Bathroom of the Week: Spa-Like With a Wet-Room Layout
A design-build firm uses a smart strategy to fit a tub, generous shower and large vanity into a modest-size space
This one-story Spanish Revival home in the Studio City neighborhood of Los Angeles was ripe for a down-to-the-studs remodel. The plumbing and electrical systems were old, and the finishes were crumbling. Oro Coast Builders completed a full-house remodel, and in the primary bathroom it went for a restful, spa-like feel. The use of plaster on the walls and other natural materials honored the spirit of the original architecture in the modernized space.
After: To make the most of the space, the firm used a partial wet-room layout. This meant placing both the shower and tub within an enclosure. The enclosure has two glass panels with a door in the center. This allows the entire bathroom to enjoy the natural light from the wet room’s window.
“We wanted to elevate the space as much as possible with elements like a freestanding bathtub and a large vanity,” Fishman says. Looking into the shower, a striking marble-covered wall steals the spotlight. The marble also provides an elegant backdrop when the homeowners are looking in the vanity mirror across the room.
“We used this plaster on the walls throughout the house,” Fishman says. “They provided a jumping-off point for the bathroom’s palette.” The plaster honors the Spanish Revival architecture and adds texture, depth and an organic feel to the room. “In the shower, there’s a layer of waterproofing under the cement, then the plaster, then a sealer,” Fishman says. This product is similar to tadelakt, a waterproof Moroccan treatment.
Browse bathtubs in the Houzz Shop
Marble: Stoneland USA; plaster: Tonachino Firenze by Meoded Paint & Plaster
“We wanted to elevate the space as much as possible with elements like a freestanding bathtub and a large vanity,” Fishman says. Looking into the shower, a striking marble-covered wall steals the spotlight. The marble also provides an elegant backdrop when the homeowners are looking in the vanity mirror across the room.
“We used this plaster on the walls throughout the house,” Fishman says. “They provided a jumping-off point for the bathroom’s palette.” The plaster honors the Spanish Revival architecture and adds texture, depth and an organic feel to the room. “In the shower, there’s a layer of waterproofing under the cement, then the plaster, then a sealer,” Fishman says. This product is similar to tadelakt, a waterproof Moroccan treatment.
Browse bathtubs in the Houzz Shop
Marble: Stoneland USA; plaster: Tonachino Firenze by Meoded Paint & Plaster
Using a wet-room layout allowed for a larger shower stall. This makes the shower feel more luxurious and open than a side-by-side tub and smaller separate shower enclosure would have. The shower is curbless, and the floor slopes imperceptibly toward a linear drain, seen here beneath the shower heads.
The river rock flooring in the wet room provides good grip for safety. The same flooring continues into the main area of the bathroom. Limiting the number of materials contributed to the calming, spa-like look of the room.
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The river rock flooring in the wet room provides good grip for safety. The same flooring continues into the main area of the bathroom. Limiting the number of materials contributed to the calming, spa-like look of the room.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
This photo gives the best sense of the new layout. The wet room can be seen in the mirror’s reflection. The way the vanity and wet room are centered on each other contributes to the relaxing feel.
“One place where we really shine is with our carpentry, which is done in-house,” Fishman says. The custom vanity is white oak with a deep stain. The legs on the piece provide an airy feel, while the drawers provide lots of storage.
Browse vanities in the Houzz Shop
“One place where we really shine is with our carpentry, which is done in-house,” Fishman says. The custom vanity is white oak with a deep stain. The legs on the piece provide an airy feel, while the drawers provide lots of storage.
Browse vanities in the Houzz Shop
The 6-inch thickness of the counter and the integrated sinks also create a luxurious look. Look closely to see how the sink basins slant from one side off the counter. This makes it seem as though the countertop was carved from one massive piece of marble. Wall-mounted faucets maintain a modern and uncluttered look. Extending the backsplash up to the custom beveled mirror also adds to the minimalist, clean-lined aesthetic.
There’s a toilet alcove located past the left side of the vanity. It enjoys natural light from a small window that’s high enough to provide privacy.
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There’s a toilet alcove located past the left side of the vanity. It enjoys natural light from a small window that’s high enough to provide privacy.
More on Houzz
Read more bathroom stories
Browse bathroom photos
Find a bathroom remodeler
Shop for your bathroom
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Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A young family
Location: Los Angeles
Size: 120 square feet (11 square meters)
Design-build firm: Oro Coast Builders
Before: “The plumbing was very old, and the room also needed a cosmetic refresh,” says Sevan Fishman, co-owner of Oro Coast Builders. Also, the bathroom’s layout was tight, especially for a primary bath. The team borrowed space from an adjacent bedroom to expand the bathroom’s footprint to 120 square feet.
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