A bathroom that fits your life isn’t out of reach. Many St. Louis homeowners consider a bathroom remodel due to daily frustrations, such as limited storage, poor lighting, or a cramped layout. The right plan can fix all of that. By thinking about how you actually use the space, you can design a bathroom that feels easy and comfortable every day. Let’s rethink what your bathroom can do for you. Maybe it’s adding both a spa‑like tub and a walk‑in shower, or a double vanity that makes mornings smoother. It could mean better lighting, more storage, or simply more room to breathe. With thoughtful design, you can create a bathroom that truly works for your lifestyle in St. Louis. Let’s explore ways you can customize your bathroom, just like we did for this family in Clayton, Missouri!
Zone Things Out
Before choosing tile or fixtures, take a moment to plan how your bathroom should actually work for you. Think about real routines. Relive those busy mornings and quiet evenings.
Take a moment to ponder who shares the space. A little reflection early on helps you create a layout that feels organized, comfortable, and easy to use every day.
It helps to think in zones rather than individual pieces. Most primary bathrooms work best with four zones:
- Bathing
- Getting ready
- Storage
- Privacy
Defining these areas first makes it easier to decide where a tub or shower should go, how much vanity space you need, and where everyday items will live. This forward-thinking approach keeps design decisions practical and focused on function.
Before finalizing your plan, sketch how two people move through the space at different times of day. Picture someone showering while another gets ready at the vanity, or relaxing in the tub while the toilet area stays private.
From there, place each zone intentionally. Perhaps keeping the tub and shower together for a spa‑like feel, and the vanity and storage along the opposite wall, will give you the elbow room you all desire. With a little planning, your bathroom can flow naturally and make daily routines easier.
Light It Up
Good lighting can completely change how a bathroom feels. It’s what separates a purely functional space from one that feels warm, welcoming, and ready for any moment. The right plan ensures your bathroom works with your routine, whether you’re getting ready for a busy day or winding down at night
Start by layering your light sources so each zone feels intentional. Recessed ceiling lights provide crisp, even brightness that’s perfect for showers and everyday tasks.
At the vanity, wall sconces placed beside or above mirrors cast soft, flattering light that eliminates harsh shadows. It’s an instant confidence boost every morning!
To bring flexibility and calm into the space, consider adding dimmable fixtures or separate light switches. That way, you can brighten things up for grooming or dial the lights down for a spa‑like soak in the tub.
This small detail makes a big difference. It turns your bathroom into a space that supports every part of your day…energizing when you need it, soothing when you don’t!
Best of Both Worlds: Tub and Shower
Sharing a bathroom doesn’t have to mean giving up personal space. For couples designing a primary bath, the goal is balance. You both will benefit from comfort, connection, and a little breathing room.
One of the best ways to achieve that is with both a freestanding tub and a walk‑in shower. The tub offers a relaxing escape, while the shower keeps mornings quick and efficient. When placed thoughtfully, they create a retreat that works beautifully for two.
The key is to give each feature its own zone. A tub set in a cozy nook with tile walls feels warm and inviting, while a glass‑enclosed shower across from the vanity keeps the space open and bright.
Partial walls can separate these areas without closing them off. A low, tiled half‑wall behind the tub or a glass panel near the vanity provides privacy while allowing light to flow throughout.
Even with limited space, you can still enjoy both options. A combined tub and shower can feel just as custom when styled with care.
Add a slim tiled ledge for bath products or a curved glass screen that mirrors the clean lines of larger bathrooms. Little touches like these bring comfort, efficiency, and style together in one thoughtful design.
Double Vanity for Smooth Mornings
Sharing a bathroom every morning can be a test of patience. A double vanity helps take the stress out of the routine. This solution gives each person their own space to get ready without bumping elbows or waiting for the mirror. It’s a small change that makes a big difference, turning mornings from rushed to relaxed.
The right design details make it shine. Warm wood cabinetry brings character, while dark pulls add depth and contrast. Wall‑mounted sconces placed beside or above each mirror provide flattering light and a sense of balance. Together, these elements create a polished, inviting look that feels like a proper retreat instead of a purely functional room.
When planning your layout, keep both practicality and comfort in mind. Leave enough counter space between sinks for shared items, and include a center stack of drawers for easy storage. This setup keeps things tidy and makes all daily routines flow more smoothly.
Built‑In Storage Solutions Without Compromising Space
Storage may not be the first thing homeowners consider when planning a remodel, but it’s often what makes a bathroom truly functional. Without enough built‑in storage, even the most beautiful space can become cluttered and stressful.
The key is planning for storage from the start. When everything has a place, the space feels calmer, and the room stays organized without effort.
Smart, built‑in solutions make the biggest impact. Deep vanity drawers keep personal items tucked away, while tall linen cabinets or recessed niches near the tub hold towels within easy reach. These details save space and add convenience without interrupting the room’s flow.
You can also add function through thoughtful construction details. For instance, recessed medicine cabinets concealed behind framed mirrors keep essentials neatly hidden while preserving clean lines.
Also, built‑in hampers discreetly manage laundry. Meanwhile, wide shower niches aligned with the tile pattern create storage that feels intentional. When storage is seamlessly integrated into the design, your bathroom feels cleaner, more cohesive, and better suited to real-life use.
Tie It Together with Neutral Palettes and Pops of Color
A neutral palette is the secret to a bathroom that feels timeless, balanced, and easy to love. Soft tones let each element shine. In the Clayton bathroom remodel, warm wood cabinetry, crisp white fixtures, and subtle marble‑look tile coexist without competing. The effect is effortless and balanced, giving your eye room to rest while textures, shapes, and natural light take center stage.
To create that harmony, build from a foundation that unites the space. Warm white or pale gray walls connect the tub, shower, and vanity into a single, flowing design.
Marble‑inspired tile adds soft movement, while dark hardware (think black or oil‑rubbed bronze) brings contrast and definition. The combination strikes that ideal balance between warmth and structure, blending modern style with inviting character.
Neutrals also offer staying power. Since they pair beautifully with nearly any color or material, you can update your look later with minimal effort.
Swap in new art, towels, or window treatments to refresh the space, or layer in accent hues through plants, soft blush textiles, or metallic touches. Against a neutral backdrop, these small changes stand out beautifully, keeping your bathroom effortlessly polished and personal year after year.
Customizing Your Bathroom Remodel In St. Louis
A thoughtful bathroom remodel is about more than new finishes or fixtures. It shapes the space around how you actually live. When walls, storage, and lighting all work together, the room feels effortless and uniquely yours.
By planning zones for bathing, getting ready, and relaxation, you create a layout that looks beautiful and works effortlessly day-to-day. Thoughtful touches, like layered lighting, built‑in storage, and well‑placed fixtures, bring lasting comfort and give the space a refined sense of balance that endures over time.
If you’re ready to bring these ideas to life in your own home, our team at Mosby Building Arts can help. We specialize in designing bathrooms that fit your routines, your style, and your space, all with lasting craftsmanship and care. Contact us today or call 314.909.1800 to start planning your custom bathroom remodel in St. Louis.