When Kath first reached out to Actualize about remodeling their primary bathroom, communication felt effortless. She and her husband Blake weren’t new to the world of home improvement—Blake is a landscape architect, her father was a woodworker, and Kath herself has a natural talent for great design. That perfect mix of experience and aesthetic intuition set the tone for a smooth collaboration from day one.
On our first site visit, it was clear their primary bathroom had more square footage than most Bay Area homes typically offer—definitely a luxury. But like many original builds, it wasn’t quite delivering joy.
The list of “non-negotiables that needed to go” included the dated built-in tub, vertical shiplap walls ,outdated square tiles,
… that awkwardly high vanity mirror and basic vanity.
We reviewed a few layout options and walked through the pros and cons— always keeping long-term functionality, resale value, and everyday usability in mind.
The winning plan kept the toilet and vanity locations mostly intact, but we reworked the rough plumbing to upgrade from a tub to a comfortably sized 42” x 71” walk-in shower and made key adjustments to ensure the new 48 in vanity would fit just right. Kath took Actualize’s suggestion of relocating the shower valve to the opposite wall from its usual position. This allows the water to reach the preferred temperature before you step in, avoiding that first unexpected splash.
Kath led the design direction with a clear, elevated, and modern vision, making the material selection process impressively smooth. Her decisiveness kept the project moving, with nearly all materials sourced and delivered before construction began—only the custom shower glass was ordered later to ensure a perfect fit.
Final result after a month? A Daily Retreat! This bathroom in Lakeshore, Oakland isn’t just beautiful—it’s energizing. It motivates you to get up, get ready, and enjoy the day ahead.
And at night? It’s the perfect place to decompress, rinse off the day, and settle into calm.
Every element works in harmony, thanks to Kath’s unwavering sense of style.
Honestly, we call this our Bathroom of the Year—and we mean it.
Thinking About Your Own Remodel?
If you already have a clear idea of the style and function you’re aiming for, Actualize would be honored to help bring it to life. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons before you start filling your cart—and make sure your design isn’t just beautiful, but smart and long-lasting too.
