When it comes to design build bathroom remodeling, the importance of a well-designed shower cannot be overstated. A custom shower not only enhances the overall aesthetic of your bathroom but also improves functionality. In the Bay Area, where homes are sought after and values continue to rise, investing in high-end renovations is essential.

Elevating Your Bathroom With Custom Shower Designs

Custom shower designs can transform an ordinary space into a luxurious retreat. Tailoring the size, shape, and features of your shower allows for a unique experience that meets your needs perfectly. As homeowners in the Bay Area look to enhance their properties, custom showers become a focal point that adds character and sophistication.

An ideal design incorporates elements such as frameless glass doors, unique layouts, and integrated seating, making them inviting and practical. This bespoke approach ensures every detail is carefully curated, creating a seamless transition between aesthetics and utility. According to NASDAQ, 11% of respondents said they did renovations to increase the value of their home, which underscores the desirability of these custom solutions.

Involving a skilled design build bathroom remodeling service is vital for executing these custom designs effectively. By collaborating with professionals, you ensure that each design challenge is met artistically and structurally. This partnership fosters creativity while also adhering to technical requirements, resulting in a harmonious balance of beauty and functionality.

Incorporating Luxury Materials for a Timeless Look

Luxury materials can dramatically elevate the appearance and durability of your shower area. High-quality options such as marble, granite, and high-end ceramics provide an air of sophistication that is hard to replicate with standard materials. Their timeless appeal not only enhances the aesthetic but also contributes to a long-lasting investment.

In the Bay Area, homeowners often opt for natural stone finishes that reflect the region’s stunning landscape. These materials can be paired with custom fixtures and elegant hardware to create a cohesive and stunning shower experience. A professional design build bathroom remodeling service can guide you in selecting the best materials to complement your overall design vision.

Enhancing Functionality With Smart Shower Features

Modern technology is reshaping how we approach shower designs, with smart features enhancing both convenience and luxury. Digital controls, rain shower heads, and voice-activated systems can turn an everyday routine into a personalized spa experience. Homeowners in the Bay Area are increasingly embracing these innovations, making their showers more functional and enjoyable.

Smart features provide tailored shower experiences, allowing individuals to preset their preferred temperature and spray patterns. They also offer energy-efficient options, such as water-saving fixtures that do not compromise on performance. Incorporating these elements is a standout choice for those looking to modernize their bathrooms while ensuring they remain practical. Engaging a full-service design build bathroom remodeling service ensures that these technologies are seamlessly integrated into your design without compromising the overall aesthetic.

Using Creative Tile Patterns and Wall Treatments

Tile patterns can make a substantial impact on the overall look of your shower. Creative arrangements can add visual interest and serve to highlight specific design features, such as accent walls or niche storage areas. Choosing the right tile pattern allows you to express your personal style while also creating a dynamic space.

In addition to traditional layouts, homeowners are exploring more daring patterns, like herringbone or chevron, which can dramatically invigorate the aesthetics of their bathrooms. Pairing varied textures and colors can result in a striking visual dialogue that captivates attention. Experienced design build bathroom remodeling services in the Bay Area can assist in selecting tiles that harmonize with your overall design while ensuring quality installation.

Investing in a custom shower design is a worthwhile endeavor for any homeowner looking to elevate their bathroom remodel. With a myriad of options for luxury materials, innovative technology, and creative tile work, the possibilities are endless. By partnering with an experienced design build bathroom remodeling service, individuals in the Bay Area can create a stunning shower that not only elevates their home but also significantly enhances their quality of life. Call us today at Harrell Design + Build to get started!

In high-end homes across Mountain View, CA, bathroom renovations aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about enhancing the way a space functions. When working with a design-build firm, the goal is to make every inch count, especially in spaces like the bathroom, where clutter can quickly overpower luxury. With the median spend on bathrooms rising to $15,000 on average, according to the University of South Alabama, thoughtful storage solutions have become a hallmark of excellent bathroom remodeling service. If you’ve already committed to renovating, here’s how to elevate your design with strategic storage upgrades.

Integrate Custom Cabinetry Into the Layout

One of the best ways to maximize storage is to plan for custom cabinetry from the start. Unlike off-the-shelf options, bespoke vanities and cabinets can be designed to fit your space and your lifestyle perfectly. Whether you’re creating a spa-like retreat in a primary suite or reimagining a secondary bath, custom millwork allows for tailored storage zones that keep countertops clear and essentials out of sight. A seasoned bathroom remodeling service will help design cabinetry that complements your aesthetic while improving organization.

Use Vertical Space With Built-In Storage

When floor space is limited, look up. Vertical storage is a powerful tool in bathroom design. Tall cabinets, recessed shelving between studs, and built-in wall niches can create functional spaces without interrupting the visual flow. These elements are especially effective in walk-in showers or above bathtubs, where minimalism often meets practicality. A skilled bathroom remodeling service in Mountain View, CA will know how to balance these features with clean lines and luxury finishes.

Incorporate Hidden and Multi-Use Features

Modern bathroom storage goes beyond traditional drawers and cabinets. Think toe-kick drawers beneath vanities, mirror-front medicine cabinets with internal lighting, or benches that double as concealed storage. These hidden solutions are ideal for maintaining a sleek and elegant appearance while still accommodating everyday needs. An experienced design-build partner can integrate these features seamlessly, so the function doesn’t detract from the visual appeal.

Design for Daily Routines

Every bathroom serves different routines depending on the household, which is why personalized planning is key. Do you need separate storage zones for partners sharing a space? Are you incorporating wellness features like a steam shower or soaking tub that require unique accessories? A top-tier bathroom remodeling service will consider how you live and design around it. Smart storage makes your bathroom not only beautiful but highly functional.

Choose Materials That Enhance the Space

Storage should feel like a natural part of the room’s architecture. Choose materials and finishes that complement the rest of the design, from wood-grain textures in vanities to polished stone on ledges and built-ins. Working with a Mountain View design-build firm means access to elevated materials that offer both durability and luxury. Whether you’re leaning toward contemporary minimalism or classic sophistication, storage features should always enhance—not interrupt—the space.

A well-planned bathroom renovation isn’t just about adding more storage—it’s about adding the right kind of storage in the right places. When you partner with a bathroom remodeling service that understands your priorities and lifestyle, every drawer, niche, and cabinet has a purpose. We see luxury clients increasingly prioritize these smart upgrades as part of their custom renovation journeys. Let your next project be one where form and function work in perfect harmony.

Ready to transform your bathroom into a space that works as beautifully as it looks? Reach out to our team at Harrell Design + Build to begin your bathroom remodeling service today.

Home remodeling is a significant investment in your home that not only enhances the aesthetics of your living space but also increases its value. When it comes to undertaking such an important project, it’s crucial to choose a remodeling service that offers unparalleled expertise and reliability. Entrusting your home renovation to experienced professionals can make all the difference, ensuring the process is seamless, relatively painless, and the results are nothing short of exceptional.

The Value of Experience in Home Remodeling Projects

Experienced home remodeling professionals bring a wealth of knowledge to your project. They understand the complexities of home modifications and have the skills to handle unexpected challenges that may arise. Their ability to offer innovative solutions that fit within your budget and timeline stems from years of hands-on experience. They also understand building codes, how to navigate the permitting process and associated local ordinances. This expertise is essential, as it ensures the project’s success from conception to completion. It’s important to remember that, as a homeowner, you are ultimately responsible for compliance with all the applicable codes, which makes selecting an experienced partner all the more critical. 

Skilled Remodelers Make Renovation Convenient and Stress-Free

The continued growth of the home remodeling industry reflects a strong demand for expert service and exceptional results. In fact, a Houzz study found that 17% of homeowners cited lifestyle changes as a primary reason for renovating. With so much at stake, partnering with an experienced, professional remodeling team ensures your project is handled efficiently and to the highest standards—freeing up your time and giving you peace of mind throughout the process.

Quality, Accountability, and Relationships Matter

A key reason seasoned remodelers are able to deliver exceptional outcomes lies in the long-standing relationships they’ve cultivated with trusted subcontractors and suppliers. These relationships are built on mutual respect, clear communication, and a shared commitment to quality. When a remodeler consistently treats partners fairly and values their time and expertise, it fosters collaboration, reliability, and accountability—three things that directly impact your experience as a homeowner. It means materials arrive on time, workmanship meets the highest standards, and unexpected issues are resolved quickly and professionally. In short, the strength of these behind-the-scenes relationships translates into smoother projects, fewer delays, and better results for you.

Knowledgeability and Problem-Solving

It’s not uncommon for remodelers to run into minor problems or unexpected surprises throughout the process. It’s best to choose experienced home remodeling services because they know how to keep small problems from turning into significant ones–if any occur in the first place. Even if they discover an unanticipated issue with your home during the construction process, they will work with you to ensure it does not pose a large threat to your project. Fortunately, early stages in the process are often dedicated to assessing and investigating whether there are any existing issues, so you can rest assured the team is actively dedicated to ensuring the process goes well and safely.

When embarking on a home remodeling project, the importance of selecting an experienced service provider cannot be overstated. Their expertise ensures a smooth transformation of your space, aligning with both your vision and functional needs. As the housing market remains tight, and the home improvement market continues to grow, opting for experienced remodeling professionals ensures that your project will be executed with a high degree of excellence. Do you need home remodeling services? Contact Harrell Design + Build to speak with a designer today.

Initiating a home renovation journey, whether it’s a minor kitchen update or a major overhaul, can be both thrilling and daunting. Fret not! Let Harrell Design + Build’s award-winning designers guide you with expert advice on trending materials, products, finishes, and structural changes for your indoor and outdoor living spaces. Read on for our five trends in indoor and outdoor design, and how you may implement these into your next home project.

Embracing the Color Indigo: Elevate Your Space with Timeless Sophistication

Infuse your home with the timeless allure of indigo, reflecting the mesmerizing hues of the Pacific Ocean and the vibrant blooms of California landscapes. Indigo’s deep, rich tone exudes sophistication and tranquility, elevating any space effortlessly. Versatile enough to complement various design styles, from modern to rustic, indigo fosters a sense of calm ideal for creating serene living environments. Explore indigo tiles, such as those imported from Portugal like Senior Designer Brooke has incorporated in a client’s primary bath, or featured in our valued vendor Emser Tile’s Passion Series, for deep richness in your home.

Rendering by Harrell Design + Build

Photo from Emser Tile

Coastal Textures: Reminiscent of the California Landscape

Transport yourself to tranquil shores with coastal-inspired textures that evoke laid-back refinement. Neutral hues, natural wood, and tactile textures imbue your space with warmth and inviting charm. Consider textured, wavy tiles for a Mediterranean-inspired bathroom like Designer Margarita used in this guest bathroom, or opt for luxury vinyl SPC flooring, like Medallion’s Aquarius Rising Beechwood, for the look of natural wood without the upkeep (installed in our new showroom!).

Palette by Harrell Design + Build

Photos by Agnieszka Jakubowicz for Harrell Design + Build

Curves: Add Grace and Charm to Your Home Design

Embrace the timeless elegance of curves, reminiscent of Spanish architecture found in many California homes. From curved mirrors to archways, these soft and fluid shapes add visual interest and charm to any space. Incorporating curves, whether through subtle details like installing a new curved bathroom mirror, or grand gestures like creating a new archway, lends a touch of soft elegance to your home’s design. Check out Designer Barb’s Spanish revival remodel where we mimicked an original archway from this 1930s home by furring out the wall replicating the depth and curve. This archway is echoed by a new arched kitchen window, and arched recesses in the living room.

Photos by Jean Bai for Harrell Design + Build

Retro Colors: A Blast from the Past with a Modern Twist

Embrace the resurgence of retro colors, drawing inspiration from the vibrant and earthy tones rooted in the early 1900s, and popular in the 1970s. Explore secondary hues like tangerine orange, teal blue, and peach pink to infuse your space with nostalgic charm. Our valued partner Olivia from Kohler excitedly showed us their Heritage Color Series in the Kohler Signature Showroom recently. The collection offers a range of retro-inspired options for bathroom and kitchen products, perfect for restoring the vintage interior of many California homes, or for creating an eclectic vibe in modern homes. Isn’t this free-standing bathtub in the limited edition “Peachblow” to die for?

Photo from Kohler

Blurring Boundaries: Seamlessly Connect Indoor and Outdoor Living

Maximize your enjoyment of California’s beautiful weather by seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor living spaces. Outdoor Living Designer Lisa encourages California homeowners to extend their living spaces to embrace natural light, fresh air, and greenery with thoughtful design elements like luxury pergolas equipped with sensored louvers from our valued partner Struxure. These innovative features allow you to control the sunlight and rain entering your space effortlessly, ensuring year-round comfort and enjoyment of your outdoor living area.

Photos by Treve Johnson for Harrell Design + Build

Curious to learn more about the products and materials shared? Join Harrell Design + Build’s “Passport to Design Event.” Explore a world of design possibilities all in ONE PLACE – from tile patterns to luxury toilets, and the best in smart home tech to outdoor decking. Learn from our most valued vendors about the latest and greatest materials for your indoor and outdoor living spaces. Featuring pop-ups from Carmel Stone Imports, Haven and Wire, Kohler, Peninsula Building Materials, Toto, Emser Tile, Outdoor Elements, and many more! Stop by Harrell Design + Build on Thursday, March 28th anytime between 4 and 7 pm. Learn more and register here.

Incorporating wet bars and cocktail mixing areas have been fairly commonplace for some time but the latest hot commodity are custom beverage stations. These designer drink destinations tend to focus around coffee, soda, and water, all of which can be enjoyed by the homeowners as well as provide a dedicated refreshment area when entertaining.

Coffee Aficionados

For many people, coffee signals the start of each day. And being able to prepare your favorite brew right in your own home is a luxury many homeowners desire. There are a myriad of coffee and espresso makers to fit every type of aficionado not to mention grinders, French presses, pour over carafes, and all the various accoutrements that accompany the creation of a truly memorable cup of coffee.

When designing a custom coffee space, some things to take into consideration include:

• How much space will be allotted? For some, it will be a niche or built into a cabinet, and for others, it could be an entire dedicated counter area.
• Will your brewing appliance be a focal point or do you prefer to hide it away?
• What type of appliance will you purchase? Will it be a typical standalone unit or a gleaming high-end espresso machine? Will it be built into your cabinetry or will it be built into your fridge (yes, you CAN get refrigerators with built-in Keurig machines!)
• Dedicated storage for cups, grinders, and other brewing utensils as well as coffee pods, beans, syrups, etc. should be considered. Storage should be in close proximity to the appliance to allow for easy, quick coffee creation.
• Access to filtered water. Depending upon the coffee appliance, some will need to be plumbed directly to a filtered water source.

Harrell Design + Build designer, Gloria Carlson, has worked with a number of clients who are coffee lovers. “I’ve worked with several clients who’ve requested a dedicated space for a high-end espresso machine. These dedicated centers serve as a focal point for the barista of the family and generally have included nearby specialized storage and integrated plumbing for filtered water.”

Specialized Soda Bar

While coffee is the elixir for some, Gloria had another client who absolutely loved soda. They preferred fountain soda versus canned or bottled, and since they also frequently entertained in their home, they decided to create a soda bar for their own enjoyment, as well as that of their guests.

“A lot of thought and planning went into designing the space for this beverage center, especially the cabinet where the syrups, water filter, refrigeration unit, circulating lines and carbonation tank were stored,” Gloria explains. “It needed to be easily accessible and spacious enough to hold all of the ingredients and equipment but also hidden away.”

These clients had a dedicated beverage center that not only included the soda bar gun that offered eight different soda choices (the combining of carbonation, water and syrup is called “brixing” and each type of soda has its own unique settings), but also had a sink, ice maker, and beverage refrigerator to store beer and wine. There was also ample storage for glassware and a dishwasher drawer specifically for washing glasses at the soda counter rather than hauling them back and forth to the primary dishwasher. And, to top it all off, Gloria designed a custom backsplash with vintage soda bottlecaps that served as the focal point (not to mention conversation starter!) of the beverage bar.

Things to consider when designing a beverage center for soda include:

1. Location: will this be within your primary kitchen space or elsewhere, such as a Great Room?
2. Storage for glassware, ingredients, carbonation, etc.
3. Appliances: Will you need a bar gun, ice maker, dishwasher, and/or beverage fridge?
4. Water filtration system: To enhance the flavor of your beverage, filtered water is a must.
5. Chiller: Mixing the soda with pre-chilled water ensures it isn’t watered down by ice

Sparkling & Still Water

And then there are the beverage purists, those who want access to filtered water that can be either chilled or hot, sparkling or still. Instant hot water has been around for a while, but built-in carbonated water is a relatively new enhancement to the kitchen. Creating a dedicated water center is made fairly simple when utilizing a specialized faucet such as the Grohe Blue, which provides both unfiltered water for tasks like washing dishes, as well as filtered water for drinking and cooking. Add to that a carbonation device along with a chiller, and you have yourself both filtered, chilled flat and filtered, chilled carbonated water.

Hydro Tap by Zip Water is another new alternative that creates chilled, filtered, sparkling, and hot water all from the same unit. The faucets are designed to be tall enough to fill pitchers and can even be used at an island without a sink beneath, since odds are, this will be providing drinking and cooking water only.

When installing a still/sparkling water beverage center, consider the following:

1. Location: Will this be at your primary kitchen sink or on an island for easier accessibility by guests?
2. Type of Faucet: Do you want a dual-purpose faucet (washing as well as consumption) or will it be purely a beverage area?
3. Storage: If you do want heated, carbonated, filtered, and chilled water, these units will need nearby storage for the chilling or heating tanks, filters and carbonation tanks. It is also worth creating storage for glassware that is near the beverage center.

Do you love handcrafted coffees, perfectly chilled sparkling water, or maybe an ice-cold soda mixed just the way you like it? The creative, top-notch design team at Harrell Design + Build can make your drink-of-choice dreams come true! We invite you to set up time to meet with Certified Kitchen Designer, Gloria Carlson, or another of our designers at our Los Gatos or Palo Alto showrooms to discover the possibilities in your home!

Harrell premier designer, Gloria Carlson, has two degrees from Stanford University. She began her career in Speech Technology, but left to raise two children. After remodeling her home in 2001, she realized that design was her passion. She went to work for her contractor and returned to school to study Interior Design at Cañada College, where she specialized in Kitchen and Bath Design and Green/Sustainable Design. Gloria quickly realized that the kitchen was her favorite room to design, and decided to focus her years of training on this specialty, including multiple examinations from the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and earned the title of Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD). Before joining Harrell Design + Build, Gloria worked as a Designer in a Kitchen and Bath showroom, and now she enjoys designing projects of all sizes, from a small bathroom update to whole house interior and exterior remodels and additions.

Gloria prides herself on listening to her clients and providing designs that are appropriate to their lifestyles and their homes. She possesses a practical approach to her projects, creative style, and responsiveness to her client’s needs. She also is very attentive to both budget and detail. “Remodeling one’s home can be stressful, so I try to make the process as fun as possible,” says Gloria. “I listen carefully to the homeowner’s desires, whether functional, aesthetic or budgetary, and come up with a plan that will work for them. Then, throughout the project, they know they can count on me to respond quickly to questions and help with decisions.”

Gloria has won multiple awards for her designs from the local chapters of NKBA, NARI, ASID and IFDA. Outside of work, Gloria loves to play tennis, and being a “foodie”, enjoys everything epicurean.