A bathroom remodel almost always requires one thing—more space. But when Katie Hurst arrived at a Sugarcreek Township home to survey a master bath that needed an overhaul, she was pleasantly surprised to find just the opposite.
“Their space was enormous,” says Hurst, designer with Hurst Total Home. “I remember laughing when I walked in because most people don’t have this problem.”
The size of the bathroom and its large run of vanity space were about the only things the homeowners had ever liked about the room. “When we first looked at this house to purchase it, the first thing I said was that the bathroom had to go,” the homeowner says. “And here we are 20 years later and nothing has changed because we both were working and we didn’t have time to devote to it. After I retired, I decided that was the first thing I wanted to devote my time to.”
The shower’s design with its frameless hinged door and two arched tops became the focal point of the new room.
An inner bench was added to accommodate the use of walkers if the couple ever decided to stay in the home as they aged. “It’s kind of like an alcove,” Hurst says. “Almost like a cave in which someone can relax and enjoy.”
The tub is also a focal point with its upgraded deck and a small bump out to absorb some of the floor space and give it visual appeal. Perhaps the most unique piece is what surrounds the tub. The corner that used to hold a flower arrangement now features a tall hutch, perfect for the storage of towels and other bathroom items.
The window above the bathtub—once adorned with curtains—stands alone to allow light to fill the space, but it also has a special feature to keep outsiders from peering into the bathroom. The window features smart glass, which can turn from a clear view to a frosted image by the flip of a switch.
“We couldn’t figure out what we wanted to do with that window because we knew we needed privacy, but didn’t want to put our curtains back up,” the homeowner says. “It’s the favorite part of my new bathroom. We can enjoy the light that comes from a big window if that is what I am interested in or I can flip a switch and get total privacy.”
A large cabinet running to the ceiling helps to break up the long double vanity. Two large mirrors were hung above each sink to maintain the amount of reflection the room once had. Modern wall sconces were attached to the mirrors to add light to the room.
The bathroom’s neutral colors—warmed by the wood cabinets and large tiled floor—is offset by its colorful granite countertop. It’s a part of the bathroom that proves the homeowners aren’t afraid to try something new.
Its splash of green and blue colors act as a kaleidoscope to all who view it and offer a different perspective depending on the view. “I started out looking for something much lighter and creamy white, but then I saw this,” the homeowner says. “It has this mica in it that opens up depending on what direction you are looking at it from. You could hang it on a wall and people would think it was art.”
Those who enter the bathroom remodel could be fooled into thinking it’s not even a bathroom after all. The room’s radiant heated floors offer a warm welcome to all who step inside. “That is so nice and something we never had before,” the homeowner says. “When I wake up in the morning you don’t even realize you’re walking on tile.”