Master Bath Magic

When you think of refurbishing your master bathroom, I am sure that applied molding is the last thing that comes to your mind. Did you know that applied molding, in its decorative sense, traces its lineage to ancient civilizations where ornamentation was a symbol of status. Today the world of applied molding is shockingly affordable, and it is the true decorating hero in any space. Applied molding can be tailored to personal taste so from Regency to farmhouse style, you may have what you like. Molding does not just belong in libraries and dining rooms it thrives in steamy sanctuaries too! Applied molding adds texture, charm, and it is the finishing touch that says, “Yes, even my bathroom has good bones.” Let’s peek into the master bathroom of a Lantana model to see how molding transforms and defines the space somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  Started with a vanityBright Functional and Luxurious, Home Décor by Ruth Dyer - in the Villages of Florida.
In most cases, we would order a custom vanity for the master bath, but in this home, the homeowners discovered a beautiful piece online that completely captured their vision. The vanity became the starting point for the entire space. Though the vanity features traditional doors and drawers, its furniture-style feet give it a more collected and curated look. It arrived in a large crate and was ready for installation almost immediately, which made the process refreshingly smooth. Online shopping offers endless style options, and while this wasn’t necessarily a budget-friendly choice, it was the right one for these homeowners. They were committed to finding a vanity that felt like furniture, and the result is both elegant and inviting. One thoughtful detail: the vanity was purchased without a countertop. That decision allowed for a custom counter to be fabricated during installation, which made all the difference. If you’re browsing online for your own bathroom vanity, consider skipping the “included top”. A custom top is a small change that opens big possibilities for personalization.

  •  Finish carpentry
We partnered with a skilled finish carpenter to install the vanity, and once it was in place, the space truly began to take shape. Above the vanity, we added a custom molding surround that echoes the detailing below, creating a sense of continuity and balance. The surround was designed with three side panels that project slightly forward and are perfect for housing lighted sconces. At each sink, the molding steps back to form a subtle niche, just right for the lighted mirrors selected for the room. This layered approach draws the eye upward and gives the entire wall a tailored, architectural appearance. To carry that sense of refinement throughout the room, we applied molding to all the walls. The trim carpenter carefully scaled each box to suit the proportions of the space, ensuring the treatment felt customized and harmonious. It’s a detail that adds tremendous visual impact yet remains surprisingly budget friendly. The bathroom feels elevated and inviting!

  •  Paint
The entire bathroom was painted white, creating a fresh, airy backdrop that instantly brightened the space. The applied molding added just the right amount of texture, giving the white walls depth and dimension. Without it, the room might have felt flat, but the molding makes the white feel considered and layered.
Painting everything white also had a subtle architectural benefit: it helped disguise the closet door, allowing the room to feel more expansive and cohesive. It’s a quiet trick that makes a big difference. For durability, we used Emerald brand paint throughout the bathroom. It’s scratch-resistant and easy to clean, which is ideal for a space that sees daily use but still deserves to feel refined.

  •  Countertop
The countertops are quartz, chosen to match the kitchen for a sense of continuity throughout the home. The base is a crisp, bright white with soft grey veining that adds movement and a touch of sophistication to the master bath. Behind the sink, we installed a six-inch backsplash the entire way around the sinks to include the side walls. The six-inch backsplash received a shelf to finish the top. This allows the homeowners extra splash space and extra counter space. Lately, I’ve been encouraging taller backsplashes. Not only do they elevate the look of the space, but they’re also more effective in guarding against splashes and wear. It is a little trick that I learned from staying at Disney Resorts, it is very effective.

  •  Lighting
The side panels crafted by the finish carpenter were designed to perfectly frame three beautiful Hubbardton Forge lighted wall sconces. These fixtures bring a sculptural elegance to the space while providing focused illumination at face level. Above the vanity, we installed two recessed ceiling lights, replacing the standard overhead light bars often found in bathrooms. This layered lighting creates a soft ambient glow from above, paired with direct lighting at the mirror, this approach is ideal for daily routines and a more flattering experience for the person using the space. Together, the sconces and ceiling lights offer both function and atmosphere, enhancing the architectural details.

  •  Lighted mirrors
We installed a large lighted mirror that truly transforms the experience at the vanity. Its integrated light surround offers ideal illumination for makeup application and hairstyling, eliminating shadows which guarantees a clear, flattering reflection. The adjustable color temperature from cool to warm allows the user to tailor the lighting to their preference or time of day. One of the most thoughtful features of the lighted mirror is its fog-free technology. After a shower, a simple touch of a button activates the built-in de-fogger, keeping the mirror crystal clear and ready to use. These mirrors are surprisingly affordable and come in both framed and frameless options, making them versatile for a range of design styles. Installation is simple, but it does require an electrical outlet behind the mirror, so coordinating with an electrician beforehand is essential. This mirror, paired with layered lighting from the sconces and ceiling fixtures, creates a master bath that highly functional and luxurious.
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Before and After Pics Below