Bathroom Remodel in Fresh Vintage Style

"While some kids played teacher, I always played shop," Jennifer Hansen says. As an adult, Jennifer went from pretender to vendor, opening Eden, a modern apothecary in Des Moines' lively East Village. The shop's aesthetic marries clean minimalism with touches of vintage charm. (Think white walls, polished wood floors and a sparkling chandelier salvaged from a downtown department store.)

In 2014, Jennifer and her husband, John, treated themselves to a big indulgence-a renovation of their 1876 Queen Anne cottage's bathroom. Just like Eden, the new room is a gleaming, clean-lined sanctuary with period-inspired details that make the simple act of getting ready each day feel like a gift.

Period-look pedestal sinks replaced a large vanity, making the room feel more open. Medicine cabinets picked up the storage slack:

Jennifer and John upgraded an existing built-in, adding shelves, drawers and a marble counter. Compared to a shuttered closet, the open unit functions like a shop window filled with tempting wares:

In the old shower nook, a sit-down vanity encourages Jennifer to pause and indulge herself, just as her store inspires customers to linger and treat themselves:

Since 2003, Jennifer's airy shop, Eden, has been a fixture in Des Moines, selling luxury bath and green cleaning products (edeniowa.com). Besides bath and beauty products, Jennifer stocks Eden with books, candles and other small pleasures. Here are a few favorites that have found a home in her new bathroom.

You Are a Circle This mesmerizing book's mysterious circles and Zen-like aphorisms are like a visual poem, perfect for reading and relaxing in the bath. $17.50.

Diptyque Candles These petite Parisian candles are a best seller. 
I love the Baies (berries), with the scents of rose and black currant leaves. $32 (diptyqueparis.com).

Little Barn Apothecary Body Oil Sesame, jojoba, avocado and vitamin E infuse this organic, non-greasy daily moisturizer. $34 (littlebarnapothecary.com).

Hallo Sapa Soap I am amazed how this mild, natural and centuries-old skin-care remedy made from Icelandic volcanic ash makes my skin feel so clean. $7 (kalastyle.com).

Vanity Chair Saarinen Executive with wood legs, finish: ebonized walnut. Design Within Reach (dwr.com). Medicine cabinet Frameless inset. Restoration Hardware (restorationhardware.com). Sconce Powell. Restoration Hardware (restorationhardware.com). Tray Rectangular mirror. At Home (athome.com).

Bathroom Faucet Grafton 8-inch Widespread. Restoration Hardware (restorationhardware.com). Lighting Zenith II Vanity. Lighting (ylighting.com). Medicine cabinet Framed, finish: polished chrome. Restoration Hardware (restorationhardware.com). Sconce (in cabinetry) Harmon Flushmount, finish: polished nickel. Restoration Hardware (restorationhardware.com). Sink Tresham 30-inch pedestal, color: white. Kohler (kohler.com). Subway tile Home Depot (homedepot.com)