THE BATHROOM REMODEL—THE DESIGN CONCEPT
This is the second installment of the bathroom remodel. We know the problem. Now we need the solution. As a professional interior designer in Bergen County, NJ, I knew we needed to get rid of the outdated platform tub and surrounding mirrors and to bring this bathroom into the 21st century.
The space plan was designed to eliminate the bidet which no then gave us space to center a free standing bathtub. Taking out the 80’s all-around mirror was necessary but the reason for the mirror was still necessary. I wanted to expand the look of the space but it needed to be the way it is done today. I designed three large slabs of beveled mirror inserted and set off by Deco inspired moldings. These moldings were painted in a contrasting color to the walls and surround the tub area to make them more outstanding.
The tub was the focal point of the space. The one we selected was a beautiful shape that inspired soaking and relaxation. The placement and selection of the floor mounted faucet and hand held spray was very important from a function and safety point of view, so water did not drip outside of the tub and onto the floor. To add more luxury to the space, we installed heated flooring in the areas where a person would walk to get to the tub, the shower and toilet for more comfort especially in cold winter months.
The floor tiles were long white porcelain strips that mimicked a wood grain but expanded the look and feeling of the space. A matte finish on the tiles added to the safety factor in the bathroom.
The wall color was a soothing, deep tobacco shade to warm up the space yet keep it coordinated with the outside vanity area.
We ordered and got all our ducks in a row. And once all the materials and fixtures were delivered, we were ready to get started. That began the simple part…demolition.
But it was not as simple as that! Oh no!
Here are some photos that show our progress.
All this must go!
Tub surround, tub and mirror are all gone. But…Uh oh!
OMG! this is a problem. Tub won’t be centered now!
Surprise! what now? This is where your designer and contractor put their heads together with the electrician and miracles happen.
All gone! Laying out the heated flooring elements, new wood flooring where the old tub was and new waterproof sheetrock all around!
