Filed under: Your Home, Bathroom, Projects
Boring old bathrooms get a fresh face, courtesy of three stylish designers. Let the renovation-envy begin!Who doesn't fantasize about making their bathroom a spa-like, luxurious retreat? If you're embarking on a bathroom renovation or just dreaming of one, here is some eye candy to get you started.
Bella Mancini didn't waste any time improving her outdated master bath. Photos: Bella Mancini Designs
Bathroom Renovation #1: Bella Mancini Designs, Bella Mancini
Interior designer Bella Mancini and her husband purchased a 1971 Cape Cod style home and spent three months turning the entire home into a shingled-style cottage that would befit its beach community surroundings in Long Island, New York.
The master bathroom especially needed some help -- so all of the tired, faded finishes were quickly tossed out to make room for a whole new look.
The completed space is fresh and airy thanks to a soothing gray wall color and white finishes. The white beadboard paneling adds extra architectural interest -- and is easy enough to install yourself. And the seemingly-floating double sink console tops off the space with the perfect farmhouse-chic touch.
Luckily this outdated bath still had good bones, so all it needed was a hefty superficial refresher to achieve this new look. Photo: Dawn Bennett
When architect Dawn Bennett and her husband landed a classic two-story Colonial built in 1969, they also found themselves with a vintage pink and blue bath. Obviously, the modernist couple wanted a revamp.
"We're slowly turning our Colonial into something that's not so, well, Colonial," Bennett says.
The first place of attack? The master bathroom. Bennett couldn't bear a second spent in the space in its original state -- blue tile, pink laminate counter, ornate Asian wallpaper. But budget was tight, so they decided to stay within the existing footprint and gut everything inside to save some bucks.
Because the architecture of their home is on the traditional side, they stuck with materials that matched -- Venetino marble, white subway tile, American walnut. But they applied them in modern ways to fit their aesthetic without being out of place in their classic home.
Their favorite part of the makeover? "An oval sink from WetStyle is large enough to accommodate two faucets and allows us to stand side by side while brushing our teeth," Bennett says. "Plus, it was more cost-effective than buying two sinks (and, consequently, two mirrors). And it's definitely more unique."
The "before" version of Natalia Smith's master bathroom isn't awful -- but use the slider tool to see the after! Photo: Natalia Smith
Bathroom Renovation #3: Idée Chic Designs, Natalia Smith
The owners of this bathroom live outside Seattle with their kids and parents. So they called on called on designer Natalia Smith to turn the bathroom into a functional relaxation retreat.
On their wish list: A double vanity, large soaking tub, walk-in shower and a spacious feel that maximized the lake view. Because the old 222-square-foot space had little worth saving, Smith gutted the interior and worked from scratch to create a secluded getaway for the couple, and help up the value of their home. She worked within the existing bones of the room, but managed to extend the floorplan by two feet into the bedroom, giving it that open feel. The end result is a 246-square-foot multi-functional space that covers all their needs -- vanity, bath, shower and lake-view relaxation area.
Since the husband and wife had such different tastes, Smith gave them a little bit of everything. Her final design features a mix of seven different tiles (from porcelain and pebbles on the floor to glass and ceramic on the walls), two different wallpapers and three wood finishes.
"Mixing materials, finishes and textures is a great way to merge two different desired aesthetics into one," Smith says. "If you find the right balance, you can achieve a tranquil, harmonious space that pleases all palettes involved. The ultimate goal is to have something worth admiring everywhere you look." (We think she achived it.)
This makeover resulted in a warm-hued retreat complete with lake-view window seat to relax and read. Photo: Roger Turk
Check out this bathroom renovation video from our partner!
Inspired to get to work on your bathroom? Check out these stories from our sister site DIY Life!
How to Tile a Shower
Should You Refinish a Vintage Tub?
Perpetual Remodeling Syndrome: Bathroom makeover