When Karen and James Corwin wanted to add space to the master bathroom in their Peters Township home, they knew who to call.

Several years ago, Chris Clark, of Clark Construction in Bethel Park, transformed their dark and stuffy kitchen into a comfortable eating area with light tan cabinets, adding counter space and subdued lighting. They wanted a similar transformation for their master bathroom, which was dominated by wood paneling and an over-sized vanity.

“We gutted the entire space,” Clark says. “We went over everything. This wasn’t a patch and repair job.”

Because bathrooms can create a space challenge, renovation takes creativity. In the Corwin’s home, that meant moving a bathtub from one wall to another, elongating the shower area and ripping out furniture. Now, tan and white Italian ceramic lines the 6-by-3.5-feet shower, which offers a sitting area and multiple shower heads. A two-toned glazed birch vanity rests under the double-sink, a popular choice among couples who get ready for work in the morning together.

Creamy chocolates and soothing tans create a color pattern that’s both masculine and feminine. Accents like a curved storage shelf and bell-shaped sconces add to the effect. A sectional mirror stretches over the two sinks, creating the illusion of even more space.

Bathers in the whirlpool tub are offered two great views: a sky light provides a glimpse at the night stars, while a window looks out over the rushing water of Chartiers Creek. “It’s a fantastic lot. Who wouldn’t want that view?” Clark says.

The speckled, rich brown DuPont Corian surface found on both the vanity countertops and the whirlpool tub deck is complemented by the brushed bronze finish of the faucets and accessories. A slanted ceiling that reaches 12 feet at its highest point adds to the impression of space.

Making room for a larger shower is a common request among bathroom renovators, Clark says. “In the past, people wanted showers in a little area and wanted to focus more on the bath. But people really aren’t using them that way,” he says. “You have to make an effort to use the bath, but people shower as part of their daily routine.”

Some clients opt to eliminate the bath altogether. “It’s amazing how many people just use it as a play space for their kids,” Clark says.

Karen says the end result was better than she had envisioned.

“Chris is very good,” she says. “He asks what’s your aim, what is the goal, then comes up with wonderful ideas.”

Clark Construction is located at 3180 Industrial Boulevard, Bethel Park, and can be reached at 412-833-7222. The showroom is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.