small bath small bath

solutions solutions
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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welcome
Good things come in small packages. That often-heard
missive applies to the 45 baths featured in this book. Simply put, Better
Homes and Gardens

Small Bath Solutions celebrates smallnessand the

clever approaches homeowners and designers have taken to shower
their grooming spaces and powder rooms with style and function.
What constitutes a small bath? That depends on your vantage point. A
small bath in a Midwestern home might seem like a pampering paradise
in a New York City apartment, where one can often spread arms and
touch walls on both sides. Our featured rooms run the gamut from
pint-size to modestly sized. The commonality is that theyve done a lot
with a little. Let the photographs and stories inspire your own ideas for
nagling a tight oor plan and embracing style. The Bath Workbook
section at the back of this book will help you narrow down choices in
tile, countertops, and more. Whether youre in the dreaming or doing
stage of a renovation, remember that dimensions are only numbers.
Even in a small bath, the sky is the limit.
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SMALL bath solutions 4
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1 Compact Creativity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Open and Accommodating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Squared Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Moving Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Master Peace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Smart Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Seashell Personality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Room to Breathe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Space Exploration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Complete Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Aptly Adapted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
From Thin Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Refined Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
2 Spa Inspiration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Clean Sweep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Guest Privileges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Seasoned Serenity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Practical Magic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Tranquil Translation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
A Little Massaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Dramatic Flair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Sea Change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Straight Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Colorful History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Sheer Luxury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Smooth Moves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
3 Powder Room Finesse. . . . . . . . . . . 104
Steps to Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Winning Metals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Hall Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Beauty from the Basin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Eco-Rich Elegance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Petite Sparkle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Warming Trend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Side Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Special Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
4 Dream Rooms, Real Budgets . . . . 118
Traditional Treasure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
Patience Pays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126
Natural Retreat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
Pure and Simple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136
Refresher Course. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Modern Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144
Splash of Glamour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Unfitted Charm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Skimming the Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Freshen Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
Better with Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168
Worth the Wait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
5 Bath Workbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
contents
5 small bath solutions
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SMALL bath solutions 6 SMALL bath solutions
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Amazing things happen when you embrace the
possibilities. Imagine a seldom-used tub removed to allow space for
a walk-in shower. Consider how a oating vanity could give your bath
much-needed breathing room, or how a niche built between studs in
the wall could eke out an extra bit of storage. The baths on the following
pages incorporate those design-smart features and more. Theyre glass-
half-full kinds of spaces.
Getting your bath to reach its full potential starts by looking beyond
what it is to what it could be. Rank your priorities, and let the ones that
oat to the top guide your makeover. Be prepared for compromises. For
example, if you discover that your space simply cant accommodate a
double-sink vanity, consider a wide single sink that can oer two-person
functionality when needed. Remember, its not the size of the room that
matters, but what you do with it. Even in a small bath, you can do a lot.
1
compact
creativity
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8 SMALL bath solutions
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left: Glass tiles in oceany hues extend around
the room, while quartz surfacing on the counter
suggests beach sand. opposite: A walk-in
shower and colorful glass tile create a light,
inviting guest bath.
Brown linoleum and worn-
out laminate prompted
Deborah and Bob Jones to gut the guest
bath in their Florida getaway home.
Inspired by the beach and water
nearby, Deborah created a new look for
the space, choosing design elements that
convey the couples carefree, sand-on-the-
oor vacation lifestyle. At the same time,
she improved the baths e ciency for their
children and guests.
The most dramatic change came
from removing so ts above the sink and
old tub-and-shower combo. Raising up
the ceiling changed the whole feel of the
room, Deborah says. I was able to get
more light and build the cabinets a little
higher. The tub gave way to a walk-in
shower with a bench. Its more fun, more
open, and a little bit more practical to get
in and out of, Deborah says.
open and
accommodating
Space-stretching solutions and fresh
updates ll this bath with function and
Florida-vacation spirit.
9 compact creativity
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10x5
Above: Glass-front cabinets evoke the look of windows,
fostering an open, breezy feel. opposite: The vanity offers
several storage options, including a center bar for towels.
Lighting below upper cabinets illuminates the counter. A
louvered entry door sets a casual tone for the room.
A partial wall separates the shower
from the toilet, while a clear door shows
o glass wall tiles. By running the tiles
across the wall, behind the toilet, and
into the shower, it expanded the whole
feeling, says interior designer Dorothy
Mainella, a member of the National
Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA).
When the bath is not being used by
the couples children, it serves overnight
visitors. To provide more space for guests
toiletries, Deborah boosted storage in
the vanity area. Theres plenty of counter
space around the sink, and upper cabinets
topped by open shelves ank the mirror.
A cutout in the base cabinetry keeps the
vanity from appearing boxy and heavy.
A soft color scheme adds to the
lighter look. The glass wall tiles, in oceany
shades of blue, green, and gray, set the
tone, contrasting gently with the crisp
white cabinetry. The quartz-surfacing
countertop and tan oor tile mimic the
look of wet sand. A louvered entry door
conveys casual Key West style.
I think the room wanted a cottage,
beachy feel that represents the water and
sand were so close to, Deborah says.
10 5
10 SMALL bath solutions
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SMALL bath solutions 12
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squared
off
Theres no longer a showdown
over who gets to use what rst
in this clean-lined space.
left: Mosaic tiles on the oor continue into the
shower, stretching the sight line onward and
upward. They also provide visual relief from the
large tiles on the walls. opposite: With limited
wall space, the towel bar found a nifty home on
the bottom of the horizontal cabinet.
The morning rush can be
tough in a tight-t bath.
Two people trying to shower and groom
in about a 5-foot squareand get out the
door in time for workisnt exactly a Zen
way to start the day. But it was reality for
Michigan homeowners Todd McLaughlin
and Roger Nickels.
Finally having had enough of
jockeying for a spot in front of the mirror,
they tapped bath designer Tanya Woods
to redo the room. What she achieved was
impressive. Working within the same
sliver of space, Woods packed the bath
with function and styleand gave the
homeowners more than they imagined.
The rst order of business? Ditch the
old blue tub that stretched wall to wall.
Having it out of the room went a long way
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in visually opening the room. And having
a new walk-in shower instead of a climb-
into-it tub went a long way in ease, tting
the couples on-the-go lifestyle.
The bulky old vanity with a Formica
counter was another eyesore that got
the heave-ho. In its place is a modern,
open vanity that incorporates a shelf for
towels and is topped with a wide sink.
The homeowners knew that the double
sink they hoped for was a long shot in the
small space. Woods gave them the next
best thing, bringing in a wider-than-usual
sink that still allows two people to use it at
the same time, if needed.
Similar good sense plays out above
the vanity. A clean-lined cabinet stretches
horizontally from the medicine chest.
Though it provides extra storage, the
bigger bonus is its sliding mirrored door
that oers a secondary grooming spot.
A towel bar mounted to the bottom of the
cabinet was Woods simple solution to
dealing with a lack of wall space and also
freeing up sight lines.
Improved function, however, is just
half of it. The other half of the design
equation is the rooms newfound style.
Rich wood and porcelain and glass tiles in
earthy hues warm the space, which has a
contemporary edge to it. This is an older
bungalow but its transitional and on
trend, so I wanted the bath to reect that,
Woods says. With tile covering the oor,
vanity wall, and virtually all planes in the
shower, the formerly dowdy room is now
a spa-inspired escape.
Its fantastic to use every day, Roger
says, with Todd concurring. Everything
about the room works wonderfullyand
looks wonderful, too.
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above left: The faucet throws a curve into the rooms
linear features, including the rectangular sink and
square wall tiles. above: A partial, rather than full,
wall and glass-block window keep the narrow shower
from seeming claustrophobic. opposite: The extra-
deep medicine chest and adjoining cabinet maximize
storage space.
Room for Improvement Room for Improvement
Consider these tips before you launch into a makeover.
strategy session Put your money into a focal-point wallusually the
one that is first seen upon entering the room. In this bath, its the vanity
wall. Save even more by just tiling the backsplash.
value viewpoint Dont overdo. Though a renovated bath increases
the value of a home, that doesnt mean going crazy. If you spend too
much, you risk losing money when you sell.
Extra, extra Make sure your budget has a cushion to accommodate
unexpected extras that tend to crop up during a renovation. Allot extra
when ordering materials, too. One builder suggests ordering 5 to 10
percent more flooring than you think you need. And hold on to scraps.
You never know when youll need another little piece of tile or molding,
perhaps to frame out a mirror.
stage worthy If you cant afford your entire dream bath up front, do it
in stages. Start with the more permanent elements, such as flooring and
the shower or tub. You can swap out things like a sink, a faucet, a vanity,
or a toilet later without disrupting the room.
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moving up
With access to a rooftop deck and a storage-
packed hallway, this classic master bath
oers so much more than grooming.
Atop winding stairs in Catherine
Coquillards 1939 home, there once was
a den with a curious cubbyhole tucked
behind. The previous owner had used the
space for sewing, but Catherine barely used
it at alluntil she converted the den into a
master bedroom and made the sewing room
part of a sunny master bath.
Like many homes its age, the 2
1
2-story
stucco house in Oakland, California,
didnt have a master suite, but the top
oor seemed perfect for the role, given
its access to a rooftop deck with treetop
views. The joy of this space is that it has
completely unobstructed sun, Catherine
says. And its very private. No one can see
me, and I cant see anyone else.
Eager to exploit the views and the
privacy, Catherine included a skylit shower
and a toilet compartment on her bath
wish list. I knew other people might
use the bath as a passage to the deck,
OPPOSITE: Crisp white cabinets with glass knobs
spread the traditional charm of the 1939 home
to the new master bath. Casement windows
open onto a private deck. LEFT: A hallway that
leads to the bath is now a tidy dressing area
outtted with built-ins.
17 compact creativity
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so it was very important for the toilet to
be separate, she says. Absent from her
list was a whirlpool tub. Im not a tub
person, Catherine says. I already had
a tub and a separate shower in the bath
downstairs, and I never used the tub.
The challenge of making wishes
reality fell to architect Bethany Opalach.
The design came down to inchesand
sometimes to the half inch, Opalach says.
The old sewing room couldnt hold every
luxury, so Opalach stretched it by stealing
a 610-foot space from the rooftop deck
and using it to build a modest addition.
Entry to the new bath is through a
dressing area with built-ins on one side
and a small walk-in closet on the other.
Directly ahead, sunlight streams through
tall casement windows into the main bath.
Its classic decor suits the homes 1930s
roots, marrying crisply painted woodwork
with pale carrara marble. My house is very
traditional, Catherine says. It looks like
someones grandpas house. I wanted the
bath to match.
Though packed with space-e cient
storage, the bath still feels airy, thanks to
generous use of glass. The windows, the
skylight, the frameless shower enclosure,
the mirror, the glass-front cabinetthey
all help open up the space, Opalach says.
To complete the makeover, Opalach
put a new deck over the existing rooftop
surface. Because the deck sits higher than
the bathroom oor, actual doors werent
practical, so the casement windows,
resembling French doors, lead outside.
The setup doesnt hamper access. The
outdoor space is one of the luxuries of
the home. The best thing is to get a cup
of coee and go out on the deck and read
the paper in the morning, Catherine says.
But Ive even had cocktail parties out
there. Its a wonderful place to sit in the
sun and sip margaritas.
The shower, with its skylight and big
windows, is almost as sunny. And with a
natural veil of oak leaves uttering just
outside, its equally private. Its like being
in a tree house, Catherine says.
Above: The bath ows into a
hallway that features a built-in
dresser and shoe rack on one side
and a walk-in closet on the other.
The built-ins maximize storage
without crowding the small space.
Recessed, at-panel cabinetry is
used in both spaces for continuity.
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1. INSIDE OUT
With a clear-glass wall and door, high
windows with a view of trees, and a sun-
catching skylight, the walk-in shower evokes
the sensation of alfresco bathing. Large
marble tiles cover the shower walls, while
small versions pattern the floor.
2. PAMPERING SHOWER
A second showerheadthis one an
adjustable-height model with handheld
capabilitylets the enclosure serve two
people. A built-in niche holds accessories.
Marble trim around the window opening and
mildew-resistant paint on the wood sashes
limit water worries.
3. LAUNDRY SMARTS
This pullout hamper, similar in design to
a kitchen trash or recycling bin, includes a
removable canvas liner for deft handling of
laundry loads.
4. EASY-ACCESS STORAGE
Another kitchen-style pullout makes bath
items stored under the sink easier to access.
1
3
2
4
10 8
Closet
Deck
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master peace
A gift of Japanese art inspires the soothing
redesign of a world-traveling couples bath.
Sheer necessity drove Helen
and Richard Podolske to remodel the
upper-level bath of their home in Chevy
Chase, Maryland. The shower leaked water
into the ceiling below, the toilet never
seemed to stop running, and the pink tiles
stubbornly refused to match any paint
colors found in stores.
The couple turned to designer Eugene
Zagoskin, a member of the National
Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), who
had already redone the homes basement.
It didnt take long to hit on the perfect
design inspiration: a print featuring the
work of Kitagawa Utamaro, a Japanese
artist from the late 1700s famous for his
woodblock prints. The piece was a gift
from a friend who knew how the globe-
trotting couple loved Japan. Theyd been
looking for a place to display it, and the
new bath would be perfect.
Helen says Japan is a place where she
immediately felt at peace, so Zagoskin
worked to bring that same sense of
right: Sconces anking the mirror resemble
bamboo, while tiny shelves display world-travel
keepsakes. Opposite: The frosted-glass door
to this master bath suggests a shoji screen,
signaling Asian inuence within. It also helps
the small room from seeming too closed in.
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22 SMALL bath solutions SMALL bath solutions
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below left: The tubs thermostatic ller ts
the clean-lined look of the room and ensures
comfortable bathing. below: Porcelain tiles
in the shower were cut to odd sizes to create
the look of a stone wall. opposite: The vanity
countertop dovetails with the whirlpool tub to
maximize display and storage space in the small
bath. Wall-mount xtures are another space-
saving feature. The Japanese print that inspired
the decor is reected in the mirror.
tranquillity into the bath, taking design
cues from the print, which depicts an
Asian woman clothed in red and gold.
The maple cabinetry is stained a
Chinese red, while the marble countertop
includes hints of gold. Clean lines
throughout the bath also echo the print, as
do natural-look materials. The Japanese
are open to nature, Zagoskin says.
The small bath also feels soothing
because Zagoskin worked hard to make
it seem larger. The shower, for example,
features a clear-glass door, which extends
the sight line and creates a sense of
spaciousness. Frosted-glass cabinet doors
achieve a similar eect while partially
obscuring everyday bath items stored
within. They give depth, Zagoskin says.
The bath is so captivating that a
friend of the couple asked Zagoskin to
make her one just
like it. Imitation may
be the sincerest form
of attery, but like
the work of art that
inspired it, this bath is
one-of-a-kind.
6x12
6 12
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24 SMALL bath solutions
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smart growth
A couple shrewdly invest a small cache of
space to yield big returns in their master bath.
With little space to spare
in their Cincinnati home, Jo and Alan
Henning faced a tough choice. They could
either enlarge their compact master bath
at the expense of their childrens adjacent
bath or nd less-invasive ways to stretch
their space. They chose the latter. With
four kids, we didnt think it was fair to give
them a small bathroom so ours could be
larger, Jo says.
Annexing a closet and a narrow slice
of the kids bathroom allowed Jo and
Alan to add new amenities, including a
much-desired second sink and their own
tub. They also updated surfaces. Interior
designer Andrea Stewart and bathroom
designer Karen Bieszczak used clean lines
and natural materials throughout the
room to bring sophisticated style and a
sense of spaciousness.
opposite: A shallow
vanity and a wide mirror
are two of the design
tricks that help this
master bath feel more
spacious and function
better for the couple
who use it.
Rich cherry cabinetry introduces
furniture style, while tumbled-limestone
tiles on the oor, vanity countertop,
and walls create design unity. The luxe
materials are about more than good looks,
though. They deftly disguise space-saving
design strategies.
One case in point is the ledgelike
vanity countertop. Its just 12 inches deep
to give the couple better access to the
toilet and shower, which occupy former
closet space. The two sinksa luxury in
a small bath are partially recessed into
the countertop, their bowls projecting in
cantilevered fashion.
Cabinets below the countertop are
just deep enough to hold necessities. Two
cubbies in the center of the vanity provide
out-in-the-open storage for easy access
to hand towels and grooming supplies.
Bieszczak eked out additional storage by
mounting a tall cabinet above the tub.
A ribbon of pretty pebbles embedded
in the backsplash tile ties together the
tidy design. In my dreams, I live in a
mountain cabin and bathe in a clear river,
Jo says. The pebbles bring that dream
a bit closer to my current reality of a
suburban existence.
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above right: Cantilevered sinks keep the
vanity slim and trim. A mosaic of pebbles adds
color and whimsy. opposite: The homeowners
added a tub to the once shower-only bath,
conserving space by connecting the vanity to
the tub with a tiled ledge.

Friendly
Takeover
A shallow vanityjust 12 inches
deepfrees up space without
sacricing style or storage.

give and take Space borrowed from an
adjacent walk-in closet and bath enabled the
master bath to grow from 78 feet to 914
feet, providing the square footage needed to
add a tub and a second sink.
cheat space The shallowness of the vanity
area, with projecting sink bowls, allows easy
access to the annexed space, where the toilet
and shower were placed.
be strategic The tub was placed along the
exterior wallwhere theres a window. That
led to moving the door from the bedroom to
a more central location, where it still opens
straight to the vanity.
9 14
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seashell
personality
A vanity dressed in natures jewelryshells
and sandestablishes a fun focal point in a
poolside bath that begged for a style splash.
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This photo: An ordinary
vanity becomes an artistic
focal point with the addition
of seashells, sand, and sea
glass. Opposite: A large
clamshell functions as a
thematic soap dish.
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After a fun day of splashing in the
swimming pool, guests can use this St. Louis
homes bathroom as a peaceful respite for showering
and toweling o. White subway tile and a clear glass
sliding enclosure for the shower combine with white
beaded board on the surrounding walls to establish a
tranquil setting.
The next step was to give the bath a visual
connection to the poolside location. Customizing
the vanity came to light as an aordable and clever
possibility. For starters, pulls shaped like a starsh
and a sh lend playful charm to the traditionally
styled cabinet doors. Seashells embedded in sanded
grout make the extra-deep retrotted countertop a
three-dimensional focal point.
Installing a border of glass tiles around the sink
provides a smooth surface for setting down toiletries
or a glass of water. More tiles were sandblasted and
embedded in the sandy border to mimic sea glass.
Right: Seashells and glass tiles re-create a sandy beach on
the countertop. Below: Sea creatureshape pulls continue
the theme to the stock vanity doors. Opposite: White
subway tiles in the shower give the bath a breezy, clean feel.

frame it up To create a beach-inspired countertop similar to the one
in this bath, start with a plywood top and sides for your vanity. Cut the
opening for the sink. Prime the plywood so it wont absorb water from the
grout; let dry. Lightly sand; wipe away residue with a tack cloth.
Lay the tile Position glass or ceramic mosaic tiles around the opening
cut for the sink, embedding the tile in tile adhesive. Let dry as suggested
by the manufacturer. Fill joints with grout.
Adhere found items Assemble a collection of seashells and sea glass in
colors to complement the bathroom decor. Have a small amount of clean
sand on hand. Plan to work quickly and with a helper. While your helper
spreads a thick layer of sanded grout over a small section of the vanity top
or side, use a spackling knife to coat the backs of glass and shells (also
fill shell cavities to avoid cracking). Press the shells and glass into the
sanded grout, positioning the objects as desired. Have your helper apply
more grout, if needed, and press more sand into the grout for an enhanced
seashore effect. Continue working in sections to complete the top.
Get the Look
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Featuring a oating base with
generous drawers, open towel
storage, and ample counter space,
the long vanity embodies the
clean, contemporary spirit of the
bath. Custom-framed mirrors and
a painting add artistic touches.
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room to
breathe
Sacricing a seldom-used tub
allowed these homeowners to
gain eco-friendly elbow room.
Sometimes a bathroom needs
a little breathing room. Such was
the case in Bruce and Adrienne Stas Boulder
master bath. An imposing vanity and shower
stall consumed one wall, making the room
cramped, dark, and drearyhardly the light-
lled retreat the couple craved. There just
wasnt a feeling of spaciousness, Bruce says.
The couple teamed with interior designer
Margie McCulloch to tap the rooms hidden
potential. That meant making some sacrices.
Because the Stas rarely used the tub in the
master bath, one of their rst decisions was
to replace the separate tub and shower with a
spacious walk-in shower. The strategic move
opened up the room to light and views while
allowing a new dual vanity to have its own
generous stretch of wall. It turned a crowded,
di cult-to-use space into a generous, user-
friendly room, McCulloch says.
An ocean-inspired color scheme and a
rich palette of eco-friendly materials infuse
the room with a clean-lined, contemporary
spirit. The colors ground the room and add
visual interest, McCulloch says. The various
materials all come together at the vanity.
There, rift-cut white oak forms the oating
base cabinetry.
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top left: The ocean hues of the glass-tile backsplash provide
contrast against smooth black countertops. top right: A
handheld showerhead teams with a xed head on the opposite
wall. above: The towel cabinet divides the dual sinks and adds
a sense of movement. above right: Shower niche shelves of
the same material as the vanity countertop provide storage
convenience. opposite: The glass shower enclosure allows
sunlight to spread throughout the room.
For eye-catching contrast, the vanity
is topped with a black-ecked countertop
made from recycled plastic bottles. And a
mosaic backsplash formed from recycled-
glass tiles frames the vanity in aqueous
hues that sparkle in the sunlight.
The rooms most unique feature
stands between the dual sinks: a storage
unit fashioned from kirei, a domestic
agricultural product made of sorghum
stock and elm. The open cabinet keeps
towels at arms reach, and its interesting
texture adds energy to the horizontal lines
of the vanity base. We love the clean look
of the vanity, Bruce says.
The vanity is strategically placed
across from the shower, where a large
window capitalizes on sunlit views. The
abundance of natural light dances o
the showers interiorpale green ceramic
eld tile with a crackled nish and an
ocean-hue tile border that matches the
backsplash. Underfoot, limestone ooring
installed in a running bond pattern spills
out of the shower and across the room.
Radiant heat underneath the oor
chases away the chill on cold days.
Lighting beneath the vanity illuminates
the tiles, providing a nifty feature. When
coming into the bathroom at night, you
can light up the oors to clearly see where
youre going and have no light in your
eyes, McCulloch says.
The Stas love the spacious, open
atmosphere of their rejuvenated bath.
Its very bright and open for a not-so-big
space, Bruce says. It feels good to walk in
there every day.
12x9 12 9
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space
exploration
Rethink and rearrange. With those
two words driving their remodeling
project, these homeowners nd a
way to work in everything they need.
right: An elongated sink typically used in kitchens is a clever
way to gain more sink space. Open shelves below the sink
provide extra storage. A tall vanity mirror reects additional
light. White window treatments (shown in the mirrors
reection) blend with the walls for a seamless appearance.
People rearrange their bedrooms when they
need a change of pace, so why not take that concept
to the bath? These homeowners did just that in their shift-things-
around makeover. Though not as easily done as moving a bed
or a dresser to a new wall, moving the xtures opened up new
possibilities for this room, and ultimately the people who use it.
To make the most of the oor space, the owners relocated
the toilet to a new wall, below a window. This freed up a corner
for a walk-in shower. Downsizing the tub ensured that pampering
soaks wouldnt be a thing of the past. A petite claw-foot model sits
next to the corner shower.
Clever little touches also contribute to the rooms improved
functionality. Though theres still just a single sink, its an
elongated version typically used in kitchens. The extra width
means that two people can be brushing teeth side by side. On
each side of the sink, corner-t medicine cabinets are equipped
with electrical outlets to keep small appliances handy, yet out
of sight. And, blanketed in pale colors, the tidy bath is now a
soothing retreat. More importantly, its a room that nally makes
sense of its space.
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Above: A 4-foot-long claw-foot tubs ts
perfectly along a wall where the entry door
swings open and also is clear of the corner
shower entrance. Opposite top, left: One
of the partial walls that encloses the shower
provides privacy in the toilet area. Opposite
top, right: Covering the shower with the same
tile used on the wall and keeping the entrance
open makes it appear less intrusive. Opposite
bottom: Small-pattern, tone-on-tone tiles
create the illusion of spaciousness.
Elongating sight lines makes a small
space seem larger. Because this
claw-foot tub is open underneath,
it appears to take up less space than
the old built-in model.
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Daunting as it may seem, it is possible
to make a small bath more functional.
Take inspiration from this baths space-
enhancing shifts.
in the swing Changing the direction
the door swings opened up an unused
corner for cabinetry.
storage minded Centering the sink on
one wall and flanking it with cabinetry
provided enough storage for multiple
users.
on the move Moving the toilet under
the window provided the square footage
needed for a custom-tiled corner shower.
Replacing the built-in tub with a small
claw-foot model increased sight lines.
Function First
9X9
9X9
before
after
9 9
9 9
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complete recovery
Space-expanding design and a tongue-in-cheek medical
theme give this bath a big shot in the arm.
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this photo: A vintage
steel hospital cabinet
came from a supply house
that provides period
pieces for lms. opposite:
The big red cross on the
shower curtain sets the
tone for this medically
minded bath.
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Some baths are pretentious,
but not this one in Jay and Bryna
Kranzlers San Diego home. Inspired by
Jays medical career, it injects serious
function with a dose of hospital humor.
On the one hand, the design is
consistent with the gravity and sterility
of the old hospital/apothecary setting
upon which it is modeled, Jay says. On
the other hand, the severity of the setting
is tempered with the recognition that
bathrooms can be funny, especially to
teenage boys like my two sons, who share
the bathroom.
Tweaking existing space in the
modest-size bath healed a fractured
layout. A glass enclosure opened up the
shower, while a tall stainless-steel cabinet
serves compact anking vanities. Designer
Sy Iverson chose surfaces based on the
couples talk of apothecary, medical, and
hospital elements. Keying o of those
images, he says, concrete, metal, and
glass immediately came to mind.
The antiseptic, easy-clean surfaces
are the kind youd expect in an operating
room or a doctors o ce. The oor is
especially institutional. Iverson laid
down a skim coat normally used to level
subooring, applied a brick sealer, and left
that as the nished surface.
Color and art soften the hard surfaces
and lighten the medical mood. The
shower curtain boasts a red cross, and the
mosaic-tile shower surfaces are peppered
with blue. A pill-theme cartoon, Latin
inscriptions, a fake video camera, and X-ray
light boxes prove that a roomful of humor
helps the medicine go downin a most
delightful way.
above: Perky blues lift the spirits of the institutional-look mosaic tile that frames the glass
shower enclosure. Opposite top, left: The glass-front medicine chest holds bath supplies as
well as apothecary items, including a mortar and pestle that belonged to one of the homeowners
grandmothers. Opposite top, right: The glass shower enclosure includes a transomlike opening for
venting steam. Opposite bottom, left: A framed cartoon from The New Yorker and X-ray light boxes
are quirky cures for the common bath. One box holds an artists adaptation of a brain scan; the other
displays family ultrasound images. Opposite bottom, right: Wall-mount faucets and squared-off
white sinks add to the doctors-ofce feel. Cherry trim tops the backsplash.
10x11 10 11
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aptly adapted
This classic and comfy bath is full of
inspiration for turning an unnished,
awkward attic into a much-used space.
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This photo: A comfy
window seat disguises
unattractive air ducts.
Opposite: When oor space
and overhead clearance
are at a premium, creative
design is essential. In this
attic bath, shallow cabinetry
makes functional storage
out of undereaves space.
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An unnished attic may provide just the
space you need for an accommodating bath. But
before you call in the contractors, make sure your
attic renovation is realistic. The rst requirement for
this attic makeover was the addition of a staircase.
The owners of the 90-year-old Greek Revival took
painstaking care to ensure the staircase looked
original to the home and provided convenient access
from both the upper level and the attic.
The next step in the renovation process was to
remove all the loose insulation and replace it with
energy-e cient sheets that tuck between the ceiling
rafters and wall studs. At its apex, the ceiling in this
attic bath is only 8 feet, so xtures had to be placed
near the high point. A refurbished claw-foot tub
is placed away from the wall and a pedestal sink is
located just inside the doorway. To accommodate the
slope of the ceiling, the owners chose a vanity mirror
with a triangular-shape top.
To gain storage but minimize the loss of valuable
oor space, the walls beneath the eaves are lined
with shallow, aordable stock cabinets (designed as
wall-hung models). A custom window seat conceals
an unsightly air duct and serves as a favorite perch
after a long soak. Variable-width pine boards warm the
oor. A soothing color combination of gray-blues and
creamy whites completes the scene.
above it all The operable skylight in this bath provides
ventilation and supplements the natural light that comes in
through the dormer windows.
authentic touch The antique pendant fixture, above,
hangs at the apex of the room. Its aesthetics suited the
vintage style of the bath. New wiring made the fixture
a safe bet. Its high-lumens output ensures ample light
throughout the room.
store-bought goods The owners
of this bath saved money by using
stock cabinets and fixtures from
home centers.
salvaged style The tub was
purchased from an architectural
salvage yard and repainted to
freshen its look. For the most
durable finish, hire a professional.
sheet savvy The curtain panels,
window seat cushion, and toss
pillows were made from a sheet set.
Look for on-sale or clearance items
for more savings.
Let There Be Light
Illuminate a bath with a skylight and ceiling fixtures.
Thrifty Tips
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This photo: A paneled
ceiling makes the steep
slope an architectural
detail. Opposite bottom,
left: To provide privacy,
the bath doors glass panels
received an application
of decorative laminate
lm. Opposite bottom,
right: Brazilian rosewood,
purchased on clearance,
tops the cabinets.
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from
thin
air
A designer plays o a
baths angled wall to
visually lift its mood
and give it some
breathing room.
Above: Though it appears to oat, the vanity gets support from a slate panel
that plays off an angled wall. The door-free blue-tile shower angles into a corner.
opposite: Open shelves visually lighten the built-in. With cabinets a few inches
deeper than standardand some below the vanity its a storage workhorse.
All it took was one look
out the windows of this Boston-
area condominium, and designer E.J.
Krupinsky, a member of the National
Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), had
inspiration for its master bath. With the
condos beautiful harbor views, he knew
a nature-inspired design would slip in
beautifully indoors.
The renovated space evokes nature
through its watery-blue, foggy-gray, and
sandy-brown hues; earthy materials; and
overall light look. Its all about water and
air, Krupinsky says.
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The vanity, the rst thing visible
upon entering the bath, seems to oat,
setting the stage for the airy atmosphere.
On the showers tiled partial wall, a blue
translucent tempered-glass panel rises
toward the ceiling, emulating a blue sky.
The room design is about more than
a look. Its also about creating a feeling.
Large pebble tiles in the shower give bare
feet a walking-on-the-beach sensation.
Thats about texture and trying to wake
somebody up in the morning, Krupinsky
says. Its an ergonomic feeling. And the
ow of water from the rain showerhead
feels like being in a gentle rainfall.
For Krupinsky, the biggest challenge
was making sense of the rooms
unconventional shape. The entry wall,
which is opposite the vanity, angles. Its
widest on the end with the shower, then
gradually narrows toward the other end,
where Krupinsky added a large mahogany
built-in that intersperses with the vanity.
Turns out, the not-quite-rectangular
shape was a bonus. It gives the room
a sense of movement and inspired its
clean-lined, linear look. This room really
plays a geometric game, Krupinsky says.
The design is very straightforward and
streamlined. Theres nothing fussy.
Though streamlined, the room is
also full of interest. Grayish slate appears
throughout the space, including on the
vanity, for continuity. For a visual change-
up, Krupinsky shifted the wooden features
from light maple on the vanity to rich
mahogany for the built-in. A balance
between variety and commonality is really
one of the secrets to any room, he says.
This room really plays a geometric game. The design
is very straightforward and streamlined.
designer e.j. krupinsky
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top: Sleek supports on the showers tempered-glass panel
are part of the baths interesting layers. top right: Its
jewelry, designer E.J. Krupinsky says of the mosaic vessel
sink. right: A small bench angled into the corner gives the
boxy shower a bit more interest. opposite: Mosaic tiles
continue from the backsplash onto walls, blanketing the
room like a fabric, Krupinsky says. The mirror reects the
inside of the shower and the glass panel.
VARIETY show Integrate different materials and textures for
interest. A room gets monotonous if everything is the same, says
designer E.J. Krupinsky. In this bath, stone, wood, porcelain, and
glass harmonize. Krupinsky mixed two woodsdark mahogany
and light maple. If it were all the same wood, the pieces would just
blend in and you wouldnt notice them, he says.
delightful depth When designing your bath, think of it like putting
together an outfit: Its not complete until youve added the layers. In
this room, mosaic tiles keep walls from falling flat.
space smarts Krupinsky considered every corner to eke out storage
and function. He had two small slate shelves cut to fit into a corner
of the shower, providing landing spots for shampoos and soaps. A
petite slate-top bench/footstool angles into another corner. Walls
also offer space-efficient storage potential. Go between studs to
create a niche in a shower. A recessed medicine cabinet is also a
space-saver, and it looks sleeker than a bulky wall-mounted model.
Masterful Touches
A stylish, functional bath takes forethought. Consider these tips.
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refined beauty
With touches of rich mahogany, this bath
suggests English formality. Yet its design is
all about boosting the lightand mood.
left: Rounded
edges on the wood
tub surround
lend richness and
quality. opposite:
With touches of
mahogany, the bath
has a traditional
look. White walls and
wainscoting brighten
the room.
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For a furnished look, venture
beyond bath-aisle offerings.
Prop an ornate mirror on
a vanity and flank with softly
lit sconces instead of hanging
a strip of lights above it.
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Moderation may have been the mantra for the
design of this sophisticated bath. With touches of mahogany, the
room is classic and even a bit formal. But architect Jerome Buttrick
took care to ensure that the bath didnt take on the persona of a
den. I wanted a masculine, clubby feel common in British design,
but without taking it to the extreme, says Buttrick, who limited
the mahogany to the vanity and part of the tub surround.
Considering that the primary goal was to brighten the bath,
mahogany was a surprising material choice. Prior to the makeover,
dark green marble surfaces swallowed the sunlight, the shower
was dark and conning, and ornate gold-plated xtures made the
decor ostentatious.
Unifying was Buttricks rst order of business. He covered
lower walls with bright white wainscoting and added white-
painted moldings above it and at the ceiling. We wanted to
keep the same formal language throughout the house, Buttrick
says. Classic limestone oors keep things neutral; with radiant-
heat coils installed below, they also ensure that bare feet stay
toasty warm. The mahogany gives the neutral shell much-needed
contrast, anchoring the room. The result is reminiscent of an
English manorperfect for the 1926 Edwardian-style home.
Buttrick got creative with the shower, exposing it to light
without moving the plumbing. He had an opening cut in the wall
between the tub and shower, then outtted it with a tempered-
glass panel that matches the new shower door. Sage-green glass
mosaic tiles that dress the enclosure reect light and make the
shower inviting from inside. The green glass has cool, watery
overtones, Buttrick says. People tend to relate to that color in a
bathroom because its soothing and relaxing.
Right: Reeded glass
allows light to lter
into the shower, yet
offers privacy. Nickel-
trimmed door handles
have a modern edge.
Opposite: With just
one sink, the vanity has
extra counter space and
storage drawers. A half-
wall distinguishes the
grooming area from the
toilet and bathing area.
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spa
inspiration
Baths have become places to relax and rejuvenate.
Jetted tubs and showers with built-in benches and rain showerheads
are common. Underfoot, radiant heating is warming oorsand bare
feet. In general, baths (yes, even small ones) have moved beyond
their utilitarian roles to become indulgences that emulate a spa-like
experience. While the look is often clean and contemporary, spa touches
can be worked into any style of room.
But good looks and pampering amenities arent the end-all. After all, a
bath still has to perform. When planning your special retreat, make sure
youre not swayed by looks alone. A beautiful tile thats stunning on
shower walls may be too slippery on the oor. A gorgeous, but porous,
countertop may not suit your low-maintenance lifestyle, so look for
more suitable options. As the following baths show, it is possible to
have it both wayspampering and practical.
2
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clean
sweep
With a streamlined
design, this tranquil
bath goes with the ow.
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this photo: A niche
in the wall provides
an extra bit of
storage, keeping the
vanity clutter-free.
opposite: With the
dark-painted upper
walls and ceiling,
the bath seems to
stretch to innity.
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Looking bigger doesnt need to
necessarily mean being bigger.
Matthew Rao, a certied kitchen designer (CKD),
realized that when he revamped this 40-square-foot
bath in an Atlanta home. Initially he searched for
ways to enlarge the space, such as claiming a bedroom
closet that backed up to it. But the homeowners
decided to keep walls intact, so Rao gave the room the
illusion of more square footage.
Streamlining was his approach to achieving
spaciousness, as well as spa-inspired style. Its all
about design tricks, Rao says. Clean lines provide an
uncluttered look. The vanity is set on legs, and the
toilet mounts to the wall for visual breathing room.
The same tile climbs all walls before owing into a
deep eggplant-color ceiling. The ceiling appears to be
space instead of another barrier, Rao says.
Another space-enhancer is the shower, enclosed
in frameless glass. Theres no door and theres
no basin curb to step over. Doors, curbs, steps,
moldingsall of those things just create more visual
barriers, Rao says. The slightly sloped shower oor
directs water to the drain, containing drips.
For Rao, the nished producta tranquil space full
of functionis inspiration that small baths have great
potential. Keep it simple, and a room will feel better
and bigger, Rao says. Ive said that for years, but Ive
never had to prove it in a space quite this small.
Above: A movable mirror layers atop the
rectangular mirror, which oats from the wall.
It creates a little more depth and dimension,
designer Matthew Rao says. Small lights
installed on the wall mirror are another design
surprise. left: The faucet provides sleek
contrast to the chunky concrete countertop.
opposite top, left: Travertine tiles cover
all the walls, including in the shower, for a
seamless look. The handheld unit allows
exible showering. opposite top, right:
A rain-style showerhead is a pampering luxury.
opposite bottom: Elements that appear
to oat, including the wall-mounted toilet,
contribute to the rooms airy look. Its less
visual clutter, Rao says.
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consider your routine Choose surfaces that work with your lifestyle
and style preferences. You have to know what youre getting into, Rao
says. For example, a concrete counter is prone to staining and will age
over time. For people who dont want that unpredictability, concrete
wouldnt be the right countertop material, Rao says.
streamline The adage Less is more is especially true in a small
space. Rao ran tile seven feet up the walls and steered clear of moldings
to minimize visual starts and stops.
weigh the pros and cons There are consequences to any decision,
Rao says. In this bath, he knew a curbless, doorless shower wasnt
foolproof. We traded a few instances where you might get a little
spillage outside the shower for having a room that looks, feels, and is so
much cleaner and freer visually, he says.
Pointers from a Pro
Without changing the location of fixtures or enlarging the room,
designer Matthew Rao transformed this pint-size bath into a sleek,
soothing retreat. Take inspiration from his ideas.
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guest privileges
A guest bath once plagued by plumbing problems is
now functioning beautifully and ush with perks.
right: A glass door
showcases new tile,
while a half-wall hides
the toilet. The handheld
showerhead has a holder
that adjusts to guests
of varying heights.
opposite: Warm colors,
fresh owers, and stacks
of soft white towels make
a welcoming guest bath.
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The dream of a pampering
guest bath seemed far from the
reality that Jeanne and Harold Egler faced
at their home in Redmond, Washington.
The existing guest bath had a leaky
shower, moldy walls (due to a lack of
ventilation), a drafty disposition (due
to a lack of insulation), and a cranky
commode. When the toilet overowed
during a party, we decided it was time for
a change, Jeanne says. The couple hired
Sheila Tilander, a certied kitchen and
bath designer (CKD/CBD) and member of
the National Kitchen & Bath Association
(NKBA), to redesign the 1970s main-level
bath. We wanted to give it a generally
updated look, x the water leaks, and
provide better ventilation, Tilander says.
Structural realities prevented the bath
from being enlarged, so Tilander simply
gutted the space and started from scratch.
New plumbing and ventilation systems
stopped the leaks and solved the mold
problem. Before, Id actually have to wipe
the walls down with bleach after long
showers to avoid mold buildup, Jeanne
says. Now its something I dont have to
worry about. Insulating the wall between
the shower and the adjacent garage
alleviated the chronic chilliness.
Without changing the footprint of
the small bath, Tilander strove to make
the 510-foot space look bigger than
its dimensions suggest. For example,
she traded the existing shower doora
1970s-look model with a metal frame and
obscured glassfor a frameless, clear-glass
version that allows an unobstructed view
of stylish new tile inside. The frameless
shower door makes it look bigger and not
as closed in, Tilander says.
The showers 12-inch-square beige
tiles are part of a warm, light palette that
further expands the room visually and
creates a sense of calmness. Dazzling
amber-glass mosaic tiles complement
the larger tiles throughout the room,
including on the oor in front of the
vanity, where Tilander designed a tile inset
that imitates an area rug. We love the
little glass mosaic tiles and the big tiles
on the shower wall, Jeanne says. I was
looking for a large tile so there wouldnt be
a lot of grout to clean.
The new vanity is a console-style
cherrywood unit with storage above and
below. A glass shelf holds extra towels,
while trumpet-shape sconces ank an
oval mirror that fronts a medicine cabinet.
Its nice to have a medicine cabinet that
doesnt look like a medicine cabinet,
Jeanne says. A half-wall separates the
vanity from the toilet niche, where a cherry
cabinet with a frosted-glass door provides
more storage.
The clever storage, sense of openness,
and updated look have turned a hosts
worst nightmare into a guests dream.
above: Glass tiles anchor the
corners of an area rug created
with different shapes of tiles.
opposite: The curves of the sink
complement an oval mirror that
conceals a medicine cabinet.
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Eliminating a doorway
allowed the tub and
shower to share a wall in
this bath, saving space in
tight quarters.
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seasoned
serenity
New Age style and age-old space
coexist peacefully in a modern-look
master bath with ties to tradition.
Call it a December-May redo. The master
bath in the penthouse of a 19th-century Boston
townhome was in the winter of its life and denitely
showing its age. The homeowner wanted to invigorate
her bath with the spring freshness of a brand-new spa.
Trouble is, all the modern amenities she
wanteda deep soaking tub for two, a glass-enclosed
shower, and a long vanitysimply would not t into a
99-foot room where two doorways broke up the walls
and historic-district rules dictated the windows size.
A design team led by E.J. Krupinsky, a member
of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA),
turned less into more by letting the baths box shape
inspire a functional new layout. After Krupinsky
eliminated one of the doorscreating a wall for the
tub and shower to sharehe faced the challenge of the
window. That was the only place left for the vanity,
Krupinsky says. And that was a problem because the
neighbors can look right in, and the glare made it hard
to apply makeup.
To provide privacy for the homeowner and lter
the harsh sunlight, Krupinsky had all but one of
the divided-light windows 12 panes covered with
translucent lm. Then he mounted a pivoting mirror
on a pole in front of the window, framing the mirror
to complement the style of the window. When the
vanity mirror is turned to one side, the clear pane
near the center of the window is exposed, oering a
peek outdoors. And the window can still be opened to
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provide a wider view, bring in fresh air, and oer access
to the buildings re escape.
The size of the room prohibited a separate area for
the toilet, so the design team took an artistic approach
and hid the xture in plain sight. An expanse of gray-
green quartz on the wall between the shower and
vanity serves as the backdrop for a low-prole, hatbox-
style model. The treatment elevates the toilet into
an avant-garde sculpture, a solution that particularly
pleased the homeowner, who is a painter.
Though the bath is mostly contemporary in
style, historical references to the surrounding Beacon
Hill neighborhood abound in the architectural
detailing, colors, and materials. The mirror pole
draws inspiration from the black cast-iron balconies
that the window overlooks, the brushed-nickel sink
faucet recalls the old-fashioned pipe fountains found
in the area, and the gray slate around the tub and
shower matches that on the buildings front steps.
Colorful glass tile conveys the beauty of stained-glass
windows, while birch cabinetry and cherry ooring
incorporate the traditional richness of wood.
The fresh look for the formerly tired bath
has created a new feeling of serenity in the space,
something the owner appreciates in December, May,
and every other month of the year.
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ABOVE: The tub spout is set into a slate shelf inspired by the homes front
steps. below left: The vanity features a pivoting mirror and light xtures
that mimic candles. below right: Turning the mirror exposes a lone clear
pane in the window. The other panes are covered in lm to provide privacy
and cut glare. opposite: Contemporary shapes and surfaces in the vanity
area bring a modern spa feel to the 19th-century space.
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practical magic
A oating vanity, reective surfaces, and a light color
scheme make this master bath live large.
They may be veteran
remodelers, but John Friswell and
Adriana Palomares arent magicians. The
master bath in their Vancouver rambler,
though, suggests quite the contrary.
The husband-and-wife team, who own a
renovation rm, injected their creativity
and eye-catching illusionsinto their
master bath retreat.
Before the remodel, one small,
outdated bath serviced the homes
three bedrooms. Because John and
Adriana werent using all three rooms,
they converted one into a master bath
connected to the master bedroom. The
new space comfortably accommodates the
couples desired amenitiesa large walk-in
shower, ample storage, separate sinks, and
a toilet compartmentwith room to spare.
Simple yet elegant surface materials,
including pale yellow walls and large,
earthy travertine tiles, instantly open the
room, making it appear larger. And they
allow prominent features, especially the
vanity, to stand out. Positioned against
a long wall, dark-stained maple oating
cabinets form the vanity base, topped
by white vessel sinks to emphasize the
clean lines. Side cabinets ank the vanity,
providing extra storage and visual balance.
The entire vanity wall is eye-catching.
Floating shelves corral bath essentials,
while two large, custom-framed mirrors
one above each sinkreect light around
the room. And overhead, a custom
bulkhead with amber-glass light xtures
radiates warmth. We wanted to make the
vanity a focal point, Adriana says.
Strategically positioned between the
vanity and the shower, a large window
oods the space with natural light, which
heightens the sense of spaciousness as
it reects o the showers seamless glass
door. The walk-in shower features spa-
inspired luxuries, such as a heated oor,
a corner bench made of travertine, and
dual showerheads, perfect for pampering.
A travertine tile mosaic mingles with
light-reective white ceramic tile for a look
thats timeless yet low-maintenance. Next
to the shower, decorative sconces in the
toilet compartment brighten the shower,
thanks to two glass panels that ank the
plumbing column.
opposite: The vanity provides ample storage,
keeping the top clutter-free. Floating shelves
keep towels and other necessities close at hand.
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The illusion of spaciousness isnt the
only design trick the couple used in this
bath. Though the materials and xtures
look high-end, theyre actually stylish
middle-of-the-line xtures Adriana found
scouting out suppliers on the Internet.
Its important to look at trends and
then shop around to get the look you want
for less, John says.
In a space dened by design illusions,
one thing isnt a trick: John and Adriana
love the timeless character of their new
en suite retreat. Its contemporary and
neutral, John says. This isnt going to fall
out of style soon.
above left: The simple, curved lines of the vessel sinks and
faucets embody the rooms classic contemporary design.
above: This luxurious showerhead offers a relaxing, rainlike
spray. opposite: A simple glass door showcases the compact
showers features, including elegant tilework, a travertine
bench, and xed and handheld showerheads.
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Plan Priorities
The homeowners opted for a large
walk-in shower in place of a tub to
maximize their small space.
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tranquil
translation
A Japanese-style master bath thats just 5x9 feet
provides a soothing respite from the 9-to-5 grind.
right: A pocket door
saves space and heightens
the Asian appeal with
its shoji-screen design.
Opposite: A water-lled
Japanese garden outside
inspired the design of this
bath. Wooden steps lead
to a soaking tub. A big
window admits soothing
sights and sounds.
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A trickle of water has launched
many a bath remodel. In this case, though, it didnt
come from an aggravating leak, but from a soothing
stream. Interior designer Michael Ranson drew on the
water features of a Japanese garden just outside as
inspiration for a peaceful, spa-inspired master bath in
Coronado, California.
The 59-foot space was not always soothing.
It was the typical bathrooma standard tub with a
small window, a toilet, and a sink, Ranson says. The
homeowners, enamored of Japanese culture, wanted
the bathroom to complement the fusion style in the
rest of their home.
To do that, Ranson surrounded a Japanese-
style soaking tub with an earthy and serene interior
landscape. The tubcalled a furo in Japanis nearly
3 feet deep. Split bamboo covers the tall apron front;
cantilevered myrtle wood steps that oat over a
bed of pebbles provide access. When I design I am
thinking in terms of layers and textures, Ranson says.
The ooring is dark slate tile to ground the space, and
Above: Though the vanity doors feature a shoji-screen pattern, designer Michael
Ranson lled the recessed portions with copper instead of paper to match the sink.
Above right: The hammered-copper sink boasts natural color variations and a
fountainlike faucet. opposite left: Rugged-edge myrtle wood steps, cantilevered
along the bamboo tub apron, seem to oat above stones. opposite right: The tub
ller mimics the look and sound of trickling water in the garden outside.
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the bed of pebbles reinforces the sensation of crossing
over into the garden. The tubs honed black granite
decking adds yet another layer.
To accommodate the large tub, Ranson
recongured the layout, moving the toilet and sink
and eliminating a door to the bedroom. The old
passageway now holds a freestanding-look custom
vanity. Because it doesnt touch the surrounding
walls and it has furniture-style feet, it creates the
illusion of space, Ranson says. He topped the vanity
with the same granite used for the tub deck and paired
it with a hammered-copper sink. The granite has
brown in it that plays well o the copper sink and ties
the look together, he says.
To free space and add more Asian style, Ranson
replaced the traditional swinging entry door with
a pocket unit reminiscent of a shoji screen. He also
turned a bit of closet space from the adjacent bedroom
into built-in shelving.
The tranquillity of the Japanese garden just
outside is an integral part of the new look. A large
window over the tub provides pleasing garden views
and opens to lter in the soothing sounds of moving
water. A shoji screenstyle window treatment that
matches the door provides privacy when desired.
Keeping with the earthy, natural theme,
Ranson rounded out the room by covering the
walls in grass cloth and installing bronze-nish
faucets and hardware. This was all about a pleasing
balance between the materials, he says, taking
into consideration color and texture and creating a
beautiful retreat.
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a little
massaging
Tension-relieving tweaks and sensuous surfaces
turn a master bath into an inviting retreat.
Even a modest-size bath can
enjoy a little luxury. After seven years
of sharing an awkward, outdated space,
Melinda and Pat Andrew were ready for
some pampering. We wanted to make it
warm and inviting, Melinda says of the
99-foot master bath in her Lake Oswego,
Oregon, home.
The couple called on Keri Davis, a
certied kitchen designer (CKD) and
member of the National Kitchen & Bath
Association (NKBA). Davis tweaked the
limited layout and upgraded the look,
introducing elegant nishes and a few
unexpected touches.
A consistent, serene palette of natural
materials is essential to a luxurious look,
Davis says. In this case, Melinda was drawn
to a soft yellow limestone for the shower
walls and vanity counter. The wall paint
and subway tiles carry complementing
colors throughout the room.
Underfoot, a pebbled tile oor blends
with the scheme but stands out for its
unusual texture. Its a really interesting
and unique element, Melinda says. It
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this photo: A limestone
shower, dark-wood double
vanity, and pebbled tile
oora foot massage in every
stepdetail this master bath.
opposite: Limestone that lines
the shower also tops the vanity,
which is backed by crisp subway
tiles on the wainscoting.
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massages the feet and provides a very spa-
like feel.
Against the pale backdrop, dark wood
elements enrich the atmosphere. Trading
in a typical boxy vanity for a custom-made
open-bottom one instantly made the bath
look bigger. I appreciate the simplicity
of it, Melinda says. I didnt want all the
drawers and cabinets you usually see. I
love seeing the subway tile underneath
and a little bit of the plumbing.
The vanity area lives large now,
thanks to a second sink and a pair of
recessed medicine cabinets. Going from
one sink to two is really what makes a
small bath work for two people, Melinda
says. The medicine cabinet feature was
brilliant. For storage of essentials, its
much better than having to bend down
and sh through drawers.
For more storage, part of a hall closet
was folded into the bath. Another oor-
plan x subtracted space from the toilet
area and added it to the shower. The
divider between the two changed from a
full wall to a half-wall topped with glass,
further opening the room and allowing a
freer ow of light.
To augment an existing skylight,
Davis placed sconces and recessed xtures
on dimmers. Melinda found the nal
touch: a chandelier that punctuates
the room. Its
perfection
something special
in a simple space,
Melinda says.
above left: The frameless clear-glass shower
enclosure adds an upscale European feel. The
glass helps the space seem larger. above: The
couple kept things simple inside the shower,
forgoing fancy showerheads but including a
built-in bench. opposite: Two sinks instead of
one are a luxury the homeowners enjoy every
day. A linen closet and recessed medicine chests
are alternatives to undersink storage. Prettier
items are displayed on the vanitys lower shelf.
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dramatic
flair
An artful niche and golden
tiles make the tub area of this
bath the center of attention.
above: The tubs backlit niche, matted in white tiles, mimics
the look of framed artwork. Opposite: Built-in wall shelves
and open storage in a cherry vanity keep towels, soaps, and
lotions in easy reachand the room clean of clutter.
Part of a former servants quarters,
this small bath in a 1928 home was stripped to the
studs and rebuilt to span a century of styleand
provide modern comfort. A window was the rooms
only distinguishing feature, leaving interior designer
Leslie Harris free to create an entirely new personality
that merges the old with the new. She used stunning
tiles, traditional wood, and metallic accents to fast-
forward this bath nearly 100 years.
A vanity, mirror, and built-in wall shelves, all of
cherry, are traditional furniture-like pieces. Metallic
nishes on the sink, faucets, and ttings allude to
the elegance and excess of the roaring 20s, when
the home was built. Golden crackle-nish eld tiles
extend oor to ceiling in the tub surround and add a
colorful contemporary feel.
Harris designed a backlit niche above the tub
as a dramatic focal point. Like matted artwork, it
catches the eye of anyone entering the room and casts
enhancing, warm light onto the surrounding tiles. The
artful feature also makes relaxing in the tub for a long
soak even more of a pleasure.
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sea change
Once a total washout, this
bathroom now makes a splash
with its pampering shower and
ocean-inspired detailing.
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Free-form waves of tile undulate across
the walls of Jolee Pinks bath. The tilescreated
by Jolee, who has a ceramic studio in the garage of
her Encinitas, California, homemimic the nearby
ocean scene and established the mood for this hall
bathroom redo.
I was inspired by walks on the beach viewing
the ocean, Jolee says about the tiles, which took
two months to produce. Each tile is handmade
and seemed to take forever to make. Jolee drew a
large template on multiple pieces of butcher-block
paper, then transferred the shapes and lines to raw
clay. This ensured that each column of tile, and the
sculpted lines within, would ow into the next,
she says. Then I experimented with dierent glaze
combinations before settling on two dierent colors
that, when layered, created the perfect aqua hue.
Jolee especially enjoys the handmade, tactile
nature of the tile and how its color depth contrasts
with the abalone shells handset into the tile. In a
soothing way, it encircles the room and creates the
illusion of water, she says.
All that is quite a change for a space Jolee and
her husband, Larry, once called the linoleum room
because of its outdated yellow ooring with matching
harvest gold prefab tub-and-shower combo. Chipped
countertops topped generic white cabinets.
From the get-go, the couple agreed that only a
complete renovation would do. At just 53 square feet,
the bathroom was just a small, overstued rectangle
with nothing going for it designwise, Jolee says. So
we gutted the space and started over.
As the owner of an eco-art design rm, Jolee
devised a design incorporating smart planning and
Right: Abalone shells create a
rolling wave of textural interest.
Opposite: Because it doesnt
reach the oor, the oating vanity
enhances a sense of space. It
also provides plenty of storage in
drawers designed for grooming
essentials and linens.
personal TOUCHES Handcrafted items, such as
tile, were incorporated to reflect the homeowners
love of the ocean.
light look The floating vanity gives the room an
upscale look.
SAVE AND SPLURGE The homeowners spent more
on items that need to stand the test of time, such
as fixtures and the pampering shower system,
and less on trendy accessories, such as
the mirror.
Custom Approach
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features that foster the illusion of space. For example,
clear glass doors that enclose the spa-like shower
maintain unimpeded sight lines to the shower, lined
in a mosaic of eco-friendly vitried glass tilesa
budget splurgethat sparkle like gems on the walls
above serene aqua ceramic ooring.
Contributing to the serenity is the oating vanity
in African mahogany. Designed by Jolee, it not only
introduces a marine element but also echoes the rich
color and beautiful grain of ooring throughout the
house. Accent lights beneath the cabinet enhance the
design and eliminate shadows on the cream-color
travertine ooring.
Flooding the space with bright coastal sunshine,
the skylight in the center of the room keeps the space
functional by augmenting a lone window in the
shower area. Light bounces o walls meticulously
painted with a water-, mold-, and mildew-resistant
nish called Shimmerstone. Tinted to match the oor,
the luminous paint adds subtle depth while reecting
light and bringing out the pearl-like sheen of abalone
shells embedded in the tile border.
Because the couples budget was limited, they
did much of the work themselves. Jolee served as
designer, general contractor, tile-maker, and nisher.
Larry gutted the space and installed the plumbing
xtures, faucets, fan, and lighting. Smart shopping
and balancing investment and discount buys kept
them on budget.
What once gave Jolee nightmares now beckons all
who enter to dream in Neptune-inspired Technicolor.
We took a bland, nothing room and transformed it
into a piece of art, Jolee says.
above right: Fresh owers in a glass wall pocket instill
another natural element. right: Instead of multiple exposed
shower elements that visually clutter, the showerhead,
thermostatic controls, body jets, and hand-held spray are
housed in a single shower panel. opposite: Windows in the
oversize shower bring natural light into the room.
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straight away
With clean lines and neutral colors, a sense of calm
prevails in this refreshingly simple guest bath.
Simplicity was the key to
creating a comfortable, stylish guest
bath out of a narrow connecting room in a
historical Philadelphia townhouse. Architect
Christopher Beardsley lined up the vanity,
tub and shower combination, and toilet
along one wall, leaving the opposite wall
painted a fresh periwinklefree for towel
bars and movement from one end of the
bath to the other.
We tried to focus not just on the
individual xtures, but on what was
happening in between, Beardsley says.
The vanity countertop connects to a half-
wall at one end of the tub, tying the two
elements together. The opposite end
of the tub features a similar half-wall,
but with a chimneylike extension in the
middle to accommodate a showerhead.
Glass panels help contain shower spray
and make the narrow space feel less
conning.
The built-in vanity also helps the
512-foot bath feel larger, Beardsley says.
Its supposed to oat simply, and not be
like a big, clunky cabinet.
To complement the simple design,
Beardsley chose a limited palette of
colors and surfacesgray limestone for
the countertop, maple for the cabinet,
and carrara marble tiles for the walls and
oor. You cant put too many materials
in a small room, or it would fracture,
Beardsley says.
Though the look of the bath is clearly
contemporary, Beardsley did retain some
period architectural elements in the space,
such as the two 100-year-old doors and
the traditional molding around them. The
integration of styles proves that a narrow
space need not be subject to a narrow-
minded approach.
opposite: Architect Christopher Beardsley
used the same marble tiles on the backsplash,
tub and shower walls, and oor to lend color
consistency and simplify this small guest bath.
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A simple, straight-line arrange-
ment of xtures follows the room
shape instead of ghting it, leaving
a clear passage between the two
doors. The tub-shower unit saves
space and offers bathing options,
yet it has the feel of a stand-alone
walk-in. The door by the vanity
opens out, allowing more room to
move inside the bath.
right: The vanity exemplies the uncluttered
design, with an above-counter sink and
minimalist faucet atop a simple limestone
slab and maple cabinet. opposite: Having all
the xtures on one wall fosters spaciousness
in the narrow bath, as does glass around the
combination tub and shower.
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colorful
history
Spa-style indulgences refresh a
1930s bath while still respecting
its vintage spirit.
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THIS PHOTO: A console-
style sink with a marble
top saves space while
creating spa style.
opposite: The wall tile
adds modern air while
drawing on the colors of
vintage stained glass.
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A city boy who would never live in the
suburbs, Frank Simokaitis settled in a 75-year-old Tudor
Revival near downtown St. Louis. Frank and his wife, Dee, loved
the homes architecture and spacious rooms but not its outdated
master bath. It wasnt the style that we liked, Frank says. It
was built in the 30s and reected that. Dated tile, old plumbing
xtures, and a cramped oor plan all needed upgrading. We were
looking for more of the spa experience, he says.
The couple wanted a large shower, a separate tub for bathing
their twins, and plenty of room to get ready in the morning. They
asked designer Stacy Hillman to include it all without enlarging
the approximately 70-square-foot bath. To create more oor space
within the existing footprint, she removed a linen closet, rotated
the toilet, tted the entry for a pocket door, and replaced a radiator
with an under-the-oor heating system that extends partway up
the exterior wall.
Once Hillman settled on the best arrangement for the main
amenitiesa built-in whirlpool tub, a spacious shower with two
heads and a bench, and a console-style sinkshe used visual
tricks to increase the sense of space. For example, she extended
the stone ooring up the wall, using it as a baseboard to make the
oor seem wider and deeper. She used a high tile wainscoting,
extending it to the windowsill to elongate the walls and play up
the high ceilings. The sink console, an open frame that reveals the
oor, provides a roomier look than a conventional cabinet.
Hillman also made use of mirrors. The thing that really
makes a big dierence in this bathroom is using that plate glass
mirror on one wall, Frank says. It opens up the space and makes
you feel that the bathroom is so much larger. The frameless
design enhances the eect.
Vintage-look faucets and hardware tie the bath to the homes
architectural era, as does an original stained-glass window. But the
colors of the stained glass translate into more contemporary tile
designs, including a glass mosaic pattern that covers shower walls
and trims the tub and wainscoting. Everything in the bathroom
seems to t together like it was meant to be, Frank says.
ABOVE left: The homeowners wanted a spacious tub for their young
children. A handheld showerhead is handy for washing hair. ABOVE: Mosaic
tiles help the generous shower seem even larger. A steam option provides
the spa-like luxury the couple desired. OPPOSITE: Designer Stacy Hillmans
challenge was to make the bath feel bigger without changing the rooms
footprint. One way she did this was by extending the tile wainscoting up to
the windowsill, thereby increasing the perceived height of the walls.
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sheer
luxury
A designers light touch ensures
that this master bath is easy on
the eyes and good for the mind.
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THIS PHOTO: Sleek,
straight-line design and
a light, limited color
palette simplify this bath.
OPPOSITE: Accessories
echo the natural mix of
glass, stone, and wood.
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Dierent types of glass provide light and openness, obscuring
views where desired and showcasing luxurious materials.
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Designer Mick De Giulio, famed for his
kitchens, is adept at baths, too. The principles of design are
the same, even though the functionalities are dierent, he says.
De Giulio used those principles to transform the modest-size
master bath of this Chicago-area home. The 1950s space had been
remodeled in the 1980sand looked it. The owners willingness to
sacrice a whirlpool tub created new possibilities. That opened
us up to doing a larger, more luxurious shower, and opened the
door to a clean, wide-open design, De Giulio says.
The showers glass block window and glass double doors
complement light-color limestone walls and oor. You walk in
and the shower is just a breath of fresh air, De Giulio says.
In keeping with the sleek, rectilinear design, he chose square
sinks for the vanity and mounted a frameless three-way mirror
above it. The mirror, lit from above and below, appears to oat on
the wall. Open shelves and a storage cabinet with sanded-glass
doors convey the same weightless feeling. The sanded glass gives
that transparency so you see the color and form coming through,
De Giulio says.
A narrow, neutral color palette and a short list of exquisite
materials further opened the space and freed it from a weighty
past. We started with something very
dated, and ended with something
thats classic, De Giulio says.
top left AND RIGHT: Sanded-glass doors on a tall cabinet near the shower
obscure everyday bath supplies, while open niches above and elsewhere
show off art and items that have more visual appeal. abovE: Designer
Mick De Giulio chose faucets with high-arc spouts to throw a curve into
the rectilinear design. The metal nish also stands out against low-sheen
countertops of amed-and-brushed granite. OPPOSITE: The showers glass
double doorsaligned with the glass block windowswing both ways for
better ventilation, safety, and ease of use. The French-limestone interior
includes a built-in bench.
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this photo: A rain
showerhead is a
luxurious touch in the
small shower. The
space-saving sliding
door has frosted glass
to provide privacy.
opposite: Vertical
tiles visually stretch
the room.
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smooth
moves
Heated ooring, taller-
than-usual xtures, and
a few little luxuries prove
that an ultra-sleek space
can be lled with comfort.
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Left: A nichetall and narrow to echo the tileprovides a
landing spot for shampoo and soap. Above: A kitchen faucet
adds an extra bit of height. With any faucet, make sure the
sink is deep enough to accommodate the spray. Opposite:
The tall, slim mirror plays off the vertical tiles on the oor
and shower wall and offers contrast to the mosaic tiles.
The word comfort conjures images of
softnesscushy pillows, cozy throws, and sink-into-it sofas
and chairs. In a bathroom, however, hard surfaces are the norm,
so comfort is wrapped in a slightly dierent package.
In this sleek-looking Manhattan bath, the comforting
features are subtle, even hidden. Radiant heat installed under the
tile warms the oorand bare feet. Its a luxury I cant imagine
being without, says homeowner Jon Monahan. The vanity is set a
bit higher than is standard to accommodate Jons height. And Jon
cleverly used a kitchen faucet to gain even more height. I dont
need to bend over too much to brush my teethnot sure why no
one else has thought of it, he says.
Physical comfort aside, the remodeled space also
accommodates creature comforts. A wall-mounted at-screen TV
allows Jon to catch the morning news while hes getting ready for
work. The shower stall may be narrow, but its rain showerhead
still pampers. And the deep tub provides an additional place to
relax. Comfort, indeed.
rise to the occasion When choosing a vanity, pick a taller model to
avoid stooping. A kitchen base cabinet, which is taller, can work as a
vanity, too. And as homeowner Jon Monahan can attest, a kitchen faucet
is a slick way to eke out more height. Toilets are also getting taller; look
for ones marked as comfort height.
clear the way In a small shower, a wall niche will keep soaps and
bottles out of the way, ultimately giving you more room to move. Its
also a cleaner look than a caddy dangling from the shower head.
Size things up
Want a more user-friendly bath? These ideas do the trick.
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powder room
finesse
A powder room should be a treat for the eyes. Small
in size, its the perfect space to play around in. Imagine glass tiles
shimmering on walls or leather squares providing high-style coziness.
Perhaps its creative touchesa sink that folds into the wall or a ceiling-
mounted satin curtain that hides less-sightly featuresthat impress.
The powder rooms that follow are lled with such inspiration.
Take a look around your powder room to see where it could use a little
boost. Adding drama can be as simple as painting walls or hanging
a thick-framed mirror. But why stop there? These little gems are
manageable remodeling projects. The sink wall is usually the focal
point, so put the emphasis there. A new vanity, sink, countertop, and
faucet can work wonders. With a tile backsplash or perhaps a textural
wall covering, it may seem like you have a new room. In fact, a well-
conceived powder room can set the tone for an entire home. Go ahead
and take yours beyond basic-box status.
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steps to
style
It may be just 35 inches wide,
but this sophisticated space
still packs a visual punch.
As designer Jeni Wright worked her
renovation magic on a kitchen in a 1913
home, she frequently went in and out of the back
entryway. Every time she passed the opening where
a short staircase used to be, she couldnt help but
envision a more practical use of the little, dark space.
Today, a polished powder room nestles in the cozy
spacejust 15 square feetthat once was a staircase.
Compact and convenient, the new bathroom blends
with the decor of the Des Moines home like it was part
of the original blueprint.
Though enamored with the space, Wright knew it
had design challenges. For instance, the room is only
35 inches wide. To work with such a narrow dimension,
Wright chose a round vanity, just under 21 inches
wide, that ts snugly into a corner. Its curved shape
eliminates the need to dodge sharp edges, and its
corner design utilizes space usually wasted in a bath.
To extend the line of vision, Wright hung a tall,
narrow mirror above the vanity and anked it with
wall sconces at face level.
Using that corner for the vanity and the mirror
was the only solution that allowed the door to
completely open, Wright says. But its good to know
that not everything has to be placed on a at wall.
Neutral colors underscore the sense of space and
depth in a room, so Wright selected a nature-inspired
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taupe-and-white wallpaper. She chose a tumbled slate
oor with a small mosaic design in shades of taupe,
brown, gray, and cream. This durable covering extends
into the back entryway.
This was another way to keep the room from
feeling so small, Wright says. By continuing the
ooring out into the entryway, the whole space feels a
little larger and connected to another area.
White baseboards echo a design touch that
appears throughout the Craftsman-style house.
To hide ductwork, Wright built a ledge on the wall
adjacent to the toilet and had it painted white to
match the baseboards. It creates the perfect spot for
decorative accessories.
Its really handy for guestsand the familyto
have a powder room on the rst oor, Wright says.
left: Simple accessories, such as birch branches, enhance the
rooms back-to-nature design theme. Hefty white-painted
baseboards add a crisp touch. above: Designer Jeni Wright
selected a faucet with a satin-nickel nish and white ceramic
levers. Inspired by early-20th-century design, it perfectly
complements the homes style. Opposite: The vanitys small
drawer and low shelf provide storage for guest towels and
toiletries. A taupe glaze covers the cast-iron sink, carrying
out the rooms monochromatic decor.
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No two powder rooms are the
same for designer Lori Carroll, a member of the
National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). When
I do powder rooms, I want to make each one look
dierent, she says.
The remodeled powder room in Loris 1990 Tucson
home shows her penchant for creating distinctive-
looking spaces. She mixed heavy materials in a
lighthearted way. Its always about the materials,
Lori says. I love mixing materials in unusual ways.
An oak vanity with a metal top and vessel sink
is the focal point of the room, enclosed by side walls
that are tiled in a playful checkerboard pattern and
edged with metal moldings. The back wall, covered
in metallic-nish cork wallpaper, holds a large mirror
framed in more metal.
I walk by the powder room every day, and its fun
to look at, Lori says.
winning
metals
Wood, metal, and stone
bolster a powder room thats
dramatic yet not too serious.
ABOVE right: Stamped-concrete oor
tiles ground the space. right: The
bronze-nish sink rests on a metal-
topped oak vanity. far right: Portal-look
sidelights pop out playfully from tiles set
in a checkerboard pattern.
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Wanting an extra bath but not the
expense of an addition, Christy and Steve
McAvoy eyed a hall linen closet that backed up to a
utility closet in the kitchen of their Ventura, California,
home. Knowing it would take ingenuity, they turned
to Christys brother, John Tucker, a designer, builder,
and artist with a unique way of looking at things.
The space is only 38 inches by 57 inches, Tucker
says of the challenging proposal. I rst gured
out that although a toilet could be installed, there
wouldnt be any room for a sink. The solution? A
sink that recedes into the walla sink in a drawer. A
sewer pipe and standard sink plumbing were run into
the back of an adjacent kitchen cabinet; exible spa
hose was attached to allow the drawer to pull out.
That part was tricky because the hose wants to pull
the drawer back in, Tucker says. There has to be a
delicate balance between the shape and length of the
hose and the balance of the drawer.
The powder room cost about $5,000. For Christy
and Steve, it beat building an addition. Its making
use of what you have in a creative way, Christy says.
hall pass
An ingenious design (check
out the sink!) liberates a linen
closet into a much-used bath.
Above left: The powder rooms space-saving features
include vertical display niches retrotted between wall studs
and a mahogany bifold door that provides clearance when
opening and closing from inside. far left and left: The
so-called sink-in-a-drawer features a small stainless-steel
bowl set in a mosaic of gray glass tiles. The drawer balance
keeps the sink from sliding in when in use. Faucet and
handles are mounted on the wall above.
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LEFT: The small rooms mix of materials, shapes, and textures
achieves the perfect balance of uncluttered serenity and
luxury. ABOVE: The sleek, custom-designed cabinet oats
above the white wood oor. The small drawer is nearly
imperceptible when closed. OPPOSITE: The bronze basin,
angled limestone countertop, and grass-cloth wallcovering
blend function with Asian-style serenity.
A sand-cast white-bronze basin,
crafted by a San Francisco artist, provided the
inspiration for this minimalist powder room. I
wanted to do something unusual, something that
was distinctive, homeowner Diane Garrett says. To
achieve the sleek look they envisioned, Diane and her
husband, Todd, set the basin atop an angled blue-gray
French limestone countertop.
To continue transforming the 56-foot small and
windowless room into a functional and sophisticated
space, the Garretts added a custom-made vanity
that has a small, subtle drawer Diane stocks with
convenience items for guests.
Traditional grass cloth adds a warm texture to
the walls while the maple mirror and Japanese-style
contemporary light xtures contribute to the serenity.
The platinum-nish wall-mount faucet mimics the
sinks texture and contemporary form while saving
valuable counter space.
beauty
from the
basin
An angled vanity puts a new slant on
a boxy space, drawing attention to
the artful vessel sink.
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eco-rich
elegance
Easy on the eyes, this warm
and inviting powder room was
also easy on the environment.
Its the burgundy of glass mosaic
tiles that catches the eye, but designer Laura Birns
made sure that green is just as important in this
California powder room. Birns used eco-friendly yet
elegant materials throughout.
Wenge and eucalyptus wood for the custom
vanity cabinetry came from managed forests and
was stained with products low in volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). The concrete countertop is
embedded with recycled glass, the lighting is low-
voltage, and the paints are low in VOCs. The ooring
is recycled wood.
Though the rooms impact on the planet is low, its
impact on the home is high: The powder room is just
inside the front entry, greeting guests with a dynamic
mix of colors, shapes, and patterns. The space packs
a subtle punch as the individual materials and pieces
are observed, Birns says. However, the overall look is
the rst impression.
ABOVE left: Burgundy tile in a bamboo
pattern sets a colorfully contemporary
tone in this powder room. Eco-friendly
materials show off the glamorous side
of green. left: A solid granite basin
sits on a concrete countertop that
incorporates ecks of recycled glass.
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petite
sparkle
Reective surfaces and
artistic details help this space
beautifully stand out.
With so many elegant touches, its
di cult to image that this jewel of a powder room was
formerly a humble hall closet in a Minneapolis home.
The homeowners sought a memorable, glamorous
powder room while staying within the context of the
1920s-built home, interior designer Carol Belz says.
You actually have a wow sensation by just walking
into such a small space and seeing that every square
inch is so thoughtfully produced.
Overlapping mirrors and crystal detailing provide
sparkle. But the most impressive feature is the vanity.
With a painted design on its front, the vanity is a true
work of art.
The long, shallow vanity is also graced with a
marble top, an oval sink, a showy wall-mount faucet,
and a gracefully curved front. Its open below to save
space, adding dressing-table elegance. The vanity
extends the length of the room, helping the space feel
bigger, architect Jean Rehkamp Larson says.
above left: A framed mirror overlaps a
wall-length version, making the small powder
room seem larger. The vanity front was
custom-painted to resemble an antique
lacquered tray. left: Crystal faucet
handles and a hammered-nickel sink are
among the rooms luxurious touches.
3
1
/2 x5
You actually
have a wow
sensation . . .
every square
inch is so
thoughtfully
produced.
DESIGNER CArol belz
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1
/2 5
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warming
trend
Part of a home designed specically
for entertaining, this powder room sees a
lot of guest tra cthanks not only to its convenient
location, but also to its artistic look. Leather wall
tiles stretch a canvas for a two-piece marble pedestal
sink and charcoal-nish faucet, both resembling
contemporary sculpture. Geometric sconces maintain
the gallery eect, as does a framed silver-gelatin print.
Leather-clad walls give this
space high-style comfort.
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side show
A custom concrete trough sink takes
a minimalist approach while maximizing space in the
3056-inch powder room of a Philadelphia townhome.
We put the faucet on the side, coming straight out from
the wall, and it turned out to be an interesting solution
to a small space, architect Christopher Beardsley says.
Wall niches add storage and architectural interest to the
windowless white room.
Its all about the sink in this
tight-t powder room.
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special
effects
A soft, owing curtain and
mirrored surfaces work
wonders in a remodeled room.
Powder rooms should be special,
interior designer Richard Ross says. That notion
guided him when remodeling this bath in a Michigan
home. Ross and bath designer Jodi Caden, a member
of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA),
both worked on the space.
A dark, furniture-look vanity features mirrored
doors that help visually enlarge the room. A sage-
green curtain gracefully hides the toilet. I like
creating a little bit of drama, Ross says. I wanted it to
feel fresh, open, and still have privacy.
A bamboo wallcovering and pretty sconces add
texture and warmth. The room feels cozy and homey
now, Caden says.
ABOVE left: A satiny curtain serves as a
partial wall, elegantly camouaging the toilet.
Mahogany ooring contributes a rich look.
left: The marble counter keeps the room on the
traditional side. Bamboo-covered walls, seen
in the mirror, offer the same subtle patterns as
the wood and marble. opposite: The large wall
mirror and mirrored vanity doors visually expand
the room. The frosted-glass door provides
privacy without the mass of a solid door.
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dream rooms,
real budgets
Bathrooms are typically one of the rst rooms a person
steps into in the morning. So why not get your day o to a good start
with a bath worthy of waking up toand also one that helps you
unwind at the end of a long day? The homeowners featured on the
following pages did just that. Whereas they once had baths they simply
tolerated, they now have ones they thoroughly enjoyand they did it
without endless budgets.
If you need justication beyond pure pleasure to commit to a makeover,
consider this: an updated bathroom increases the value of your entire
home. Even if you plan to do some of the work yourself, tapping a
design professional before you jump in tends to be a good investment.
A pro can help you make sense of a small space and oer advice on how
you can shift things around or e ciently tap into existing plumbing.
The ultimate goal is simple: your bath should be a feel-good space.
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before
traditional
treasure
A homeowner digs out the pretty photos she had
clipped from decorating magazines and uses the
ideas to turn her outmoded bath into a vintage gem.
Pink ceramic tile. A tub faucet
that had to be turned on with pliers. A
rickety toilet wedged next to the tub. Blue
shag carpet. A goldenrod countertop and
shell-shape sink. This bathroom had it all.
It was so bad, homeowner Amber
Siever says. The only reason we used this
room at all was to bathe the kids because
the downstairs bath doesnt have a tub.
Amber and her husband, Bryan, had
tackled other remodeling projects in their
1920s xer-upper in Des Moines, but the
upstairs bath stopped them in their tracks.
In addition to the cosmetic problems, a
corner closet at the head of the tub was
virtually unusable because of its awkward
location. The couple knew the room was
going to need professional help.
opposite: Details such as the hexagonal tiles,
cup pulls, and original vent cover keep this
bathroom true to the look of the 1920s home.
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left: The ush-mount medicine
cabinet, accented with a glass
knob, looks similar to the original
cabinet that was too worn to
salvage. below: Homeowner
Amber Siever fell for this polished-
nickel faucet the minute she saw
it. She considered the old-world
look and quality design to be an
investment that would last for
years. opposite: A neutral color
scheme for classic elements such
as the hexagonal oor tile, subway
tile, and granite countertops gives
the Sievers the option to change
their color palette by painting the
walls and swapping out the fabrics
for a whole new look.
Although the room was small, Amber could see
its potential from both a functionality and a looks
standpointand she longed for the day she wouldnt
dread going into it. She also knew she would have to
be patient and have the less-glamorous work done
before she could begin adding in the timeless touches
that would make the room sparkle.
The Sievers hired a local construction company to
make the bathroom work within its original footprint.
The room was stripped down to the studs, and they
started from scratch.
The remodeling project included new plumbing
and wiring. Because of the age of the home, the oor
had to be leveled and new plumbing lines installed,
along with extra beams for structural support.
As part of the demolition, an unused closet was
eliminated, and the tub took its place. That left just
enough room for a toilet.
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before
Subway tile adds retro
flair to any room, but its
especially practical for
a shower or tub area.
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I had four years worth
of pictures I had torn
out of magazines.
homeowner AmBer siever
Inspiration Points
Homeowner Amber Siever used pictures she saw in decorating magazines
to help her conceptualize and design her bathroom. She saved money by
knowing exactly what products to shop for before the work began, and she
got just the look she wanted.
Vanity
Amber favored this unit because
of the two stacks of drawers and
the illusion of feet at the toe-
kick. She saved by giving up the
curved front.
Side table
This iron table was
Ambers inspiration; she
found a similar style on sale
and loves how it personalizes
her new bath.
Mirror
A retro-style medicine
chest was a near match
for Ambers old one,
which was beyond
repair.
Faucet
Amber had to convince her
husband, Bryan, that this
polished nickel model was
worth the splurge.
F
Am
hu
p
w
s
Amber knew what she wanted in a nished room.
I had four years worth of pictures I had torn out of
magazines. The magazine clippings served as a great
tool for communicating ideas to the contractors.
Glossy white subway wall tile and hexagonal mosaic
oor tile brighten the room and create a distinctive
foundation for this stylish and timeless look. The
vanity, still in the same location as it was before
the remodeling project, is a crisp white furniture-
style piece with a dark granite countertop and
undermount sink.
Amber longed to keep the built-in medicine
cabinet above the sink, but it, like the rest of the bath,
had seen too many years of wear and tear. She had
the trim and cabinet removed and replaced with exact
replicas. My mother joked with us, asking why we
were tearing everything out just to replace it with the
same thing, Amber says.
The faucets turned out to be a conversation
point for the couple. When Amber found the perfect
traditional-style polished nickel faucets, Bryan balked
at the price tag. I thought it was absolute insanity to
pay that much money for faucets, he says. But Amber
recognized that the faucets would be the jewelry for
the room and didnt want to settle. We needed to
invest in the fundamental things in the room for a
timeless look, she says.
Polished chrome towel bars and sconces
complement the faucets and give the formerly
lackluster room her magazine-quality, nished look.
Now I tell people that the bathroom is the nicest
room in my house, Amber says.
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ABOVE: Clean lines from the white subway tile provide a timeless design.
The gentle curves of the cap molding tiles create a graceful transition to
the painted wall. BELOW LEFT: Towel bars shine against the soft gray-blue
walls. They are an inexpensive way to freshen a bath. BELOW: The Sievers
chose oor tile consistent with the original style of their 1920s home. The
vanity has vintage-look hardware.
$
budget
breakdown

CABINETRY
Hardware 57
Vanity 1,192

PLUMBING
Faucets and fixtures 1,135
Toilet 250
Tub 350

SURFACES
Countertop, sink 900
Floor tile 850
Wall tile 2,316

MISCELLANEOUS
Lighting 238
Medicine cabinet 483
Paint 129
Shower curtain rod 115
Towel, toilet paper bars 183
TOTAL $8,198
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patience
pays
Plenty of time, smart
shopping, and just enough
color create a room with
classic style.
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THIS PHOTO: Even though
theres no window in this
lower-level bathroom, the
light color palette keeps it
bright. opposite: Beaded
board on lower walls adds to
the rooms crisp look.
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Stacy and Gavin Gaynor could have taken
the quick route to a new bathroom in the lower
level of their Saratoga Springs, New York, home. One
shopping trip, and they might have been done. But
I wanted to avoid the look of a furniture showroom,
where you bring home a packaged look, Stacy says.
Instead they took their time, saving money and
creating a distinctive, classic design.
The Gaynors lived in their home seven years
before tackling the new lower-level bathroom project,
and forethought saved them thousands of dollars.
We gured that at some point we would want to add
a bathroom, Stacy says. So the couple had basement
plumbing installed when the house was built.
They wanted the bathroom to be handy for family
movie nights on the lower level. They also wanted a
bath for overnight guests who stay in the adjacent
room. So, with a disciplined approach to the project,
Stacy and Gavin listed everything they wanted in the
bathroom, regardless of cost.
The wish list helped them identify their priorities
when it came time for give-and-take. I wanted a fully
tiled shower, Stacy says. But when I considered the
cost, I realized I could have the look for less by tiling
around a berglass shower insert. With the shower
curtain drawn, you cant tell the dierence. A glass
shower door was nixed because of price. As it turns
out, I like the shower curtain better, Stacy says.
Patience can help a budget, too. There are a lot
of places where we felt we could save, but we didnt
scrimp on labor, Stacy says. Despite their budget
boundaries, they did splurge on marble oor tilean
eBay nd that sets the casual elegant tone of the
room. It is amazing how much time you can devote
to such a small space, but I am so happy we did. Our
family and friends want to stay longer. I dont think
you can put a price on that.
Left: Green accents in the shower curtain and a fern print
create warmth. above: Open shelves provide just enough
storage for guest amenities and accessories.
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ABOVE: The towel rack is a replica of a design used on trains
years ago to hold bags and coats. It adds a nostalgic touch
to the bath. ABOVE RIGHT: Homeowner Stacy Gaynor chose
a polka-dot fabric for piping and loops on the print shower
curtain. RIGHT: A traditional faucet that evokes the same era
as the pedestal sink reinforces the rooms classic style.
$
budget
breakdown

PLUMBING
Shower enclosure (including tile) 920
Shower faucet and valves 654
Sink, faucet 889
Toilet 649

SURFACES
Flooring 656
Paint 50
Walls 200

MISCELLANEOUS
Labor 8,000
Light fixtures (including fan light) 300
Medicine cabinet 2,316
Train-style towel shelf 255
Shower curtain fabric 90
Towel ring 78
TOTAL $15,057
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The baths color palette
started with a colorful
window treatment. The
room boasts an organic
feeling with a bit of a
spa-like sensibility.
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natural
retreat
Taking a hall bath from blah to beautiful required
careful planning and creative use of space.
A designer employed both strategies to make this
hall bath look pretty and live large. Then she added
special touches to give it a soft, organic feel.
A few yards of fabric can launch the
entire look of a room. Such was the case with the fabric
that designer Jeni Wright chose for this baths window
shade. The fabrics color palette inspired the baths
sage wall paint and earthy tiles. To make the room
look larger, Wright chose inexpensive eld tile for the
oor and installed it on a diagonal. Matching grout
minimized joint lines, making the oor look like a
single expanse of color. Next, she dressed the oor and
tub surround with a more expensive glass border tile.
Coordinating iridescent tile in the shower shines
in the natural light of the room. The original archway
into the shower was cute, but taking it out opened up
the entire space, Wright says. Today a glass shower
enclosure makes the room feel airy. It allows natural
light from the windows into the shower, she says.
before
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above: Flowers raining down on the tub extend the fabric
design into the rest of the room. Above right: Using a glass
half-wall allows natural light into the shower, making the
room seem larger and more open. The iridescent herringbone
tile inset adds a custom look.
In a small bath, carving out creative storage space
is paramount. To do so, Wright built niches between
the sink walls joists, then added chunky wooden
bases that extend the niches.
Between the storage niches, Wright replaced
the original wall-mount sink with a sink cabinet for
utilitarian storage. In a small space, its important to
have great storage to keep clutter out of sight, she
says. Above the sink, Wright opted for a at mirror
instead of a recessed medicine cabinet because there
are electric and plumbing lines in the wall.
Other details also give the space a custom feel.
A brushed-nickel sink and xtures are the jewelry for
the room. Invisible towel holders take the place of
bulky shelving. Acrylic owers oating on the wall
mimic the pattern in the window-shade fabric. The
fabric is important because its the only soft element
in this room, Wright says. Everything, right down to
the owers on the wall, had to be an extension of the
fabric to achieve the cohesive, beautiful design.
Accent colors Choose a wall color from one of the accent colors
in the fabric.
tonal range Select accent colors in the same tonal rangenot
too light or too dark.
Background color Use the fabrics background color to
determine trim color. If its not pure white, avoid using pure white
for trim.
dimension Coordinate the fabric with accent tile. Its texture
adds another dimension to the rooms color scheme.
Material Magic
A small swath of fabric covering a window is sometimes the only soft
element in a bath, making it an important focal point and the driver of
the room design. Here are some tips on how to use fabric as inspiration
for outfitting a bath.
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this photo: In keeping
with her subtle color
scheme, designer Jeni
Wright chose a natural hue
for the tub instead of bright
white, which could have
overpowered the room.
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Niches built into the wall provide an extra
bit of storage space without taking up
usable square footage .
before
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ABOVE: This fabric for the window shade drove the rooms earthy look.
BELOW LEFT: The thick wooden bases on the storage niches add a modern
touch. BELOW: Stretch your tile budget by using a border made of
decorative tile to perk up inexpensive eld tile.
$
budget
breakdown

CABINETRY
Vanity 710

PLUMBING
Sink 136
Sink faucet 463
Shower fixture 250
Toilet 315
Tub 473
Tub faucet 508

SURFACES
Accent tile, field tile 2,000
Countertop 458
Shower glass 1,169

MISCELLANEOUS
Fabric 155
Light fixtures 68
Paint 47
Toilet tissue holder 78
Towel holders 38
Wall flowers 37
TOTAL $6,905
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opposite: An antique table was renished to
serve as a sturdy vanity. Classic vessel sinks and
bridge faucets complete the clean cottage look.
pure and
simple
A mix of old and new elements transforms
this master bath into a pristine beauty.
Like they did with the rest of their house,
Molly and Jon Frey had to look past this bathrooms
leaky roof and dark ceilings to see its potential. What
it had the most potential for were headaches. But
Molly, a former interior design student who started
an architectural design business, looked forward to
renovating the Massachusetts home. She and her
husband, a commercial real estate investor, worked
nights and weekends for two years to renovate their
house. They saved thousands of dollars with Molly
acting as the designer and Jon doing most of the labor.
Now complete, the master bath is one of the
rooms they enjoy most. By stealing space from a
small closet, they enlarged the bath, creating a private
toilet room, an upscale feature often seen in new
construction. They rearranged the room to allow
space for a double vanity and a shower. A renished
antique table outtted with plumbing xtures is
the new vanity, tting snugly between two walls to
ensure theres no wasted space. An old sliding barn
door separates the bath from the adjoining master
bedroom. Beaded board that runs horizontally makes
the master bath look bigger and costs less than tile.
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left: Vessel sinks and nickel
bridge faucets are reminiscent of
an antique washstand. opposite:
Instead of using a typical swing-
out door, the homeowners opted
for a salvaged sliding barn door.
Though still small, the bathroom provides plenty
of storage. Two recessed medicine cabinets store
toiletries behind the mirrors. One comes complete
with an outlet for a hair dryer. Tiny built-in niches
behind the sink keep soaps and lotions at hand.
The enterprising couple made smart, cost-
eective choices. Instead of replacing the oors, the
Freys had the wide-plank pine oors stained ebony.
The rich color visually anchors the white walls. With
a little rearranging and innovate use of clever nds,
the new master bath became a perfect combination of
pure and simple elements.
$
budget
breakdown
The Freys were able to keep costs down by
doing much of the remodeling themselves.

CABINETRY
Antique table (used as vanity) 900

FAUCETS/FIXTURES
Faucets 1,000
Sinks 495
Shower fixtures 2,500
Toilet 330

MISCELLANEOUS
Medicine cabinets 1,200
Glass for shower 1,100
Salvaged barn door 200
Hardware for barn door 450

TILE
White subway tile 960
Tile labor 2,550
TOTAL $11,685
A sliding barn door ensures
theres no space wasted
from doors swinging into
the room. Bonus: It adds
a lot of character.
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bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeffffffffffffffffffffffooooooooooooooorrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
refresher
course
Inspired by a candy-color
tile, a homeowner gives her
bathroom a clean-looking
and eclectic makeover.
SMALL bath solutions 140
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Katie Leporte wanted to redo her bathroom
but lacked inspiration. Then, one day, the magazine art director
came across a seafoam green glass mosaic tile. That single small
tile breathed new life into the bathroom in the Tudor-style cottage
she shares with her husband, Mike, in Des Moines.
At work Katie had seen plenty of lackluster rooms
transformed by homeowners who used a combination of sweat
equity and old-fashioned ingenuity. She took her cue from that
one glass tile and came up with a fresh and soothing look for her
own bath. I just really loved that little candy-color tile, and I
wanted to make it work somehow, she says.
Katie was budget-conscious from the start. She didnt do
expensive things such as moving plumbing lines and xtures,
though she did recruit her dad to help add a showerhead over the
tub. Its an old house, so all we had was a bathtub, Katie says.
I was tired of having to go down to my dark, dank basement to
shower every morning.
With that big project done, her design strategy was simple:
Focus on using little details that would have a big impact. Her
husband, Mike, helped replace the bathrooms outdated laminate
oor with white hexagon tiles that complement the homes classic
style. For a dash of color, Katie bought a square-foot sheet of
seafoam mosaic tile as an accent. Then we just popped out every
other white tile and replaced it with green, she says.
After scrubbing the tub to pristine condition, the couple had
to protect the bathrooms only window from water damage. They
sealed the existing windows woodwork with waterproof paint
and topped it with a clear coat. Katie then made a curtain out of
waterproof fabric to cover it. Long-term, its probably not the best
option, she says. But I think it will work for now, and its not
permanent, so we can change it later if we want to.
To ensure waterproof walls for the new tub-shower, the
couple had to tear out the old lathe and plaster walls and put up
waterproof cement board. To cut down on the expense of tiling
the shower area, Katie took the seafoam tile around to home
improvement centers and found the perfect match for less money.
Again, she repeated the rooms white and green scheme, using
green square tiles as accents. I just kept thinking, I have this one
kernel of an idea and I need to build on it, Katie says.
Throughout the bathroom, Katie brought everyday things
left: Touches of black ground the room and give the seafoam
color more weight. In addition to providing practical
storage, the new shelf displays some of the decorative knobs
homeowner Katie Leporte collects. Theyre like little gems,
she says. Opposite: Katie gave her bath a new look with a
cool seafoam green theme and by accenting with artistic
touches and both old-world and 21st-century details.
find meaning While creating a look you love, remember
to include some elements that relate to the style of your
home. Accessorize with colors and decorative items that are
meaningful to you, keeping in mind the overall look and feel of
the room.
stay put Dont move or add plumbing if you dont have to.
Thats a major cost in a bathroom remodel.
shop around Look for sinks, faucets, and vanities at home
centers. You may be surprised at the array of styles youll find.
Compare the offerings from one store to the next.
splurge smartly Use expensive items, such as colorful glass
tiles, as accents rather than entire backsplashes or walls. Youll
save money, yet the room will still have impact.
Do-It-Yourself Tips
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Left: Katie says the key to her successful bathroom renovation was
taking stock items, such as this storage shelf, and adding sparkle and
color to give them personality. Below: Katies hand-drawn designs add
a creative and whimsical touch to the room. White picture frames add
visual interest to the painted leafy bough. opposite: The Leportes saved
money by using premade beaded board that they bought in sheets and
cut to t. Inexpensive molding was used as trim, and towel racks conceal
some seams.
to life with personal touches that added color and style. For the
new white storage cabinet above the toilet, for example, she
painted the knobs black and decorated each door with scrapbook
paper designed by Amy Butler from Basic Grey. Its my favorite
scrapbook paper company, Katie says, adding that over time the
papers have expanded from moisture so she plans to cover them
with a paper sealer.
Katie created a display shelf beside the new sink by removing
the door of an old, shallow built-in cabinet. After painting the
shelves black and decorating the back with scrapbook papers, she
drew a simple design on the wall and painted it with black acrylic.
I didnt want a sti border, she says. I wanted something
unexpected, like it was growing right out of the shelf.
The whole look is an eclectic mix, Katie says, and she likes the
way the classic beaded board contrasts with modern accessories,
such as the towel bars and rings. Those touches helped kick
things up a bit. I didnt want Mike to think its too girly, she says
with a laugh. Now I love my bathroom. Its such an improvement;
I wish I would have done it sooner.
$
budget
breakdown

CABINETRY, LIGHTING, MIRROR
Base cabinet 310
Fixture over mirror 50
Mirror 45
Wall cabinet 40

PLUMBING & FIXTURES
Sink, countertop 125
Sink faucet 50
Toilet 80
Plumbing for shower 260

SURFACES
Accent tile, mosaic tile 90
Beaded board, molding 150
Field tile surrounding tub 110
Hexagon tile on floor 250
Paint 40

MISCELLANEOUS
Hardware 15
Shower curtain 20
TOTAL $1,635
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modern angle
The sole bath in a 1950s ranch goes
upscale and mod using a warm,
neutral palette against angular
shelves and gleaming surfaces.
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This photo: Floating wood shelves
hang behind a deeper and narrower
unit with glass shelves, purchased
separately. Opposite: The palette
contrasts neutral huesdark brown
and whitefor pop and adds subtle
blue-grays and silvers, avoiding colors
that could date the look.
145 dream rooms, real budgets
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This photo: A geometric vanity
and bowl sink carry a warm, brown
hue across different materials for
a cohesive look. Opposite: The
bathrooms original 50s layout
wisely uses the shower wall to hide
the toilet from view upon entry.
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Minimalism has no price tag, although
its sleek, perfect surfaces and exacting geometry
are often synonymous with high-style, high-budget
construction. Or so reasoned Karin Edwards, who had
a spare, sophisticated look in mind to upgrade the tiny
bath in her 1950s at-roof home in Des Moines.
This was a starter house when it was built and
it remains one for me, but theres no reason it has to
look that way, Karin says. Nevertheless, she knew that
giving her bath a high-style look on a limited budget
would be a challenge.
The bones of the bathroom were not half-bad.
It was kind of clever, Karin says. The tub was roomy
and interestingly shaped, and the toilet was tucked
out of sight behind the shower stall. Previous owners
put in a laminate oor and installed a pedestal sink.
The design was nice, but not practical. It was cute,
really cutea white sink with a tilting mirror over it
and beaded board everywhere. That just wasnt the
direction I was going, Karin says.
Style preferences aside, added storage had to be
part of the solution. (The former owners relied on an
armoire in the hallway to hold some of the things the
tiny bathroom could not.)
Karin mounted a modern angular shelving unit
to the wall beside a matching vanity and mirror. She
found the three pieces marked down at a local bath
showroom at such a good price, she bought them all
without even measuring. It took me two years to
save for the bath renovation, so I stored them in my
garage in the meantime, she says.
Even though the proportions of these pieces
werent perfect for the space, Karin knew she could
make them work. Stained dark brown, they proved a
good-enough match to two oating wood shelves she
picked up in a home store. Much longer, and much
shallower, the added shelves created a new geometric
form when mounted o-center to the shelving unit
and, in the process, helped bridge the awkward space
between it and the sink cabinet.
Its a small, boxy room without distinguishing
architecture. It needed some type of geometric form
for interest, Karin says. Plus, the strong horizontals
help visually enlarge the space.
Illusion was key to the design, especially after
the ceiling height dropped. Once topped with exposed
beams painted white for a cottage look, the room now
features a lower drywall ceiling that incorporates
147 dream rooms, real budgets
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Tiny nooks have to
multitask. What works as
a shower seat in this stall
doubles as elbow room
during long soaks.
homeowner karin edwards
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Left: The raw salvage edge on this valance looks
like fringe and offers a ready-made border that
picks up on the rich texture of grass cloth on the
walls. Opposite: Resurfacing the square tubs
porcelain from eshy pink to white proved a cost-
savvy update and preserved a versatile design.
think rich Dark stains add a sense of depth and character to the
plainest wood grains and are easier to match than lighter hues
when mixing the different woods of bath furniture gathered over
time.
go mod Modular bath furniture offers freedom of placement,
allowing an assemblage of store-bought pieces to masquerade as
custom built-ins that suit your individual needs.
leave space Nothing says luxury more than plentiful space.
In tiny rooms, leave one wall free of cabinets and decoration.
Even if all other walls are jam-packed with cabinets and extras,
this open expanse will function as breathing room to visually
enlarge the space.
Luxury Looks for Less
$
budget
breakdown

FIXTURES
Bathtub refinishing 175
Vessel sink 150
Sink faucet 150
Sink cabinet base 300

HARDWARE & LIGHTING
Recessed ceiling lights 120
Mirror 125

WALLS
Wallcovering 270
Tile 85
Shelving unit 200
Floating shelves 75
TOTAL $1,650
recessed lighting. I considered how many weekends
it would take to strip the ceiling paint, and I thought,
Well, this is a really good time to also improve the rooms
lighting, Karin says.
The ceilings added expense was no budget
stretch, because Karin was able to keep the existing
square tub. Set on a diagonal, it oers ample elbow
room to soakers. But its eshy pink color had to go, so
she had it reporcelained white and surrounded with a
basic white, low-cost tile for bright counterpoint to the
dark-stained furniture in the room.
With a grass-cloth wallcovering added for subtle
color and shiny nickel and chrome accessories for
accent, the bathroom slowly evolved into the little
treasure box Karin envisioned. Its soft, warm and
edgy all at the same time, she says. Best of all, her
elegant redo cost less than $2,000.
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splash of
glamour
It started with wallpaper.
But eventually a complete
redesign turned this
narrow, plain-Jane bath
into a getaway reminiscent
of 1940s Hollywood.
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THIS PHOTO and opposite:
Pretty accessories gracefully
nish off this guest bath.
Reective surfaces help
bounce light around the
narrow space, making it
seem larger.
before
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above: The Plexiglas dressing table, positioned for natural
light, was a genius way to add a functional piece without
visually taking up space. It is the perfect spot for applying
makeup and doing your hair, Jan says. An upholstered stool
adds a bit of softness, as do oor-to-ceiling drapes.
When homeowner Jan Kuttnauer of
Atlanta was looking to update her guest bath, designer
and friend Sherry Hart suggested adding wallpaper
for a quick refresher. But wallpaper quickly led to new
ooring, some furniture, and accessories, too. Framed
Alberto Vargas prints of pinup girls further inspired
the design with its shiny surfaces and black-and-white
decor, a nod to the playful and glamorous Hollywood
of the 1940s.
Hart found the grass-cloth paper, and Jan knew it
would be perfect. It owed with the rest of the homes
feel, and it was subtle enough for the small space. But
after assessing the rest of the bath, they could see that
the wallpaper belonged with better company. It went
from wallpaper to, Well, while were at it, we might as
well do this, Hart says. It was like a domino eect.
She couldnt let such chic wallpaper go unsupported,
so she began looking for other upgrades.
The vanity was the next big consideration. The
challenge was to nd one that t the narrow room
and had the stone countertop and open shelving Jan
wanted. Hart had a vanity custom-madeat about
the same price as in-store modelsto t the width
restriction and include Jans requests.
But like the wallpaper, the vanity led to more
upgrades. The new vanity conicted with the original
oor and wall tiles, so Hart snagged some Calcutta
gold marble on sale. The 1818-inch pieces were cut in
half and laid like subway tile. Tiling partway up the
wall in the vanity area keeps the small space looking
uniform and uncluttered.
To make the room appear larger, Hart again went
custom and had a mirror that spans the vanity wall cut
on-site. The reective wall keeps the room light and
bright. Deco-inspired shaded light xtures installed
on the mirror add an extra layer of sparkle, as well as
illumination. The mirror and lights certainly add the
glam touch we were going for, Jan says.
Other little touches add to that old Hollywood
aesthetic. Jans favorite is the custom shower curtain,
which puts a modern twist on an overall black
Moroccan tile pattern on white. Wall art picks up the
black and white tones as well.
The Plexiglas dressing table was a practical
addition with a lot of style. It creates a second area for
primping, away from the vanity and sink. It ts into
that Hollywood glamour, and its translucent so it
looks like its not taking up much space, Hart says.
This guest bath makeover wraps up a long list
of renovations Jan and Hart started seven years ago.
Now the house is perfect, Jan says. Well, except the
laundry room. Thats next.
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RIGHT: A shallow vanity that squares out to accommodate
the sink suits the small room. The open design, which
includes shelves, ensures that the room isnt boxed in.
BELOW: Grass-cloth wallpaper is a perfect companion to the
natural cedar sauna, which is original to the 1952 house.
go neutral Neutral wallpapers are ideal for small spaces such as
powder rooms or cozy baths. They make a room appear larger and
complement any color of towels or bath accessories.
add interest A solid color looks best if it is textured. Texture
creates interest, even if the paper is painted over.
jazz it up Trendy wallpapersgeometry and nature motifsare
an effective way to instantly modernize a bath.
consider scale Pattern size is important. If you use a large
pattern in a small space, you could lose its impact.
be smart Inexpensive wallpaper is your best bet in everyday or
nonventilated baths because of water and steam wear. A less
water-resistant paper should be used only in powder rooms
and infrequently used baths where humidity is not an issue. You
wouldnt want to use a very pricey paper in a bath that might be
really steamy.
Pick the Right Paper
Wallpaper is an inexpensive and easy way to add drama to a bath.
Designer Sherry Hart shares her tips for choosing it.
$
budget
breakdown

CABINETRY
Vanity 1,300

PLUMBING
Sink, faucet 535

SURFACES
Countertop 300
Flooring 1,863
Wallpaper 773

MISCELLANEOUS
Dressing table 600
Light fixtures 430
Mirror 700
Stool 120
TOTAL $6,621
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unfitted charm
An architect shares his
secrets for transforming
a basic bath into
a haven with
historical charm.
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THIS PHOTO: Salvaged items,
including medicine-cabinet
doors made from old shutters
and a vanity base made of thick
iron fencing, give this bath a
vintage look. opposite: White
vessel sinks pop against the
limestone countertop.
155 dream rooms, real budgets
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Most remodeling projects make
a room look new. Not this one. What Joe
McGinnis enjoys most about the remodeled master
bath in his Atlanta home is that it looks old. Like the
rest of the home, it has charm. The secret? Salvage!
Joe discovered his home by accident. One day
I drove by, and there was a for-sale sign in the yard. I
stopped, knocked on the door, and was told the home
just sold. I was disappointed, but fortunately for me,
that sale fell through and the owner called to see if I
was still interested. I bought it the next day.
Because the original owner, residential designer
Je Jones, had done so much attractive design work to
the house, Joe had to do little more than move in and
start enjoying the rewards of Joness good taste. From
both inside and out, you would never know that this is
a newer home, Joe says.
Nowhere is that old-home ambience more evident
than in the master bath. The nishing touches I
applied to the master bath can be used to make over
any bath, whether its in a new suburban home or an
old bath in need of a facelift, Jones says. He created
a focal-point vanity from a piece of salvaged iron
fencing, which he had welded to an iron frame to
support the counter and sinks. New limestone covers
the top. Natural stone brings a centuries-old appeal,
Jones says. New vessel sinks add elegance and are
reminiscent of old washbasins.
Medicine cabinets recessed into the walls on
both sides of the vanity hide behind eye-catching
heirloomsold interior shutters that were cut to door
size. Vintage-style subway tiles cover the shower and
bath walls. The ooring in the master bath is new
ceramic tile that replicates a classic pattern in black
and white marble.
Above the shower and vanity, wide crown
molding matches the size and pattern often found
in old bungalows, as do the four-pane double-hung
windows inside the shower and above the vanity.
I am a coveter of old items, Jones says. If there
is a way to make salvaged materials a functional and
beautiful part of an interior design, I will nd it.

be a sleuth Scour salvage yards for sinks, bathtubs, and
other vintage pieces. A Habitat for Humanity ReStore is
also worth checking out .
fake it If youre not a period purist, reproduction
sinks and faucets are great way to add character. When
shopping in a store, ask if you can purchase a floor model
at a reduced price.
Repurpose Think about how an item could be used
in a new or different way. Look around your attic and
your relatives attics for a vintage piece that could be
retrofitted into a vanity or storage hutch. If just the top
of one piece of furniture is in excellent shape, consider
adding it to the bottom of another piece.
Building Character
Giving a new bath an old look isnt as difficult as it may
seem. Just put on your thinking cap and start looking
around for diamonds in the rough.
LEFT: Weathered interior shutters get a new life as doors
to the recessed medicine cabinet. The original hardware
is centered between the joined shutters, but the door still
swings open from the side. A mirror is installed on the back
side of the shutters.
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above: The combination of salvaged fencing for a vanity base and
salvaged wooden shutters for medicine cabinet doors gives the bathroom
vintage charm. left: Because a shower is a wet area, architect Jeff Jones
had the wood window frames painted with marine-quality enamel. But
Jones says, The windows are high enough that water hasnt been a
problem. below: The key to making a vanity from an old iron piece is
to make sure it doesnt look like a section of contemporary fencing; the
heavier and more ornate it is, the better.
$
budget
breakdown

CABINETRY
Medicine cabinet 750
Vanity 1,800

PLUMBING
Sink, faucets 1,000
Shower 500

SURFACES
Flooring 1,000
Walls 500
Wallpaper 773

MISCELLANEOUS
Crown molding 200
Shower door 2,000
TOTAL $8,523
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above: Subway tiles take the combination
tub and shower up a notch, giving it a spa-like
quality. opposite: Keeping the existing oor
plan and simply upgrading old xtures gave
homeowner Nelle Kottman the updated look
she wanted on a budget.
skimming
the surface
By keeping some features she loves, this
homeowner fashions a new bath without
all the full-blown remodeling headaches.
Thirty years ago, when Nelle
Kottmans house was built,
two young children staked claims to the
hall bath every morning. With the kids
grown and gone, Nelle decided the bath
needed to grow up, too. So the home
improvement TV show junkie put together
a design plan. Because the wallpaper and
oor were in good condition, Nelle saw
no need to replace them. Instead, she
designed around them. I have a thing for
stripes and wanted to keep those, she
says. The vertical lines of red and bisque
on the walls add a sense of height.
Nelle also kept the vanity, giving it
new life with a fresh coat of paint and new
hardware. She replaced the old laminate
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countertop with solid-surfacing for an
upscale look and smooth, silky feel. A
modern drop-in sink and faucet complete
the vanitys new look. The mirror was
original to the room, but Nelle updated
the look by having it cut from a large
rectangle into a circle with a beveled edge.
Upgraded plumbing xtures add
more style. Their bisque color matches
the background of the wallpaper and
the freshly painted vanity. Because Nelle
doesnt have a tub in her master bath, she
added a deep, jetted tub for days when
she wants a leisurely soak. The old tub/
shower surround was a molded enclosure.
For an upgraded look, Nelle selected tan
subway tiles to surround the shower area.
A row of shimmering accent tile adds a bit
of sparkle. To complete the suite of bisque
xtures, she opted for a new toilet, too.
Nelle incorporated built-in niches into
the shower surround for extra storage.
The ceiling xture mimics the look of
handblown Italian glass in an inexpensive
version from a home center. I didnt need
a $500 light xture, Nelle says.
Now, from the ceiling to the oor,
Nelle still has the striped wallpaper shes
enjoyed for years with the updated look
shed been imagining. I just love this
bathroom, she says.
right: A subway tile surround adds
upscale style. The jetted tub makes
for a relaxing end to a long day.
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above right: The adjustable shower wand and grab bar
provide ease of use. The brushed nickel nish adds an
upscale touch. right: Niches built between wall studs add
convenient storage in the shower.

incorporate storage Get creative to stretch storage
in a small space. In Nelles bath, niches in the shower
enclosure hold soaps and shampoo.
add texture Subtle texture appears throughout this
bath. From sleek subway tiles to the gentle weave in
the shower curtain to the fluffy towels and the sailcloth
valance, the room has a nice mix of tactile surfaces.
EMBRACE COLOR Theres no rule that says a small space
has to be neutral. Nelle kept the red-striped wallpaper
she loved and brought in its subtle background color in
fixtures and finishes.
include tailored touches A crisp, pleated window
valance adds a clean look with a touch of softness without
blocking natural light.
Making a Splash
Nelle Kottman used smart ideas to pack personality into
her small hall bath.
$
budget
breakdown

CABINETRY
Hardware 300

PLUMBING
Shower system 749
Sink faucet 268
Sink 520
Toilet 511
Tub 2,900

SURFACES
Countertop 1,005

MISCELLANEOUS
Light fixture 40
Mirror cutting 230
Paint 185
TOTAL $6,708
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freshen up
A bath stuck in the
80s gets a modern
look thanks to smart
shopping and a
we-can-do-it
attitude.
this page and opposite:
Soothing color and warm
wood tones make this bath
seem like a contemporary
spa retreat.
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Kate and Dave Malo cut their
remodeling teeth on the hall bath
of their 1950s ranch home in Ankeny, Iowa.
The bath, remodeled in the 80s, needed an
update. Kate, a magazine graphic designer,
spends her days surrounded by images of
beautiful baths. She made mental notes,
kept manila les of inspiration, teamed
up with her handy hubby, and created
a bathroom reective of her desire for a
modern and elegant style.
With advice from both of their
dads, the couple set out to create a
contemporary space on a budgetdoing
all the work themselves. They bought
nearly all of the xtures needed to do the
job at a home center. Opting to keep the
original bathtub and window allowed
them to spend more on things that
mattered most to them: ooring, tile,
vanity, and toilet.
Their work began with demolition.
The room was cut in half by faux-tile
paneling. It needed to be one solid color
to feel larger, Kate says. They tore the
paneling out, along with the tub surround.
When we started tearing things down, I
had a split-second thought wondering if
we could do this, Kate says.
Committed, they installed sage-
green mosaic glass tile around the tub.
They retextured the rest of the walls and
painted them in a coordinating green for
a cohesive look.
Then the couple tested their mettle
on ooring, another project new to them.
They wanted wood to coordinate with the
rest of their home, but ultimately chose
bamboo for its durability and modern
air. The new vanity the couple installed
denes the rooms contemporary look
with its open design and sleek faucet. The
vanity is modern, but still warm because
of the rich wood tone, Kate says.
That sleek styling, however, meant
a decrease in storage capacity. To
compensate, they used baskets to organize
an existing closet. We used the closet
before, but without the organization, it
wasnt as functional, Kate says.
Above: Inspired by shelves
she saw at a posh retail store,
homeowner Kate Malo had
budget-friendly pine versions
made. To save more money, she
paintedrather than stained
them dark brown to match the
wood in the room.
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Left: The modern sink and vanity launched the
rooms clean, linear look. Below: The open
vanity has the storage functionality of a closed
cabinet. Handy drawers hold wash cloths, hand
towels, and soaps. Baskets on the shelf partially
hide bath salts and sponges. Running the grain
of the bamboo oor the length of the room
makes the space seem larger.
mirror an image If you can live without the storage, skip the
standard-issue medicine chest and make a statement with a framed
mirror. The larger the mirror, the more light and color it reflects. Frames
add a custom look, as well as heft that establishes the vanity area as a
focal point.
get the color right Paint is one of the least expensive ways to
get big impact. Homeowners Kate and Dave Malo originally painted
the bath a pale green. But the mellow hue didnt add depth. So they
repainted with a color that links all the shades of green.
FACTOR IN FABRICS A custom window shade and shower curtain give
this bath an upscale look, and allowed Kate to choose from a wide
range of fabrics. If you cant sew, check fabric stores for a list of people
who can.
be art smart Although often overlooked, art is an easy way to finish
off a bath. Kate simply printed initials on her computer, then matted
and framed them.
Custom Look on a Budget
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We wanted to create
a space that was casual
but elegant and reected
our personal style.
homeowner Kate malo
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Left: Baskets efciently organize the narrow
closet. They eliminate clutter and can be pulled
out to tote the contents to wherever they will be
used. Opposite: Various shades of green unify the
bath and make the small space seem larger. The
mix of patterned fabrics creates visual interest.
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The increased organization also
allowed them to ditch the medicine
cabinet in favor of an oversize mirror
framed in matching wood. A traditional
light xture mounted above it adds a
pleasing note of contrast.
Continuing the contrast, Kate paired
two patterned fabrics in coordinating
colors. A traditional all-over diamond and
oral pattern is on the custom Roman
shade, while a modern stripe appears
on the shower curtain. The shower feels
roomier because of the curtain rod curves.
Putting their o cial stamp on the
room, Kate designed custom art with their
initials to hang on the wall. Its ours,
she says. We did it as a couple, and the
biggest compliment we get is when people
see it and say, It looks just like you guys.
$
budget
breakdown

HARDWARE & LIGHTING
Mirror 125
Vanity light 75

PLUMBING FIXTURES
Sink 190
Sink faucet 150
Toilet 120
Vanity base 470

SURFACES
Bamboo flooring 140
Tile 800
TOTAL $2,070
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better
with age
Salvage ndsfrom ooring
to xtures to a tin mirror
framebring character to
a guest bathroom.
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this photo: A hall bath evokes
a serene feeling by using an
antique tub and an old table
repurposed for the vanity.
On the wall, salvaged faucet
handles serve as hooks. Knotty
pine oors were salvaged from
a 200-year-old warehouse.
opposite: An old wooden bowl
used as a soap dish suits the
salvaged theme.
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A well-appointed room
resembles a top-ranked boxer in the
ring: elegant and graceful, demonstrating
an apparent lack of eort while making
sure-footed design punches. The guest
bathroom in Joe McGinniss Atlanta home
is one such knockout.
The modest-size space sits o a
long central hallway on the homes main
level; the house was built in 1996 but was
inspired by 19th-century oor plans. The
baths high-prole location meant that
every design decision had to be carefully
considered so every element looked as
though it has always been part of the
homeor at least didnt look like it had
come straight o a shelf at a design center.
An antique French wood console
table converted into a vanity carries the
makeover. Its complete with an oversize
vintage drop-in sink and a soap dispenser.
The table is large enough that its really
functional for cleaning up, Joe says.
Above the sink, a mirror framed in
salvaged tin is still adorned with peeling
paint. The mirrors oversize scale allows it
to function as both reecting surface and
Above: High ceilings create an open atmosphere, and a large
window brings in lots of natural light. Vintage furnishings
include the large antique mirror frame, the table that serves
as a vanity, and the old sink.
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focal point, and its antique style reinforces
the decor in the rest of the house.
A freestanding tubanother salvage
yard ndwas reglazed and updated
with a rain-style showerhead and spare,
neutral-color linen shower curtains. At
the foot of the tub, a small slab of marble
serves as a shelf for soaps and other
bathing necessities.
Underfoot are knotty pine oors
reclaimed from a warehouse in
Pennsylvania. Antique hot and cold
knobs from an old tub found new life,
repurposed as hooks for towels and robes.
A curvy toiletold-school in looks but
outtted with modern water conservation
featuresrounds out the room.
Joe, a stylist and an editor, continues
to adjust the baths small accents, such as
glass bottles and soap trays. But the style
remains true to ready-for-the-ring form. I
always want every space to be ready for an
impromptu photo shoot, he says.
right: Double-glazed and in mint condition,
the vintage oval sink looks like a new drop-in
model. A curved faucet completes the look.
$
budget
breakdown

CABINETRY
Vanity 500

PLUMBING
Faucet, sink 50
Tub 1,200
Showerhead 65

SURFACES
Flooring 500

MISCELLANEOUS
Crown molding 200
Mirror, frame 500
TOTAL $3,015
reduce One of the most powerful ways to green up any remodeling
project is to minimize waste. Go gentle with the demo work, and try to
find new homes for items that are still in good condition.
reuse As this bath shows, using salvaged items creates a one-of-
a-kind look thats kind to the environment. Take the concept a step
further. Use leftover paint from the project to spiff up a small room
elsewhere. Turn scraps of lumber into a shelf or trim on a mirror.
recycle Make sure all eligible waste is recycledresponsibly. Check
with your local waste authority if you have questions.
Recycle Your Remodel
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worth
the wait
Low-cost remodeling transforms
every inch of this 1960s bath.
Randy and Julie Wenger didnt
realize they had saved the worst for last.
But after years of updating other parts of
their Overland Park, Kansas, house, they
nally focused on the 512-foot hall bath and
discovered they had their work cut out
for them.
When we tore out the cabinet and
ooring, I knew that the oor had rotted,
Randy says. Water was also the reason the
window above the tub was in disrepair. The
frame was speckled with rust and trimmed
with wood so moisture-ridden it wouldnt
accept paint.
To launch their drier and better-looking
bath, Randy and Julie chose mosaic stone
tile for the oor. They repaired the original
suboor, then installed cement board before
tiling to avoid future water damage and
eliminate any shifts that could cause cracks.
before
Opposite: Nearly everything in this outdated
bath was replaced. The tub was economically
renished by a professional. A home center
offered many of the rooms solutionsfrom a
moisture-resistant window to vinyl wainscoting.
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Above: The homeowners swapped the original
vanity for a narrower, furniture-style piece they
found at a home center. The dark wood cabinet
has drawers for toiletries and a shelf for towels.
A matching mirror completes the look.
White ceramic tile protects the shower
walls, while vinyl wains coting that mimics
the look of beaded board provides a
waterproof surface on the remaining walls.
Ive joked that if you shut the door you
can ll the whole room with water clear up
to your waist, Randy says.
He found a dry solution for the
window, too: the replacement is a vinyl-
clad unit. Randy tiled up to it, installed the
trim on top of the tile, and caulked well.
Once it was done, says Randy, we
loved it so much we thought, why didnt
we do it years ago?
before
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Above: A vinyl window with
a sliding sash replaced the
moisture-prone wood-framed
casement. The simulated divided
light design mimics the rest of
the homes windows. Unlike the
original tile, the new subway tile
extends above the window frame
and showerhead to protect the
shower walls. Above right: This
centerset faucet is a good choice
for a vanity without much room
behind the sink. An undermount
sink provides maximum counter
space and makes wiping up spills
on the marble countertop easy.
right: Mosaic tile in three shades
of marble is the baths most
dramatic element and establishes
the color palette. Though the
basket-weave pattern looks
intricate, the tile comes in 1212-
inch mesh-mounted sheets for
simple installation.
$
budget
breakdown
Randy and Julie Wenger splurged on tile and
saved by shopping a local home center and
handling much of the basic labor themsleves.

TILE
Floor and shower tile 1,500
Tile installation 800
CABINETRY & PLUMBING
Vanity and sink 500
Showerhead 145
Sink faucet 90

LIGHTING
Lighting 250

MISCELLANEOUS
Wainscoting, wallboard, trim, and paint 500
Tub refinishing 400
Custom-size window 400
Mirror 100
TOTAL $4,685
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bath
workbook
Planning a bath is like being in schoolyou have to
do the homework. Choosing a vanity, ooring, tile, and other
elements can be overwhelming. Do you want a natural wood or painted
vanity? Should you go with a self-rimming sink or a sculptural vessel
that sits on the vanity countertop? Have you decided on ceramic tile or
will you splurge on sparkling glass mosaics? This guide will lead you
through the decision-making process.
As you study up on the options and set your budget, be prepared to call
in some professionals. If youre thinking of a jetted tub, for example,
youll need to make sure your oor can support the weight when its
lled with water. If youre thinking of switching the location of xtures,
a plumber can access ways to most e ciently tap into plumbing lines.
The bottom line? A little pre-planning and diligence will move you one
step closer to acing your bath remodeling project.
5
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vanities
The vanity area is the centerpiece of your bath, so make it shine. Start with
a vanity that sets the look and tone for the roombe it traditional or
contemporaryand that will do justice to all the little pretties you put on
and around it. In a small bath, the vanity may be the only storage option
you have, so consider functionality, too.
Good to Know
STYLES Traditional cabinet-style vanities
oer the most storage, keeping items
together in drawers and behind doors.
Furniture-style vanities set on legs are
a fashionable alternative to traditional
cabinets, as are consoles, which tend to
have open shelves in their lower areas.
While both styles give a small bath some
visual breathing room, nothing does that
quite like a wall-mounted vanity. These
clean-lined contemporary vanities appear
to oat, giving a room an airy look.
HEIGHT Avoid back-aching stoops to reach
your sink bowl by choosing a right-height
vanity. The 30-inch height is becoming
a thing of the past. For most people,
a 36-inch-tall vanity and countertop
combination is preferable. This height is
similar to the work surfaces in a kitchen.
BUYING OPTIONS A stock vanity is
the least expensivejust go to a home
center and pick one out. Sizes and colors
are limited, though. The next step up is
semicustom cabinetry. This is also factory-
made and comes in standard sizes, but
oers more options in nishes, features,
and materials. Allow several weeks, or
even a few months, of lead time for orders.
If budget allows, a custom vanity can be a
nice option for a small bath, since the unit
is designed, built, and installed to t a
unique space.
QUALITY When you begin your search for
the perfect vanity or other cabinetry for
your bath, keep in mind that most cabinet
boxes are now made using engineered-
wood products such as medium-density
berboard (MDF), particleboard, or
Natural wood: Consider the grain
Wood grain makes as much of a statement as the color. Compare the differences.
MAPLE BIRCH CHERRY HICKORY OAK
plywood. These products are veneered or
laminated. Engineered-wood cabinets are
less likely than solid-wood cabinets to
expand or contract over time.
HARDWARE For a coordinated look,
choose the same nish for vanity knobs
and other nishing details, such as towel
bars and light xtures. Choosing items
from within the same collection makes the
shopping easy.
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Door design: Choose your style
Shapes
Inserts
On a cabinet-style vanity, doors and drawers do the talking. Consider which door
shape and type of insert works for the look youre after.
SQUARE
RAISED PANEL
ARCH
RECESSED PANEL
CATHEDRAL
BEADED BOARD
SLAB
DECORATIVE MOLDING
Vanity flair: A look at three popular styles
WALL MOUNT
The lightest look of them all, a wall-
mount vanity seems to oat. The look
tends to be contemporary, though the
materials can change the feel.
FURNITURE LOOK
With rich wood and gracefully curved
feet, this vanity resembles ne furniture.
Setting a vanity off the oor just a few
inches visually stretches the sight lines.
CABINET STYLE
A cabinet-style vanity offers the most
storage. With full-overlay doors, this vanity
has a clean look. Cabinets that sit on the
counter provide additional storage.
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sinks and counters
A sink and countertop must star in function. But with todays wealth of
styles and materials, they also play a big role in your baths design. Start
with the sink. To reduce installation costs, plan the sink location to take
advantage of existing plumbing lines. Drop a new sink into or on a showy
counter, and youll have a feature that draws the eye, not just dirty hands.
Good to Know
Sink considerations
STYLE Sink designs have stepped up a
notch, becoming functional pieces of art.
Before you get swayed by looks, choose
the installation type. A conventional
self-rimming sink, where the basin drops
into a cutout and its edges rest on the
countertop, is the easiest to install. An
undermount sink attaches below the
countertop, hiding the rim and creating
a smooth prole. Trendy above-counter
sinks are where the more artful looks
come in. These range from deep vessel
sinks that look like bowls to shallow
rectangular basins. Depending on the
style and material, they take a bit more
eort to keep clean or may not contain all
splashes, which is why theyre often used
as statement pieces in powder rooms.
Other sink options include space-saving
pedestals and wall-mount sinks. The
downside is theres no counter space.
MATERIALS Durability is a key
consideration with sinks. Cast iron,
usually coated with enamel, is heavy,
durable, and easy to clean. Vitreous
china, reclay, and porcelain oer similar
attributes. Acrylic, composite, and solid-
surfacing have a stone look thats popular
today, with less weight and seamless
installation. A molded-through color
hides chips and scratches. Metal, such
as stainless steel, copper, and brass, can
also be used in a sink. Consider the steels
thicknessthe gaugewhen shopping.
The lower the number, the thicker
and more durable the metal. If youre
considering a glass sink, tempered glass is
preferred to prevent cracks and shattering.
Countertop considerations
INSTALLATION The type of sink you
choose will help narrow down your
countertop selections. For an undermount
sink, for example, youll need a waterproof
material such as granite, quartz, or solid-
surfacing. Another option to consider is an
integrated counter/sink. Because its one
continuous piece, there are no unsightly
rims or crevices for bacteria.
MATERIALS Most baths dont have a lot of
counter space, so a luxurious material isnt
necessarily a budget-buster. Ask about
granite remnants; you may be able to get
a good deal on leftovers from someone
elses project. Solid-surfacing, which
is designed to look like natural stone,
is also popular for baths. Nonporous,
hypoallergenic, and easy to clean, its a
good option if youre concerned about
mold or mildew. Sleek stainless steel and
aordable laminate are easy-to-clean
options. Tiles are another option, though
keeping grout lines clean requires upkeep.

Glossary
ABOVE-COUNTER SINK
Sculptural basin that rises above the
counter like an old-fashioned washbowl;
also called a vessel sink.
CONSOLE SINK
Countertop surface, often with an integral
basin, that rests on legs.
SELF-RIMMING SINK
Basin drops below the counter, its rim
resting on the countertop; also called a
drop-in sink.
FLUSH-MOUNT SINK
Sink rim rests ush with the countertop,
with a metal rim bridging the two edges.
INTEGRAL SINK
Combines a countertop and a basin into one
piece; usually molded of solid-surfacing or
concrete or carved in stone or wood.
PEDESTAL SINK
Two-part xturea columnar base and a
basinthat mounts on a bracket anchored
in the wall.
UNDERMOUNT SINK
Sink mounts below the countertop so no
rim or lip shows; the cutout is slightly
smaller than the basin so the countertop
overhangs a bit; also called a rimless sink.
WALL-HUNG SINK
Sink mounts to wall with special brackets.
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faucets
A faucet is jewelry for the batha nishing touch that can be a sculptural
focal point. When buying a faucet, consider how it is mounted, where its
water stream will hit the sink bowl, and how it complements the sink and
the rooms decor. Buying a faucet and sink from the same collection is a
foolproof way to get it right.
Good to Know
STYLE With a faucet, style and function go
hand in hand. The faucet should suit the
overall look of the room, but it also needs
to work for your lifestyle. If you plan to
wash hair in the sink, for example, youll
want a spout thats tall enough to allow
for that or that has a pullout spout. Handle
conguration is another consideration.
A single-handle faucet makes it easy to
regulate cold and hot water. Ergonomic
lever handles that need no gripping or
twisting are a boon for users with limited
strength. As you shop, envision your
routine and feel the faucet handles so you
have an idea how they would operate.
FINISHES Durable chrome is a popular
nish, but others are coming on strong.
Brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and
brushed copper are among the oerings.
Look beyond the color to how the nish is
applied. A PVD (physical vapor deposition)
nish is one of the most durable. Plating,
such as chrome plate, is another indicator
of durability; it helps protect against
corrosion and tarnishing. Faucets with a
living nish, such as oil-rubbed bronze,
will age and develop a patina over time.
Moisture and cleaners can also change the
look of these nishes.
COMPATIBILITY The number of holes in
the sink deck or on the countertop will
determine the type of faucet you can
get. (See glossary, right.) But there are
exceptions. Some faucets have a deckplate
that covers the holes. So if your sink has
three holes, you can actually still use a
single-handle faucet, with the deckplate
hiding the extra holes.
On-the-wall wisdom
Wall-mounted faucets are becoming popularnot just for their appealing look but for their
ability to free up counter space and their cleaning ease. Here are a few things to ponder.
CONSIDERATIONS Above-counter sinks,
especially bowl-style ones, typically
require a wall-mounted faucet because
conventional faucets tend to be too short.
Wall-mount faucets require special in-wall
plumbing instead of the typical under-the-
sink location. Save room in the budget for
the extra work.
FUNCTION When installed, the spout should
be far enough above the sink rim to allow
your hands to easily reach the water stream.
A spout installed too high above the sink,
however, can lead to splashing. A guideline:
You need at least 1 inches between the
rim of the sink bowl and the bottom of the
spout; 46 inches is average.

Glossary
BRIDGE FAUCET
Spout and handles linked by an exposed
tube; can be deck- or wall-mount;
traditional style.
CENTERSET FAUCET
Spout and two handles sit on a base, with
handles 4 inches apart; affordable and
good for tight spaces.
MIINI-WIDESPREAD FAUCET
Spout and handles are three separate
pieces, but placed closer together than a
widespread faucet; can replace a 4-inch
centerset faucet; good for tight spaces.
SINGLE-HOLE FAUCET
Spout and a single handle in one unit;
only one hole pierces the sink deck or
countertop; also called post-mount faucet.
WIDESPREAD FAUCET
Spout and handles are three separate
pieces, requiring a three-hole sink deck or
countertop; distance between handles is
between 6 and 12 inches.
WALL-MOUNT FAUCET
Spout and handles mount to the wall,
from plumbing behind the wall; frees up
counter space.
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tiles
Walls, countertops, oors, showers, and tub deckstile is everywhere these
days, and with good reason. Tile is water-resistant, easy to maintain, and
good-looking. Use neutral tiles for a spa-like look or create a sparkling
backdrop with glass mosaics. The possibilities are endless.
Good to Know
CERAMIC The wide array of colors, shapes,
and sizes is a hallmark of ceramic tile. The
nish can be matte or glossy, giving you
some exibility in how much walls stand
out. Ceramic is easy to clean, although
grout may discolor. Price range: $2 per
square foot, uninstalled, for basic ceramic
tile; $8$30 for upscale designs.
GLASS Surprisingly strong, glass tiles
boast great color depth. They have a
shimmering, liquid-look surface that
reacts to light in a distinctive way. Glass
tiles come in many colors, nish styles,
sizes, and shapes, allowing one-of-a-kind
looks. Glass tends to be the priciest tile
surface. If budget is an issue, consider
using it as an accent. Price range: Starting
at $15$20 per square foot.
METAL Striking and practical, metal
instantly brightens a room. While steel
lends a sleek and industrial look, warm
metal tiles such as copper, bronze, and
pewter contribute old-world charm. Metal
is impervious to stains but scratches easily.
While some tiles are real metal, others earn
the look from a glazed metal nish. Take
note of the kind of tile you install before
adopting a cleaning regimen. Most real
metal tiles can be cleaned with gentle soap
and warm water. Large doses of metal tile
can be overpowering, so its best used as an
accent or as a backsplash. Price range: As
low as 50 cents each for 11-inch metallic
accent pieces and up to $100 each for
handcrafted metal tiles.
STONE Natural stone tile such as granite,
marble, and limestone is synonymous
with luxury and oers a sense of
permanence. With its neutral colors, it
can make a bath seem like a spa. Stone
works for most surfaces, from countertops
and backsplashes to oors, tub decks,
and shower walls. Stone is porous and
can stain, so tiles need to be properly
sealed. Price range: $4$15 per square foot,
uninstalled. Rarer stones can cost $40$60
per square foot.
The big picture: Factor in grout
Choosing grout can be as important as selecting tile. You can achieve different effects
depending upon the color you choose.
blend in Select a grout color that closely
matches the color of the tile to create a
uniform look.
hide grime Dark-color grout hides dirt
better than light-color grout, which can be
difficult to clean.
stand out To make tiles stand out, choose
a grout color that contrasts with the tile,
such as white grout against blue tiles. The
contrast will emphasize the shape of the tile,
drawing attention to it.

Glossary
BACKSPLASH
Protection of the wall at the back edge
of the countertop; designed to seal the
counter and protect the wall from spills
and damage. Can be integral to the
countertop or applied directly to the wall.
LISTELLOS
Decorative pieces usually installed as
accent pieces or as a transition from one
material to the next. Commonly referred to
as border tiles. Can be expensive.
MOSAIC TILES
Small tiles generally ranging from x
inch to 2x2 inches; 1-inch square tiles are
most common. Tend to be available in
sheets backed with netting that makes
installation easier.
SUBWAY TILES
Rectangular tiles (often 4x6 inches);
typically white or light-colored.
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Good to Know
CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN Ceramic and
porcelain tiles oer durability, as well
as a wide range of colors, textures, and
designs. Not all ceramic and porcelain tiles
are rated for oor use, so make sure you
ask before you buy, and opt for textured
surfaces over glossy ones. Ceramic and
porcelain tiles are easy to clean (though
grout lines can be di cult), but are cold
and hard on the feet. Price range: $8$50
per square foot, installed.
CORK Eco-friendly cork resists moisture
and germs and oers cushy comfort.
Glue-down tiles make cork suitable for use
in a bath, but its still an unconventional
choice. For maximum protection, seal the
cork tiles with at least two coats of sealer,
and caulk around the perimeter of the
room to prevent water seeping into the
suboor. Be prepared to wipe up water
immediately. Price range: $4$9 square per
square foot, installed.
GLASS One of todays hottest looks, glass
mosaic tiles cover a oor (shower, too)
in shimmering style. Glass tiles can be
slippery to walk on, so ask for special
options, such as a sandblasted surface that
makes the tiles less slippery. Prices tend to
start at $20 per square foot.
LAMINATE A tougher version of the plastic
laminate used for countertops, laminate
ooring can imitate wood, stone, or
ceramic tile and oers unusual patterns
and designs. Durability is good (though on
low-quality laminate the top layer may peel
from the core), and maintenance duties are
light. Planks, strips, and squares glue or
click together, often as a oating oor. Price
range: $3$10 per square foot, installed.
LINOLEUM Rich colors and patterns
distinguish linoleum, which is made
from natural raw materials. Available in
sheets or tiles, linoleum repels dirt and
resists bacteria. Solid colors and ecks
are embedded throughout, rather than
imprinted on the surface. Its more durable
than vinyl, but it should be resealed
annually and may scu. Price range: $5$9
per square foot, installed.
STONE Limestone, marble, granite,
travertine, and slate make luxurious and
extremely durable oors. Like ceramic and
porcelain, stone is cold and hard on feet.
Polished surfaces can be slippery when
wet, so opt for honed tiles. Price range:
$8$50 per square foot, installed.
VINYL Dramatic visualsstone, tile, wood,
sisal, and morecombine with comfort
and easy maintenance in todays vinyl
oerings. Its also easy to maintain; just
wipe up spills or splashes. Vinyl is less
expensive than other ooring choices, but
its also di cult to repair. Look for it in
tiles (including inexpensive self-adhesive
squares for quick DIY updates) or sheets;
12-foot-wide rolls help avoid seams. Price
range: $1$7 per square foot, installed.
flooring
As one of the largest surfaces in a room, ooring naturally makes a big
decorative impact. But choosing ooring goes beyond looks. A bath oor
needs to be moisture- and water-resistant and not too slippery. Size up the
choices to ensure the material youre considering is up to the task.

Floors are so much more than a space to
walk across. Not only can they look good,
they can feel good, too.
warming trend To avoid cold floors
and cold feetconsider hydronic or
electric radiant heat. Hydronic heating
uses hot water forced through pipes laid
under the floor. Electric radiant heating
systems are mats installed above the
subfloor and directly under the floor.
rich look Wood isnt typically
recommended for a bath, but there are
some varieties that are water-resistant.
Teak, used in boats, and bamboo, an
eco-friendly material, can provide a rich
and unexpected lookand a warmer feel
than tile. If youre considering wood, be
prepared to wipe up water immediately.
pebble panache Bring the outdoors into
your bath with a pebbled tile floor. Pebble
tiles come in a wide variety of colors and
textures, and the installation process is
similar to ceramic tile. To get the look for
less, confine the pebbles to a small area,
such as a shower floor.
Special Touches
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toilets
Often overlooked and underappreciated, the toilet may be the most
important seat in the house. As youll discover when you start
shopping, theres more to modern toilets than pure function.
Good to Know
STYLE Still sold primarily in white or
light neutral tones, toilet styles vary.
Traditional two-piece toilets are still the
most purchased models on the market.
Sleek wall-mount toilets without tanks
are showstoppers in contemporary baths.
One-piece toilets oer a seamless look.
COMFORT Many manufacturers now oer
toilets with seats set a few inches taller
than the standard 14 inches. Taller toilets
also work with universal design, allowing
people with less mobility to sit and stand
easier. Comfort also comes into play
with the seat itself. Most people prefer
the comfort of an elongated seat over a
traditional round one.
ROOM FIT Toilets sizes vary, and an inch
or two can make a big dierence in a small
space. Measure the toilet from its widest
and deepest parts to make sure it will sit in
your room without jutting into a doorway
or your access to the tub. Consider the
seat style, too. A traditional round seat
occupies less space.
PERFORMANCE Flushing performance will
ultimately make you either like or loathe
your toilet. Compare models by talking
to salespeople, checking online, and even
asking friends who recently installed a
new toilet. Bonus featuressuch as heated
seats and remote-control lidsmake
shopping for a toilet a bit more fun.
Toilet styles: A look at tank options
WALL MOUNT
Space-saving wall-mount toilets build
the plumbing for the toilet bowl into
the wall. The need for custom plumbing
makes this a pricier option.
INTEGRATED
One-piece toilets have an integrated tank
and bowl design. They have a modern look
and are generally more expensive than a
two-piece toilet.
TWO PIECE
Two-piece toilets have a separate tank and
bowl. Theyre traditionalthough as this
one shows, they can look sleek. On average,
they are the least expensive toilet style.

Glossary
ELONGATED BOWL
Toilet is about 2 inches longer front to back
than the standard round bowl.
LOW-FLUSH TOILET
Pressure-assisted or gravity-fed system
that efciently cleans the bowl using only
1.6 gallons of water; now the standard.
SELF-CLOSE SEAT
Toilet seat and lid have a special hinge
that, with just a light push, lowers the seat
to the bowl gently and quietly.
TANK
The toilets reservoir for ush water; also
called a cistern.
UNIVERSAL HEIGHT
Toilet seat is about the same height as the
seat of a household chair for ease of use.
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tubs and showers
Whether you love soothing soaks or invigorating sprays, theres a xture
that will suit your space and lifestyle. And it doesnt have to be an either/or
choice. With a combination tub/shower, you get the best of both worlds.
Good to Know
Tub considerations
SIZE A standard tub is 5 feet long and 32
to 34 inches wide. Space and plumbing
constraints may limit your options. Corner
tubs can be a good solution in rooms
with 48 to 60 inches open along adjacent
walls. The ideal bathing well length lets
you stretch out but braces your feet so you
don't slide around. To compare tub shapes,
nothing beats test-sits in a store.
MATERIALS Most tubs sold today are
acrylic, which is sturdy and lightweight
(6070 pounds). Acrylic resists stains
better than gel-coat berglass tubs,
which are the least expensive. Weightier
choices include porcelain-enamel on steel;
budget-price models tend to chip and
sound echoey. Enameled cast-iron oers
a balance of price and durability but is
extremely heavy. Tubs made of special
materials, such as stone, copper, and teak,
are also availableand expensive.
AMENITIES Jetted tubs deliver a vigorous
massage; make sure all jets adjust in
direction and force. The pipes need
periodic ushing to clean them, though
there are models with self-cleaning cycles.
Soaking tubs oer an extra-deep bathing
well; some people prefer that over jets.
INSTALLATION Have a plumber take a
look at your room. The oor bracing must
be able to support the weight of the tub,
including when its lled with water.
Tapping into existing pipes from above,
below, or an adjacent bathroom will

Glossary
BODY SPRAY
Small water outlet set in the wall,
positioned to spray a certain part of the
body; high-end models adjust spray
direction and intensity.
FIXED-POSITION SHOWERHEAD
Traditional showerhead attached to the
wall; should be installed above the head of
the tallest user.
FRAMELESS ENCLOSURE
Tempered-glass shower enclosure
unit held together with discreet clips,
translucent seam seals, and see-through
drip guards for a nearly invisible look.
HANDHELD SHOWERHEAD
Showerhead connects to a water supply
through a pliable hose; also called a
handshower.
RAIN SHOWERHEAD
Large-diameter showerhead that holds
many small spray nozzles; some models
switch from relaxing rain-shower sprays to
concentrated sprays.
THERMOSTATIC VALVE
Valve that compensates for a drop in water
pressure on the hot or cold side to keep
water within a safe temperature.
reduce expenses. Before you buy a tub,
measure it to make sure the tub will t
through doorways and stairways en route
to your bath.
Shower considerations
AMENITIES If youre dreaming of a roomy
shower, you may need to sacrice the
tub to get it. But even in a standard tub/
shower combination, a tempered glass
panel can make a shower seem larger. The
right showerhead (or showerheads) can
make even a small shower feel luxurious.
The choices range from invigorating body
sprays to gentle rains. (See glossary, right.)
For exibility, consider a handheld unit
on a slide bar. It allows people of dierent
heights to shower comfortably.
PLUMBING A powerful shower can be
demanding on pipes and the water heater.
Good water pressureideally 6080
pounds per square inch (psi)is key, even
if youre just adding a rain showerhead.
Otherwise, youll get dribbles. To
determine how much hot water you need,
multiply the gallons of water per minute
(gpm) the shower system uses by the time
in minutes you tend to shower, then take
75 percent of the result. A typical 40- or
50-gallon water heater may not do the job
for a luxury shower.
INSTALLATION The oor of the shower,
called a pan, should have a slight rim to
contain water and should slope toward
the drain. The pan can be molded of
synthetics, tiled, or carved from stone or
wood. Walk-in showers should also have
the oor sloped toward the drain.
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lighting
Choosing lighting for your bath is like planning an outt. Just as the look
improves with the layers, your bath benets from several lighting types.
Evaluate the rooms size, shape, ceiling height, available natural light, and
materials. Then put layers of lighting to work to ensure that the space you
depend upon for grooming puts you in the best light.

Glossary
BEAM SPREAD
The area brightened by the light a xture
casts in a room.
CEILING-MOUNT FIXTURE
Provides general illumination from
overhead; xture is installed at the ceiling.
DECORATIVE LIGHTING
The xture itself is the focus.
LAMP
Another word for bulb.
PENDANT
Hangs from the ceiling via a stem, wire,
or cable to provide task and/or general
illumination. In a bath, a pendant hung in
the vanity area can add decorative air.
RECESSED FIXTURE
Installs unobtrusively in the ceiling (only
its bulb and lens are visible) to provide
general and/or task lighting.
TRACK LIGHTING
Ceiling-mount electried bar that houses
movable and directional lights for task or
accent purposes.
SCONCE
Decorative wall bracket housing a light;
often hung on the sides of mirrors to
illuminate the vanity area.
Good to Know
OVERALL LIGHTING Every bath needs
basic overall illumination, called ambient
or general lighting. In small baths, one
ceiling-mount xture commonly supplies
ambient lighting. (In tiny powder rooms,
light from sconces or a bar strip above the
vanity may su ce.) Make sure the light
spreads into the shower so the enclosure
doesnt seem like a cave. Depending on the
size of the room, you may need to have a
professional install a recessed ceiling light
above the shower. Ambient lighting cant
do everything, though. Its best to balance
it with other types of lighting.
TASK LIGHTING As the workhorse of the
room, the vanity area needs to be well-lit.
Task lighting, which brightens a specic
area or surface where tasks are performed,
does the trick. Lights installed above or
around the mirror should illuminate your
face, not the mirror or even the ceiling.
Task lights can also be incorporated into
wall cabinetry or a custom medicine chest.
Good task lighting should eliminate
shadows and overhead glare, allowing you
to groom eectively.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS Changing out
the xture above the vanity may be ne
if you have some experience with wiring,
but bigger jobs are best left to a pro. An
electrician will know the electric codes
(remember, electricity and water dont
mix), can steer you to xtures designed
for wet areas, and will get the job done
properly. Depending on the extent of your
remodeling project, you may need to add
or move electric outletssomething an
electrician can tackle along with the light
xtures and switches.
Bright ideas: Ways to illuminate a bath
Windows and skylights earn bonus points in any bath, but you dont need natural light
sources to make your room shine. Consider these ideas.
upside down Many sconces and bar
lights can be flip-flopped so globes point
down rather than up. Its a nifty maneuver
in a tight space, and it also directs the light
down so you get more of it.
reflection Think beyond bulbs to
illuminate your bath. Reflective surfaces,
such as mirrors, shiny chrome faucets,
knobs, towel bars, and glass or metal tiles
bounce light around. Consider them a
secondary light source.
clean scene Its a given that globes will
get dirty and bulbs will get dusty. But a clean
bath equals a brighter bathso simple!
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budget basics
Like any home-improvement project, a bath renovation is just as
dependent upon practical nancial calculations as it is on blueprints.
Before you get too married to the idea of a jetted tub or glass mosaic tiles
covering walls, crunch the numbers and set a budget. Then make your bath
an oasis of comfortknowing its at a price you can aord.
Good to Know
NEEDS VERSUS WANTS Coming up with
a budget will require you to spend some
quality time distinguishing between
the rooms needs and your wants. Allow
yourself plenty of brainstorming sessions
to nail down your vision for the perfect
bath, and then determine what parts of
your current bath still t into that vision
and which ones need to be replaced. (See
the worksheet, right.) Sometimes, a bath
that is showing its age needs just a little
polish, such as paint, new lighting, and
cabinet hardware.
PERSPECTIVE Industry experts say a
typical bath update costs from $7,000 to
$12,000, which covers a new tub, sink,
toilet, wall tiles, ooring, and lighting.
Experts suggest homeowners will recoup
80 to 100 percent of those costs at resale
time. However, keep in mind that a lavish
bathroom renovation could boost the
value of your home to the most expensive
one on the street, which real estate
professionals say generally will not help
the marketability.
PROFESSIONAL HELP Working with
a designer can be money well spent,
especially if youre gutting the room and
starting from scratch. A pro can help you
avoid costly mistakes and know where to
snare the best deals. He or she can also
help rene your vision and oer ideas you
may not have even thought about. If you
cant aord to use a designer for all aspects
Vanity
Countertop
Sink
Faucet
Mirror
Lighting
Toilet
Tub/shower
Tub faucet
Showerhead
Shower door
Tub surround
Flooring
Ceiling light
Exhaust fan
Paint
Hardware
Total items needed
Total items wanted
Project total
of the project, see if the person can provide
an hour or so of consultation. When you
meet with a professionalbe it a designer,
a contractor, or a plumberhave your
budget in hand and be up-front about
your nances. It doesnt do any good
on either end if you fudge the numbers
high or low. Dont hesitate to ask for
client references. And when you talk
with those customers, ask how well the
professionals met their labor estimates.
Expect the professional to visit your
current bathroom before presenting an
estimate; this eliminates costly surprises.
After you receive that bid, add a 520
percent cushion to your budget to absorb
unpredictable cost overruns, such as
replacing drywall or tile grout that has
absorbed moisture through the years.
BUDGET ALLOCATION Allocate your
budget dollars after taking the time to shop
around and discerning your needs from
your wants. For products, heres one way to
break down a budget: 40 percent for xtures
and faucets; 25 percent for cabinetry; 20
percent for ooring and countertops;
10 percent for overrun; and 5 percent for
hardware. Shopping online saves time
and lets you compare prices. But shop in
person, too, so you can see the products
youre considering. Things always look a
bit dierent when theyre right in front of
you. Keep a detailed list of each products
features and price, and dont be afraid to
ask if the product will be going on sale.
Take stock of what you really need to make
your bath functional. Also note those items
that arent critical to the project but are extras
that would be niceitems you want.
Budget Worksheet
NEED WANT COST
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resources
cabinetry
and vanities
AMERICAN STANDARD
800/442-1902
americanstandard-us.com
AMERICAN WOODMARK
800/677-8182
americanwoodmark.com
ARISTOKRAFT CABINETRY
812/482-2527
aristokraft.com
ARMSTRONG CABINETS
800/527-5903
armstrong.com/Cabinets
BATES & BATES
800/726-7680
batesandbates.com
DANZE
877/530-3344
danze.com
DIAMOND CABINETS
812/482-2527
diamondcabinets.com
JULIEN
800/461-3377
julien.ca
KLISE MANUFACTURING
616/459-4283
klisemfg.com
KOHLER
800/456-4537
kohler.com
KRAFTMAID CABINETRY
800/571-1990
kraftmaid.com
LACAVA LLC
888/522-2823
lacava.com
MARK CABINETRY
248/414-3568
cabinetryinc.com
MEKAL
905/602-6675
mekal.com.br
MERILLAT INDUSTRIES
866/850-8557
merillat.com
NATIVE TRAILS
800/786-0862
nativetrails.net
NEO METRO COLLECTION
800/591-9050
neo-metro.com
OMEGA CABINETRY
319/235-5700
omegacabinetry.com
PORCHER
800/359-3261
porcher-us.com
QUALITY CABINETS
972/298-6101
qualitycabinets.com
ROBERN
robern.com
RONBOW
888/880-8318
ronbow.com
SONIA AMERICA
888/766-4287
sonia-sa.com
STONE FOREST
888/682-2987
stoneforest.com
VILLEROY & BOCH
877/505-5350
villeroy-boch.com
WATERFALL
888/521-3141
waterfallbath.com
WATERWORKS
800/927-2120
waterworks.com
WELLBORN CABINET
800/336-8040
wellborn.com
WOOD-MODE FINE
CUSTOM CABINETRY
877/635-7500
wood-mode.com
XYLEM
866/395-8112
xylem.biz
countertops
ALCHEMY GLASS
& LIGHT
323/235-6606
alchemyglass.com
CAESARSTONE
877/978-2789
caesarstoneus.com
CAMBRIA
866/226-2742
cambriausa.com
DALTILE
800/933-8453
daltileproducts.com
DUPONT
800/426-7426
www2.dupont.com
ELKAY MANUFACTURING
630/574-8484
elkayusa.com
EVERLIFE STONE
800/627-8663
everlifestone.com
FORMICA CORP.
800/367-6422
formica.com
J. AARON CAST STONE
404/298-4200
jaaroncaststone.com
LG SURFACES
877/853-1805
lghi-macs.com
188 SMALL bath SOLUTIONS
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MEKAL
905/602-6675
mekal.com.br
SILESTONE
BY COSENTINO
800/291-1311
silestoneusa.com
SONOMA CAST STONE
877/283-2400
sonomastone.com
STARON SURFACES
800/795-7177
staron.com
VETRAZZO LLC
510/234-5550
vetrazzo.com
WALKER ZANGER
877/611-0199
walkerzanger.com
XYLEM
866/395-8112
xylem.biz
faucets
and fixtures
ALCHEMY GLASS & LIGHT
323/235-6606
alchemyglass.com
AMERICAN STANDARD
800/442-1902
americanstandard-us.com
AQUADIS
450/433-2210
aquadis.com
AQUATIC INDUSTRIES
800/555-5324
aquaticwhirlpools.com
ARTISAN
MANUFACTURING
973/286-0080
artisansinks.com
BARCLAY PRODUCTS
800/446-9700
barclayproducts.com
BATES & BATES
800/726-7680
batesandbates.com
BRIZO
877/345-2749
brizo.com
CAROMA USA
800/605-4218
caromausa.com
CIFIAL USA
800/528-4904
cialusa.com
DAIEK PRODUCTS
daiekproducts.com
DANZE
877/530-3344
danze.com
DIAMOND SPAS
800/951-7727
diamondspas.com
DELTA FAUCET
800/345-3358
deltafaucet.com
DORNBRACHT USA
800/774-1181
dornbracht.com/en
DURAVIT
770/931-3575
duravit.com
ELKAY MANUFACTURING
630/574-8484
elkayusa.com
FRANKE
800/626-5771
frankeconsumerproducts.com
GRAFF FAUCETS
800/954-4723
graff-faucets.com
GROHE AMERICA
630/582-7711
groheamerica.com
HANSA
678/334-2121
hansa.us.com
HANSGROHE
800/334-0455
hansgrohe-usa.com
JACLO
800/852-3906
jaclo.com
JULIEN
800/461-3377
julien.ca
KALDEWEI USA
317/805-4822
kaldewei.com
KOHLER
800/456-4537
kohler.com
KWC FAUCETS
678/334-2121
kwc.us.com
LACAVA LLC
888/522-2823
lacava.com
LINKASINK
866/395-8377
linkasink.com
MEKAL
905/602-6675
mekal.com.br
MGS USA
561/218-8798
mgsdesigns.com
MOEN
800/289-6636
moen.com
MTI WHIRLPOOLS
800/783-8827
mtiwhirlpools.com
NATIVE TRAILS
800/786-0862
nativetrails.net
189 resources
14_612958-bsource.indd 189 9/17/10 10:18 AM
NEO METRO COLLECTION
800/591-9050
neo-metro.com
PORCHER
800/359-3261
porcher-us.com
PRICE PFISTER
800/732-8238
pricepster.com
REJUVENATION
888/401-1900
rejuvenation.com
ROHL LLC
800/777-9762
rohlhome.com
SHOWHOUSE BY MOEN
800/289-6636
showhouse.moen.com
SONOMA CAST STONE
877/283-2400
sonomastone.com
STERLING PLUMBING
800/783-7546
sterlingplumbing.com
STONE FOREST
888/682-2987
stoneforest.com
THERMASOL
800/776-0711 (West Coast)
800/631-1601 (East Coast)
thermasol.com
TOTO
888/295-8134
totousa.com
VILLEROY & BOCH
877/505-5350
villeroy-boch.com
WATERSTONE FAUCETS
888/304-0660
waterstoneco.com
WATERWORKS
800/927-2120
waterworks.com
XYLEM
866/395-8112
xylem.biz
lighting
2 THOUSAND DEGREES
847/410-4400
2thousanddegrees.com
ALCHEMY GLASS & LIGHT
323/235-6606
alchemyglass.com
ARROYO CRAFTSMAN
626/960-9411
arroyocraftsman.com
CRATE AND BARREL
800/967-6696
crateandbarrel.com
HOUSE OF ANTIQUE
HARDWARE
888/223-2545
houseofantiquehardware.com
HUBBARDTON FORGE
802/468-3090
hubbardtonforge.com
KALCO
800/525-2655
kalco.com
KICHLER LIGHTING
866/558-5706
kichler.com
LBL LIGHTING
800/323-3226
lbllighting.com
MEYDA CUSTOM LIGHTING
800/222-4009
meyda.com
OMEGA TOO
510/843-3636
omegatoo.com
POTTERY BARN
888/779-5176
potterybarn.com
PROGRESS LIGHTING
864/678-1000
progresslighting.com
REJUVENATION
888/401-1900
rejuvenation.com
ROBERN
robern.com
SEA GULL LIGHTING
800/347-5483
seagulllighting.com
SHADES OF LIGHT
800/262-6612
shadesoight.com
SHOWHOUSE BY MOEN
800/289-6636
showhouse.moen.com
THOMASVILLE LIGHTING
864/599-6000
thomasvillelighting.com
W.A.C. LIGHTING
800/526-2588
waclighting.com
tile, stone,
and flooring
AMTICO INTERNATIONAL
404/267-1900
amtico.com
ANN SACKS
800/278-8453
annsacks.com
ARCHITECTURAL BRICK & TILE
317/842-2888
archbricktile.com
ARTISTIC TILE
888/698-8857
artistictile.com
CROSSVILLE, INC.
800/221-9093
crossvilleinc.com
DALTILE
800/933-8453
daltileproducts.com
LACAVA LLC
888/522-2823
lacava.com
MANNINGTON
800/482-0466
mannington.com
NEO METRO COLLECTION
800/591-9050
neo-metro.com
RENAISSANCE TILE AND BATH
404/231-9203
renaissancetileandbath.com
190 SMALL bath SOLUTIONS
14_612958-bsource.indd 190 9/17/10 10:18 AM
SHAW FLOORS
800/441-7429
shawoors.com
SONOMA CAST STONE
877/283-2400
sonomastone.com
SPECTRA DECOR
800/550-1986
spectradecor.com
WALKER ZANGER
877/611-0199
walkerzanger.com
miscellaneous
AGAPE
agapedesign.it
ALCHEMY GLASS & LIGHT
323/235-6606
alchemyglass.com
AMEROCK CORP.
800/435-6959
amerock.com
ATLAS HOMEWARES
800/799-6755
atlashomewares.com
BALLARD DESIGNS
800/536-7551
ballarddesigns.com
CIFIAL USA
800/528-4904
cialusa.com
CRATE AND BARREL
800/967-6696
crateandbarrel.com
CURVET USA
curvetusa.com
DANZE
877/530-3344
danze.com
ELKAY MANUFACTURING
630/574-8484
elkayusa.com
HANSGROHE
800/334-0455
hansgrohe-usa.com
HOUSE OF ANTIQUE
HARDWARE
888/223-2545
houseofantiquehardware.com
HY-LITE PRODUCTS
800/655-9087
hy-lite.com
IBP GLASS BLOCK
800/932-2263
ibpglassblock.com
JACLO
800/852-3906
jaclo.com
KNAPE & VOGT
800/253-1561
knapeandvogt.com
KOHLER
800/456-4537
kohler.com
LACAVA LLC
888/522-2823
lacava.com
LIBERTY HARDWARE
800/542-3789
libertyhardware.com
MOEN
800/289-6636
moen.com
NEO METRO
COLLECTION
800/591-9050
neo-metro.com
NOTTING HILL
DECORATIVE HARDWARE
262/248-8890
nottinghill-usa.com
PORCHER
800/359-3261
porcher-us.com
POTTERY BARN
888/779-5176
potterybarn.com
PRICE PFISTER
800/732-8238
pricepster.com
REJUVENATION
888/401-1900
rejuvenation.com
REV-A-SHELF
800/626-1126
rev-a-shelf.com
ROBERN
robern.com
ROHL LLC
800/777-9762
rohlhome.com
SHOWHOUSE BY MOEN
800/289-6636
showhouse.moen.com
SPECTRA DECOR
800/550-1986
spectradecor.com
THERMASOL
800/776-0711 (West Coast)
800/631-1601 (East Coast)
thermasol.com
TOP KNOBS USA
800/499-9095
800/631-1601
topknobsusa.comfg
VILLEROY & BOCH
877/505-5350
villeroy-boch.com
191 resources
14_612958-bsource.indd 191 9/17/10 10:18 AM
LIVE WITH
STYLE
Look for budget-friendly home
improvements, smart decorating ideas,
and space-saving solutions in these new
Better Homes and Gardens

books.
15_612941-badvert01.indd 1 8/2/10 3:46 PM