Suite Upgrades

Suite One: A Study in Romance

When this Mountain Brook family decided to do some remodeling, their first thought was the master bathroom. Although more spacious than some, their bathroom, which sported Doric columns, a black bathtub, and a gigantic wall size mirror, was in dire need of some updates. But, after calling on the expertise of architect Cherri Pitts and builder Mitch Bradford, it was clear that this remodel could be so much more for the couple than simply a bathroom makeover. Quickly, the renovation grew from a bath project, to a total master suite overhaul.

ABOVE LEFT Before ABOVE RIGHT AND BELOW Since the bathroom was the original reason for the remodel, Cherri Pitts made sure to spare nothing in the design, assuring that the owners got everything they wanted in the space—specifically, a soaking tub with hidden television for her and a spacious steam shower for him.
 

“As busy parents with active kids, they wanted their space to feel like a peaceful retreat, ” explains Cherri. So, taking cues from the couple’s much enjoyed European travels, the architect began the planning, which included large structural changes.

To create the opulent, spa-like master bath, complete with two lavatories and two large vanities, Cherri knew that she would need to take 5 feet from the bedroom. The tray ceilings also had to be reconstructed to make way for the reclaimed beams. And, as the construction began, Cherri realized that the unused screened porch was the best spot to build a study for the husband, pictured below, creating the perfect addition to the suite.

But it isn’t just the big changes that make this suite so breathtaking; it’s also Cherri’s perfect attention to detail. “I enjoy doing special pieces designed just for a space, ” she says. The evidence is found in the custom petite limestone sink, the antique door knobs, and the tiled barrel vault shower. It’s these seemingly smaller things that actually make a big impact in giving a space the appeal of a one-of-a-kind retreat.

RESOURCES

architect: CHERRI PITTS OF STUDIO C ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS LLC 205.322.2315 • studiocarch.com builder: MIKE BRADFORD OF SANDERS BRADFORD 205.871.1717 • saundersbradford.com interior design: RICHARD TUBB INTERIORS 205.324.7616 • richardtubbinteriors.com beams: SOUTHERN ACCENTS 877.737.0554 • sa1969.com cypress paneling: SANDERS BRADFORD limestone and marble flooring: KENNY & CO. 205.323.5616 • kennycompany.com shower: KENNY & CO. tub faucet: KENNY & CO. petite limestone sink: GARNER STONE 205.951.2974 • garnerstone.com

Suite Two: From Ordinary to Extraordinary

When builder Mitch Bradford was given the task of updating this Homewood master suite, he knew just what he had to do: Create a relaxing space that mirrored the personalities of the homeowners. Although this suite was spacious and had some great amenities (separate shower and tub, large vanity, and bay window), the space was very generic looking and did not match the couple’s taste. So, Mitch set to work creating a private hideaway that was functional, beautiful, and abundant in charm.

AFTER 1. Chandeliers give this romantic getaway an instant boost of sophistication. 2. Replacing the carpet with wood balances the room’s heavy beams. Peacock Pavers give the bathroom a warmer feel and offers contrast against the white walls. 3. While beams were not added to both bathroom and bedroom, the new flat ceilings in both give the suite a cohesive feel.
 

Bedroom Before	Bathroom Before

LEFT, BEFORE 1. Although functional, the fan above the bed and the lantern in the bathroom were unattractive and dated. 2.  Khaki-colored carpet and tan walls left the room heavy and bland. Nondescript white tile in the bathroom made the space feel ordinary and cold. 3. Tray ceilings made the rooms feel generic and less like the customized space the homeowners were looking for.
 

Perhaps the biggest undertaking, but one of the most striking changes, was the removal of the tray ceilings to make way for the reclaimed wooden beams. This one change gave the room an almost instant upgrade in character. From there, Mitch completely refashioned the bathroom from a dark outdated space to a fresh room for relaxation. He replaced the old jet tub with an antique-style soaking tub and removed the glass block window, installing traditional paned windows in its place. This simple upgrade brought plenty of natural sunlight into the room. Additionally, the shower, which had previously been a dim cramped space, was enlarged and retiled, offering a gorgeous counterpart to the new bathtub.

At the entrance into the retreat, Mitch installed heavy wooden doors, complete with a glass transom detail over the top. Finally, the suite was painted a crisp white, contrasting well with the dark doors, beams, and flooring and opening up the suite visually. To look at the old pictures of the master suite, it’s hard to believe that such a wonderful transformation could take place. When asked about his favorite aspect of the new space, Mitch said proudly, “I just love how clean and bright it all looks. I think it turned out really well.”

RESOURCES

builder: MIKE BRADFORD OF SANDERS BRADFORD 205.871.1717 • saundersbradford.com beams: SOUTHERN ACCENTS 877.737.0554 • sa1969.com bathroom tile: PEACOCK PAVERS 800.264.2072 • peacockpavers.com shower, tube, and fixtures: KENNY & CO. 205.323.5616 • kennycompany.com

Text by Cassandra Ramos Lenard • Styling by Lydia Pursell • Photography by Jean Allsopp