Birmingham, Michigan | Tuscan-Inspired Primary Bathroom Remodel
The Project
This Tuscan-inspired bathroom remodel in Birmingham, Michigan was designed to feel like a quiet escape — rooted in warmth, texture, and timeless European influence. Drawing inspiration from old-world architecture, this space blends natural materials, soft light, and handcrafted details to create a bathroom that feels both grounded and elevated.
The Design
At the heart of the design is the use of natural stone, wrapping the walls in rich texture and depth. The stonework creates an immediate sense of character, bringing warmth and authenticity into the space while setting the tone for the entire bathroom. Arched openings further reinforce the architectural influence, softening transitions and adding a sense of movement and flow throughout the layout.
Natural Stone & Architectural Character
At the heart of the design is the use of natural stone, wrapping the walls in rich texture and depth. The stonework creates an immediate sense of character, bringing warmth and authenticity into the space while setting the tone for the entire bathroom. Arched openings further reinforce the architectural influence, softening transitions and adding a sense of movement and flow throughout the layout.
The Copper Soaking Tub
A freestanding copper soaking tub anchors the room, offering both a functional and sculptural focal point. Positioned to take advantage of natural light, it creates a calming moment within the space — transforming everyday routines into something more intentional. The patina of the copper adds contrast against the stone while enhancing the overall warmth of the palette.
Custom Vanity & Finishing Details
The custom vanity was designed to complement the surrounding materials without competing for attention. Soft, muted tones and classic detailing allow it to blend seamlessly into the environment while still offering functionality and storage. Paired with aged brass fixtures and layered lighting, the space feels cohesive, refined, and thoughtfully curated.
Throughout the bathroom, every detail was considered — from the texture of the walls to the tone of the finishes — to create a space that feels immersive rather than simply designed. The goal was not just to remodel a bathroom, but to create an experience — one that feels calm, transportive, and deeply personal.
The Result
This bathroom remodel in Birmingham, Michigan reflects our approach to design at Costello & Co: balancing beauty with function, and creating spaces that feel as good as they look. By combining timeless materials with intentional design, we were able to transform this bathroom into a true retreat within the home.
Project Details
Location: Birmingham, Michigan Project Type: Primary Suite Bathroom Remodel Style: Tuscan-Inspired / Old-World EuropeanKey Features: Natural stone walls, freestanding copper soaking tub, arched openings, custom vanity, aged brass fixtures, layered lighting Services: Bathroom Renovation, Custom Millwork, Design-Build Photography: Shelby Dubin Photography
Materials & Finishes
Every material in this Birmingham bathroom was selected for its ability to age gracefully and deepen in character over time — the way the best Tuscan interiors always have.
Natural Stone — the wall stone was chosen for its variation in tone and texture, with warm veining that shifts in different light conditions. No two sections of stone are identical, which gives the space an organic quality that polished tile could never replicate.
Copper Soaking Tub — copper is one of the few materials that genuinely improves with age. The living patina develops naturally over time, becoming more characterful and warm with every year of use. It also retains heat exceptionally well — making it one of the most functional choices for a soaking tub, not just the most beautiful.
Aged Brass Fixtures — unlacquered aged brass was specified throughout to complement the copper tub and warm stone tones. Like the copper, brass develops a natural patina that enhances rather than diminishes over time.
Arched Millwork — the arched openings are custom-built, not decorative appliqués. They're structural design decisions that define the spatial flow of the bathroom and reinforce the architectural language of the whole space.
A Note on This Style of Renovation
Tuscan and European-inspired bathrooms are among the most requested styles we see from Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills homeowners — and among the most technically demanding to execute well.
Natural stone installation requires skill and precision that standard tile work doesn't. Getting the grout lines, the layout pattern, and the material cuts right takes an experienced eye and a patient hand. Arched openings require custom carpentry. A freestanding copper tub requires thoughtful plumbing planning to position correctly and drain properly.
This is exactly the kind of project where the design-build model makes a meaningful difference. Our designer and construction team worked together from the first sketch to the final seal on the stone — which is how a space this detailed gets built without the disconnects and surprises that come from separating design and construction.
