Our Projects - Medford Design-Build

The Tranquility Treatment: A Spa-Inspired Bathroom Retreat in Arlington, TX

Written by Medford Design-Build | Sep. 16, 2026

From Flooded Failure to Fabulous Retreat

Most remodels start with a vision and a Pinterest board. This one started with a failed drain line, a flooded bathroom, and homeowners discovering several inches of water throughout their bathroom, bedroom and closet. But what began as a plumbing emergency for this Arlington family would soon turn into a spa-inspired transformation.

 

 

The Problem Beyond the Flood

When we first walked this Arlington bathroom after the flood, the water damage was only part of the story - the bathroom had been quietly failing the homeowners for years.

  • A deep jetted tub hadn’t been used in years
  • A wall-mounted fireplace added ambiance, but ate up usable wall space
  • A glass block shower had an entry so narrow you had to turn sideways just to walk in
  • And we observed minimal storage for towels and bathroom supplies

When the flood hit, the failed plumbing forced a full gut down to the studs, giving our clients an opportunity to rethink the entire space. Rather than put back the old, dated, and inefficient bathroom, they chose to rebuild the entire room as a dream retreat they’d look forward to using each and every day.

 

The Vision

While our homeowners shared a vision for a true spa experience, they had two very different priorities for the new design:

  • She wanted a complete shower experience – multiple showerheads, a ceiling mounted rain head, and multiple body sprays for an everyday rejuvenating reset
  • He wanted a deep, freestanding soaking tub to watch TV from and relax after a long day

And so, with our homeowners’ wishes in mind, our design team utilized our custom design package to create the bathroom of their dreams. A detailed floorplan, 3D renderings, and a full scope of work document were created so they could see and understand everything it would take to build their new oasis. From visuals and pricing, to timeline and design selections, no detail was overlooked. The design package gave them clarity and confidence to move forward with their remodeling decision.

 

With the help of our interior design team, every detail was thoughtfully designed, selected, and documented for the Medford Design-Build construction team. Finalizing their design decisions before demo day helps keep the construction streamlined and efficient, with no unnecessary bottlenecks caused by unexpected backorders or last-minute decisions on the job.

 

The Construction

With permits obtained and a full design plan finalized, our team and our vetted trade partners got to work. To open up the layout and accommodate a larger shower and closet space, our team removed load-bearing walls, installed structural engineered beams to safely transfer the load, and had to contend with the deep pit leftover from removing the existing jetted tub. This structural work is what makes the new design possible.

 

The Design

  • Clear alder cabinetry, doors & beams throughout the space bring warmth to the new, spacious layout
  • The shower displays an accent wall of sage green quartzite tile & granite-lined niches, perfect for soaps & shampoo
  • The “Absolute Black” granite vanity countertop brings a classic & clean aesthetic, with a matching ledge detail below the mirrors for an elevated look
  • Moen’s “Voss” vanity faucets, tub filler & shower fixtures, paired with oil-rubbed bronze hardware & bath accessories, complement the warm, spa-like mood
  • Rain glass brings visual texture to the linen cabinet doors & privacy to the remaining suite
  • A floor-to-ceiling feature wall of stacked natural stone creates a dramatic focal point behind the show-stopping black freestanding tub
  • The clear glass shower enclosure displays the layered stone & tile design inside the shower, creating visual interest beyond the tub
  • Strategically placed, dimmable recessed LED lighting, along with under-cabinet and interior-cabinet lighting, brings the full design potential of the space to life

 

The Focal Points

The husband’s must-have freestanding black soaking tub visually anchors the room. Set against the new stacked stone accent wall, the tub and wall-mounted tub filler create a dramatic focal point with an elevated, luxurious ambiance.

The wife’s dream shower was designed with two curbless entries enclosed in frameless shower glass. Handheld sprayers, an overhead rain shower, dual wall-mounted showerheads, and multiple body sprays create a full-body sensory shower experience. The existing curved glass block window wall, meticulously surrounded by intricate mosaic tiles, gives natural light to this one-of-a-kind shower.

 

The Result

What started as an emergency plumbing repair became an opportunity to completely reimagine this Arlington master bathroom. The inefficient, underused space was transformed into a cohesive, spa-inspired sanctuary designed around how the homeowners wanted to live and unwind.

Structural changes opened the room and improved the flow, while natural stone, warm wood tones, and thoughtfully layered finishes brought depth and richness to the space. From the statement soaking tub and expansive shower, to the glass-vessel sinks and distinctive curved glass-block window, every detail works together to create a serene, elevated retreat – bringing the homeowners’ dream bathroom to life.

 

What Our Homeowners Had to Say

"I've found Medford's workmanship to be top notch. They are incredibly thorough and their punch list is truly comprehensive to ensure quality. The build quality is excellent and I've not noticed any material fit and finish issues... I've even been impressed with little details like toe kick lights or cabinet lighting or outlets under our sinks for electric toothbrush charging that we wouldn't have thought of... If you have a home project I highly recommend this team! We feel strongly enough that we expect to work with Medford on future updates to our kitchen and outdoor kitchen."

Read more reviews

 

Special Thanks to Our Team

  • Structural Design: Michael Medford, Jr.
  • Aesthetic Design: Stephanie Milford
  • Drafting and Renderings: Brandy Anderson
  • Production Management: Dave Broadfield
  • Project Management: Scott Vernon
  • Plumbing: Express Master Plumbing
  • Electrical: Eagle-J Electric
  • Countertops & Tile: Hilton’s Flooring, Tile Shop & Stone Collection
  • Countertops, Flooring & Tile Fabrication: HRG Tile & Granite
  • HVAC: Southern Air Mechanical
  • Staging: Ali Doskocil
  • Final Photography: Dallas Real Estate Media

 

Design Selection Highlights

 

 

Ready to Create Your Dream Bathroom?

Medford Design-Build specializes in full-service design-build remodeling customized to fit your lifestyle. Contact us today to get started!