Bath Remodel

This guest bathroom (located in the North Ridge / Harps Mill area, not far from North Hills and the ITB area) was stuck in a time-warp. Look at that 1970s avocado green tile everywhere, those tiled baseboards, and the integrated towel, soap, and toothbrush holders. The whole space felt dark and heavy.

The owner wanted a deep oval heated soaking tub (no jets), so that was task #1! Since it was not possible to expand the length at all, we adjusted the width and depth of the tub. There was only one available on the market from any vendor that would fit the tight space and the client’s desires. And it came with a heater that circulates the water, keeping it warm for you. All of this required replacing the existing window with a smaller one, then adjusting the framing, insulation, and siding so you can’t tell it was anything else. We had to move part of a floor joist, install an outlet, and create an access panel in the adjoining bedroom. But the tub went from cast-iron, six inches of water depth, with water that went cold before it was filled…to 17 inches of depth and constantly heated water.

The hex tile ended up being everyone’s favorite design element – it’s grey with white veining, and I had the tile installer flow match it from the floor up and over the tub deck. You do this with fabric so the pattern looks seamless, like one big piece, and I wanted that effect here. Not something you’d think of until you see how it doesn’t stop and creates a feeling of continuity and calmness. I love that the countertop shows essentially the reverse pattern of white with grey veining. Then I pulled that color scheme across into the tub surround, taking it all the way to the ceiling in a classic herringbone, using the same tile to create a picture frame effect.

The vanity looks bigger but is exactly the same size, just taller…and with soft close hinges on the doors and drawers. A little contrast in the tile backsplash, echoed in the shower niche, plus new fixtures everywhere and a dramatic mirror finish it off.

I think doing a simple design is actually harder because you have to know how to make the elements striking, to make a statement without overwhelming the space. You need to know where to add in detail and – just as crucial – where to back off. The goal was to make this classy, understated, and modern-yet-timeless…I think we delivered.