The Gilded Glade

Minneapolis, MN

The Gilded Glade is a whimsical, nature-inspired bathroom designed for a pair of retired grandparents who often share their 1939 home with a young grandson. As their only bathroom, the space needed to accommodate both the practical demands of everyday life and the joy of family connection. The husband’s tall height made the original fiberglass tub and low soffit difficult to use, while bathing their grandson could be a physically challenging activity. Storage was minimal, and a bulky linen closet consumed valuable space. The clients had no specific vision and offered complete creative trust, allowing the designer to draw inspiration from their vibrant home, floral kitchen wallpaper, and lush garden outside.

To bring that story to life, the designer removed the soffit to raise the shower ceiling and shortened the shower plumbing wall to make room for a full-depth vanity. A smaller 30″ tub and re-imagined layout preserved circulation while allowing the addition of custom inset cabinetry in rustic alder with a rich Acorn stain. The old linen closet was replaced with a tall storage cabinet featuring roll-out shelves for easy access.

The shower features Fireclay’s handmade 6×6 tile in Caspian Sea, adding depth and richness, while a hand-shower and recessed niche make bathing their grandson easier. Two different, but complimentary murals were custom sized to fit the space and introduce a refined storybook quality. The mural near the door resembles a shaded forest, and the other framing the vanity like a sunlit clearing. Every detail, from the brushed brass fixtures to the alignment of the mural scale with the mirror, was carefully planned to create a sense of immersion and delight.

The result is a functional, joyful, and highly unique space that reflects the heart of its inhabitants. The Gilded Glade has become a beloved feature the family proudly shares with every guest.