Master Bathroom Renovation in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Project Overview
When the clients approached us about remodeling their attic into a master suite, they had been living in the house for several years. After interviewing five other firms, they settled on Four Brothers, and we began to document the existing space. The attic had one redeeming quality – the heart pine floors. Other than that, it was a dark, dated room with a kitchenette and tiny bathroom.
Design and Layout
The goal of the project was to create an open, spacious master suite, where the couple would want to spend more of their time. We explored several concepts; one of which looked at the idea of a shower as a pass through from the closet to the bathroom. After several rounds, we settled on a large shower and toilet room separating an otherwise open bathroom from the closet. The bed changed location to allow the clients to take advantage of better sight lines; from the bed, the house feels like it is in a forest because of the trees surrounding it. We also added a reading area with a coffee center and beverage fridge, and custom shelving for books with hidden suitcase storage behind them. The TV swivels so as to be visible from both the bed and the seating area.
Style and Finishes
Together with the clients, we settled on an eclectic combination of classic and contemporary for a timeless, clean look. A salvaged wood wall from West Virginia and a stained glass window from Chicago add texture and interest.
Construction and Final Product
We encountered several unique problems during the construction, including finding hazardous insulation in the floors, and dealing with the logistical difficulties of operating on two of three floors of an occupied house for parts of the project. In the end, the project turned out better than we expected, and the clients are thrilled with their new space.
What the Customer Said
“We had very high expectations, but the end result still managed to far exceed them, both aesthetically and functionally. From the project’s inception, we had a collaborative relationship with Four Brothers. They patiently and carefully listened to our ideas and concerns and came up with innovative solutions. Leroy worked hard to keep our project on-budget, informing us of unanticipated costs along the way and suggesting ways to keep on track; Matthew is a gifted architect, whose designs really set the tone for the project; and Walid was the project foreman extraordinaire. Anyone who has done any renovation work knows that you will be seeing A LOT of the foreman. Walid is exactly the person you want – meticulous in his craft, punctual, respectful of the home and homeowners, hardworking, and pleasant to be around. We are thrilled with our new master suite and thank Four Brothers for their hard work.”