A flair for the dramatic shares space with curated quality in this bathroom renovation.
Words by Christine Emming | Photos by Josie Benefield
uring their first conversation, homeowner Allison Walker told Celeste Antoine of Spirit Animal Interiors that her design inspirations reflected Delia Deetz’s house from the original Beetlejuice movie. Remembering their chat, Antoine says the house “is riddled with unique art and sculptures, but [the ultimate vision] was honing in on that to have a more museum-quality finish.”
Antoine grew up taking art classes at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and went to college for Fine Arts. She did set design, hair and makeup for fashion editorials, music videos and runway shows in Los Angeles—developing the dramatic and artistic flair that serves her clients today.
“When I moved back to Kansas City, I started working in a showroom selling luxury plumbing fixtures,” Antoine says.
That job helped her develop relationships with area builders and contractors, and she started her own company in 2021 to focus on high-end renovations.
“The majority of my projects are bespoke remodels,” she notes.
A mutual friend introduced Nick and Allison Walker, and Antoine soon agreed to handle their bathroom renovation. Although the main floor of the Walkers’ home had been updated, its primary suite had remained untouched since it was built in the early 1990s. Glass blocks, strange soffits, no storage, and a built-in, jetted bathtub made poor use of the spacious interior.
The Walkers love quality materials and functionality, something Antoine was mindful of throughout the renovation. However, delivering a finished product that pleased both people—Allison loves everything black, while Nick loves everything light—was also an enjoyable challenge.
“I was able to use a lot of black elements in the design while keeping the overall feel of the bathroom light, bright and open,” Antoine says.
Striking cutouts on the quartzite vanity and wall-mounted lavatory faucets add visual interest to the newly functional space, while glossy black shower tile and a matte black tub amp up the contrast.
Justin Thornton Painting brought over a sample of Venetian plaster—a blend of plaster and marble dust that creates a long-lasting, dimensional effect—to demonstrate its waterproof nature.
“It brings such an important element of texture and durability,” Antoine says of the finish she used on the room’s walls and ceiling.
Where the tub space felt sad before, installing a diaphanous chandelier transformed the alcove into an art exhibit.
“Allison and I both happen to collect busts,” Antoine notes. “It made sense to incorporate them here for a fun, personal touch.”
Resources
Interior Designer: Animal Spirit Interiors Cabinets: KC Home Carpentry Finishes: Justin Thornton Painting Countertop/Shower Stone: Any Top Shop Vanity Sconces: Kelly Wearstler, sourced from Relative Lighting Tile Material: The Tile Shop Plumbing Fixtures: Delta Faucet Shower Steam Unit: Mr. Steam Shower Glass: Santa Fe Glass Tub Chandelier: Perigold
You may also like these articles.

IntegrateIT: Revolutionizing Smart Automation for Homes and Businesses
In today’s homes and commercial spaces, technology should enhance the experience, not compete with the design.

The Pavone Effect
An event pro’s lower-level lounge struts its stuff with moody, Italian-inspired boutique hotel bar vibes.

Five Stars
A multi-zone basement remodel in Old Leawood showcases seamless flow, standout style, and the final flourish of veteran designer Gayle Jagoda’s career.

Tranquility Within
A lower-level remodel in Platte City turns a family home into a year-round wellness retreat.

Color-Filled Corners
A teensy Drummond renovation leans into midcentury whimsy, becoming a photographer’s dream.

An Unexpected Sky View
When demolition shows a new path mid-route—and the client leaps in wholeheartedly—the end result is transformative.


Leave a Reply