Solo Episode: Inside My Primary Suite Renovation
There are certain projects that feel different from the start.
This was one of them.
In this solo episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, Nicole shares a deeply personal look into her primary suite renovation and the intentional decisions behind it. This was not a surface-level update or a trend-driven refresh. It was a complete rethinking of how a space can support daily life, regulate energy, and create a sense of calm.
Why Start with the Most Personal Space
Most renovations begin with the areas guests will see first. The kitchen. The living room. The entertaining spaces.
Nicole chose the opposite.
The primary suite is where your day begins and ends. It is one of the only spaces in your home that is entirely yours. Designing it first was not indulgent. It was intentional.
This renovation was about creating a space that reflects how she lives now and how she wants to feel every day.
Designing for Function Within a Small Footprint
The space itself came with constraints. The bathroom footprint was under 100 square feet, which meant every decision needed to work harder.
Instead of forcing trends or unnecessary features, the layout was simplified and refined.
A single sink created more usable counter space. A storage tower replaced visual clutter. The shower was reworked to feel larger without actually expanding. A tub was carefully selected to fit both the space and Nicole’s lifestyle.
Function was not sacrificed for aesthetics. It led the design.
Material Choices That Ground the Space
The material palette became one of the defining elements of the renovation.
Nicole layered terrazzo, marble, onyx, and quartzite to create depth without overwhelming the space. Each material was chosen not only for how it looks, but for how it performs over time.
Rather than making everything a focal point, the design balances statement moments with quieter elements. A bold tile in the shower. A grounded rust-toned tile. A sculptural green tub.
The result feels cohesive, lived-in, and intentional.
Mixing Metals and Creating Contrast
Nothing in the space is overly matched.
Brighter brass plumbing, deeper brass hardware, and bronze lighting were layered intentionally to create contrast without chaos. The mix feels collected rather than prescribed.
This approach avoids the “one showroom” look and instead creates a space that feels authentic and considered.
Designing for How You Want to Feel
Beyond layout and materials, this project was rooted in something deeper.
Nicole designed this space around emotional regulation.
Medium contrast, natural tones, and thoughtful lighting all contribute to a sense of calm. The bathroom becomes a place to reset. The bedroom becomes a place to exhale.
This is what it means to design beyond aesthetics.
The Bedroom as a Retreat
The bedroom continues the same philosophy.
Layered textures, a custom upholstered bed, soft lighting, and a mural-style wall treatment create a space that feels immersive and restorative.
Even small decisions, like motorized shades, dimmable lighting, and hidden storage, contribute to a more seamless daily experience.
This is not just a beautiful room. It is a functional retreat.
What She Would Do Differently
No project is without lessons.
Nicole shares that managing the renovation without a full contractor added time and complexity. In the future, she would approach it as a fully managed project from the start.
From a design perspective, there are very few changes she would make. A skylight and heated floors are on the wish list, but the overall result aligns exactly with her vision.
Designing a Space That Supports Your Life
This renovation is a reminder that design is not about trends or outside validation.
It is about creating a space that supports your life, your routines, and your well-being.
When you design with intention, even the smallest daily moments feel elevated.
Listen to the Episode
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Website: rnicksoninteriors.com
Instagram: @rnicksoninteriors
