You’ve probably heard that incorporating mirrors can make a small room feel larger. While this is a tried-and-true approach, the days floor-to-ceiling mirrors on every wall are behind us! As popular as this trend once was (you’d be surprised at how frequently we see this feature in older homes!), it is always a stunning transformation once they are gone. For our recent clients in Arlington, they knew the myriad of mirrors in their master bathroom had to go and were hoping to replace the dated aesthetic with a moody, regal vibe. Of course, they came to the right place!
The first thing our designers noticed upon entering the bathroom at our client’s consultation was that the room felt small and crowded, which was probably why the builder chose to install the large mirrors. The floor plan was in the shape of an “L,” with a large soaking tub perpendicular to the original double vanity. The shower was very small at the end of the tub and was completely enclosed. Across from the shower was the toilet room, which was also completely walled in.
Along with updating the look of the bathroom, the clients really wanted to get more functionality and storage space. Because they rarely used the tub, the decision was made to completely remove it and open up the area for a larger shower. This also allowed for the extension of the vanity all the way to the corner, and more open floor space in the room.
The before photos show the original brown and taupe color scheme of the vanity, walls, and flooring. Our clients already knew the modern color scheme and style they wanted for the new bathroom, so designing it was a breeze! Our designers love to bring our client’s ideas to life, especially when it looks just as they imagined it would (it also helps when our clients have great taste!)
The beautiful double vanity was customized with cabinet feet and varying cabinet depths for a furniture-like feel, topped with a stunning 3cm Calacatta Quartz. Sleek black paint and gold knobs tie in beautifully with the other hardware and fixtures throughout the bathroom, including the elegant decorative sconces, towel rings, and thin-framed oval mirrors.
Additional tower cabinets were installed on each end of the vanity for balance and to provide valuable storage space. The shaker-style doors offer a modern aesthetic that still suits the regal, classic feel the clients were going for.
Additional storage space was created below the sinks with a convenient roll-out drawer on each side. Homeowners are always shocked at just how much storage these large drawers offer, and thrilled that they no longer have to get on their hands and knees to reach to the back of the lower cabinet!
Another neat feature that we install in nearly every bathroom project we do is a hidden drawer outlet. This discreet outlet is installed in the back of a deep drawer, perfect for hair dryers or other electric items. It keeps clutter off the counter, is easy to access, and has a safety feature that will trip the breaker if a hot tool is left on inside the drawer. Convenience is great, but safety and peace of mind trump everything else!
Because one of the main goals was to make this bathroom feel larger, our designers used pony walls and framed glass for the new shower for a more spacious feel. The lighter color scheme complimented the original skylight by reflecting the natural light and brightening the entire room.
The additional wall space created by removing the original tub and wall mirrors provided the perfect place for towel and robe hooks, within reach from the shower door.
The shower includes some very nice age-in-place features, such as grab bars, shampoo niches in walls, a built-in bench, and a sleek 2-in-1 handheld showerhead.
The large shampoo niches are over a foot tall and 24 inches wide, and feature the same herringbone marble mosaic tile that was used for the shower floor and the rest of the bathroom floor. Consistency is a beautiful thing!
Along with a convenient grab bar, our designers included the shower valve on the pony wall just to the left of the shower door. Placement here prevents the clients having to walk into the shower to turn on the water and also keeps them from getting their arm wet below the shower head.
The new toilet room across from the shower has a wider doorway – 30 inches – and no door, for aging in place benefits.
New storage cabinets, fresh paint, and a touch of moody artwork tie the new toilet room in beautifully with the rest of the remodeled bathroom. The little gold details — the toilet paper holder, the toilet lever, and the cabinet knobs – really add character and elevate the project with a high-end aesthetic.
The completed project is a stunning transformation from the original bathroom! Our clients love the new look, the improved functionality, and all of the new storage space.
Kudos to everyone who worked on this project and helped bring our client’s vision to life:
Structural Design: Michael Medford, Jr.
Aesthetic Design: Stephanie Milford
Drafting and Renderings: Brandy Anderson
Production Management: Dave Broadfield
Project Management: Neil Norris
Trim Carpentry: Neil Norris, Scott Vernon
Plumbing: Express Master Plumbing
Electrical: Marc Miller Electric
Drywall: Alex Green Drywall
Paint: Phillip Painting Company
Plumbing Fixtures: Moore Supply Arlington
Countertops, Flooring, & Tile: Hilton’s Flooring
Countertops, Flooring, & Tile Fabrication: HRG Granite
Shower Glass: Kindred Glass Company
Staging: Ali Doskocil
Final Photography: Impressia– Todd Ramsey
We’d also like to share the design selection items that were chosen to create this beautiful finished product:
If you’ve got a dream for a sleek new bathroom, our designers would be happy to help you bring it to life! Contact us today to get schedule your in-home consultation!
Warm Regards,
The Medford Team
