From Cramped Layout to Open Space - Misty Blue Rain Master Bath in Shrewsbury, MA

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This bathroom renovation reimagined a once-cramped layout into a space that feels open, functional, and beautifully balanced.

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About the Homeowners:

This master bath definitely had some years on it. Between the aged wall color, the worn-out finishes, and a layout long past its prine, it was ready for a full reset. Our clients were a great, easygoing couple who were finally ready to invest in the primary bath they’d been dreaming about. They asked us to take the lead and 'make it beautiful'. So we did exactly that.

The Goal:

The Initial Vision

The homeowners first came to us thinking they only needed a light refresh. They planned to keep the existing layout and simply update the finishes to create a cleaner, more modern look. Their main focus was functionality, with better lighting, improved storage, and a design that would stay timeless over the next several years. They wanted the bathroom to feel brighter and more comfortable, but a full reconfiguration or major design shift wasn't part of their original plan.

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Design-Build Proposal

With the footprint locked in, we shifted our attention to improving the bathroom's performance and flow. One of the most significant upgrades involved the old shower door, constructing a true curbless shower with a full-height fixed glass panel. To execute this correctly, we reworked the subfloor, recessed the area for a linear drain, and established a precise slope to move water efficiently. Once complete, the open entry and clear glass expanded the visual width of the room and brought more natural light through the space.

To maximize function in a tight layout, we built a custom 18-inch-deep vanity and coordinated the plumbing to support a wall-mounted faucet. This provided better counter space, improved ergonomics, and freed up floor area. We also removed the old closet framing and installed a full-height utility cabinet built with proper blocking and alignment to sit flush with the walls. This gave the homeowners organized, practical storage without adding unnecessary bulk.

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The Before:

Issues

1. Lack of storage, particularly the countertop cabinets
2. Outdated shower system that does not allow much mobility or accessibility
3. Lack of overall space utilization makes the space much narrower and smaller

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The After:

Improvements

1. The new curbless glass shower adds light, openness, and easier accessibility, immediately making the room feel more spacious.
2. Custom cabinetry in coordinating finishes, paired with polished silver hardware, elevates the look while delivering far more functional storage

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The Challenges Along The Way:

As we all know every build has its own challenges. One of the challenges we ran into is opening the shower walls and shifting the shower water pipes to their new locations...etc. This renovation pushed us to make every inch count. Staying within the existing footprint meant every plumbing line, electrical run, and layout adjustment had to be executed with absolute accuracy. The curbless shower was especially demanding, requiring a precise slope and drainage solution that protected the subfloor, preserving the strength of the floor joists below, and kept all height transitions clean. Even with these constraints, strong communication between our design and construction teams allowed us to deliver a smooth, high-impact finish that feels effortless in the final space.

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The Finale:

By reworking the proportions, choosing smarter materials, and improving the flow, this small footprint now feels twice as spacious. It shows how strategic planning and thoughtful finish selections can completely reshape a room, turning limitations into something genuinely beautiful.

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Get In Contact With Us

Are you interested in renovating your own bathroom space?
Get in contact with us for consultation and we’d be happy to discuss your concerns and questions. ‍

http://www.bbrdesignbuild.com/contact

To view our full portfolio:

https://www.bbrdesignbuild.com/portfolio

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