Bath Renovation
Antique wood and a sliding barn door in a bathroom? Say it isn’t so! Yes, that is exactly what we incorporated in this recent remodel and the trend has exploded.
The juxtaposition of materials and finishes in homes today is exhilarating. As a designer and interior enthusiast, I am enjoying the risks my clients are willing to take while throwing ancient rules out the window. The anything-goes theme is so much fun to work with but my favorite is to incorporate repurposed products with sustainability in mind.
My client’s current powder room doubles as a guest room and sits directly off of the entry. It is typically the first stop for most as they enter the front door. In keeping with her ranch home and farmhouse style, she wanted a rustic appearance with a risk. We both were very interested in sustainability and repurposing wherever possible. Also, due to the small space, we wanted to maximize the visual integrity with glass and color.
We located rustic-barn siding and selected reclaimed planks that were naturally worn and had a unique saw-cut swirl. The antique and weathered look was ideal for our farmhouse bath. The original cast-iron tub was in fantastic shape and was easily restored and salvaged. To repeat the feel of our wood walls, we installed 12×24 porcelain tiles with a similar grain in a much lighter color way on the floor and selected the same style in a rich brown for the walls. In order to maintain an open concept and enable viewing the gorgeous tub tile, we ordered custom frameless glass bathtub doors with a barn-like guide rail roller. A custom vanity, distressed turquoise mirrors, hand-forged pulls and knobs and simple decor finished the space. Now it is a must stop as each family member and friend pass by.
In keeping with her ranch home, she wanted a rustic style to include sustainability and repurposing wherever possible. Using reclaimed plank siding, the original cast-iron tub, tiles with a wood grain, glass bathtub doors with a barn-like rail, distressed mirrors and hand-forged knobs, she got her wish.
Functionally, the enhanced space now has double the storage space in the vanity with the multiple doors and organizational inserts. The easy-to-care-for tile will keep the room clean for guests. And, the guide rail rollers on the frameless bathtub doors make it easy to operate for any age.
Aesthetically, the enhancements are the exact conversation starters the client was looking for. She enjoys hearing “ooohs” and “ahhhs” each time a new person enters. The rustic wall treatment is a show-stopper and also a responsible environmental choice. The color palette of gray, taupe, cream and brown is a wonderful neutral to bring in a variety of colors with accents and decor. For continuity, we repeated the oil-rubbed bronze finish on the bath and shower hardware, the had-forged knobs and pulls and the charming vintage jar sconces.
