Luxury Meets Function: A Family-Friendly Spa Retreat in Shadyside
At M. Ferrari & Company, every space we design is a reflection of our clients' unique lives, styles, and aspirations. With over 30 years of expertise in bespoke interior design, we specialize in timeless, curated interiors that marry elegance with livability. When a young family in Shadyside approached us with a vision for a serene, family-friendly bathroom, we knew we had the opportunity to craft something extraordinary.
A Space Reimagined
The home’s existing primary bath was spacious but outdated, lacking both warmth and functionality. Inspired by the family’s desire for a spa-like retreat with an Asian-inspired aesthetic, our team—led by Principal Designer Melissa Ferrari in collaboration with architect Sarah Drake, AIA—set out to transform the space into a true sanctuary.
One original feature remained: the black iron fireplace. "That’s what she fell in love with," Melissa recalls, "so we knew it had to stay." The fireplace became the emotional and visual anchor of the room, setting the tone for the refined and timeless design that followed.
The original black iron fireplace preserved as a striking focal point, blending warmth with timeless elegance in this luxury bathroom renovation.
Elevated Functionality, Effortless Beauty
With young children in mind, functionality was as essential as aesthetics. The final design centered around:
A fully integrated wet zone, where the shower and tub coexist for convenience and visual cohesion
A curbless shower for seamless access
Floating vanities and mirrors that maximize light and openness
A warm, neutral palette that soothes the senses
The result is a space where luxury and practicality go hand in hand—a hallmark of our approach to curated residential interior design.
Floating vanities and minimalist mirrors enhance openness and reflect natural light in this thoughtfully curated bathroom design.
Material Matters
A defining feature of the space is its artful use of texture and contrast. Originally planned for the wet zone, the sculptural white wall tile was instead placed on the room’s perimeter, maintaining visual interest while simplifying maintenance. Inside the shower, complementary flat tile kept the design cohesive.
Other standout elements include:
Wood-look tile flooring that provides warmth with durability
Stone walls and quartz countertops for sleek, long-lasting elegance
Matte black fixtures and window trim that echo the sophistication of the fireplace
Custom layered lighting for every mood and moment of the day
As Sarah Drake notes, “The lighting helps create a mood, allowing the space to transform throughout the day.”
Sculptural white wall tile adds texture and elegance while simplifying maintenance around the bathroom perimeter.
Award-Winning Design
This project was honored with Pittsburgh Magazine HOME’s Best Renovated Bathroom in 2020—a reflection of the thoughtful craftsmanship and attention to detail that define every M. Ferrari & Company project. From luxury boutique interiors to high-end residential designs, our goal remains the same: to create timeless environments that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Design That Lives With You
For us, great design isn’t about trends. It’s about creating deeply personal spaces that stand the test of time—where every texture, fixture, and finish is chosen with intention.
Whether you're dreaming of a calming retreat or a statement-making space, we invite you to explore what’s possible when luxury and livability meet.
Contact Melissa M. Ferrari, Principal
M. Ferrari and Company
209 Tennyson Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412.760.5105
melissa@mferrariandcompany.com
