A Victoria + Albert claw foot tub in the new master bathroom.
A fabulous family invited us to demolish and rebuild their dreary master bathroom last year, and we jumped in to rescue it. The narrow dimensions created a bowling alley effect which we needed to solve, but at least we were on the same page when it came to the design and finishes. Now all we had to do is get there.
The starting point was underwhelming. We'll set the stage with the original bathroom as we found it.
The original master bathroom featured a 36" x 36" shower, a green wallpaper border near the ceiling, and gold accents. An orphaned pedestal sink stood guard on the 14 foot long wall.
Not the refreshing start to the morning our clients imagined. Unsurprisingly, they had abandoned the shower entirely. The owner's cat was the prior occupant of this space before we started demolition.
A view of the rest of the bathroom. A small closet sat between the hall door and master bedroom door. The original bathroom was nearly 14 feet long, but only 6 feet wide.
Our clients presented us with the challenge of fitting a free-standing tub in the bathroom, part of which extended over the stairwell. Expanding the length of the bathroom into the spacious bedroom was not a problem. However, gaining the extra width for the tub would require some clever engineering.
The first order of business was stripping the existing bathroom down to the studs.
After the wreckage, it was time to rebuild. Fortunately, we now had enough space to fit two sinks, a true walk-in shower, and enclose the toilet for some privacy.
We recessed the 84" vanity into the wall to accommodate the free-standing tub. We used Walker Zanger's Grigio Scuro mosaic to create a border around the white carrara hex tile along the center line of the bathroom.
The new shower was now compatible with the rest of the bathroom. Sorry, Ms. Kitty. Time to find a new spot in the house.
Kallista Bellis shower pieces and a white quartzite bench match the vanity top and sink faucets.
We included electrical inside the Furniture Guild vanities and Robern medicine cabinets.
Another view of the vanity wall with desk bridge. We added an extra 3 feet of length for built-in cabinetry and enhanced storage.
Efficient storage is one key to a successful bathroom project. Here, we installed custom inset cabinetry with drawers and open storage on both sides of the bathroom entry.
It's gratifying to work with clients who seized the opportunity in this master bathroom; credit goes to them for pursuing an idea and seeing it through without compromise. For our part, we could not be happier than helping an amazing family enjoy their new master bathroom.
Ahoy there, first mates! This bathroom has been approved by the two buccaneers in the pirate ship.
