Similar to houses built in the 1990s in Carmel, IN, our clients’ home has a large master bathroom. The idea of updating such a large space can be daunting. However, even in a large area, small changes can have a big impact.
The original bathroom had beautiful cherry cabinets, but the cultured marble- topped vanities were too low. Located over the garage, the room had been carpeted to add warmth – all the way up the cabinet toe kicks! The shower was comprised of a small fiberglass insert next to a large beverage center/storage area. The homeowners were ready for an upgrade, but not an overhaul.
Our designers created a custom design that retained the layout of the space, but added luxurious finishes and increased functionality. Beyond updating materials, the goals were to expand the shower and to raise the vanities to the new standard height of 36 inches. The new design also replaced the carpet with heated tile floors, and integrated the existing tub in with the cabinetry.
Taking half of the beverage area cabinetry out allowed the installation of a larger custom shower, while providing the homeowners with reasonable storage and counter space. The homeowners had seen the unusual “bay-window” shower design elsewhere and wanted it in their own bathroom. This shape increased the complexity of the shower door, but increases the wow-factor of the shower itself. The walls were lined with 18” x 18” porcelain tile in a light color variegated with greys. This color scheme was complimented by the octagonal Carrara marble used in the wide decorative banding and the floor tile. Marble was installed on the shower threshold and niche sill as well. Chrome fixtures provided a bit of bling.
As the existing cherry cabinets were in great shape, the homeowners did not want to replace them. To raise the vanities, our designers found decorative legs that would increase the height, and make the cabinets look like a piece of furniture.
To integrate the tub with the rich cherry cabinetry, our carpenter trimmed out the skirting with cherry stained to match. In addition, he built removable fronts for each panel, allowing access to the tub plumbing from many angles.
Throughout the bathroom, the rich color of the cabinetry is offset by material choices. The large porcelain tile used on the shower walls was continued onto the bathroom floor. Carrara marble covers the vanities and the tub deck. Chrome faucets and mirrors, as well as lighting fixtures in chrome and glass make the space sparkle.
Do you have a large master bathroom that needs an update? Schedule a free, in-home appointment with one of our designers for ideas and advice. Send us an email, or give us a call at 317-846-2600.
