Small Bath
Project Overview
The MHS team successfully transformed a dull Brooklyn bathroom into a vibrant space within a week. Our client oversaw choosing the interior design, while we handled the demo and installation. Updating accessories and finishes can greatly enhance the appearance of any bathroom. All existing wall, floor and plumbing finishes were replaced while keeping all piping intact. This approach is an effective way to keep renovation costs down, as relocating pipes can quickly increase the budget and complexity of any bathroom remodel.
Interior Design Style
This architectural style exudes classic New York with its use of color and materials. The white subway tile is a timeless, minimalist choice that is also budget-friendly and is complemented by sleek matte black metal plumbing fixtures. Incorporating wood elements, such as the vanity and shelves above the toilet, effectively integrates natural materials into the design. The abstract floor tile design serves as a striking balance, standing out amongst the white elements.
The Plan Drawing
It’s obvious that our client had a good design sense. We took her lead, and placed the specification details into technical drawings. In plan view, or view looking down onto the floor, and elevations, or front views we can start to image the spacial relationship and specify details of heights and widths of each component. This allows for the identification and resolution of potential conflicts before construction begins.
These types of drawings document the desires of the client and requirements, i.e. location of the floating vanity, shelves, mirror and lighting.
In these views, we can see dimension for heights, for example the tile will be installed at 4’-6” above the finish floor and finished off with a ledge piece. We also have several notes with arrows pointing out relevant details. These drawings are meant to reduce any miscommunications about where and how.
Before & After
These photos show the distance between the starting point and the final product. The bathroom was already in good condition, but the updates elevated the quality of the space.
The Devil is in the Details
Shower Head Faucet
Tub Trip Lever, Tub Faucet and Tub Drain
Aluminum Framed Shower Glass Panel
Temperature Control Shower Valve
Shower Niche & Robe Hook
Towel Bar
Tile
In the existing photo, we can barely make out the white 4x4 tile with white grout. The new design includes white subway tile with contrasting dark gray grout.
Niche
The word “niche” has its French origins, meaning “to nest,” and later used by the English to refer to a recess in the wall. The niche backsplash is created with penny sized hexagons with white grout. The use of dark tile emphasizes the recessed plane. The client used black as a way to both create contrast with its surroundings, but also to accent the black metal accessories. The natural stone, or marble sill functions to allow water to run off easily on the horizontal surface while adding a touch of luxury.
These J-brackets support the thick wood shelf, bringing in a more industrial feel.
This new toilet conserves water by controlling the amount of water used in each flush. The dark floor tiles help ground the space, in contrast to the lightness of the white wall tile. The abstract figures draw the eye down, and provide an opportunity to bring in cultural references into an otherwise modern minimalist concept.
The marble threshold, marks the entry into the new space.
This light fixture design allows for the installation of two light bulbs at one point. The mirror appears to sit on the wall tile surface, but is a medicine cabinet set into the wall.
A floating cabinet means less space for drain pipes. Above the vanity, we see the new GFCI quad outlets.
