This primary bath is definitely a special one because we adore the way that it turned out for our sweet client.
She was looking to create something from a 1974 fixer-upper, located right around the corner from us. Our home could basically be siblings with her home, {totally different floor plan, but definitely the same old school vibes}, and the bathroom definitely hadn’t been touched since its inception. We feel like we returned it to its original potential with a little touch of that vintage vibe, while also bringing it back into 2023 with a modern twist. We’re thrilled to share this before and after, little tour of sorts today!
Here’s what that before looked like. It was a little tight for a main bath. -And here’s what we came up with.
As you can see, the original layout was much too narrow of a space. So we decided to borrow a little room from the extra bedroom she had right next door. {It’s now the perfect, cozy office space!}
Did you know that the average primary bath size is only 5 x 8? {Just some useless knowledge for you to store away to look brilliant at your next dinner party when they start discussing bathroom sizes.} But baths can be a challenge, especially in older homes where making that primary bath feel just right, is a task. But we love a good challenge.
We pushed a wall back and stole some room from an adjacent bedroom that would become an office. This opened up the room for a much larger vanity area, and an actual tub, too. It helped to shuffle the orientation around, so that we were able to achieve what she was wanting for her space but also in a timeless and intentional way.
The owner went to school in Charleston and definitely wanted her bath to feel like an escape, with a nod to that vibe. It just feels so fresh and clean now. We adore the final look.
The clawfoot tub is absolutely perfect for the space!
Rooms without much natural light are usually difficult for me to photograph. This space literally took care of itself with all things smart lighting {more on that below}.
The shower positioning was moved to the left, instead of the back of the bathroom. The old one was a little past crusty, as far as doable went. So this was a nice change, for sure.
Such a contrast with the fresh and new! It had a good run, but it was time.
So fresh! Just another shot for emphasis…
Because this shower definitely got a glow up.
That vanity was also past its expiration date, and our client needed more practical storage here. It helped to go larger and add two sinks as well.
With a tight space, we were able to find clever solutions for a timeless look. It honestly goes with the feel of the house, and we love the way it all turned out for a great, livable space!
For any of you wondering where the toilet went, shuffling and expanding definitely helped give the bath its own water closet. Here’s a little peek of that area! That one was a little trickier to photograph, but she now has extra storage, and the great floor tile carries through.
Elements and Products We Love:
Here are our favorite products that really made the space – listed below if you’re curious!
• Tile:
This beautiful tile definitely brought a new life to the space. We adore the way that Jeffrey Court really freshened it up from crusty to new, to say the least.
For the shower: We went with Jeffrey Court’s Morning Mist in this beautiful soft sea glass tone. We included herringbone in the actual shower area, and 1/3 offset brick pattern for the knee wall and backsplash in the rest of the bath. We adore the way the two really worked together to create a cohesive, cleaner look in this space.
Floor Tile: We also combined it with this gorgeous soft floor tile. Jeffrey Court’s Dream Hex Honed Marble Mosaic. It carried right into the shower as well for a great finished look with awesome contrast.
The bath is definitely larger now, but the tiles certainly helped pull it all together!
Faucets:
Of course, we adore Delta. They’re like glimmering jewelry in a fresh space.
For the overall line in the space, we went with Dorval®. We love the clean, modern lines with a fresh approach to all things bath.
For the Shower fixtures: we selected the DORVAL™ Monitor 17 Series Shower Trim In Chrome
We love that the Delta® H2Okinetic® Showers sculpt water into a unique pattern, giving us more coverage with less water. They also have TempAssure® which is perfect for kids. This shower should feel like an amazing spa, every time our client uses this space!
Tub Filler: Dorval™ Single Handle Floor Mount Tub Filler Trim-Less Handle In Chrome
This was the perfect addition to the clawfoot tub, because it added so much interest in a simple way. We love the detachable hand shower, with a pivot holder which is included.
The spray settings include: H2OKinetic spray, Massaging spray, and it even comes with a Pause feature, which reduces water to a trickle. This can give you space for shaving, lathering and any other shower tasks you can think of, while maintaining your temperature settings – which is huge. No turning off and on and waiting again, in between.
Sink Faucets:
The sink faucets are like icing on the cake for this bath. Again part of the Dorval™ collection, this is the Two Handle Widespread Bathroom Faucet In Chrome. Their striking designs were inspired by “the feminine lines of French architecture and the regal stature of German castles, the Dorval Bath Collection balances grace and power in this modern take on new traditional design. Delta® faucets with DIAMOND™ Seal Technology perform like new for life with a patented design which reduces leak points, is less hassle to install and lasts twice as long as the industry standard*.”
We adore good, timeless design, and this one is no exception. It has the same fabulous easy-to-install and clean qualities. It’s also backed by Delta Faucet’s Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Lighting:
Good lighting is so absolutely essential in a space with zero windows. So we brought it with our favorite brand, Kichler Lighting.
Vanity Lights: Over each mirror, we included the Talland Vanity Light.
From their site: Vintage, industrial and feminine styling all come together with the Talland 3 light bath light. The unique glass is reminiscent of the fixtures found on telegraph and electrical poles through the early and mid-1900s. The Chrome finish adds a pop of shine and style against muted colors and black accent pieces.
Their description makes it even more perfect for the space! We adore the vintage these vanity sconces include.
For the Chandelier: You know we had to include a chandelier over that tub. Without it, the space just wouldn’t feel complete! We included the Kimrose™ Chandelier and love the way it pulled it all together. It has subtle nods to art deco in a sweet modern way which really add a slightly feminine touch.
Moving the tub slightly to the side made way for that always-essential shower glass, but the chandelier helped anchor it so that it feels intentional.
This space has all the fresh light vibes now. here’s a great shot of the vanity lights fully illuminated over the mirrors. So many options for lighting now in the space!
Clawfoot Tub + Vanity sources can be found here.
Accents:
The painting over the fabulous tub is by me… our sale is going on now so don’t miss it!
The towel rack was found here and makes the perfect storage on her wall for multiple towels!
The vanity mirrors felt like the finishing touch to add so much more to the space with that vintage feel.
Oh! And for the perfect party space, we added this awesome vent for her shower. Trust us when we say you want this puppy.
It’s the same one in our own personal primary bath, here.
And that wraps up this fantastic before and after of a pretty little primary bath tour!
This bathroom has come so far. The before and after is just too fun.
What’s your favorite element? We’d love to hear!
Have an inspired day!
Olivia J says
What a beautiful remodel! The two colors you picked complement each other so well! My favorite part of this has to be the floor tiles and the tub!
ashley @ the handmade home says
You’re just so sweet – thank you for your kind words. This was a great project with amazing people.