Japandi-Inspired Bathroom Remodel in a Portland Condo 

This bathroom conversion in Portland transformed an underused lower-level workspace into a welcoming guest suite with a dedicated bathroom. To create the necessary footprint, the design repurposed an existing closet, captured unused space, and extended slightly into the garage. Careful planning allowed utilities and tight dimensional constraints to be resolved without sacrificing comfort or character. 

This Cedar Mill Neighborhood Home

Portland, OR

Neighborhood Cedar Mill Neighborhood
Square Footage 1,390 sqft
Year Built 1977
Estimated Home Value $414,000
Bedrooms 3 bd
Baths 3 ba
Architectural Style Pacific Northwest Contemporary
Stories 2 Stories
Garage 1 Car Garage
Estimated Home Value After Remodel $518,661

 

More

Project Goals


The primary goal was to transform the lower level into a more comfortable and versatile guest suite by adding a dedicated bathroom. Because the original room had been used as a home office and did not include plumbing, the project required thoughtful space planning to introduce a full bathroom without compromising the function of the adjacent areas.

Creating enough room meant removing an existing closet, capturing underused space, and extending slightly into the garage. Within the new footprint, the design needed to carefully accommodate plumbing, ventilation, electrical systems, and other existing utilities. Tight tolerances made every inch important, so fixture placement, circulation, storage, and clearances were coordinated to make the bathroom feel comfortable rather than constrained.

Another key goal was to translate the client’s warm Japandi inspiration into a practical, enduring design. Natural textures, simple forms, and a restrained palette create a calm atmosphere, while wall-mounted fixtures, open shelving, concealed storage, and a doorless wet-room layout preserve visual openness. Privacy and natural light were also balanced through the obscure-glass pocket door.

Ultimately, the project was designed to make the compact bathroom feel intentional, inviting, and fully integrated with the guest suite. Every element needed to serve a clear purpose while contributing to the quiet, curated character of the space.

 

Large Format Tile Bath-22

Unique Features


Thoughtful materials and space-saving details give this compact bathroom its warm, refined character.

  • Doorless wet room: A minimal fixed-glass panel keeps the shower visually connected to the rest of the bathroom.
  • Wall-mounted concrete sink: The floating sink creates a sculptural focal point while preserving open floor space.
  • Japandi-inspired tile: Cream porcelain and wood-look tile add natural warmth, texture, and quiet contrast.
  • Polished concrete flooring: The existing concrete was polished and sealed to create a durable, understated finish.
  • Layered lighting: Decorative pendants and integrated shelf lighting bring warmth and depth to the compact room.
  • Concealed mechanical details: Flush tile vents allow necessary air controls to blend into the finished surfaces.
  • Obscure-glass pocket door: The space-saving door maintains privacy while allowing natural light to filter through.
Large Format Tile Bath-7

Words From the Designer

"The client came to us with great inspiration to work with to achieve the Japandi style bathroom. She liked the idea of a wet room that felt cozy and curated. In order to provide the space, we removed the closet, some dead space and pushed through into the garage. There were many tight tolerances to meet and utilities to address which was feasible just took some time to coordinate. With the small footprint we opted to have a more open feel with the fixtures and shelving to not overcrowd the space. Wall mounted concrete sink, open shelving and no shower glass (which we would only suggest in a small wet room) helped keep the space open. Decorative lights to provide the jewelry, integrated tile vents to hide away the necessary but unsightly air control, polished concrete floors to use what was existing but elevate, integrated shelf lighting for layered lighting, medicine cabinet for more storage and a pocket door with obscure glass to hopefully let light in but retain privacy. Each area of this design was thought through in detail to ensure a calm and functional escape." Emily Christman

Meet the Design Team

Our dedicated team of professionals blends artistry and functionality, ensuring every detail reflects your unique vision.

Designer

Emily

Project Manager

Ethan