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an adventure in bathroom remodeling Text by LAILA YOUNIS BOYER
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ne of the few spaces in a home that gets the least attention is the bathroom, yet we spend considerable amount of time in there each day. As parents, we discovered how making small spaces like the bathroom work more efficiently reduces the stress of getting young children all washed and cleaned up considerably. So, Laurence and I are on a bathroom remodeling adventure with the goal to get as many of the products and services we need on island. As we think about what is it we would like to have out of the space, functionality and practicality come to mind, but we would also like it to exude a spa-like atmosphere. That’s what happens when you watch too many episodes on Home and Garden Television. But really, you would like to have your bathroom be not only a functional space, but also one where you could relax if needed. As styleathome.com noted, “An effective bathroom design should address all your needs, physical and spiritual.” Here is what they had to say are the most important tips to consider when considering bathroom renovations: 1 Choose elegant fixtures. A pedestal sink with graceful lines is more attractive than a blocky cabinet vanity. A classic claw-foot tub is like bathroom sculpture. 2 Sit in a bathtub before buying it. Bigger isn’t always better. A 60inch tub is fine for most people. It offers enough room to stretch out and provides a secure foothold, so you don’t float into oblivion when the tub is full. If you only have october 2011
Warm colors and accents are great ideas for our bathroom space as shown here from hgtv.com
enough space for a small tub, buy an extra-deep one. 3 Select durable flooring. Ceramic, marble and stone tiles are all excellent durable and waterresistant choices for a bathroom. Well-sealed hardwood floors offer natural warmth and act as a foil for the other hard, cold surfaces in a bathroom. 4 Hang a stylish mirror. One beautifully framed mirror over a sink is more attractive than many surfaces covered with mirror. Supplement it with a wall-mounted
adjustable makeup mirror, and consider installing a lighted, mirrored shaving niche in your shower stall. 5 Use found space. Take advantage of space between wall studs by recessing a tall storage cabinet into the wall to maximize vertical storage while saving floor space. The cabinet should have an interior depth of at least three inches and a door flush with the wall. 6 Build a shower area. Consider building an open-con-
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cept shower area that doesn’t need a curtain or door and is less confining than a standard shower stall. In addition to well-designed drainage, a ceiling-mounted rain showerhead and/or a high wallmounted showerhead that splashes less water will keep the area outside the shower drier. 7 Share space for added function. In homes with back-to-back bathrooms, a shared shower with access doors to each of the bathrooms maximizes limited space. Or turn a closet located next to a bathroom into a small ensuite with access to the neighboring bath. 8 Design lighting that works. Good lighting is imperative. Combine halogen pot lights with wall sconces beside or over the mirror for lighting with no shadows. 9 Buy a quality toilet. When buying a toilet, it’s not necessary for you to spend big bucks, but you don’t want to scrimp too much, either. Models with elongated bowls and seats are usually most comfortable. 10 Incorporate luxury into your room. If you’re fortunate enough to have lots of space to work with, indulge yourself with an expanded spa-like bathroom that includes a dressing room –- a haven for privacy and relaxation. Outfit it with a television, exercise equipment, makeup vanity and even a large comfortable occasional chair upholstered in thick white terry-cloth. Oh I wish! Although the terrycloth chair is a great idea, we don’t have enough space for it, or for a television or exercise equipment, so we are going to go for the basics. Continued on page 10