The Wolf Project: A European-Inspired Bathroom with Timeless Style
- Kendall Sharpe
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
When Becky reached out to us about renovating her master bathroom, she came with a clear vision: a European-inspired space that felt both classic and timeless, yet bold and personal. She loved clean lines and simplicity but wanted touches of color and texture that leaned into her boho edge.
Her existing bathroom layout worked well—everything was in the right place. But the dated finishes, tired colors, and lack of personality made it feel stuck in another era. Becky didn’t just want an update; she wanted her bathroom to feel like her.
Design Goals: Timeless with a Bold Twist
From our first design conversation, Becky made it clear she wanted a bathroom that blended elegance with individuality. She dreamed of a space with character—something no one else on the street would have.
She gravitated toward the look of European simplicity: neutral walls, classic materials, and thoughtful details that would hold up for years. At the same time, she wasn’t afraid of bold contrasts and playful textures that made the bathroom feel curated, not cookie-cutter.
Our design goals were simple: keep the strong layout, replace outdated finishes with timeless choices, and add unexpected details to make the space truly one of a kind.
Key Design Choices: Curated and Layered
Becky’s first non-negotiable was a checkerboard floor. We sourced a stunning 24x24 porcelain tile in a soft calacatta and amani grey combination that instantly set the tone for the room. This floor became the anchor for the rest of the design.
For the walls, we selected Drift of Mist by Sherwin-Williams—a neutral shade that keeps the room light and airy without feeling stark. Against this calm backdrop, the other materials and finishes could shine.
A custom walnut vanity added natural warmth and texture, paired with a sleek quartz countertop and bold black backsplash. Mixing black and gold metal finishes throughout the space kept things interesting and elevated.
Lighting also played a big role. We added four Maxim Equilibrium sconces with clear glass shades for a modern touch and topped the design with a woven, two-tier boho chandelier over the freestanding tub—a perfect balance of elegance and eclectic charm.
Standout Feature: The Custom Shower
If one element defines this project, it’s the shower. Becky had a very specific structure in mind, so we created a design that was both bold and practical. We used large-format tile for the bottom two feet to ground the look, then carried 7x7" square tiles all the way to the ceiling for a dramatic finish.
A custom niche was essential. Too often, new showers are built with tiny storage cutouts that barely hold shampoo bottles. We designed a generous niche that gives Becky plenty of room for her everyday essentials—proof that beauty and function can go hand in hand.
Paired with the sleek Delta Ashlyn shower system, the result is a shower that feels spa-worthy but still practical for daily use.
Form Meets Function
One of the smartest moves was installing a freestanding tub. By swapping out the old built-in, we opened up valuable floor space and improved the flow of the entire bathroom. This choice gave the room a sense of airiness while still anchoring it with a strong focal point.
The vanity’s generous storage keeps everything organized, while layered textures—curtains, accessories, and artwork—make the bathroom feel like a retreat, not just a utility space. Every detail was designed to work hard and look beautiful.
The Reveal: A Bathroom Like No Other
When Becky finally stepped into her finished bathroom, her reaction said it all. She loved that it felt luxurious yet completely personal. The checkerboard floor was exactly as she’d imagined, the walnut vanity felt rich and timeless, and the shower was everything she hoped for.
“This is one of a kind,” she told us, smiling. And she was right—this bathroom isn’t just different from what she had before, it’s different from anything else in her neighborhood. That uniqueness is what makes it special.
Imagine Your Own Transformation
The Wolf Project proves that a bathroom renovation doesn’t have to mean moving walls or relocating plumbing. With the right design vision, you can take an existing layout and completely reimagine it through finishes, fixtures, and thoughtful details.
Even if Becky’s style isn’t yours, her story shows the power of a curated, client-focused approach. At Kendall Sharpe Designs, we design spaces that reflect your personality and lifestyle—down to the very last detail.
