Old Briarcliff: A Spa-Inspired Primary Bathroom
What Our Client Wanted - The homeowners were already in the midst of an extensive second-floor primary suite expansion—along with a family room below—working closely with their architect to reimagine the home. As the plans progressed, they realized the primary bathroom deserved additional attention and asked Mimi to provide a layout refinement and an additional perspective on how the space could better support their goals. The husband was looking for a luxurious escape, the wife wanted glamour, and together they envisioned a spa-like retreat where they could unwind at the end of the day.
Looking at the space through a bathroom-focused lens, Mimi identified an opportunity within the existing footprint: two underutilized closets tucked under the eaves could be annexed to the bath, allowing the room to be enlarged and thoughtfully reconfigured. Because the roofline affected ceiling heights, careful coordination was required to ensure the new layout met building code requirements—particularly the seven-foot clearance needed for the shower plumbing fixtures. Mimi positioned the soaking tub strategically within the space, and working closely with the architect, the solution was reviewed and approved by the town’s building department. It was a true collaboration, blending design intent with technical precision.
The revised plan created space for a freestanding soaking tub and a separate steam shower, instantly shifting the experience from standard to spa. Custom vanity cabinetry was designed with generous storage to keep everyday essentials neatly organized and surfaces calm and uncluttered. Within the shower, an end-to-end niche was integrated directly into the wall and visually blended with the surrounding tilework—an elegant solution that provides ample space for the client’s many products without disrupting the clean lines of the room.
Finishes and details were selected to balance serenity and glamour in equal measure. The clients loved the direction so much that what began as a layout refinement quickly evolved into a full design engagement for the entire primary bathroom. The project was later featured in the Fall 2014 issue of Westchester Home magazine.
