that tell a story and help people feel at home in a way that’s deeply personal.

Final Thoughts

Designing this bathroom wasn’t just about tile and paint colors. It was about helping someone feel seen and celebrated in their own space. It was about blending unexpected styles in a way that felt seamless. And it was about creating something that will continue to bring joy every single day.

We’ll never get tired of hearing a client say, “I’m so glad I trusted you.”

If you’re dreaming of a space that feels like you, let’s talk. Whether you’re drawn to bold colors, subtle textures, or something completely off the wall—we’d love to help bring it to life.