See How a Designer Transformed a Drab Green Bathroom into a Graffiti Paradise (It’s “Perfect!”)

In an Atlanta, Georgia, renovation project called Castlegate, Ryan Austin Hagood, the principal designer with r.a.d. Interiors, took a 9,000-square-foot 1950s ranch-style home and upgraded it to a modern aesthetic — as well as adding a 2,000-square-foot addition. The home design was completely overhauled, but the work wasn’t over from there — even after the home sold for a record amount, thanks to a significant increase in the property’s value.

Once the current owners moved in to the home, they wanted to address a big problem: a particular aqua green bathroom. The transformation of the drab aqua green space into a daring graffiti showcase shows that every buyer and owner wants something different. In a world where white, plain bathrooms are seen as the most resellable types of powder rooms, Hagood showed that bold design can still be highly desirable.

The renovation occurred after the current owners — who are also currently in the process of selling the home — moved in. They were dissatisfied with the bathroom at first, and wanted an update. Hagood worked on the bathroom in two phases. First, he painted it a Tiffany blue, a color which was reflected throughout the rest of the design project in the home. After six months, the second renovation phase began.

“Recognizing the need for this bathroom to stand out, we approached its design with a focus on creating a unique and special area,” Hagood says, noting that the bathroom as it was hadn’t been used to its full potential and the homeowner and design team weren’t satisfied with the finishes in the room. So instead, they went big, bold, and industrial.

First, though, the team needed to address the bathroom’s functionality. The homeowner has two golden retrievers, who often come inside muddy from the yard and in need of a bath. To accommodate that, they chose to add a zero-edge walk-in shower, which makes it easy to get the dogs in and clean without worrying about bathtub constraints. Then came the design elements.

“The renovation began with the selection of ceramic tiles for the shower walls, chosen for their unique appearance that mimics the Japanese Sho Sugi Ban technique of charred wood, but in black,” Hagood says. “For the flooring, we opted for a slate hexagon tile from The Home Depot, which was not only cost-effective, but also suitable for the zero-edge drain, allowing for a level surface that slopes towards the drain.”

Next, the team put in unlacquered brass plumbing fixtures, meant to lean into an industrial feel while keeping a vintage vibe. A vintage sink pedestal was added, as well as a custom black shower curtain.

Then came the overarching design element — large-scale graphic graffiti wallpaper. The decision was driven by the other finishes in the space, as an option to further the aesthetic.

“Initially, the graffiti-style wallpaper might have been seen as an overtly bold design choice,” Hagood says. “So, to balance and unify the space, I selected the perfect matte black paint to anchor the vibrant pattern and create a cohesive design.”

Finally, the team added an old porthole mirror and a subway-inspired wall sconce. The owner of Castlegate was thrilled with how the bathroom turned out.

“The homeowner’s reaction was incredibly emotional,” Hagood says. “They were moved to tears and expressed awe at the attention to detail that made the bathroom perfect.”

It wasn’t just an improvement in the eyes of the owner, though. Hagood says that guests at the home have wondered if the bathroom was an addition to the home, as they couldn’t remember the previous version. And Hagood adores it just as much.

“While there are many spaces in the home that I cherish, this bathroom holds a special place in my heart, and I truly love the final outcome,” he says.

The home is now on the market for $5.3 million. Hopefully, whoever buys the home next will appreciate the personality-filled space — and the bold choices within it.