Bathroom bliss: Master bathroom makeover goes larger-than-life

Alissa and her family live in a great 1900s home, smack dab in the center of the city. While it has lots of charm, the house also has the unfortunate space issues of many older homes -- particularly in the bathroom department. The master bathroom was small and cramped, and every morning the family had to fight for precious sink and shower time.

While Alissa wanted to expand the space into a larger, more luxurious suite, she knew it would entail stealing some space from her adjacent closet. And the only thing Alissa, the clotheshorse, disliked more than the awkward bathroom was the thought of sacrificing storage space. So I gathered my crew together and geared up to beautify the bathroom and create a home for Alissa's larger-than-life clothing collection.

I started by knocking down the wall that separated the bathroom from the closet and creating one big, functional room that combines a bathroom and closet/dressing area. I also installed a recessed pocket door between the two spaces that can be used when a little privacy is required. I then reorganized the existing walk-in closet to make it more functional, and pilfered a bit of space from the master bedroom for another small closet.

With space and layout problems solved, it was time to concentrate on the luxurious aspects of the redesign: high-end fixtures and spectacular finishes.

I replaced Alissa's small cast iron bathtub with the most magnificent soaker I could find -- an overflowing infinity edge tub with chromo therapy lights. Then I installed a deluxe, steam shower with a built-in bench that is surrounded by an outer layer of glass, and has interior walls covered in a marble composite and a strip of green glass tile.

I also ripped the old, traditional toilet to make room for the most modern model on the market: a hatbox shaped, tankless unit with a self-closing (yes ladies, self-closing) lid.

To ensure all of this modernity didn't detract from the older home's character, I added a few antique retro touches, including a long dark wood vanity with two big wood-framed mirrors above. I then added two asymmetrical sinks, a backsplash of green glass in a geometric pattern and sleek chrome hardware.

To further the room's bright, airy look, I installed recessed lighting, put in some pendants over the vanity, added a funky light fixture above the tub and affixed some lighting in the steam shower.

While the room had a lot of natural light, I covered the windows in rustic, wooden blinds for privacy, and added valances in green and cream fabrics. To stay with the room's clean colors, I added a durable, vinyl floor that looks like inlaid mother of pearl.

But I wasn't quite done yet. I wanted to make this bathroom the envy of every technophile around, so I wired the room for sound and video. I installed a funky television behind the mirror; put up water-resistant speakers in the ceiling and shower; and hooked up an MP3 docking station for tunes -- all of which can be accessed via remote control.

After a few finishing touches -- a chic rubber ducky here, a bar of organic soap there -- this splashy makeover was complete. By using modern fixtures and finishes, sumptuous lighting and materials, and a combination of high-tech and retro finishing touches, Alissa's bathroom is now big on space -- and luxury.

Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of Home & Garden Television's "Divine Design."