
Tired to Tranquil: Newcastle Retreat Designed for Renewal
Year:
2025
Sometimes, a space speaks loudest when you finally make room for quiet. For this active family of four with two high schoolers, their primary bathroom had long overstayed its welcome. It was worn, dated, and suffering from a leak under the old shower pan that silently caused damage to the structure beneath. After living with it for over a year, they turned to Lakeville to transform their tired space into a serene, spa-like retreat.
Set in Newcastle, a peaceful residential community tucked between Bellevue, Renton, and Issaquah, the home is surrounded by natural beauty, towering evergreens, and quiet streets. From the moment you step through the bathroom door, the transformation is striking. Gone are the dark slate tiles, cluttered counters, and bulky built-ins. In their place: a blend of minimalism and warmth. Custom cabinetry in rich maple, crafted with a Bryant shaker door style and finished in Buckskin stain, anchors the room, paired with a StratusQuartz Rainier Gold countertop that is lovely in the morning light.
Function met beauty in every design decision. The frosted windows were replaced with clear panes, opening up tranquil views of the evergreens beyond. The cramped corner tub was swapped for a freestanding soaker, framed by a tempered floor-mounted tub filler in matte black. The shower, once forgettable, now features a frameless enclosure, a smart bench, and a niche lined with peach Calacatta gold mosaic tile.
Lighting, often the unsung hero of a remodel, plays an important role here. A drum pendant and updated vanity sconces elevate the space with a soft glow, while Travertine Beige porcelain tile underfoot sets a neutral foundation that feels timeless and clean. The color palette throughout, Sherwin Williams Shoji White for walls and ceiling, Greek Villa on doors and millwork, completes the layered effect.
Lakeville’s scope included structural repair of the water-damaged subfloor and ceiling areas in the dining room below, with sheetrock work that now blends invisibly. Every element, from Kohler’s matte black accessories to the choice to eliminate the dated medicine cabinet, was executed with intention. The project came in just under budget and exactly on schedule.
It’s more than a remodel. It’s a reset. It proves even the most worn-out rooms can become a haven when function, craftsmanship, and modern elegance.