Modern Primary Bathroom Reveal: Soaking Tub, Brass Fixtures & White Oak Vanities

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After months of planning and construction, I’m so excited to finally share our new modern primary bathroom! Every decision—from the layout to the finishes—was made with both style and function in mind. This space feels like the perfect blend of “his and hers,” and I truly couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

Modern primary bathroom with soaking tub, double white oak vanities, walk-in shower, and brass finishes

Planning the Layout

The layout of the bathroom was largely determined by the footprint we had available in our new addition. There were several constraints to work around: our primary bedroom and walk-in closet on one side, and my son’s bedroom directly behind the bathroom on the other.

I was also adamant that our bedroom be on the south/west side of the house. Our previous bedroom had a north-facing window and got almost no natural light—so I wasn’t making that mistake again!

Full view of modern primary bathroom with soaking tub, vanities, shower, and custom lighting.

Our designer worked her magic and created a layout that checked every box: double vanities, a soaking tub, a large walk-in shower, a tucked-away water closet, and even a built-in linen closet for extra storage. It feels open, functional, and surprisingly spacious—especially after the tiny little bathroom I lived with for the past nine years!

Our Color Palette & Finishes

We kept the color flow consistent with the bedroom by using:

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee on the walls
Sherwin Williams Pure White for the trim

The flooring is a timeless, marble-look porcelain tile—beautiful, durable, and classic. I did splurge on heated floors, and I’m SO glad I did. Porcelain can get cold fast, and the warmth underfoot makes all the difference, especially in winter.

The Vanities: Stylish & Budget-Friendly

I knew I wanted white oak vanities, but custom builds were going to push us way over budget. After lots (and I mean lots) of searching, we found these online—and took a bit of a risk ordering them sight unseen. Thankfully, they turned out better than expected and add the perfect natural wood warmth to the space.

White oak bathroom vanity with brass hardware and quartz countertops in a modern bathroom.

We did upgrade the hardware, though. I swapped out the stock pulls for brass hardware from Amazon, and the difference is huge. It’s a small change, but it instantly made the vanities look higher-end.

Brass drawer pulls on white oak vanity cabinet in warm modern bathroom.

The Shower & Fixtures

The shower wall tile is probably my favorite part of the whole bathroom. It’s clean and classic, with just enough texture to keep it interesting—and I love that it has a bit of a masculine edge, which helps the space feel balanced between us.

Walk-in shower with textured tile and brass Kohler fixtures in neutral bathroom.

When it came to the tub and plumbing fixtures, I did my homework. I went to our local Kohler showroom and—of course—fell in love with the most expensive tub there. (No regrets, though, it’s so comfortable.)

Freestanding Kohler soaking tub with bubble chandelier in bright modern bathroom.

We also chose brass fixtures from the Studio McGee x Kohler collection, and I was able to see everything in person before ordering. The whole suite feels elevated and timeless, and it ties in beautifully with the rest of the finishes.

White oak vanity with brass fixtures, mirror and sconces and white quartz countertops.

Lighting & Window Treatments

One thing I knew from the beginning? I wanted a statement light fixture over the tub. I’ve had my eye on this bubble chandelier for years, and I finally had the perfect excuse to use it. It adds just the right touch of whimsy to the space and brings in a bit of softness.

Bubble glass chandelier over tub adding statement lighting in elegant primary bathroom.

We originally planned to order custom roman shades from The Shade Store, but after seeing the quote… we pivoted. I ended up ordering custom roman shades from TwoPages (the same brand that makes my favorite curtains), and they are stunning. The quality is incredible for the price, and I actually ordered matching plain white ones for the bedroom, too.

Custom patterned roman shades from TwoPages on window in bright neutral bathroom.

What I’d Do Differently

Nothing major! I really love how it turned out. My only gripe in where the outlets are next to the sinks – they were placed exactly where the towels hooks should be, so the towel hooks are pushed in a bit and slightly awkward. But I really can’t complain too much!

Close up of white quartz countertops in a modern primary bathroom.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this bathroom is everything I hoped it would be—calm, classic, and just a little bit fun. I’m so happy we invested in the details that matter (hello, heated floors and statement lighting!) and found smart ways to save where we could.