We're getting ready to gut and remodel our only bathroom. We're hiring it out as we're not handy people.
The existing bath is 1950s in structural vintage. The toilet and sink were replaced about 15 years ago; tub, its plumbing and tile surround, floor and wall tiles are original. Serious damage in the walls under the window and in tub area mean everthing's going down to the studs.
The available floor space is about 5 x 6, not including the tub. There are really no options for reconfiguring the space, which will keep the budget down, but we'd still like to make the most of it. Here are some things we're thinking about; I'm wondering if the resident experts might chime in with any comments, pro or con:
- White fixtures, keep it light, use accessories for decorating interest.
- Basic toilet, round bowl, small profile as possible with good flushing.
- There's a heat register in the wall at the base of the current pedestal sink that has to remain in place, so a vanity is out of the question. We found an attractive console sink with stainless frame and bottom glass shelf at Great Indoors that I think will work nicely there. Absolute max width we can do is about 26"-27" and this unit fits well. Bonus is the side bars that can be used for hanging towels, as towel bar wall space is nearly non-existent.
- Wall space over side-by-side sink and toilet is a 5 feet in width. DH wants a 48" mirror but with no other storage space for shtuff we need a medicine cabinet behind it. Contractors said surface-mount rather than recessed mirrors are 'the thing.' Whatever, the 'thing' we need is storage space. Ideally, a recessed 48" cabinet frame with 2 or
3 hinged mirror panels would probably work. I also want outlets *in the cabinet" for the electric toothbrush and Waterpik that have to be constantly charging. Contractor thought I was nuts with that one. Sorry, but I hate the snaking extension cords we have right now, not to mention it's unsafe, GFCI or no. I can't believe I'm the only person with this problem. Any thoughts on this problem are very welcome.- When standing facing the sink, the tub area is directly you, running perpendicular to the sink front. DH wants mirrored shower doors. I think the overall space is too small for bulky shower doors, period. Yea? Nay?
If we have large mirrors over the sink and directly opposite on the shower doors, won't that be a carnival fun house?? I agree we need visual tricks to make the room appear larger but I'm afraid too many mirrors will have the opposite effect.
- Speaking of visual tricks, is diagonal placement of floor tiles worthwhile? What would be a good size tile for this space? Any other visual tricks with the flooring to open things up?
Thanks for any comments, Hera