Schmitz’s instinct was intuitive: open up the shower wall and bring in translucent drapes to allow light to move freely through the space.

Elsewhere in the house, she had already introduced a more modern approach with lighter tones, creating an atmosphere of quiet luxury: in the adjacent bedroom, for instance, a burlwood dresser, raked nightstands, and hand-glazed pottery lamps.

“There’s a hint of traditional, but in a modern, upbeat way,” Schmitz explains. “It’s fresher.”

In the bathroom, she achieved a similar effect through restraint—limiting the palette and focusing on materiality. The guiding element was a light-blue countertop stone, which set the tone for the entire room. Even the handmade ceramic sconces echo that subtle hue.

“It’s soft—without a lot of contrast,” Schmitz says.

The result is unfussy and calm, though far from simple to execute. Precision drives the design: the mirrors, side lights, and vertical tile align perfectly, creating a rhythm that feels effortless but was carefully planned.

Details like pleated drapes, brass accents, and streamlined white oak drawers reinforce that balance between traditional and modern—warm yet tailored, classic yet current.

“We were able to make a large impact without a complete remodel,” Schmitz says—and the space now proves it.