BEAUTY, BOUNDARIES AND THE BATHROOM.

LISA SHERRY'S RULE-BREAKING GUIDE TO BRILLIANT BATHROOM DESIGN.

FEBRUARY 18, 2026 | CHARLOTTE, NC

"I love what I do and I'm happy it shows," says Lisa. Bathroom design matches method and creativity.

I’m a creative person. Rules, borders and boundaries tend to bring out the inner naysayer in me. But there is one important exception.

Interior design, by nature, involves constraint. The roof can’t cave in. A sofa has to fit the room. Load-bearing walls are real. Proportion, physics, codes and construction plans matter in every space. For me, boundaries don’t stifle creativity — they sharpen it.

That’s especially true in the bathroom. Whether compact or generously scaled, the bathroom space is highly functional and deeply personal. Every decision carries weight, and clarity matters. Thoughtful design can made an outsized difference.

This is my first blog devoted entirely to bathrooms — specifically the primary ensuite — and to the idea that some of the most compelling design emerges when creativity meets constraint.

Let’s begin.

New construction and bathroom renovations mean the design process starts from scratch. So fun to create!

NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION  

Spa-like primary ensuite bathrooms are no longer a luxury reserved for hotels and resorts. In many of my new construction projects, they’re now expected — and for good reason. Yes, my clients want a space that functions beautifully. But they’re also asking for something more: a bathroom that elevates the everyday and supports personal care, daily rituals, and a sense of well-being.

New builds offer the most freedom. I often explore layouts with separate vanities, generous showers, soaking tubs, and dual water closets. In some homes, the ensuite is truly plural — two distinct bathrooms, one for each partner. Adjacent dressing rooms frequently come into play as well, allowing mornings to unfold with ease and giving everyone space to prepare, reset, and step out into the day feeling their best.

Renovations bring a different set of challenges — and opportunities. Working within an existing footprint requires clarity about priorities and smart planning. When handled thoughtfully, even a modest renovation can dramatically transform how the space feels and functions.

Whether it’s new construction or a renovation, the goal is the same: a bathroom that feels restorative, personal, and beautifully resolved — a space that supports living well, every single day.

Bathroom design is creative problem solving. Here, I opted to float the mirror in front of a window.

FLOOR PLANNING

Bathroom floor planning is equal parts magic and math, freedom and constraint.. Space is often limited. Functional requirements are abundant!

A Lisa Sherry Interieurs bathroom feels intuitive — almost obvious — because every element is carefully considered, from basins and vanities to tubs, showers, commodes and water closets. Nothing is accidental. Ease of movement and clarity of layout guide every decision.

A bathroom can quickly become a design puzzle. In one recent project, the logical spot for the vanity happened to sit directly in front of a window. Rather than sacrifice light or convenience, we designed a mirror that floats in front of the window — a solution that respects the architecture all the while preserving both function and beauty.

When the planning is right, the room simply works — quietly, naturally, and with grace.

I often wallpaper WCs. It's a bit of an LSI signature!

WATER CLOSETS

Yay or nay to the water closet? I’m firmly in the yes camp. In a primary ensuite, a dedicated water closet offers something invaluable: privacy.

Today’s technology plays a role here as well. More and more, Lisa Sherry Interieurs water closets include smart toilets and integrated bidet functions. As always, specifications are guided by each client’s needs and preferences — considered, comfortable, never overdone.

Time to shine. Beyond function, the water closet is also a creative opportunity. Small and enclosed, I like to think of it as a jewel box. Wallpaper, unexpected color, a moment of pattern, even a piece of art — these compact spaces invite a bit of play. In my world, every room in a home should be beautiful. 

Do you prefer a fast shower or a long bath. Most often, LSI bathroom design makes room for both.

SHOWERS AND TUBS

What spa experience would be complete without baths and showers? When space allows — and when clients desire it — I almost always recommend both.

Calgon take me away…. A beautiful soaking tub can become the focal point of a primary bath. Sculptural, thoughtfully placed, and outfitted with lovely fixtures, plus towels, salts and bubbles, a soaking tub says “pause.” A tub isn’t just about bathing; it’s about slowing down.

Showers are the ultimate refresh. I gravitate toward generous shower spaces with room to move and at least two water sources — perhaps an overhead rain shower paired with a hand shower or wall-mounted spray. 

Whether it’s a long soak or a quick rinse, showers and tubs set the tone for how the day begins –and ends. 

There are material differences in every LSI bathroom design. My clients swooned over this floating vanity.

CABINETRY & HARDWARE & FIXTURES

In my world, bathroom cabinetry has to work hard and look beautiful. I design custom cabinetry with generous, intuitive storage — drawers, pull-outs, and well-considered compartments that keep daily essentials close at hand and countertops calm and uncluttered.

Fixtures and hardware are the crown jewels of the bathroom — the pieces you touch every single day. I’m often drawn to unlacquered brass for its warmth and the way it evolves over time, but the right choice always comes back to the larger story of the space.

When cabinetry, hardware, and fixtures are thoughtfully paired, the bathroom feels effortless — organized, tactile, and quietly beautiful.

Pattern, color and texture are all in play in tile and stone selections. Our choices always elevate the space.

TILE AND STONE

I sometimes think that bathrooms are rouge rooms in our homes, the outliers. Wrapped in tile and stone from floor to ceiling, they feel enclosed in the best way — solid, grounded, and quietly immersive.

In bathroom design, I’m drawn to natural materials – stone and tile – with depth and variation. Honed marble and travertine create a sense of calm and permanence. I love beauty rooted in restraint. Organic materials that don’t need embellishment to feel special. 

Yet, I also love juxtapositions. Nubby organic rugs, thirsty Turkish towels, sometimes wall coverings and often artwork are favorite finishing touches in the bathroom., gentle counterpoint to complete the experience.

Here, Mother Nature's natural light meets Her match with a bauble chandelier.

LIGHTING

A bathroom lighting plan is essential in both new construction and renovation projects — and it’s never simple. There are real constraints to work within, and that’s where thoughtful design matters.

I’m always mindful of natural light and look for every opportunity to maximize it. At the same time, privacy is non-negotiable. The search for beautiful balance informs everything. First, I layer in installed lighting to support the space foundationally and, then add task lighting where precision matters — at the vanity for makeup application and shaving.

While overhead lighting is key for function, decorative lighting is like jewelry. Chandeliers, pendants, and wall lamps bring warmth and atmosphere, shifting the room from functional to indulgent. Think evening light, a long soak, and a flute of champagne.

When lighting is done well, the bathroom moves easily from morning routine to end-of-day retreat — composed, comfortable, and complete.

A primary bath is really a salon for self care. I love the challenge of designing these spaces.

SPLASH, SHOWER & SOAK

Design should always surprise, delight and effortlessly support our essential needs. I think this is especially true in the bathroom, our most personal of spaces.