Pam Stewart Ross Design

AMY'S MASTER SPA BATH

Amy just bought a house for her and her two kids. Her Mom has asked me to help with some design issues and the first room they want to tackle is the master bath. The existing master bath is large with an almost 12' x 13' footprint. 

The Existing Floor Plan is below.

Before Pictures

The issues include a lot of wasted space, very little lighting, a lot of tile, small shower and no storage.The pedestal sink is too small and the tub surround is too big for the space. 

They want to work around the exciting foot print to minimize costs. I suggest they make the shower as big as they can without moving or resizing the window and leaving the exciting bump-out in place if it cannot be moved with minimal cost. If the bump-out is removed to provide for a bigger shower than a trade-off, and smaller vanity, is needed.

To add more design and function to the space, I recommend the following:

They remove the pedestal sink and replace with a 72 inch vanity. A single sink will provide more storage, however a double sink will be a selling feature in the future. They can use the pedestal sink in the powder room on the main floor. 

Remove the dated tile tub surround and tub and swap it with the claw-foot tub in the kid's bathroom.  Replace the floor tiles with a 12' x 24" porcelain tile that looks like marble, similar to the kid's bathroom (pictured below) to provide consistency in flooring materials. Adding a heated floor is not a luxury anymore - it is an necessity! It will save you money by installing it now, rather than later. The same tile can be used in the shower.

Make the shower larger by increasing it's length to the window making it a rectangle instead of a corner shower. Create a pony wall where the bump-out is to divide the vanity and the shower. Use glass walls and doors in the shower to provide more light and to visually add space.

Place an armoire between the toilet and the soaker-tub to, not only, provide a little privacy, but to afford a better sight-line and increase needed storage. The advantage of buying a stand alone piece of furniture as opposed to a built-in is that you can take it with you when you  move. It allows you to spend more for quality since it is an investment piece.

Add a comfy slipper chair, an accent table to hold a book or a candle, luxurious towels on a free standing towel stand to create a spa atmosphere. All these items that can be taken with you when you move.

New floor plan and mood board below.

Add recessed pot lights, a pair of sconces on each side of the mirror and a large pendant chandelier to provide general and task lighting. All lights should be on a dimmer switch to create atmosphere. Make sure there is enough electrical outlets to suit your needs, optional purchase is an outlet with LED lighting to use as a nightlight.

Here are a few examples of the type of pendant that will look good. Make sure the size you buy is in proportion to the room, if it is too small try grouping two or three together.




Here are a few examples of an accent table that would suit the space. The wood table provides contrast and weight to the all white bathroom. The third example provides a little whimsy and fun!

Add blinds to the window for privacy and put them on a remote for easy access, or alternately, install California style shutters similar to the other bathroom. Adding panel drapes on the windows behind the claw-foot tub will soften and warm the space and give the space a feel of intimacy. Adding towels and accessories in your favourite colour will add energy to the room and can be changed out as needed to create a new and updated space with minimal costs.

The paint colour on the walls might be a soft warm white such as Benjamin Moore's "simply white" (OC 117).  Spaces that are all white can be inviting if you have tons of natural light and use lots of textures such as fabric in the drapes, towels and chair and wainscoting on the walls. See examples below.