Custom Bathroom Design in Austin: Your Complete Interior Design Guide

Your bathroom is more than a functional space — it’s your personal sanctuary, a spa-like retreat where each day begins and ends. In Austin, where homes blend Hill Country warmth with contemporary sophistication, custom bathroom design has become essential for creating spaces that reflect both personal style and everyday lifestyle needs.

Whether you’re envisioning a luxurious master suite with a freestanding soaking tub, a sleek modern powder room, or a family-friendly bathroom that balances beauty with durability, custom design transforms ordinary rooms into extraordinary experiences. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about designing a bathroom that elevates your home and enhances your daily routine.

Custom Bathroom Design vs. Standard Renovations

What truly separates custom bathroom design from a standard remodel?
PERSONALIZATION, INTENTION, AND EXPERT GUIDANCE.

A typical renovation focuses on cosmetic updates or replacing fixtures with off-the-shelf options. Custom Bathroom Design in Austin, however, takes a holistic, lifestyle-driven approach. A designer evaluates how you use the space — from your morning rhythm to your evening wind-down — and creates a room that supports your habits, preferences, and long-term needs.

Every element is chosen with purpose:

• Finishes that complement your home’s architecture

• Lighting that creates the right mood at the right time

• Storage that eliminates visual clutter

• Layout that maximizes both flow and function

Custom design tells a cohesive, personal story — one that feels effortlessly yours.

Key Elements of Exceptional Bathroom Design

LAYOUT & SPACE PLANNING

A beautiful bathroom begins with thoughtful space planning. Even the most luxurious finishes can’t compensate for a layout that feels cramped or inefficient.

In Austin homes — from cozy bungalows to expansive Hill Country estates — space planning plays a critical role. Skilled designers maximize every square inch through strategic fixture placement, clever storage, and visual techniques that create a sense of spaciousness and calm.

Material Selection & Finishes

Materials shape both the aesthetic and the longevity of your bathroom.

Natural stone, porcelain, quartz, and custom cabinetry create distinctive looks while standing up to Austin’s humidity. Mixing textures — such as marble counters with textured tile or warm wood with cool metals — adds depth and dimension without overwhelming the senses.

Lighting Design

Lighting is one of the most transformative design elements.

A layered approach ensures functionality and ambiance:

• Task lighting for grooming

• Ambient lighting for overall illumination

• Accent lighting to highlight architectural details

Natural light is always a bonus. Strategically placed windows or skylights bring in the Texas sun while preserving privacy. For windowless spaces, designers use reflective surfaces and warm, balanced fixtures to mimic daylight.

Storage Solutions

A serene bathroom requires thoughtful storage.

Custom solutions — floating vanities, recessed niches, lit medicine cabinets, and organized linen storage — keep essentials accessible yet out of sight. Designers tailor storage to your real, daily needs, creating harmony and order.

Austin-Specific Design Considerations

Inspired by Hill Country Aesthetics

Austin design often blends natural materials and organic textures that echo the local landscape — limestone, warm woods, earthy hues. These elements create spaces that feel grounded, warm, and timeless.

Climate & Durability

Austin’s heat and humidity make durability essential.
Porcelain tile, engineered stone, moisture-resistant cabinetry, and proper ventilation all ensure longevity.

Sustainability & Water Conservation

Eco-conscious design is increasingly important in Austin. Low-flow fixtures and smart water-saving technologies reduce usage without sacrificing experience.

Popular Bathroom Styles in Austin

• Modern Minimalism – Clean lines, floating vanities, frameless glass, refined simplicity

• Contemporary Farmhouse – Rustic charm with modern comforts and warm materials

• Transitional Elegance – A blend of classic beauty and modern functionality

• Spa-Inspired Luxury – Soothing palettes, natural materials, soaking tubs, and wellness features

The Custom Bathroom Design Process

● Initial Consultation & Vision Development
A conversation to understand your habits, frustrations, goals, and aesthetic preferences.

● Space Assessment & Measurement
Evaluating layout, plumbing, electrical, and structural elements to determine what’s possible.

● Concept Development & Presentation
Mood boards, 3D renderings, and material palettes help you visualize the space before construction.

● Material Selection & Procurement
Designers source elevated, high-quality materials — often from trade-only vendors.

● Project Management & Installation
Coordinating contractors, timelines, deliveries, and quality control ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.

Budgeting for Your Custom Bathroom

Custom design accommodates a range of budgets through thoughtful prioritization.
Investing in high-impact elements — quality fixtures, durable surfaces, and proper lighting — ensures long-term value.

Professional guidance helps you avoid costly mistakes, secure better pricing, and ensure that every detail is executed correctly.

Common Design Mistakes to Avoid

• Insufficient lighting

• Limited storage

• Poor ventilation

• Overly trendy selections

• Incorrectly sized fixtures

Designers help you avoid these pitfalls while keeping the space functional and timeless.

Conclusion: Creating Your Dream Bathroom

A custom-designed bathroom elevates your daily life and enhances your home’s value. In Austin’s competitive market, thoughtful design stands out — and provides immediate comfort and long-term beauty.

At Claudia Pakes Design Studio, we specialize in creating refined, functional bathrooms with complete design and renovation support. From concept to completion, we handle every detail with care, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional design.

Bathroom Remodeling Austin: Creative Ideas for Small Bathrooms

Beautifully designed, effortlessly delivered.

Small bathrooms may feel limiting at first glance, but with thoughtful design, they can become some of the most charming and functional spaces in your home. For many Austin homeowners—especially busy professionals—small bathroom remodels are an opportunity to elevate daily routines with comfort, ease, and timeless style.

At Claudia Pakes Design Studio, we believe even compact spaces deserve a high-end, cohesive design that feels intentional from the very first concept to the final installation.

Maximize Space with a Thoughtfully Planned Layout

In a small bathroom, every inch matters. A well-planned layout not only improves flow but also creates a sense of calm and clarity—something busy homeowners truly appreciate.

Strategic updates such as:

• shifting fixtures for better movement,

• opting for a pocket door, or

• choosing a floating vanity

can instantly open up the room. With professional space planning, you get a layout that feels effortless, safe, and visually balanced, while still supporting your daily routines.

Create Airiness with Light Colors & Reflective Surfaces

Light, airy palettes work beautifully in small bathrooms. Soft whites, warm neutrals, and gentle blues or greens help the space feel fresh and open.

Reflective materials—glass, polished tile, metallic touches—carry light throughout the room, making it feel brighter and more expansive. These finishes pair naturally with Austin’s warm climate and the city’s love for clean, modern interiors.

Choose Streamlined, Space-Saving Fixtures

Compact, beautifully designed fixtures can transform how a small bathroom feels and functions. Wall-mounted toilets, slim vanities, and frameless glass showers eliminate visual clutter and bring a contemporary sense of openness.

These design decisions make everyday use feel lighter, easier, and far more enjoyable—perfect for homeowners seeking a refined yet functional look.

Integrate Smart Storage for a Clutter-Free Space

Clutter quickly overwhelms a small bathroom. Smart, integrated storage keeps the room feeling serene and organized.

We often incorporate:

• recessed shower niches,

• tall custom cabinets,

• floating shelving, and

• well-planned under-sink storage

to ensure every item has a thoughtful place. Custom storage solutions are especially effective in Austin homes, where unique layouts benefit from tailored design.

Use Modern, Layered Lighting to Enhance the Room

Good lighting changes everything, especially in compact bathrooms. A layered approach—ambient, task, and subtle accent lighting—creates openness and warmth.

Elements like LED backlit mirrors, recessed lighting, and elegant sconces brighten the space without overwhelming it. When lighting is done well, materials look richer, colors feel true, and the overall space feels welcoming and elevated.

Elevate the Design with High-Impact Materials

Because small bathrooms require fewer materials, it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in premium finishes. Quartz counters, marble-look porcelain, handcrafted tiles, and warm wood elements add personality and a touch of luxury.

A patterned floor, textured tile wall, or thoughtfully chosen statement surface can create the refined, modern look many Austin homeowners love—without stretching the renovation budget.

Upgrade the Shower for an Open, Modern Feel

A beautifully designed shower can instantly modernize a small bathroom. Curbless showers bring a sleek, seamless feel, while clear glass enclosures remove unnecessary visual barriers.

Large-format tiles minimize grout lines, creating an uninterrupted, expansive look. Replacing a traditional tub with a spacious walk-in shower is one of the most effective ways to add comfort, accessibility, and visual openness.

Add Personality Through Thoughtful Decor

Even the smallest spaces can reflect your personal style. Minimalist accessories, warm metallic hardware, simple trays, and sculptural planters can add character without overwhelming the room.

The goal is always the same: a clean, cohesive space that feels refreshing, intentional, and beautiful.

Why Work with a Professional Designer in Austin

Designing a small bathroom requires creativity, precision, and a clear understanding of how to make a compact space feel both elegant and functional. A professional designer brings together layout strategy, material curation, lighting, and custom detailing—delivering a final result that feels effortless for the homeowner.

Claudia Pakes Design Studio specializes in creating spaces that blend aesthetics with everyday ease. From the initial concept to procurement and installation, we handle every detail so you can enjoy a smooth, stress-free remodeling experience.

Conclusion

Small bathroom remodeling in Austin doesn’t have to feel restrictive. With thoughtful planning, elevated materials, and a design-driven approach, even the most compact space can become a refined, refreshing sanctuary.

If you’re ready to transform your bathroom with a tailored, full-service design experience, Claudia Pakes Design Studio is here to bring your vision to life—beautifully and effortlessly.

A Gloomy Living Space Is Updated to Elegant And Fresh

So as it often happens, you move into a new home and you don’t know where or how to make the old furniture work in the new space. That was the problem in this cozy San Roque home. While we were renovating the kitchen and all the bathrooms in this home, the formal living and dining room didn’t need too much construction work (except for the fireplace wall) so they came together relatively quickly.

Some of the challenges we had were that the windows had wooden shutters throughout and while the wife liked them, the husband absolutely did not. He began to take them down as you can see in one of the ‘before” images below, but after some negotiating between the two spouses, we ultimately decided to leave them in place.

We went back and forth on what to do with this built in system. It provided ample storage and a good place to display pretty little things but the couple couldn’t decide if they wanted to keep the bookshelves or have a clean wall instead where they could display some artwork.

So the design plan was pretty straight forward. Let’s keep it neutral, simple and elegant. Let’s play with the natural light in this room and bring in warm driftwood tones and natural elements like capiz shells and botanicals, sprinkle a little gold here and there and bam! Enjoy a grown up space.

In fact, those were the exact words from my client “I feel so grown up sitting here!”.

We saved a little bit of money by using a sofa they had in another room and using their existing coffee table that they were very fond of.

The capiz shell chandelier was definitely a striking addition in this small dining room but my favorite piece is the cow hide rug! And, notice we decided to put back those wooden shutters because after all they did provide privacy but also because they added an extra layer of texture and dimension to this whole space since we didn’t have too many colors or patterns to work with.

In the end, we decided to keep the beautiful built-in cabinets flanking the fireplace. We eliminated some of the shelves, painted the back wall a light grey, refinished the fireplace facade, and added a wood trim to the cabinet doors to make them a little more interesting. We also added some fun knobs (not seen here).

Doesn’t this space look so much brighter and fresher? It is a cool grown up place to hang out and read a book and enjoy some peace and quite!

XX

Claudia

A Glamorous Bathroom Renovation You Need To See To Believe

How should I begin to tell you the massive transformation this long and plenty-full master bathroom underwent? Well, they do say that a picture says a thousand words, so I will let the pictures speak for themselves and I’ll just tell you the basics.

As with every project, we had a few problems to solve. In this case it was a storage problem. Now, I know what you’re thinking - there’s plenty of storage in that bathroom already. Yes, you’re right. This vanity did have massive amounts of storage, however, it was not all functional, and as you can see by all the stuff on the counters, it was not enough!

So I began by dreaming up a glamorous and elegant master bathroom full of natural light, with all new white cabinetry, brushed nickel plumbing fixtures, a sexy free standing bathtub, and just enough bling from the lighting fixtures, cabinet hardware and glass tile to satisfy the Mrs’ request for femininity and sophistication, while keeping the Mr. from jumping out the window.

The next step was designing the massive custom cabinet and adding in some much needed storage. The 3d rendering below really helped the clients visualize their new space. By adding a tower in the center of the vanity I was able to create ‘his’ and ‘hers’ separate spaces. ‘His’ space was off to the left with ample countertop space and plenty of drawers and storage. ‘Her’ space was, well, everything else - the center tower and all the drawers below for all her jams and jellies, the cute makeup vanity because every girl should have one, and the all the drawers in the right tower for little trinkets and such. We reserved the visible storage behind the glass for pretty little things.

3d rendering of bathroom vanity

It was time to say good-bye to the yellow walls and outdated tile that made this bathroom look dark.

The new color palette was soft and calming like the rest of the house. Every room in this house flows beautifully because of the continuous serene ambiance we created intentionally throughout.

So, what do you think? Is it too feminine? Does it entice you to come and soak in the tub after a long day of work?

xo,

Claudia

How We Created A Fabulous Spa Experience In This Guest Bathroom

Designing an entire home is definitely my favorite type of project. This adorable San Roque home had great bones, with some nice built-ins throughout, a spacious floorplan that had undergone a room addition in the past, good size bathrooms, decent sized bedrooms and plenty of space to reconfigure the kitchen and create a true chef’s kitchen. It was blessed with gorgeous natural light and located in a quite neighborhood so I was eager to turn this cozy home into the beauty queen I knew it could be. The process took over a year. We did a few rooms at a time, leaving the kitchen and master en-suite for last.

Oddly enough, we began by tearing up the guest bathroom! This poor room was in serious need of some lovin’. The homeowners dreamed of a serene, zen-like space where their overnight guests would feel like they had checked into a spa. Ok, no problem! Consider it done!

Before Images

The homeowners wanted a very neutral color palette with no dramatic colors or patterns. So I began by selecting a driftwood finish vanity paired with grey and white tiles, soft silver lighting fixtures, brushed nickel plumbing and elegant glass apothecary jars to hold some bathroom essentials that would double as decor. This simple design was elegant, yet serene and just what they wanted. With a plan in hand we hit the ground running.

Demo day is always fun, exciting and scary all at once. You never know what you’re going to find when you start tearing things up. We discovered that the electrical

The challenge was finding a ready-made vanity that would fit the entire length of the wall - 112” to be exact. Almost impossible. So I designed and drew a custom vanity and took my drawings to a local craftsman to fabricate. The vanity provides a ton of open storage for pretty little things and deep drawers to store the not so pretty things. The over-sized mirror was in perfect condition so we saved money by leaving it in. We did refinished the frame to match though.

By removing the overhead soffit we were able to place the sconces a little higher up which made a huge difference! We painted the walls in a warm taupey/grey, installed all new lighting and plumbing including a new toilet, kept the white wooden shutters and even re-used the existing glass shower surround!

The once colorful and eclectic bathroom, finally found it’s softer and quieter side! Now, tell me. How would you feel being a guest in this house? Relaxed? Peaceful? Pampered? All of the above for me!

Check out these dramatic before and afters.

Hope you enjoyed!

Up next in this San Roque Beauty…The master bedroom.

xo,

Claudia