How to Remodel a Primary Bath

Background

Our client’s home was surrounded by a hard to replace collection of mature trees. It was located in a quiet neighborhood that was known for its interesting collection of architectural styles. It had a back yard pool that was perfect for the empty nesters to have family gatherings.

They had owned the house for a number of years, and had rented it out during the time frame that the husband worked as a consultant abroad. Upon returning to the United States they wanted to have a home that incorporated many of the features that they learned to enjoy during their life in Europe. Initially they looked at newly constructed homes which inevitably had smaller lots, few trees and were not as conveniently located to shopping and family. After several frustrating months of searching, our clients elected to stay in their location and to transform it into the home that they were looking for. They interviewed several design build firms, but remained apprehensive about undertaking a total first level remodel until they saw a remodel that we had completed in their neighborhood. Speaking with the Owners they became excited about taking on the challenge and subsequently contracted with us for a total first level design build project.

The Problems and Challenges

A vanity with his and hers cultured marble tops were crammed into the corner of this master bathroom in this South Tulsa home. The yellowed peeling finish on the ash cabinets coupled with polished brass faucets and an impractical floor covering of carpet placed an explanation point on the need for an update.

The mammoth cultured marble tub for two complete with a polished brass tub filler were the focal points as you entered this master bathroom. Fussy, outdated wallpaper, an aluminum window, carpeted floors and an abundance of louvered doors created a maze of dated visual effects.

The first level flooring was made up of a combination of small format ceramic tile, carpeting and hardwood that separated and in a sense defined areas of the house, thereby minimizing the feeling of continuity that we look for in today’s homes. 

The Primary bathroom was divided into small cubicles with an irregularly configured high vaulted ceiling that only served to accentuate the uncomfortable feeling of the bathroom. A large inoperative cultured marble whirlpool dominated the space overshadowing the three by three shower which was complete with polished brass plumbing fixtures. Two poorly designed closets and a small L shaped double vanity, with inadequate counter space, completed the bathroom challenge.

The Solutions

It’s true that contemporary homes are shrinking. But that doesn’t mean a bathroom must be cramped, institutional or unwelcoming. Rather than zoning the bath space into separate areas for bathing and grooming, we opened it up with clear glass, single-level design and abundant light. It’s a principle that European designers have mastered beautifully. It’s also a way to ensure that small bathrooms feel as spacious as possible.

The layout of the primary bath was totally reconfigured thereby enabling, both the husband and wife to have separate vanities. Brazilian Mahogany (Sapele) cabinets were designed and custom manufactured for this bathroom. Etched glass mirrors and custom wall sconces add both decorative and functional features to the space. A Kohler surface mounted vessel lavatory provides both clean-up-space and a cosmetic center for the wife.

The homeowners described their needs for a dream primary bathroom. Since the exterior walls could not be moved we had to design the new bathroom within the existing footprint of the primary suite. To incorporate all of the desired features in the bathroom which included a large primary shower, free standing air tub, his and her vanities as well as his and her master closets, we had to gain space.

This Bain Ultra air tub is filled with a Kohler floor mounted tub filler. Characterized by its many programable luxury features the user is able to activate stimulating air jets, Chromo-Therapy lighting and or Vibra Acoustic treatments all while relaxing in the tub. Release your imagination and focus on how you would like to either start or end your day in this primary bathroom air tub.

Since we could not expand the bathroom outside of the exterior walls we gained the needed space by moving the wall separating the bathroom from the bedroom two feet into unused space in the bedroom. We then relocated all of the plumbing fixtures and reframed the bathroom floor space for much needed functionality.

A high-volume Kohler Tub Filler with polished chrome finish and personal shower are used to fill this Bain Ultra air tub. A wall mounted Bain Ultra infrared activated programable controller can be used to activate a broad spectrum of therapeutic experiences while soaking in the luxury of this primary bathroom tub.

Custom cabinets with transitional doors were fabricated from bookend matched Brazilian Mahogany. Electrical floor heating provides warmth to the bathroom and shower floors as well as the shower seat. Heated towels are wrapped around the Owner’s when they climb out of the free standing air tub that is outfitted with Vibra Acoustics and Chroma-therapy Lighting.

A Brazilian Mahogany linen cabinet provides storage space for towels and linens in this primary bathroom. An exterior door provides direct access to the backyard patio and pool. The primary shower walls are covered with Carrara marble subway tile. The outside walls are enclosed with a combination of a frameless glass shower surround and Carrara marble. The absolute black granite countertop supports a Kohler vessel sink on his side of this high-end bathroom.

Carrara Marble was installed on the bathroom and the shower floors, walls and ceiling. Beautiful crystal glass wall sconces, custom etched glass mirrors, Absolute Black Marble counter tops and vessels sinks completed the transformation.

Carrara subway tiles cover the walls of this custom primary shower. Two showering stations feature both fixed and adjustable Kohler shower heads. A heated towel rack provides warm towels that extend the comfort provided by the heated shower floor and shower seat providing a true luxury showering experience.

The Homeowners

“As the job progressed there were no real surprises due to Ed’s meticulous planning, precise measurements, and ability to foresee problems. His problem solving skills are excellent.”

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