Master Bath Makeover in Green
We waited years for our bathroom sanctuary
We’ve lived in our downsized (empty-nester) house for five years and prioritized the renovations. The backyard was first, the kitchen next, and finally, the primary bathroom. I’ve loved all the projects one by one seeing the potential of our 1930s colonial house, but I wanted to update our master bath.
One of the must-haves on the list was lots of cabinets to store everything out of sight and not having to see bottles and jars on the countertops. Next, I wanted a vanity area where I could put all my everyday products in one place with easy access and high enough that I didn’t have to bend down or lean into a mirror. Our sinks needed to be large and mirrored medicine cabinets over each would allow us to store our pills and remedies out of sight. Next, I wanted to store the linens in the bathroom and have plenty of shelving inside the shower to put shampoo, soaps, and shaving supplies. Light is always important to me. I crave light and if it comes from the sun, even better. Our solution was to open a wall and insert a large window to let in natural light. Finally, I wanted vibrant colors to make the space joyful and inviting.
Everything in one place
Our new master bath is light and airy, joyful with color and practical.
Bathroom renovations can cost as much as a kitchen remodel if you use the highest-end fixtures and materials. So I cut costs on the countertops and tile and had the claw foot tub reglazed and painted. The fixtures are simple but well-made, and the shower head is an old standby Speakman with excellent water pressure.
The clawfoot tub is cast iron and heavy. I was lucky to find new hardware that fit and the reglazing made the tub look brand new.
The shower has hidden shelves to keep soaps and shampoos out of sight. The custom cabinetry allows for everything to be neatly tucked away, yet accessible.
In every project, you need to have a few splurges. So I spent a little more on the wallpaper and the antique mirror above my vanity for this bathroom. I wanted to use wallpaper by Isabelle Boxall. She is an English designer who uses bright colors and incorporates botanicals in many of her prints. The one I chose is called Orchid Jungle - wild jungle orchids and ferns with the primary color “fennel,” a green that I love. The mirror came from 1st Dibs. It is a 19th Century French Silver Leaf Louis Philippe Mirror. I needed to use chrome fixtures with the bathtub replacement parts, so silver was the closest color to match. I also know I can take the mirror if I move. Lastly, the light fixture above the mirror is art deco in style from Circa Lighting.
The Splurges
Even though I did not go overboard on tile, countertops, and hardware, I did indulge in a couple of splurges like the wallpaper, antique mirror, and one light fixture.
Happy spring cooking!
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Photos by the author.
mary has something to say…
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