For years, I’ve resisted the whole New Year’s resolution thing. And honestly, the more I listen to my body — and, let’s be real, to logic — the more it makes sense. Winter is a time for deep rest. Nature is dormant, hibernating, and reflecting. It’s not exactly screaming, “Reinvent yourself!” In the spirit of rest and renewal, we’re reflecting on a specific kind of space perfect for mid-winter hibernation and self-care practices: primary baths, highlighted from our portfolio. And if yours isn’t the calming, rejuvenating room you wish it could be, we invite you to consider remodeling with a welcoming bathtub and soul-soothing color palette. 

 

In this Rockridge Mediterranean primary bathroom, we designed a cabinet that stretches the full length of the room with deep storage and plenty of space to style candles and plants, an altar of sorts to bring a quiet peace into the bathroom while bathing and taking in the view of the Bay. Built by Randall Wilson, and tile from Clé Tile. Photos by Kurt Manley.

In this Rockridge Mediterranean primary bathroom, we designed a cabinet that stretches the full length of the room with deep storage and plenty of space to style candles and plants, an altar of sorts to inspire a quiet peace while bathing and taking in the view of the Bay. Built by Wilson & Sons, and tile from Clé Tile. Contractor Stone Home Building. Photos by Kurt Manley.

 

Winter has a way of encouraging us to turn inward, and I’ve found that creating small rituals can make the season feel a bit more intentional and nurturing. For me, there’s nothing quite like retreating to a beautifully designed bathroom, a space that feels like a personal sanctuary. Beyond just functionality, a thoughtfully curated bath can transform into a sanctuary where bathing becomes a ritual: a practice to slow down, warm up, and reconnect with yourself. Transforming a bathroom into this kind of haven isn’t just a design upgrade. It’s an investment in your well-being during the colder months. In many ancient cultures, the new year aligned with the spring equinox—a season of renewal, growth, and rebirth. That timing feels natural to me, too, especially since it coincides with my birthday. Around March, I feel the energy of renewal, like a personal spring awakening, when everything inside me wants to upgrade and bloom.

 

A primary bathroom with plenty of room for two. Architect: Debbi Peterson. Art by Petros Koublis. Photos by Mo Saito.

 

Calendar History

So, how did we get stuck with this January 1st thing? Enter Julius Caesar. Back in 46 BCE, he introduced the Julian calendar, designating January 1 as the new year based on the solar year, and scrapping the Roman calendar that was based on the the lunar cycle. Then in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII corrected the gradual drift of the seasons and implemented the leap year with what would be called the Gregorian calendar. While these constructs and adjustments were practical for politics and keeping religious holidays in alignment, they also detached us even further from nature’s rhythm.

The original Roman calendar started in March. That’s why the month names still reflect their old progression:

  • October (from octo, meaning eight) was the eighth month.
  • November (from novem, meaning nine) was the ninth month.
  • December (from decem, meaning ten) was the tenth month.

So technically, March was the original first month of the year. No wonder it feels more in tune with fresh starts.

 

The master suite of this modern California Rancher features a spa-like bathroom with a French door to a small, high-fenced, private garden area outside. Photos by Eric Rorer.

 

The Body Knows

I’ll admit I’ve had moments of self-doubt in my quiet winter state, wondering why I don’t feel fired up for life as the calendar flips to January. But the truth is, my body knows better. It’s not laziness; it’s alignment. Winter is my time to pause, rest, and reflect. Come March, I trust I’ll be bursting with ideas and energy, ready to embrace my personal new year.

If you’re not feeling jazzed about January, it’s not you. Blame the Gregorian calendar for throwing us off nature’s groove.

This rhythm of rest and renewal mirrors the process of designing and building a house. There’s a time for dreaming, a time for action, and a time to let things settle. Rushing through the quiet phases, whether in life or in creating a home, robs us of the opportunity to build something truly meaningful.

 

Taj Mahal stone in this Moroccan-Mediterranean Piedmont master bath creates a restful visual beauty to harmonize with the faster visual rhythm of the tile. Photos by Mo Saito.

 

Embrace the Stillness

So, here’s my take: embrace the dormancy of winter. Let yourself rest without guilt. Trust that the energy will return when the season calls for it. And if your inner spring starts blooming in March (or whenever it feels right to you), that’s your cue to get moving.

Let’s honor the natural rhythms and give ourselves the grace to recharge. The best resolutions, like the best homes, are built on a strong foundation… and that takes time.

For those of you who are thinking about a remodeling project or if you are ready to upgrade your furnishings, we would love to talk with you! Click here to submit a new client inquiry if you are ready for us.

Written by Laura Martin Bovard.