A Case Study : Coastal Primary Bath Remodel, Alameda, San Francisco Bay Area

Mary Ann Skaria
Apr 29
2 min read

A serene transformation blending coastal charm with modern luxury.

Project Overview

Location: Alameda , CA
Home Age: 1980s builder-grade construction
Client Goal: Create a calming, functional, and timeless primary bath that balances elegance, modern comforts, and aging-in-place features.
Design Style: Coastal-inspired with soft blues, whites, and warm wood tones.

Before the Remodel

The original bathroom felt outdated, with bulky cabinetry, small tiles with heavy grout lines, and a layout that didn’t maximize functionality. The space lacked the calming and sophisticated atmosphere the homeowners desired.

Key issues:

Outdated builder-grade finishes.
Poor lighting and lack of warmth.
Small tiles with too many grout lines, making maintenance difficult.
No modern conveniences or accessibility considerations.

The Design Process

Concept & Inspiration

We began with a Design Deep Dive to understand the clients’ lifestyle, preferences, and goals—clarifying what wasn’t working and what they hoped to gain from the remodel. This helped define the scope and set the foundation for the entire project.

Next, we created a concept mood board inspired by coastal elements—soft blues, crisp whites, and warm wood tones—to guide the look and feel of the space. The goal was to design a space that felt light, open, and sophisticated while incorporating modern amenities for comfort and accessibility.

Material & Finish Selections

With a solid design plan and budget in place, we moved into contractor quoting and finalized the details that would bring the vision to life. This phase included detailed elevations, FFE (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) spec sheets, and a clear communication package to ensure the design intent was carried through seamlessly on-site.

The Transformation & Final Reveal

Once construction began, we provided continuous support to both the contractor and the clients, helping to navigate design changes as site conditions evolved. Regular site visits and timely updates ensured that every decision aligned with the original vision and design intent. This hands-on collaboration was key in making sure the project was executed precisely as planned. What was once a dated, builder-grade bathroom is now a calm, elevated retreat tailored to the clients’ needs—functional, elegant, and ready for the years ahead.

Our Clients are thrilled!

This kind of feedback is what makes every project so rewarding!

Want to see more of this transformation?

Visit the Coastal Oak Park Primary Bath project page for a closer look at the final design, additional photos, and a summary of the space. It’s the perfect place to gather inspiration for your own bathroom remodel.