by KALI NEWLEN-BURDEN  photos by J. SINCLAIR

The beauty of transforming homes is that every space presents a fresh start, a unique challenge, a puzzle to be solved. This is where ICON Custom Builders excels: assembling the ideal team for every project, and creating beautiful, timeless spaces catered to each homeowner. ICON’s commitment to excellence and diverse portfolio keeps some homeowners coming back again and again. 

Two couples, who had partnered with ICON on other projects, collaborated with design coordinator Katherine Yeager to dream up their primary bath spaces. Both projects had a similar goal: to create an elevated space that feels bright, fresh, and timeless. However, each had a different design plan: new construction for Nancy and John, and a renovation for Leigh and Kim. 

“These projects were fun because they involved two very different approaches: starting from scratch with a whole new build, and transforming a space while staying within the same footprint,” Katherine said. These two bath spaces show the range of what ICON’s design-build team can deliver for their clients. 

Nancy and John – who have lived in their 1923 Buena Vista home for over 50 years – desired a primary suite on the first floor so they could age in place. To accomplish this, ICON converted the existing playroom into a bedroom and added an adjacent bath space. “This project was all new – we got to dream it, scheme it, and bring it to life,” Katherine said. 

“We had dreamed of a downstairs primary bed and bath but we wanted it to complement our century-old home,” Nancy said. Katherine’s design decisions in the new space honored the home’s traditional feel. She opted for marble hexagonal floor tile, and selected polished porcelain for the zero-entry shower, combining beauty and function. The bay windows flood the space with natural light and showcase the seating area, which provides an area to unwind and enjoy the beautiful space. 

A few miles down the road, Leigh and Kim – who have enjoyed their 1990s home for 15 years and who have been gradually making updates – wanted to modernize their bath. Keeping the existing layout, ICON made thoughtful decisions to maximize the floor plan, create more storage, and invite tranquility into the space. 

“This transformation involved looking at the space, seeing what we have, and re-envisioning it,” Katherine said. “Since we weren’t moving anything around, we had to bring those wow factors in.” When it came to making selections, Leigh said: “I trusted Katherine completely.” From the accent wall tile to the marble countertops to the matte black plumbing fixtures – each element provides contemporary touches to the design and reflects Leigh’s style. 

Katherine gets to know her clients’ styles and wish lists before developing a design plan: “Figuring out what is sentimental, a must-have, or an existing piece the client can’t live without…sometimes that is the jumping-off point for the entire design.”

For Nancy, this item was a family heirloom – an antique chandelier passed down for generations. For Leigh, it was a new soaking tub for the entire family to enjoy. These standout pieces shine in each space and shape the rest of the design.   

“Since these were repeat clients, we really understood their tastes and goals,” Katherine said. “Keeping in line with the overall feel of the home is always our priority.” ICON meets clients’ needs while remaining true to the character of each home – a delicate path that the team seems to walk with ease, no matter the project. 

Katherine has noticed that homeowners are often focused on projects that many people see, like kitchens and entertaining spaces. However, sometimes the most impactful are private spaces, like a primary bath. “It’s where you start and end your day, and it can really set the tone,” she said.  

Nancy craved a serene, spa-like, high-end primary bath. Leigh wanted a space for relaxation. “Our space before did not make me feel calm – I would stand in there and dream about all the things I wanted to change,” Leigh said. “Now we LOVE our bathroom…it is a peaceful space that has a calming effect.”

These finished spaces, although achieved in two distinct ways, are unified in timeless tranquility. “Timeless can mean different things to different people,” Katherine shared. “I helped both of these clients make timeless selections for their specific tastes and their specific homes.” 

Whether beginning an addition or renovation, or embracing a traditional or modern style, perhaps elevating an everyday routine is what ‘timeless’ is all about.