Tired Main Bathroom Turned Luxury Day Spa in Grasmere
Project Type
Main Bathroom
Location
Grasmere, Sydney, NSW
Project Duration
3 Months
Completion Date
June 2026
The Problem
When Cheryl first reached out to us, she was feeling overwhelmed. Years of surgeries following a serious injury had left her managing ongoing pain and mobility challenges. Recent medical advice had also forced her to confront a reality she wasn’t quite ready to accept, that some aspects of daily life may become more difficult in the future.
The bathroom had become the focal point of that conversation. While Cheryl knew she needed a space that would better support her long-term needs, she was adamant about one thing: She didn’t want a bathroom that felt clinical. She didn’t want a room that constantly reminded her of her limitations. She wanted a luxury day spa.
Like many homeowners, Cheryl had already spent time exploring design ideas before meeting us. But instead of bringing clarity, the process had become increasingly complicated. Every new idea seemed to create another decision, another question and another layer of uncertainty.
A mutual friend suggested she speak with us.
Rather than starting with products, colours or floor plans, we took things back to the beginning. We sat together in the space and talked. What wasn’t working? What did Cheryl and Rob need from the room? What was on the wish list? How did they want the space to feel?
Most importantly, how could we create a bathroom that would continue supporting Cheryl for years to come while still feeling warm, beautiful and luxurious every day?
Understanding the Home
Cheryl and Rob had already invested significantly in renovating the majority of their beautiful Grasmere home. With a strong appreciation for quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design, they wanted the bathroom renovation to feel completely at home with the rest of the property. Entertaining family and friends is a big part of their lifestyle, and with grandchildren regularly visiting, every decision needed to balance beauty, practicality and longevity.
The renovation included both the main bathroom and an office powder room located at the opposite end of the home. While each space would have a very different personality, it was important that they still felt connected.
Reimagining the Main Bathroom
The original bathroom featured a large corner spa bath and a shower that felt surprisingly small for the size of the room. The layout wasn’t making the most of the available space and offered little consideration for future accessibility. Over the course of the design process, we explored more layout options than almost any project we have worked on.
Interestingly, the final design landed remarkably close to the very first concept.
Sometimes the design journey isn’t about finding a completely different solution. Sometimes it’s about giving clients the confidence that they’ve explored every possibility before committing to the right one. The result is a bathroom that feels spacious, calm and effortlessly luxurious.
At the heart of the room sits the hero feature, an oversized skylight that completely transforms the space.
Initially, the size and positioning of the skylight seemed unlikely. It wasn’t until demolition commenced that we were able to fully understand what was structurally possible. With some careful planning and additional structural work, we were able to centre the skylight and maximise its size, flooding the room with natural light throughout the day.
The existing ceiling detail was another feature we strongly encouraged Cheryl and Rob to retain, helping preserve character while adding another layer of architectural interest.
Designed for the Future
One of the biggest priorities throughout the project was ensuring the bathroom could adapt alongside Cheryl’s future needs without sacrificing aesthetics. The oversized walk-in shower was designed with accessibility in mind from the beginning.
A wide opening allows easy access, while the open wet area creates flexibility should mobility requirements change in the future. A tiled bench seat provides everyday comfort while also serving a practical long-term purpose. A detachable shower hose was incorporated for ease of use. Should grab rails ever become necessary, they can be added seamlessly without major alterations.
The addition of a smart toilet was another carefully considered decision. While it undoubtedly adds a sense of luxury, it also provides practical support and independence for years to come. Every accessibility feature was intentionally integrated into the design rather than added as an afterthought.
The goal was simple: Future-proof the space without anyone ever noticing it had been future-proofed.
Warmth, Comfort & Everyday Luxury
If there’s one thing Cheryl doesn’t enjoy, it’s being cold. So comfort became a major consideration throughout the renovation.
The bathroom includes:
- Underfloor heating
- Heated towel rails
- Smart toilet with heated seat
- Large format Beaumont Tiles Strato Slate Grey tiles throughout
These additions may seem like small details individually, but together they create the kind of everyday luxury that genuinely changes how a space feels to live in.
The Office Powder Room
While the main bathroom was designed as a light-filled retreat, the office powder room offered an opportunity to create something entirely different.
Used primarily by guests and Rob’s clients, the brief called for a more dramatic and sophisticated atmosphere.
Although the same Beaumont Tiles Strato Slate Grey tile was carried throughout both spaces to maintain continuity, the mood couldn’t be more different.
Burnished Wood Nuance laminate by Laminex was paired with a Caesarstone Turbine Grey wash plane, gunmetal Parisi tapware and a backlit mirror to create a rich, moody aesthetic that feels both welcoming and refined.
The contrast between the two rooms demonstrates how thoughtful material selections can create completely different experiences while still feeling connected.
The Outcome
For Rob, trust was one of the most important parts of the process.
Both he and Cheryl cared deeply about getting the renovation right. They knew exactly how they wanted the finished result to feel, which naturally created pressure around making decisions. By taking the time to understand their priorities, communicate openly, and guide them through each stage of the journey, we were able to build the confidence needed to move forward with clarity.
The result is a home that now feels complete. A luxurious bathroom that functions beautifully today while quietly supporting whatever tomorrow may bring. A sophisticated powder room that welcomes guests and clients alike. And most importantly, a renovation experience that left Cheryl and Rob feeling genuinely cared for throughout the process.
One of our favourite moments came during the professional photography session. Standing in her completed bathroom with a glass of wine in hand, Cheryl spoke candidly about how happy she was with the finished result, how respectful the trades were in her home, and how much she appreciated the way the entire project was managed.
For us, that’s always the real measure of success. Not just creating beautiful spaces. Creating spaces that genuinely improve the way people feel every day.
Designed and built by CBRS
Trades:
- Plumbing- Capita Plumbing
- Electrical- BRM Electrical Solutions
- Tiling- Precise Tiling
- Gyprocking- SPQR Gyprocking
- Skylight- Simply Skylights
- Painting- New Effects Group
Suppliers:
- Tiles- Beaumont Tiles, Strato Slate Grey
- Tapware, accessories and smart toilet- Parisi
- Bath and basins- Turner Hastings
- Custom vanities- design by CBRS, built by Monte Custom Joinery
Looking for a life changing bathroom renovation?
Send us an enquiry to get your renovation quote.