Finding a home is not easy in a seller’s market, but when my clients discovered one—even though it needed a bit of work—in a beautiful area of the Santa Cruz Mountains, they decided to jump in. Surrounded by old-growth redwood trees and a sense of old-time history, the house’s location informed the design brief for their desired remodel work. Yet I needed to balance this with my client’s preference for clean-lined, modern style. Suffering from a previous remodel, the galley-like bathroom in the master suite was long and dank. My clients were willing to completely redesign the layout of the suite, so the bathroom became the walk-in closet. We borrowed space from the bedroom to create a new, larger master bathroom which now includes a separate tub and shower. The look of the room nods to nature with organic elements like a pebbled shower floor and vertical accent tiles of honed green slate. A custom vanity of blue weathered wood and a ceiling that recalls the look of pressed tin evoke a time long ago when people settled this mountain region. At the same time, the hardware in the room looks to the future with sleek, modular shapes in a chic matte black finish. Harmonious, serene, with personality: just what my clients wanted. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

A master bath retreat. Two walls were removed and windows installed to create this space. A 6'W x 7'D shower with a 14" rain shower head, 2 body sprays located at the bench and a hand held shower. A floating vanity with vessel sinks, quartz countertop and custom triple light fixture. A floating tub large enough to fit 2 comfortable with a view of the woods. A true retreat.

Primary Bathroom is a long rectangle with two sink vanity areas. There is an opening splitting the two which is the entrance to the master closet. Shower room beyond . Lacquered solid walnut countertops at the floating vanities.

This gem of a home was designed by homeowner/architect Eric Vollmer. It is nestled in a traditional neighborhood with a deep yard and views to the east and west. Strategic window placement captures light and frames views while providing privacy from the next door neighbors. The second floor maximizes the volumes created by the roofline in vaulted spaces and loft areas. Four skylights illuminate the ‘Nordic Modern’ finishes and bring daylight deep into the house and the stairwell with interior openings that frame connections between the spaces. The skylights are also operable with remote controls and blinds to control heat, light and air supply. Unique details abound! Metal details in the railings and door jambs, a paneled door flush in a paneled wall, flared openings. Floating shelves and flush transitions. The main bathroom has a ‘wet room’ with the tub tucked under a skylight enclosed with the shower. This is a Structural Insulated Panel home with closed cell foam insulation in the roof cavity. The on-demand water heater does double duty providing hot water as well as heat to the home via a high velocity duct and HRV system. Architect: Eric Vollmer Builder: Penny Lane Home Builders Photographer: Lynn Donaldson

VJ Panels, Timber Panels In Bathroom, Pink Basin, Blue Feature Wall, Wet Room, Wet Room With Wall To Wall Screen, Modern Bathroom

This built-in shelf is perfect for storing shampoos, soaps, and other bath accessories.

VJ Panels, Timber Panels In Bathroom, Pink Basin, Blue Feature Wall, Wet Room, Wet Room With Wall To Wall Screen, Modern Bathroom

Second Floor Bedroom: Bathroom Photographer: Tom Griscom

Finding a home is not easy in a seller’s market, but when my clients discovered one—even though it needed a bit of work—in a beautiful area of the Santa Cruz Mountains, they decided to jump in. Surrounded by old-growth redwood trees and a sense of old-time history, the house’s location informed the design brief for their desired remodel work. Yet I needed to balance this with my client’s preference for clean-lined, modern style. Suffering from a previous remodel, the galley-like bathroom in the master suite was long and dank. My clients were willing to completely redesign the layout of the suite, so the bathroom became the walk-in closet. We borrowed space from the bedroom to create a new, larger master bathroom which now includes a separate tub and shower. The look of the room nods to nature with organic elements like a pebbled shower floor and vertical accent tiles of honed green slate. A custom vanity of blue weathered wood and a ceiling that recalls the look of pressed tin evoke a time long ago when people settled this mountain region. At the same time, the hardware in the room looks to the future with sleek, modular shapes in a chic matte black finish. Harmonious, serene, with personality: just what my clients wanted. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

A condo master suite was reimagined as a luxury spa in a very tight space. A hydro massage tub with both jet and air massage was combined with a large open shower space as a wet room area. Honed slate on the walls and pebble marble tiles on the floor created a natural zen feel. The area around the tub and a little splash guard on the wall next to the shower were accentuated by glass mosaic tile with a free form edge. Heated floor and a towel warmer keep the bathroom comfortably warm.

Kristen McGaughey Photography