USHERING A 1950's BATH INTO THE MODERN ERA.
The challenge with this renovation was to maximize the limited space of a bathroom that was built in the 1950's. To that end, we built a pony wall in the shower and installed glass on the upper half to allow for more natural light. Additionally, a floating vanity was installed with white quartz counters, which
gives the illusion of more floor space. Large format tile in the shower and on the bath floor, along with stainless steel trim, gives a more modern feel to a once dated bathroom.
Before
The Shower
The existing layout included a traditional cast iron bathtub. As the home already had two full baths, the decision was made to remove the tub and construct a walk-in shower. A pony wall was built in order to maximize the amount of light in the space. Two niches were installed and were strategically placed to be hidden from view to ensure a streamlined appearance. Large format tile in white with silver accents was selected to contrast with a slate herringbone floor in multi-dimensional tones of gray.
Waterproof Shower
Schluter-Kerdi was used to waterproof the enclosure. All valves were sealed and a critical 24 hour leak test was performed on the shower pan before the tile was installed. We feel this waterproofing system is the superior choice as it is designed to create a vapor-tight enclosure in tiled showers.
Shower Pan
The shower base was constructed of a dry pack mortar installed over a wire mesh. The stainless steel linear drain was made by Schluter-Kerdi. The drain had the Kerdi fabric attached to it which made it easy to ensure a watertight connection.
Vanity, Medicine Cabinets & Countertop
To ensure the room remained open and bright, a floating vanity was selected. The wall was roughed in to accommodate new medicine cabinets, plumbing and electrical. Steel brackets were installed to support the weight of the vanity. A custom-made walnut wood vanity was sealed with polyurethane to ensure it would remain water resistant and enhance the beautiful grain in the wood. Tall mirrored recessed medicine cabinets measuring 36 inches in height elongated the expanse of the back wall. In addition, a mirror was installed in between the cabinets to give the illusion of more space. Holes were drilled into the quartz backsplash to accept the wall-mounted faucets. White quartz countertops were selected to complement the shower tile and to provide a clean bright finish.
Before and During Construction
Tile Installation
Large format tiles were selected to provide a sleek and modern appearance. The Raimondi tile leveling system was used to further reduce tile lippage during the installation process. Stainless steel Schluter Strips were used to trim out the cut ends of tile.
Fixtures
Kohler Purist chrome fixtures were installed in the shower, as well as on the vanity to instill a crisp finish. The elongated circular sconces were set in polished chrome bases to finish the modern design. The metal trim on the shower brought a cohesive look to the space.
Heated Flooring
Large format slate tile was selected to finish the room. The floors were installed utilizing the Shluter- Ditra floor heat kit with a programmable thermostat.
About The Author
Derck Sturgeon is the owner of Sturgeon Construction & Restoration LLC. Derck grew up in Glens Falls, New York in the Adirondack region and drew inspiration from the rural area he was raised in. He began his construction career in upstate New York and has experience renovating properties throughout New England. With over twenty years of construction experience, Derck's broad depth of knowledge, strong interpersonal skills, creative approach to design, and meticulous focus on detail allows his company to work on a wide scope of projects from basic repairs to full home renovations.