PHOTOS BY TYLER NORMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

When Kristen and Tom Reinecke moved from New York to Pittsburgh, they fell in love with Fox Chapel — and with the 1960s-era Colonial-style home they found there.

They also knew they would need to completely gut about 75 percent of it, including the cramped primary bathroom.

Their must-haves were simple—a dual vanity, increased storage and a shower big enough that they wouldn’t bump their elbows off the walls. But making it happen would take some serious reconfiguration.

Working with designer Christine McCall and architect Gwen Dakis of dragonARCH consulting, llc, the couple opted to utilize an existing closet and an adjacent bedroom to create a primary suite with a bedroom, expanded primary bath and a custom-designed primary closet.

“The biggest challenge for us was just making the best use of the space because it still was considerably small, even though we had gained … extra square footage,” says McCall.

Part of the solution came from a custom vanity with tall drawers and a long shelf underneath that’s perfect for catchall baskets.

Because the Reineckes favor more modern design elements, McCall kept things clean, simple and fresh by utilizing light blue, gray and white hues. The classic ticking stripe wallpaper on the large wall behind the vanity adds interest without becoming busy and also provides a backdrop for the long oval mirrors.

Judge Carissa Smith of Cleveland-based AoDK Architecture appreciated how much thought went into making every detail work together.

“Everything was thought-through from the detailing of the gold hardware, to ensuring crisp and clean lines throughout the space,” she says. “I love the long, horizontal base cabinets and how it contrasts in a subtle manner to the soft vertical pattern of the wallcovering. The blue color is very lush against the gold hardware.”

In the shower, McCall played with the scale and pattern of the marble-look tile to create more interest in the smaller space. Antique brass shower heads add a pop of color. The couple also made the popular choice to ditch the tub in the primary bath, allowing for a more luxurious shower.

Fortunately, renovations on the entire house wrapped just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and Kristen Reinecke says, in the end, all the rearranging of space was worth it.

“We wanted something low-maintenance and calm—just an easy, nice, relaxing place,” she says. “Christine was able to do that.”

Vendors

• Architectural Design: Gwen Dakis, dragonARCH consulting, llc.
• Interior Design: Christine McCall Home.
• General Contractor: Ivan Shulikov, Shly Construction.
• Cabinetry: Brogna Designs Custom Woodworking.
• Hardware: Rejuvenation.
• Plumbing Fixtures: Watersource by Don’s Appliances.
• Flooring + Tile: Touch of Color Flooring.
• Shower Glass: Rex Glass.
• Countertops: Ultimate Granite & Stone.
• Wallpaper Installation: Cliff Hayes Paperhanging Co.
• Mirrors: McGee & Co.
• Lighting: Circa Lighting.
• Window Treatments: Karen Garrity Designs.