Photos by Spacecrafting
“Eighties awesome” might best describe the old master bath on the chopping block in Meghan and Matt Letne’s Edina home. The vaulted ceiling, miles of white sheetrock, black marble-topped Jacuzzi tub, and black-and-red bow tie tiles sealed the deal for Meghan. “That bathroom sold me on the entire house,” she recalls, laughing. “I couldn’t wait to rip it out.” The project was part of a whole-house renovation the couple undertook after buying the home in 2019, their third in seven years, and possibly—Matt says definitely, Meghan says maybe—their last. Working with interior designer Bria Hammel, their goal was to add warmth and color to the space, dragging it out of the 1980s and ushering it into a more updated, enduring aesthetic.
Equally important was staying within budget, though, which meant mostly leaving the plumbing and electrical in place. (Thankfully, this wasn’t a hardship since the room was already well laid-out.) The only structural change? Hammel’s team installed a few new walls to create a toilet room—a nice touch for a shared bathroom. Replacing the bath with a freestanding tub created ample space for a larger glass shower and custom vanity with double sinks. Drenched in a soft, smoky blue with beadboard walls and abundant storage, it has a contemporary cottage feel and delivers on the color Meghan and Matt wanted. “Increasingly, our clients are willing to take the risk and go with color, and it seems like they enjoy the space more when they do,” Hammel observes, noting that in this case, they were careful to choose a neutral blue with gray undertones that would stand the test of time for decades to come.
Floor tiles that imitate painted white bricks are a surprising choice and a welcome textural counterpoint in a room with so many smooth finishes. Wood and natural fiber accessories and striped linen window shades hint at one of Meghan’s style inspirations: the casual coastal brand Serena & Lily.
The color story continues with a built-in makeup table in an alcove just outside the bathroom. Complete with mirrors, lighting, and more storage, it’s Meghan’s favorite thing. “My makeup area, closet, and bathroom are separated from our bedroom by a pocket door, and when I close it, it’s a truly wonderful retreat.”
