Embracing the Unexpected: Laura Chappetto Creates a Cozy “Tub Cave” for a Chicagoland Primary Bath
For a busy couple in Clarendon Hills, Illinois—both chiropractors with two young children—home was a place where function and comfort needed to coexist. While much of their home met their needs, a few spaces required a refresh. The primary bathroom, in particular, stood out as a top priority. To bring their vision to life, they turned to Laura Chappetto, owner and principal designer of Chicagoland-based Element Design Network, known for her ability to transform challenging layouts into stunning, functional spaces.
“From the day they purchased their house, my clients knew their primary bathroom was a project that needed to be tackled immediately,” recalls Chappetto. “It was the most hated room in the house.”
Reimagining the Floor Plan
The original layout presented the biggest challenge—misused space left the room feeling unbalanced and inefficient. “The original shower was enormous and didn’t make sense in the space,” Chappetto explains. To remedy this, she reduced the shower’s footprint, carving out approximately eight square feet to better balance the layout. But the real challenge was incorporating a freestanding bathtub—an absolute must for the homeowners. The existing footprint didn’t accommodate one, but an adjacent nursery offered an opportunity. By annexing unfinished space and opening the wall between the rooms, Chappetto was able to introduce a creative design solution.
Introducing The “Tub Cave”
Rather than positioning the bathtub as a focal point out in the open as is the temptation for most designers, Chappetto took an unconventional approach. She tucked Hydro Systems’ Breanne tub into an arched alcove, creating a cozy bathing retreat. “There was no obvious spot for the fixture, and I had never put a bathtub in a tucked-away space,” she admits. “It’s usually placed out in the open.”
The decision paid off. By painting the alcove a deep green—Benjamin Moore’s Night Train—the space became an enveloping sanctuary within the room. “The bathtub needed to be a standout moment,” Chappetto notes. “We framed the opening with an arch, added sconces, artwork, and a wooden shelf to house all necessary bathtub accoutrements. Confining the moody hue to this area created a dramatic impact while maintaining brightness in the rest of the room.”
The Breanne tub was an ideal choice for the space. A reimagining of a 19th-century double slipper tub with a rolled rim, it blended traditional elegance with a contemporary edge. “We love the clean lines of the Breanne bathtub and felt the slight curve brought in just enough detail to mix a traditional and contemporary feel. The shape of the bathtub is showcased beautifully against the deep green walls.”
Marrying Modern Farmhouse with Vintage Charm
The redesigned space stayed true to the home’s modern farmhouse aesthetic while incorporating contemporary elements and vintage-inspired touches. Mosaic tile in the shower introduced texture and a luxurious feel, adding another layer of depth to the design.
“A freestanding bathtub was an absolute must in this bathroom,” Chappetto concludes. “My clients wanted a ‘wow’ moment for the tub space, and by stealing unused space behind the wall, we were able to create just that.”
The project was not only a personal triumph for the homeowners but also a standout example of innovative residential design — as it was recently featured in the April issue of Kitchen & Bath Business.
Photo: Erin Konrath Photography
