Bathrooms
Urban Rustic Industrial farmhouse was the feeling the designers at Nar Fine Carpentry were aiming for in this Sacramento, California, powder room. A handsome reclaimed wood beam fabricated locally tops the vanity and complements the wood-grain tile flooring and the wall behind. Two deep drawers hold toilet tissue, towels and soap, and the iron straps that cover the seams where the vanity meets the wall complete the farmhouse design. The biggest challenge was getting the piece to fit.
Smart Classic Designer Melissa Lewis of Lewis Giannoulias opted for a stylish custom cabinet in this Chicago powder room. “We wanted to ensure the cabinet was functional and beautiful at the same time,” she says. Space on the marble top is more than adequate for toiletries and other items, while the bottom drawer allows for more organized storage. In keeping with the house’s “curated blend of styles rooted in the classics,” as Lewis describes it, she used a high-gloss black paint paired with a Calacatta Gold marble top for the vanity, along with eclectic wallpaper, to impart a sense of timelessness.
A classic black-and-white basketweave tile on the floor, satin brass finishes and Shaker-style vanity doors are traditional elements in the room. The grid on the enclosure, streamlined faucet silhouettes and the straight-edged quartz countertop mix in modern elements. Modern functions include a docking drawer pullout, outlets for electric toothbrushes and rollout trays inside the vanity, and heated floors.
The large soaking tub the homeowners dreamed of is an undermount style, surrounded by a Calacatta marble deck and bench. The accent tile niche breaks up the strong lines of the oversize (5-by-16-inch) subway tile surround and has subtle glints of gold that pick up on the finish of the brass faucets and the hints of gold in the marble.
KraftMaster Renovations The enclosure keeps the water from the shower contained within the wet room while letting in natural light from the windows and providing an open view. And Gockeler and in-house interior designer Kim Platt made it a beautiful view with an accent tile niche that serves as a focal point. Tip: Instead of using an actual paned enclosure, apply the metal grid on top of the glass on the outside of the stall. This way, it’s easy to squeegee the shower-facing side.
Wet Room Area Gockeler knew a wet room layout would be a good and practical way to incorporate the open feel his clients wanted. “We had completed several wet rooms in the past, so we were able to speak to them from experience,” he says. And the clients had traveled in Europe, where wet rooms are more common, so they were familiar with how such a layout would work for them. The wet room portion of this space is located behind a steel-framed shower enclosure.
Washplane sink. Washplane sinks, often spotted in sleek hotels and restaurant bathrooms, are the simplest of the options. They’re slim, streamlined and stylish. Pros: Washplane sinks take up very little space, so they can work in a room where space is limited, such as in a powder room. A stonemason can make them in this style from granite, marble or engineered stone. They mount a small stainless steel trough under the sink to catch the water before it runs into the waste pipe in the wall behind. Cons: Washplane sinks are best suited to the powder room, where the sink will be used just for hand washing. They don’t come with the option of having a plug, plus they are extremely shallow, so they’re not designed to hold water.
Wall-mounted sink. This is fixed directly to the wall without needing to sit in or on a countertop. It looks streamlined and gives a minimalist feeling to a room. Pros: A wall-mounted sink doesn’t have cabinets below it, which saves on space and also leaves more visible floor area, making the room feel bigger. For a wall-mounted sink to work in your space, the plumbing, including the waste, must be positioned inside the wall to have a clean look. Cons: There is no storage space, and there is a lack of “landing” space due to the absence of a countertop. Consider your need for storage in your bathroom before opting for a wall-mounted sink and maybe reserve it for the powder room, where storage isn’t as important.
Semirecessed sink. If your bathroom has limited space, but you would still like some cabinet space below your sink for storage, then a semirecessed option might be the solution you need. Pros: A semirecessed sink sits at the front of the cabinet and countertop, allowing you to have shallower cabinets — maybe even as shallow as about 12 inches, depending on the model you choose. This frees up valuable floor space. It also keeps a lot of the counter space free. This can be a good option for young children and people with limited mobility, as you can get closer to the sink to reach the faucet without the obstruction of a countertop and cabinets. Cons: The storage space underneath is limited. Also, because there isn’t any countertop around the front of the sink to catch water, splashes and spills onto the floor are more common, especially in a home with children. Good for: Children’s bathrooms and tight spaces.
Integrated sink and countertop. Many off-the-shelf vanity cabinets offer an all-in-one countertop with a sink. With this style, the sink is molded as part of the countertop. It can be made from various materials, such as porcelain or acrylic. Pros: An integrated sink is easy to clean. There are no ridges or seams, so it’s streamlined and a great choice for busy family bathrooms. These sinks are generally available in set standard sizes. Some suppliers may offer the option to have one custom made to the size that suits your space best. Con: Integrated tops are usually designed so the countertop gradually slopes down and inward to create a sink in the middle. This can lead to having less flat counter space than with other models.
Vessel sink. A vessel sink is one that generally sits completely on top of the countertop, although there are some models that sit partially below the counter. Pros: Unlike sinks that are exposed above the counter a little or not at all, vessel sinks demand attention and are a way to create a statement in your bathroom. As the name suggests, a vessel sink is basically like a large bowl, so it is a great choice if you like a deep sink that can hold plenty of water. Cons: Due to the height of vessel sinks and the way they sit above the counter, careful planning of the counter height, and of the height of the cabinets below, is required to ensure that the sink doesn’t end up being too high and uncomfortable to use. This often leads to less storage space under the counter. Cleaning around the base and back of the sink can also be a bit tricky. Good for: Master bathrooms and powder rooms.
3. Pedestal sink. If your preference is a simple wall-mounted sink, but your waste pipe has to go through the floor and can’t be changed, then a pedestal sink is a great option. Pros: The pedestal under the sink sits between the underside of the sink and the floor, concealing any pipework in between. A pedestal sink is also aesthetically pleasing and perfect if you want to give your bathroom a classical vibe. Cons: You won’t have any storage space under the sink or any counter space around it. This option can also be a bit tricky to clean around, as there is usually a gap between the wall and the back of the pedestal.
Top-mount sink. A top-mount, or drop-in, sink is designed to sit on top of the counter, as the name suggests. Generally, most of the sink sits below the counter, with just the rim of it sitting on top of, and visible above, the counter. The rim can be either slim or chunky depending on the style you choose. Pros: Top-mount sinks are suitable for most countertop materials, including wood and laminate, as the cutout is covered by the sink and therefore doesn’t risk being damaged by water. They are also less costly than undermount sinks to install in a stone countertop, because they don’t require polishing of the cutout edges. Con: You can’t wipe water and spills straight from the counter into the sink. Good for: Elegant master bathrooms and minimalist schemes.
Undermount sink. This type of sink sits underneath the counter. The rim of the sink is fixed to the underside of the countertop, as opposed to sitting on top of it. Pros: This sink creates a seamless, clean look, as less of it is visible. Water and spills can be wiped directly from the countertop into the sink without any obstruction, making it an easy-to-clean option for family bathrooms. Cons: Undermounting a sink will usually only be possible with a solid-surface countertop, such as stone, and isn’t suitable with a laminate, as it can’t be sealed as well against moisture. These sinks also tend to cost more than top-mount ones. Good for: Busy family bathrooms.
Tree Frog Design More of the mermaid tile covers the back wall in the toilet area. Tyler clad most of the other walls in 4-by-16-inch white glossy subway tile. She used the same subway tile to frame out the doorway as well. “It’s almost a slightly more traditional and softer look,” she says. A white tile chair rail tops the wainscoting tile around the two walls.
Wood Wood can bring warmth and exquisite style to your shower floors. It also lets homeowners create a flat, smooth shower entry. Pros: Wooden shower floors have a sleek, minimalist look perfect for contemporary shower spaces. They sit slightly above your shower base and have slats, which allow for good draining when they’re installed correctly. Moisture is less likely to fester. Wood also wears well if you maintain it (make sure you follow maintenance instructions regarding how to seal it). Cons: We all know about wood and water. Long-term exposure to moisture can cause wood to warp, discolor and fade. You won’t have direct access to your shower drain either. Your drain can get icky in the long run. Not surprisingly, wood can be costly.
Pebbles With a soothing touch and an organic look, pebbles can make any bathing experience feel refreshing. Pros: The texture of pebbles offers sufficient slip resistance because of the grip it provides to your feet. They have fairly broad appeal to home buyers. Just as with other natural stones, you can’t beat their one-of-a-kind beauty. And, truthfully, there might not be an easier way to incorporate a piece of the spa into your bathroom. Cons: There’s a lot of grout to clean, and it’s a large part of your floor’s aesthetics. While slipping isn’t a concern, the hard, rocky surface is. It can hurt your feet and be difficult to stand on while you’re showering. In areas with hard water, a chalky film can develop on the surface of pebbles, which will require daily maintenance.
Porcelain Now here’s a shower floor that just might have it all. Made with a dense clay body, porcelain tile is durable and waterproof, and lasts for decades. Pros: Porcelain tile is highly versatile. It can survive detergents, scratches and long-term water exposure. It can be finished to have an authentic wood, stone or marble appearance. The best part? It accomplishes all of this without being high-maintenance. Expect to enjoy cleaning it (or the lack of cleaning, rather). Cons: Grout can be a problem. Rectified porcelain can keep grout joints small, but grout will no doubt be there for you to clean. It can get slick if it doesn’t have a textured surface.
Glass Cool, clean and contemporary, glass mosaics can insert a pop of color or stroke of glossy white on your shower floor. Pros: Looking for low maintenance? Glass may be the floor for you. It’s super easy to clean. Just grab Windex and a cloth to give it a quick wipe-down. Its translucent surface can keep your shower space light and open. It almost always looks high-end, no matter what you actually paid for it. Cons: The price isn’t always right. Quality glass can take a toll on your wallet. And unfortunately, it feels as sleek as it looks. The slip resistance is minimal, which could be a deal-breaker. Older or very cautious homeowners should seek something with a better grip if they’re set on a glass shower floor.
Travertine It’s hard not to find a style of travertine you love, whether it’s chiseled, honed, polished or tumbled. This natural stone has the best of earth’s creams, browns, grays and golds packaged into designer tiles that grace homes across the world. Pros: Home buyers love travertine, and not just because of its veins and swirls. They also appreciate the slip resistance it offers, particularly that of tumbled travertine, as well as how long it lasts. Cons: Travertine is porous, so you could find yourself in hot water if you forget to seal it. It is recommended that you seal it every one to two years unless your sealer lasts longer. Other than that, your main concern is staining. Anything other than a mild detergent can affect the stone’s surface. Be careful how you clean it and be careful of the soaps and shampoos you use.
Marble Marble is a soft stone with an even softer look. The two most popular finishes are polished (classic gloss) and honed (matte finish). The swirls of gray and cream are enough to make homeowners swoon, and its popularity isn’t going away. Pros: The biggest advantage of marble is, naturally, its beauty. It’s luxurious, elegant, timeless and romantic all at once. Marble is also surprisingly versatile. It can be made in many different shapes, from subway tile and herringbone to basket weave and standard four-by-fours. This variety is much appreciated. Cons: So it scratches. And stains. It may not seem like a big deal, but a shower space gets covered with soap and suds, which can leave a filmy substance on marble’s surface over time. A good sealer is a must. Honed marble has better scratch resistance than polished marble. In general, its slip resistance isn’t the best compared to tumbled travertine or porcelain tile. Marble can also hike up your shower’s price tag.
“Uh-oh” moment. “On the original blueprints, the shower was much smaller,” Sinay says. “But right after framing, we started the division of all sections of the bathroom. We literally got down and drew on the floor all exact measurements. We only then saw that we could manipulate the vanity size, and went ahead and made the shower more grand both on the width and the length.
Add Table Lamps Placing table lamps in strategic spots is a great way to add indirect lighting and create a sense of warmth in your home. Take a look around and see where you need good light for reading, knitting, playing games or other tasks. Chances are there is already a side table or an end table nearby, as in this living room by CWB Architects. Place a lamp on it and adjust the shade and height until the light is in just the right spot.
With colder temperatures and fewer hours of sunlight in winter, people often find themselves inside their homes more. Therefore, it is more important than ever to create an inviting, relaxing and comfortable home with the right lighting. Adding indirect (nonoverhead) lighting to your home will add a warm glow on the chilliest of evenings. Here are four easy steps you can take to make it through those long winter nights.
Transformation in Turquoise Brings Guest Bathroom to Life Several popular elements are seen in the No. 1 bathroom story of the year. Interior designer Marissa Cramer incorporated encaustic cement tile in a graphic pattern, turquoise subway tile in the shower, wood open shelves that add warmth and lots of white in her clients’ Los Angeles guest bathroom. The combination feels clean, fresh and inviting.
A Rustic Setting and a Paint Mistake Create Drama in the Bath Interior designer Staci Steidley had a happy design accident during the renovation of her parents’ lake house in Oklahoma. While she’d specified that just one wall in the windowless basement bathroom be painted off-black, the painter made a mistake and painted all the walls the dark color. However, everyone in the family fell in love with how it looked. The large mirror, semiopen wood vanity, patterned floor tile, white shower surround and playful accessorizing all lightened things up.
Custom Tile and Dream Vanity Storage Set This Bathroom Apart While neutral color palettes dominated the most popular bathroom makeovers, turquoise was a favorite when it came to adding a burst of bright color. And it’s easy to see why when looking at the watery fish-scale wall tile in this Massachusetts bathroom. A wavy 3D tile on the shower and vanity walls, a tub that looks like a modern sculpture and a bamboo vanity with a modern marble waterfall top were also style standouts here.
Luxe Retreat Flowing white curtains, a fluffy rug and a softly illuminated chandelier surround a stately pedestal tub in this master bath retreat from Francesca Owings Interior Design. A petite stool and a table make handy spots to keep bath necessities and a fluffy towel for when you get out — not that you’d ever want to!
Private Garden If an interior courtyard or an epic view isn’t applicable to your home, perhaps a mini garden just outside the bathroom can bring some of the same magic within reach. In this master bath from Susan Jay Design, a walled-in patio provides a lush, indoor-outdoor feel without sacrificing privacy or eating up square footage. Tip: Concerned about slipping? Opt for a tub with a wider rim, such as the one shown here. This style is easier to grip, and you can even sit on the edge and swing in your legs when entering and exiting the tub. For extra support, consider placing your bathtub near a wall and installing a grab bar.
Soaking in the View If you’re lucky enough to have access to a jaw-dropping view, it makes sense to capitalize on it for the sake of a better soak. Kevin Browne Architecture positioned the tub in this master bath to make the most of a view of the rugged Maine coast.
Outdoor Experience It may look like the great outdoors, but this destination tub by 20|20 Builders is actually located within an interior courtyard. The homeowners can enjoy fresh air and sunlight — and complete privacy — while savoring a soak in the concrete tub surrounded by a Zen-like garden.
Tip: Including a wall niche or shelving within reach of the tub is a good design move. If that’s not possible, pull up a stool or a small table for stashing the soap dish. A tub caddy makes a handy — and stylish — addition perfect for keeping bath products, a book or a cup of tea close at hand.
Sculptural Beauty If sculptural, minimal style makes your heart go pitter-patter, this big stone tub will probably earn a spot on your wish list. The architectural team at Llama Group, along with interior designer Janey Butler Interiors, created this master bathroom, complete with a custom wooden bath tray and a wall niche to keep bath products within arm’s reach.
Classic Claw-Foot Whether you live in a traditional home or just crave the comfort of a vintage-style tub, a claw-foot tub can make an impressive centerpiece for the bathroom. In this space from Old Hillsboro Building Co., a claw-foot tub pairs up with a bronze chandelier and creamy white shiplap for a modern farmhouse look. Details like built-in shelving and a wall-mounted TV make this a tub you wouldn’t want to leave.
Spa-Like Delight Waterproofed wood can make a tub that’s both beautiful and practical. In this Bali-inspired space by Concept Renovations, a wooden tub sits at the end of a long, narrow bathroom, framed by a tall window and a custom wall treatment. Tip: Positioning the bathtub away from the more frequently traveled path from shower to vanity means that it’s out of the way when you’re not using it and that it provides seclusion when you’re ready for a soak.
FINNE Architects With floor-to-ceiling glass on three sides, the tub provides an intimate connection with the lush Pacific Northwest foliage outside.
When Finne Architects renovated this 1950s contemporary home north of Seattle, the homeowners wanted to blur the lines between their 4-acre wooded parcel and the home itself. A bump-out housing the freestanding tub accomplishes the goal in a striking way.
took an antique dresser with an attached mirror and turned it into a vanity for this farmhouse-style home in Walnut Creek, California. The space features white beadboard walls that line up with the back of the vanity.
vintage Canadian washstand, refinished the original marble top, then added a vessel sink and new tile to the back. The towel bar, hardware and casters are all original.
antique sideboard at a shop in Charlotte, North Carolina, and transformed it into a vanity with two sinks for a bathroom in her Connecticut farmhouse.
antique Louis Philippe commode with its original marble top on one of her buying trips in France and transformed it into a bathroom vanity for a client’s country home.
inserted into this 1960s midcentury dresser is almost flush with the top of the piece, allowing the vanity to keep its streamlined look.
two small green Chinese chests and topped them with custom quartz sinks from Silestone to make a pair of vanities for a Phoenix bathroom.
The team at Engler Studio Interior Design took an early-20th-century dresser with an attached mirror and transformed it into a vanity for a bathroom in a Craftsman-style home in Minnesota.
Open Chrome This Armonk, New York, powder room features a classic console table with added storage underneath. The polished chrome console vanity measures 30 inches wide, 32 inches tall and 21 inches deep. Console bases with a stone top are a very popular look for small powder rooms, says Carlos Goncalves of Best Plumbing Tile & Stone, as the open styling makes the room seem larger. The bottom shelf is sold separately, provides more storage and adds to the traditional appeal.
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