Small Bathrooms, Part I

Overhauling a small bathroom can be exciting, maddening, and bewildering all at once. Like many projects, it is sometimes difficult to know where to begin, how the finished space will look, and whether the list of individual decisions will total a good result.

In this instance, we were presented with a full bathroom next to the kitchen. Both were born 30 years ago and had not been updated since. Our first question was whether the home needed a full bathroom in this location, or whether a powder room would suffice.

We decided that removing the tub and shower would still leave us with enough space for a powder room without encroaching on the kitchen or other rooms that also needed our attention. The home would have four full bathrooms in addition to this new powder room, so eliminating the functionality of the shower tub would not be a significant loss.  

Now we were left with a 5' x 5' box by process of reduction. We upgraded and kept the plumbing in place for the sink and toilet, demolished the existing tub, tile, etc., and added electrical. Next came drywall and new tile on which the new fixtures would sit.

Here is what the finished powder room looks like:

The tile is cut from pale limestone from Bedrosians and the chair rail lends a bit of formality. A white shaker-style vanity, Kohler Bancroft toilet, and chrome accessories from the the Restoration Hardware Dillon line complete the look--understated and classic materials paired with polished chrome for an updated take on the traditional powder room. 

GFCI is not a teen's puzzling text message.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are typically required in kitchens and bathrooms or other wet areas. They serve an important purpose, namely to protect you from electrocution. Plain vanilla GFCI outlets usually look something like this

Your typical GFCI outlet, available in 15 amp and 20 amp varieties

Your typical GFCI outlet, available in 15 amp and 20 amp varieties

In kitchens and bathrooms, we sometimes recommend a slightly more advanced GFCI outlet that contains an LED night light. Energy efficient and better than most alternatives, this dual-function GFCI provides just enough illumination to make certain "landmarks" in a room visible while preserving your night vision. Below is one example from Pass & Seymour

That thin strip next to the "Test" and "Reset" buttons is an LED night light that will activate in low-light conditions and last for years. Also available in 15 and 20 amp versions. 

That thin strip next to the "Test" and "Reset" buttons is an LED night light that will activate in low-light conditions and last for years. Also available in 15 and 20 amp versions. 

   

Make no small plans, even in small bathrooms

There is something exciting about the challenge of a small bathroom. Limited square footage demands precision and an economy of form and function that is sometimes lost in the scale of large bathrooms. A small bathroom distills your plans. 

A nice overview of bathroom priorities was recently set out by Becky Harris at Houzz, and there is no shortage of good ideas there. 

Below are pictures of a recently completed small bathroom (6' x 8') attached to a bedroom. We think it contains the necessities: a vanity with storage, recessed medicine cabinet, toilet, and shower. The marble floor adds dimension and complements other features seen in the next photo.

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Pronounced love for a recessed medicine cabinet

Medicine cabinets are often not the most attractive parts of a bathroom, and the older units had very little to admire other than sheer storage capacity. Surface mounted medicine cabinets were particularly unglamorous. 

Enter the recessed medicine cabinet with a low profile, mounted between the studs and typically raised above the drywall by an inch or so.

We're fans of the Kohler Verdera for clean design, adjustable magnifying mirror, and ample storage with a mirrored interior. It comes in various sizes with adjustable shelves to provide increased storage flexibility. Double the order for a double sink vanity, and take one step towards peaceful relations with your beloved. 

In the struggle against bathroom chaos, a sleek medicine cabinet (or two) is a worthy consideration and takes some pressure off of the vanity for storage needs.

May all your mornings be uncluttered.    

Remodeling and Home Design