When “Almost” Isn’t Good Enough: Finishing What Others Started
Picture this: You're giving someone a tour of your home, and when you reach the lower level, there it is—the bathroom that time forgot. Exposed plumbing reaching toward nowhere, half-started walls whispering promises of what could have been, and that sinking feeling that comes from watching a dream defer itself indefinitely. Sound familiar?
For these homeowners, that abandoned bathroom project had been haunting their lower level for far too long. When they reached out to Refined Homes, we didn't just see unfinished business—we saw an opportunity to transform "what went wrong" into "wow, that's exactly right."
From Forgotten to Favorite
A Lower Level Transformation
Let's just say this project had a bit of backstory. The plumbing had been started by someone else, and then... well, then the project joined that special club of home improvement initiatives that somehow get permanently stuck in limbo between "we'll finish that next weekend" and "maybe we should just close the door and pretend it doesn't exist."
When we first met these homeowners, they showed us a space that was meant to be but had been forgotten. As we always do, we began by partnering with them through the design process, working at their pace and comfort level to make decisions. Throughout the journey, we discovered together exactly how this bathroom would be designed and built—not just finished, but finished right.
The existing basement was essentially serving as an oversized closet, with one homeowner carving out a makeshift office/exercise area that felt more "making do" than "made for you." Through thoughtful design and some serious technical magic, we orchestrated a transformation that hit all the right notes:
Design That Tells A Story
Here's where things get interesting. This wasn't just about completing someone else's abandoned checklist. The homeowner has impeccable taste—we're talking worldly influences, carefully curated art, and a design sensibility that makes you want to slow down and appreciate every detail. Our mission? Ensure this bathroom would seamlessly fit with her home's stunning aesthetic.
Think of this as creating the final chapter of a book where someone else wrote a confused introduction. The homeowner took the lead on all design decisions (as it should be for a primary bathroom), and together we crafted something that feels both deeply personal and universally beautiful.
The Design Details That Matter
Although this bathroom sits on the lower level, we talked extensively about universal design and aging in place. You know what they say—the best time to plan for the future is before you need to. Even without current or anticipated needs, we're always thinking ahead about how a person might age safely and comfortably in their home.
A person would need to be mobile enough to use the stairs to reach this bathroom, but we wanted to ensure safety with every step once they're there. To that end, we decided on:
- Backing for future grab bars in the shower (invisible now, invaluable later)
- A built-in shower bench (because everyone deserves a comfortable place to pause)
- A curbless shower (most impressively for a remodeled space, if we do say so ourselves!)
Whether you're looking to accommodate aging parents, create rental income, or just need a dedicated space away from the main house chaos, an ADU might be your answer. As one of our clients put it: "It's like having a vacation home without the vacation home price tag or commute!"
The Australian Plot Twist
Fun fact: These homeowners split their time between Minnesota and Australia, and that international influence shaped one of the bathroom's most distinctive features. During our design conversations, we learned that shower doors aren't as common in Australia—so she decided to skip it entirely, opting instead for a beautifully open design.
To accommodate visiting grandchildren and create visual separation from the adjacent living room, we added privacy glass—a thoughtful design touch that defines the space without closing it off. The result feels sophisticated, intentional, and refreshingly different.
Technical Magic Meets Design Dreams
Here's where the renovation gets really interesting. To achieve the curbless shower and install the in-floor heating system (on a separate zone tied into their existing radiant heat), we needed to completely demo and rebuild the floor. Was it complicated? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Let's just say the homeowner's decision to splurge on that element made all the difference.
And speaking of splurges worth making: the Elizabeth Sutton Terrazzi mosaic blend of terrazzo and stone tile serves as the showstopping centerpiece of this space. When you're in this bathroom, every direction you look—including down at that gorgeous floor—reflects the homeowner's distinctive design vision.
Plot twist: What started as someone else's abandoned project became a space so beautifully realized that it might just be the favorite room in the house.
Ready to Expand Your Dreams (and Accomplish what's been Abandoned)?
This project perfectly captures what we love about remodeling work—taking what "could have been" and transforming it into what "absolutely is." It's not just about finishing what someone else started; it's about partnering with homeowners to create spaces that tell their stories, serve their needs, and make them smile every time they walk through the door.
Whether you're dealing with an abandoned project that's been haunting your home, or you're ready to start a bathroom remodel from scratch, we bring the same thoughtful approach: listening to your vision, planning for your future, and crafting spaces that feel uniquely, authentically yours.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
If you've got an unfinished project collecting dust (and regret), or if you're ready to create a bathroom that perfectly reflects your style and needs, let's talk. We'll partner with you every step of the way—from design decisions to those final, satisfying details that make a bathroom feel less like a room and more like a retreat.
Call Tricia to schedule your consultation or reserve your spot today!
