A bathroom should be more than just a functional space; it should be a personal sanctuary. For this project in Woodbridge, ON, we transformed a dated ensuite into a modern, spa-like retreat. The vision centered on a bold contrast of materials and an open, accessible layout. Key to this design were the sleek Kodaen black fixtures, a spacious custom shower beach, the organic warmth of solid dovetails maple drawers, and a stunning freestaurant bathtub with a freestanding faucet as the room’s sculptural centerpiece. This project showcases how thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship can create a truly restorative space.
Project Quick Facts
- Location: Woodbridge, ON
- Project Category: Primary Ensuite Bathroom Renovation
- Key Features: Curbless shower, freestanding tub, custom maple vanity, heated flooring, matte black fixtures.
- Duration: 2 weeks
The Design Vision
The homeowners approached us with a clear goal: to escape the builder-grade finishes of their Woodbridge home and create an ensuite that felt both luxurious and personal. They were tired of the cramped bathtub-shower combo and a vanity that offered minimal storage and style.
The core concept was a “soft modern” aesthetic. This meant blending the clean, sharp lines of contemporary design with natural, warm materials to avoid a sterile or cold feeling. The colour palette was intentionally restrained: matte black, the natural honey tones of maple, and a textured grey porcelain tile that mimics the look of natural stone.
Central to the vision was the idea of creating distinct zones within the room.
- The Bathing Zone: Dominated by the elegant freestanding bathtub, positioned to be the first thing you see upon entering. This isn’t just a tub; it’s a piece of art that invites relaxation.
- The Cleansing Zone: A large, open-concept curbless shower. The “shower beach” design eliminates the traditional curb or step, creating a seamless transition from the main floor. This not only enhances the sense of space but also incorporates principles of universal design for long-term accessibility.
- The Grooming Zone: A custom-built, floating maple vanity. Floating the vanity off the floor enhances the open feeling and makes cleaning easier, while the rich wood grain provides a necessary touch of organic warmth.
The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these zones, using consistent materials like the Kodaen black fixtures to tie everything together.
Materials & Specifications
A high-end finish requires high-end materials and an uncompromising approach to technical specifications. Every choice was made for its durability, beauty, and compliance with the Ontario Building Code (OBC).
Plumbing Fixtures: Kodaen Black Series
We selected fixtures from the Kodaen line for their robust construction and flawless matte black finish. This isn’t a simple paint or powder coat; the fixtures feature a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish. This advanced process bonds the colour to the brass at a molecular level, making it exceptionally resistant to scratches, tarnishing, and corrosion—a crucial feature in a high-humidity environment. The suite included a wall-mounted vanity faucet, a floor-mounted tub filler with a hand shower, and a thermostatic shower system with a rain head and wand.
Vanity: Custom Maple with Dovetail Joinery
The centerpiece of the grooming zone is the custom 60-inch floating vanity.
- Material: Solid hard maple for the drawer fronts and frame, with a furniture-grade maple veneer plywood for the cabinet box to ensure stability.
- Construction: The drawers feature solid dovetails maple drawers. Dovetail joinery is an age-old woodworking technique where interlocking pins and tails create an incredibly strong mechanical bond. It’s a hallmark of superior craftsmanship, ensuring the drawers will never sag or separate, unlike common dowel or staple construction.
- Finish: The vanity was sealed with three coats of a low-VOC, satin-finish polyurethane. This protects the wood from moisture while allowing the natural beauty and warmth of the maple grain to shine through.
Shower Construction: Waterproofing and Tile
The custom shower beach required meticulous planning and execution to ensure it was completely waterproof and compliant with OBC standards for curbless designs.
- Waterproofing: We used the Schluter-KERDI waterproofing system. This involves applying a sheet membrane over the entire shower area—walls and floor—creating a sealed, watertight vessel. All seams, corners, and fixture penetrations were sealed with KERDI-BAND. Before any tile was laid, we conducted a 24-hour flood test to guarantee a perfect seal, a critical quality control step.
- Drainage: A Schluter-KERDI-LINE linear drain was installed at the back of the shower. The floor has a subtle, continuous slope (a minimum of 2% or 1/4” per foot) directed towards the drain, ensuring no water pools in the space.
- Tile: Large-format (24”x48”) porcelain tiles were used on the floor and walls. Their large size minimizes grout lines, creating a cleaner look and reducing maintenance. The texture provides a safe, non-slip surface, crucial for a curbless design.
Electrical and Comfort
All electrical work was completed by a licensed electrician and inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) of Ontario.
- Lighting: We installed four dimmable LED pot lights for general ambient lighting and two vanity sconces for task lighting, all on separate circuits. A dedicated pot light inside the shower, rated for wet locations, ensures the space is bright and safe.
- Ventilation: A new high-capacity, ultra-quiet Panasonic exhaust fan was installed and vented directly to the exterior, exceeding the OBC’s ventilation requirements to effectively manage humidity.
- Heated Flooring: An electric in-floor heating system was installed beneath the tiles throughout the bathroom, controlled by a programmable thermostat. This adds a significant touch of luxury and comfort, especially during cold Woodbridge winters. The system operates on its own dedicated GFCI-protected circuit as required by code.
Process & Timeline
Achieving a full transformation in just 2 weeks requires precise scheduling and a coordinated, experienced team.
Week 1: Demolition and Rough-Ins
- Day 1-2: Full demolition of the existing bathroom down to the studs. This included removing the old tub, vanity, toilet, and all floor and wall tiles. Debris was removed via a disposal bin.
- Day 3-4: Plumbing and electrical rough-ins. This was the most critical phase. Our plumber reconfigured the water supply and drain lines for the new freestanding tub, wall-mounted vanity faucet, and the linear shower drain. Our electrician ran new wiring for the heated floors, pot lights, and relocated vanity light boxes.
- Day 5-7: The subfloor was prepped and reinforced. New moisture-resistant drywall was installed, taped, and the first coats of mud were applied. Crucially, the complete Schluter-KERDI waterproofing system was installed in the shower and the mandatory 24-hour flood test was initiated.
Week 2: Finishes and Installation
- Day 8-10: Tiling. Our master tile setter began by laying the floor tiles, including the intricate slope for the curbless shower. Once the floor was set, the wall tiles were installed. Grouting was completed on Day 10.
- Day 11-12: Painting and major installations. The bathroom was painted with a high-quality, mildew-resistant paint. The custom maple vanity was mounted, followed by the quartz countertop. The freestanding bathtub was carefully positioned and secured.
- Day 13-14: Final fit and finish. The toilet was installed. The Kodaen black fixtures—faucets, shower trim, and tub filler—were connected and tested. The 10mm tempered glass shower panel was installed. All lighting fixtures, switches, and the exhaust fan were fitted. The project concluded with a thorough professional cleaning and a final walkthrough with the thrilled homeowners.
The Final Look
Stepping into the completed bathroom is a transportive experience. The eye is immediately drawn to the graceful curves of the freestanding tub, perfectly complemented by the minimalist, statuesque floor-mounted faucet. The seamless transition into the expansive shower creates an incredible sense of openness.
The matte black fixtures provide a dramatic, graphic contrast against the soft grey of the porcelain tiles and the warm, inviting tones of the solid maple vanity. Light from the new pot lights and sconces plays across the different textures, highlighting the subtle grain of the wood and the smooth finish of the quartz. The space feels balanced, sophisticated, and deeply calming—a perfect fusion of modern design and natural elements.
Design Takeaways
- Embrace High Contrast: Don’t be afraid to mix bold, modern elements like matte black fixtures with soft, natural materials like wood. The tension between the two creates a dynamic and sophisticated look.
- Invest in the Unseen: The most critical part of this renovation is the waterproofing system hidden behind the beautiful tile. Insisting on a professional, fully-tested system like Schluter-KERDI is non-negotiable for the longevity and health of your home.
- Prioritize Craftsmanship: The difference between a standard and a luxury bathroom often lies in details like the solid dovetail joinery in the vanity drawers. These elements not only look better but perform better for decades.
- Design for the Future: A curbless shower is a stylish, contemporary choice, but it’s also a smart, accessible feature that adds long-term value to your home, allowing you to enjoy it safely for years to come.
Maintenance Tips
- Matte Black Fixtures: Clean with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, or scouring pads, as they can damage the PVD finish.
- Custom Maple Vanity: Wipe up any water spills promptly. Clean with a wood-safe cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid letting water pool on the surface.
- Glass and Tile: Use a squeegee on the shower glass after each use to prevent water spots. Clean tile and grout with a pH-neutral cleaner. We recommend sealing the grout annually to prevent staining and mildew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a curbless “shower beach” feasible in an older Woodbridge home with traditional floor joists?
Absolutely. While it requires more planning than a standard curbed shower, it’s very achievable. The key is modifying the subfloor. In most cases, we can lower the subfloor within the shower footprint by trimming the tops of the floor joists (within structural limits) or by using a lower-profile subfloor material. This allows us to create the necessary slope for the drain without having a step up into the bathroom itself. It’s a job for experienced professionals who understand structural and OBC requirements.
What permits are required for a bathroom renovation of this scale in the City of Vaughan?
For a renovation like this that involves moving plumbing drains and significant electrical work, a building permit from the City of Vaughan is typically required. The electrical work also requires a separate permit and inspection from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). We handle the entire permit application and inspection scheduling process for our clients to ensure everything is fully compliant and hassle-free.
How do matte black fixtures hold up over time compared to traditional chrome?
High-quality matte black fixtures with a PVD finish are exceptionally durable. The PVD process makes them highly resistant to scratches and fading. While they can show water spots more readily than polished chrome, regular wiping with a soft cloth keeps them looking pristine. They are far more durable than cheaper, powder-coated alternatives which can chip or peel over time.
This Woodbridge ensuite renovation is a testament to what’s possible when a clear vision is met with meticulous planning and expert execution. It’s a space that not only adds significant value to the home but, more importantly, adds a daily dose of calm and luxury to the homeowners’ lives.
If you’re ready to transform your own bathroom into a personal sanctuary, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.