Bathroom of the Week: Light and Open With a Style That Wows
A designer helps a couple transform their basic guest bathroom into an airy space with a modern coastal look
After raising two sets of twins, this couple decided it was time to update their bland and basic narrow guest bathroom with a more inviting style that would charm visiting family and friends.
To get started, the couple hired Brittney Heiser, who removed a wall separating the vanity area from the toilet and shower area to create a more open layout. White walls, a white oak vanity and a white countertop also help lighten the look and feel. Porcelain tiles in a subtle pattern add interest to the floor. And glossy green tile wrapping the shower-tub combo helps pull focus to the back of the narrow room, creating the appearance of more space.
To get started, the couple hired Brittney Heiser, who removed a wall separating the vanity area from the toilet and shower area to create a more open layout. White walls, a white oak vanity and a white countertop also help lighten the look and feel. Porcelain tiles in a subtle pattern add interest to the floor. And glossy green tile wrapping the shower-tub combo helps pull focus to the back of the narrow room, creating the appearance of more space.
After: Heiser stripped the bathroom back and removed the non-load-bearing wall to create the feeling of more space. She replaced the shower-tub insert with an updated shower-tub combo that features glossy green tiles that pull attention to the back wall, highlighting the room’s length rather than its narrow width. “I decided to go with the green brick-look tile on the shower surround because it created a bold statement while still feeling soft and serene,” Heiser says. “The contemporary shape with the hand-crafted appearance creates a timeless design.”
Light gray porcelain tiles bring a subtle but impactful geometric pattern to the floor. “It’s the perfect balance of being an eye-catching component without overshadowing the other design elements in the space,” Heiser says.
The new rift-cut white oak vanity adds warmth.
Floor tiles: Cascais in Silver Sky, 9 by 9 inches, Tile Bar; shower wall tiles: Sartoria T-Brick in Eucalyptus, 2 by 6 inches, Sartoria, Tileshop; wall, ceiling and trim paint: Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams
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Light gray porcelain tiles bring a subtle but impactful geometric pattern to the floor. “It’s the perfect balance of being an eye-catching component without overshadowing the other design elements in the space,” Heiser says.
The new rift-cut white oak vanity adds warmth.
Floor tiles: Cascais in Silver Sky, 9 by 9 inches, Tile Bar; shower wall tiles: Sartoria T-Brick in Eucalyptus, 2 by 6 inches, Sartoria, Tileshop; wall, ceiling and trim paint: Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams
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Before: The basic wood vanity with drop-in sinks lacked storage and style. A five-light fixture above did little to add interest.
After: The new custom double vanity features stylish Shaker-style fronts with nine drawers and two cabinets. “I was able to extend the overall length after the wall was removed,” Heiser says. “The extra few inches and a configuration change allowed for two additional banks of drawers to be added to the vanity. My clients are thrilled with all the drawers and ample storage. I chose simple matte black hardware with a soft line to complement all the fixtures in the space.”
Three sleek sconces beside the arched mirrors have a matte black finish and clear seeded glass shades. “The sconces and arched mirrors were selected to complement the shape of the plumbing fixtures and create a cohesiveness throughout the bathroom,” Heiser says.
Sconces: York, Savoy House; cabinet hardware: Miseno; mirrors: Simply Arched in matte black, Shades of Light; toilet: Equility one-piece, DXV
How to Choose a Bathroom Vanity
Three sleek sconces beside the arched mirrors have a matte black finish and clear seeded glass shades. “The sconces and arched mirrors were selected to complement the shape of the plumbing fixtures and create a cohesiveness throughout the bathroom,” Heiser says.
Sconces: York, Savoy House; cabinet hardware: Miseno; mirrors: Simply Arched in matte black, Shades of Light; toilet: Equility one-piece, DXV
How to Choose a Bathroom Vanity
The countertop is solid white quartz, chosen for its durability and to not draw attention away from the bold tiles in the space. Two undermount sinks make the countertop easier to wipe down. The widespread faucets have a matte black finish that coordinates with other black details in the room.
Floating rift-cut white oak wood shelves over the toilet coordinate with the vanity and offer display space.
Sinks: Caxton, Kohler; faucets: Mylan in matte black, Delta Faucet
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Floating rift-cut white oak wood shelves over the toilet coordinate with the vanity and offer display space.
Sinks: Caxton, Kohler; faucets: Mylan in matte black, Delta Faucet
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Before: The former shower area had an arched entry and a dated fiberglass insert. “It was too small,” Heiser says.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
After: Heiser removed the arched surround and was able to add a few inches to the upgraded shower-tub combo. The matte black shower head and handle pop against the glossy green tiles, which evoke the look of seawater and, with the warm wood vanity and white walls, create a modern coastal look.
The new tub is acrylic. A high-powered exhaust fan with a heater and light, as well as an added operable sliding window in the shower, helps ventilate the room.
“The new bathroom represents the perfect balance of form and function,” Heiser says. “It’s a space that family and guests will love.”
Shower fixtures: Mylan Monitor 14 in matte black, Delta Faucet; tub: Rubix acrylic alcove in white, Maax Bath
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The new tub is acrylic. A high-powered exhaust fan with a heater and light, as well as an added operable sliding window in the shower, helps ventilate the room.
“The new bathroom represents the perfect balance of form and function,” Heiser says. “It’s a space that family and guests will love.”
Shower fixtures: Mylan Monitor 14 in matte black, Delta Faucet; tub: Rubix acrylic alcove in white, Maax Bath
More on Houzz
Read more bathroom stories
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Shop for your bathroom
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple
Location: Bothell, Washington
Size: 69 square feet (6.4 square meters)
Designer: Brittney Heiser of Heiser Designs
Before: The former bathroom featured basic materials and details original to the home, including a hard-to-clean tile countertop and worn vinyl flooring. A wall and door separated the vanity area from the area containing the toilet and fiberglass shower-tub combo. “The existing space felt uninspired and lacked warmth and style,” Heiser says. “The space also lacked sufficient storage for practical use.”
The skylight was about the only thing the homeowners wanted to keep. “They dreamed of a transformed guest bathroom that would wow their kids and guests,” Heiser says. “They needed the space to be as functional as it was beautiful.”