From dark and drab to bright and pretty

Well, I can definitely smell fall in the air.  Makes me want to get all my cosy sweaters, leggings, tall boots and chai pumpkin tea out. It really is my favourite season, cool, sunny and not too hot.

As promised I thought I’d catch you up on some design projects that I worked on this past winter/spring.  And this ensuite bath renovation definitely brings to mind a fresh, bright, spring day.

Quite a bit of work has been done on this client’s home, as the previous owner used a wheelchair and there was some retrofitting that needed to be done for my client.  High up on the wish list, was her dark, brown and dreary ensuite bathroom.

Here’s the befores and I apologize for the absolutely terrible before pics. In my defence, it’s a small bath so it is very hard to get some good pictures but I think I accidentally deleted a few that actually were better than theses (shakes head).

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My client explained that she really wanted a white, clean, spare, spa bath with a freestanding tub and no shower (there’s one in the basement).

So, first up was removing the large brown walk-in shower.  I gave my client the exact measurements she’d need for a tub that would fit into small alcove (where the shower had been) and she was off shopping.  It was very important that she tried out the tub herself and made sure it was comfortable for her, tubs are like mattresses and seating, everyone fits in them differently.

And happily, she found the perfect one, modern, clean, oval and exactly the right size for our space.

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Vanico Maronyx – Vesso

Isn’t she pretty?

Now it was time to find tiles. She loved the look of marble but with budget being an issue, I found some marble lookalike, large scale porcelain tile which fit the look and budget perfectly. We used them on the floor and then ran them up the wall about a third of the way, but just around the tub.

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Ceragres Anima & Onix Nature

When I came upon this pretty matte and  iridescence mini hexagon tile border, I had an aha moment. However, the large scale tile and the border tile were different thicknesses, but after adding in the chair rail moulding tile and pencil tile, it will never be noticed.

Due to budget constraints we decided to keep the existing white vanity.

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Caesarstone Organic white quartz

But upgraded to a new Caesarstone’s Organic White quartz countertop (above). Together with a simple white square undermount sink, shiny new Moen faucets and hardware you’d never guess it was the same cabinet. Feminine and sparkly!

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Moen Weymouth

We added the matching two handle tub filer from Moen, which really makes a statement in the small bath.

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Moen Weymouth

Again, excuse the photos, I haven’t had it professionally photographed yet, or even photographed by me properly, but here’s a few iPhone pics of the after.  And yes we were still waiting for the new handles to be installed in this pic as well as for a small shelf above the toilet.

White. grey and yellow master bath

White, grey and yellow master bath tub

White, grey and yellow master bath detail

Quite a difference from the previous space, wouldn’t you say?  Bright and pretty, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a nice soak.

Lisa

City House Dream Bath

Today I’m featuring what would be included in my dream city bathroom, courtesy of some of the wonderful Blogtour NYC sponsors.

First up this dream bathroom would have to include isteam, from Mr. Steam. I don’t know how I would ever leave the bathroom again, but I’d like to certainly give it a try.

Ahh, can you just imagine how relaxed you would feel after a steam shower.   The sleek  little control panel on the wall is as easy as your smart phone to operate.  It features temperature controls, duration, aromatherapy, chromatherapy and music, which are all hidden until needed.  It’s also available in both black and white.  The iSteam steamheads are design to match and are cool to the touch.  And there is even an iGenie ,which is an optional molded wireless control which remotely preheats the steam shower from up to 100 feet away.

Be sure to visit their website to see the full range of products and accessories, including towel warmers and shower seats.   The interactive planner where you can pick and choose your accessories is great to use and they even have some at home spa treatment recipes you can try.

And on the days, you want a leisurely soak I’m thinking this pure gorgeousness from Victoria + Albert would be the perfect compliment.

This is the Ravello tub made out of Englishcast (Quarrycast for the rest of the world outside of North America).  Englishcast is made from finely ground volcanic limestone mixed with resin. It is made out of one piece, hand finished and warm to the touch and keeps it’s warmth due to it’s high insulation properties.  It has a naturally white, gloss finish with excellent stain resistance and it is incredibly strong.   As it is a solid material throughout, internal scratches just simply polish out and it is even drillable for plumbing considerations.  The exterior can even be painted, if desired, after purchase.

The photo above even shows the matching Ravello 60 vessel basins.  A certainly winning combination.

And just to mix it up a bit I would use traditional styled fixtures from Barber Wilsons and Co Ltd.

Barber Wilsons is the oldest family owned, independent manufacturing of water fittings in the UK.  They have offered classic and outstanding quality for over 100 years.

The fittings are each reproduced using a portfolio of drawings from the early 19th century.  They may look the same on the outside as 100 years ago but on the inside they have used modern materials and components. This has allowed them to blend traditional craftmanship and contemporary manufacturing which in turn gives their fixtures elegance, quality and authentic styling.

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This one above in the Mastercraft style below would be my choice in the nickel finish for the bath tub.

And the final piece of luxury would be this little piece of jewelery by Du Verre designer William Harvey.

This is the Arroyo collection and it is pure luxury.  The silhouette mimics man made water channels, which the finishing touch in a luxury bathroom. Available in satin nickel it is the icing on the cake!

And there you have it my City House Dream Bath!

And as usual, if you are looking for inspiration to help you with your bath, visit the National Kitchen and Bath Association.  And to quote them,  KNOW the value of working with a trained design professional. “

 

 Next up, the Country House Dream Kitchen!

And by the way, this time next week, I’ll be in the Big Apple (yes New York City) with Modenus’ BlogtourNYC.

Be sure to follow me along on

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