Parent's bathroom makeover

13 years ago

My parents bought a house in Connecticut on short sale. It's a 1996 cape house with builder basic finishes. Everything was in good working order except for the two upstairs washrooms. The builder had users drywall (not green board or cement board) and the moisture had destroyed the walls above and beneath the shower/bath.

Here are after photos of the hallway bathroom. We gutted it, installed cement boards, new bathtub and toilet. To save on budget, we bought white subway tiles for $1.75/sq ft NYC and I found some 6x12 honed marble tiles on Craigslist for $4.75/sq ft. Since the marble is not high quality, we put them in a herringbone pattern to give them more interest.

The vanity is made from an antique singer sewing machine base with a thick slap of calacatta marble ($275) and a second hand above counter basin ($75). The countertop was too narrow for the sink so we had to do some customization - like add a backsplash trim from left over marble that doesn't match perfectly but we don't mind. :)

Featured Answer

Anne

13 years ago

cool!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (17)

PRO
Dytecture
13 years ago
Very unique indeed.
Laura E.
13 years ago
Not sure the modern (style and shape) sink plays well with the antique table. I would have put a rectangular sink with clean lines in the space. I love the rest of it -great tiles and marble!
cornettoryandtim
13 years ago
That floor is to die for :-)
PRO
Monarch Crafts
13 years ago
how about this ? real mother of pearl
yfuoco
13 years ago
I love what you did with the vanity but agree with Laura....I think the sink is too large and modern and takes away from the fabulous vanity. Other than that, I think your bathroom looks fantastic!
Keitha
13 years ago
Like everything but the sink. Sorry but its out of proportion with the sewing/counter and the style is all wrong but everything else is terrific!
Margo
13 years ago
I think the sink is lots of fun!!!
PRO
MEC
13 years ago
have a look at some mosaic work by MEC
Christine Li
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks everyone for your feedback! I think I should give some more context on the choice of sink. My parents live with a 6' 2" teenager (my brother) who's going through an awkward neither here nor there stage. We wanted a big sink so that he can be as clumsy as he wants in the morning and not have to worry about water/soap marks left around the counter - which is often an issue with vessel sinks. We thought about a kitchen sink (not joking) but could not find the space for it. This sink offered the style, function and budget we were looking for. Perhaps when my parents resell the house or when my brother moves out, they'll consider swapping out the sink for something more trendy. But for now, it's great!
indianpatti
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Love the floor! Great job overall in designing this space. The sink is just too tall for the counter. You could still get a wide sink for your tall brother to splash around in ... just a bit shorter. The base could also be used for extra counter space. Really love your idea!
HU-336800582
6 years ago
Is that vanity mirror against an exterior wall?
teamaltese
6 years ago
I love this space! I love it because you not only found a way to get what you wanted, within your budget, but you took into account who was going to use the space, and tailored it for them. The sink isn’t quite right? If it makes the room useful for your family, then it’s perfect. Great job!
Valinta
6 years ago
The sink is too small for for most adults to wash hands, splash face, etc without having water everywhere. Then it is difficult to clean behind. You did not give your parents age, but if the plan to be here during retirement the sink may not be user-friendly as they age. I would advise replacing with an undermount sink that is shallower, and wider.
PRO
Norwood Architects
6 years ago
It looks pretty darn good. Especially love the sewing machine base for the vanity!
RedRyder
6 years ago
Very well done on a budget. Love the conversion of the sewing machine base (but I agree with others that the sink is too big - sorry).
arcy_gw
6 years ago
Very old thread. It would be very interesting to hear the "after" of the longevity and usefulness of this design!!