This bathroom used to belong to my client’s daughter, who has since moved into her own home in Barrington, + I love how she still refers to it by her name. So stinkin’ cute! It inspired me to make this space feel feminine, soft + sophisticated.
There honestly wasn’t much “wrong” with the existing space. It had a gorgeous, oversized round window centered in the shower + the sloped ceilings created an interesting architectural detail. Overall, this bathroom had the right idea… it just needed some updating [hello Hollywood strip light]! I kept the layout as-is with just a few changes.
First, I wanted to get rid of the “ears” on this vanity. I redesigned a smaller, squared-off vanity that opened up some wall space near the shower for hanging towels. If you have to put your towel on the toilet seat so it’s in reach when you get out of the shower, call me 😉 I designed the vanity to resemble a bureau + added a styled toe valance to make it really feel like a piece of furniture. Although very symmetrical on the exterior, the bottom two “drawers” in the center is a door. I like to have at least one door in a vanity for taller items that can’t fit in drawers, plus it gives the sink plumbing some breathing room.
My next order of business was redesigning the lighting situation. I updated the shower light to a smaller recessed light, added two more recessed ceiling lights for general lighting + opted for brass sconces over the vanity. Sconce lighting illuminates your face more evenly + reduces shadows. It’s the ideal lighting for makeup application. I finished off the design with polished nickel plumbing fixtures, woven textures + creamy hues.
Reed Single Sconce in Hand-Rubbed Antique Brass, Quantity: 2
Pro tip: a single sink with sconce lighting is 10x better than squishing two sinks in a vanity with overhead lighting. You’ll appreciate the even lighting + extra counter space a lot more.
Ball Cabinet Knob in Aged Brass, Quantity: 9
One of my favorites! These classic knobs will be the perfect finishing touch to the vanity.
Modern 60″ Shower Curtain Rod + Brackets in Aged Brass
Something you don’t see very often [because there are only ~three on the market] is a brass shower rod. I did a tension version of this in a small coastal bath + it turned out beautifully!
Don’t forget one set of brushed brass shower rings!
Rook Robe Hook in Polished Nickel, Quantity: 3
The old vanity stretched across the entire space, leaving no wall space near the tub/shower for hanging towels. Now there’s a dedicated spot for towels + robes! [Ordered locally].
Rook Tissue Holder in Polished Nickel
This will be installed to the left of the toilet. [Ordered locally].
Floors: Marmi Di Napoli 12×24 in Calacatta, Quantity: 5 cartons
One of my client’s must-haves for this space was heated flooring. This marble-look porcelain will be great for this application! The warm veining compliments the soft whites + creams going on in the space.
Shower Walls: 5×5 Ceramic Tile in Sea Pearl
We’re sticking with the current shower tile, but this was my original pick!
Staying with the theme of creams + nautical touches, I selected this fish-scale tile for the shower. However, the existing white square tiles were in great shape + retiling the oversized round window would have been a treacherous task, so my client decided to roll with what’s there!
Cotton Rag Rug in Natural White
It took me a longggg while to find a rug I liked for this space. I wanted something neutral but textured + of course the right size!
36″x30″ Connerton Accent Mirror in Gold
I had originally selected a round mirror, but I’m so happy I switched it up: I love the rectangle shape for this bathroom + we get a tad more mirror this way!
I wanted to add some warmth + texture to the space + this was a functional way to do so. This basket can be used as a hamper for dirty bath + hand towels.
A simple, spa-like waffle weave was just what the space needed. I can’t wait to see this with the brass rod + rings!
Wynne Coil Woven Abaca Basket in Light Natural
I planned for hand towels to be placed in a bin on the counter. Pro tip: this is a simple way to give your bathroom a luxurious hotel vibe. I also love how this added another layer of texture to the space.
If you’re a die-hard towel-on-the-wall person, here’s my pick!
Custom Framed Vintage Suit
I wanted a fun piece of wall decor for the space + I loveeee this idea! I found a company that frames antique nautical objects, but if we don’t find one we love, there is always the option to purchase a suit at an antique store or online + get it framed locally!
I also love this print! Print charge + white frame in 16″x20″ sold separately.
Rook Tub + Shower Trim in Polished Nickel
With a mix of pale off-whites + hints of brass, I decided on polished nickel for the plumbing fixtures. Pro tip: unlike chrome, which is cool-toned, nickel is warm + pairs well with gold finishes. The traditional style of this collection is a perfect fit for the room. [Ordered locally].
Don’t forget the valve! [Ordered locally].
Adair Comfort Height One-Piece Elongated Toilet with Quiet-Close Seat in White
We’re sticking with the current toilet, but this was my original pick!
The toilet in this space had been recently updated, so that will stay as-is. This is the one I would have recommended if we needed a replacement!
Rook Widespread Faucet with Cross Handles in Polished Nickel
I love a good cross handle! It always reminds me of a helm + I love that subtle nautical touch for this bathroom. [Ordered locally].
Nantucket Undermount Oval Sink in White
The only plumbing fixture that is not available locally. Please order using the above link!
Finding a sink for a vanity <21″ deep is not an easy feat! My maximum sink bowl size was 16.5″ side-to-side + 12″ front-to-back. This was a perfect fit!
Entity 60″ x 30″ Alcove Bath with Right-Hand Drain
We’re sticking with the current tub, but this was my original pick!
The existing tub + shower tile were in excellent condition, so we decided to keep both as-is. However, if we needed an update, I would have selected this one!
Vanity: Crystal Cabinetry Full-Overlay in “Linen” [Midland Door]
Cream was the obvious choice for the cabinetry in this space: an undeniably soothing shade, but deep enough to contrast with the surrounding marble. The outside lip is the perfect delicate detail for this bathroom. [Ordered locally.]
Calacatta Gold 3cm Marble
When marble is involved, repetition + simplicity is best. I’d love to get our hands on some real Calacatta Gold marble for the vanity top. It’s not the easiest to find [depends on what the local slab yards have in stock], so I’ve included my pick for an engineered alternative here! [Ordered locally.]
Wall treatments are more work than just painting a wall, but they’re ALWAYS worth it. I have two ideas for this bathroom. Client’s choice!
Vertical Shiplap in Benjamin Moore White Dove in Eggshell
Vertical shiplap is becoming more popular + I’m seriously obsessed with the look! The walls in this bathroom are short + this will draw the eye up. Painting it a soft white will give the space a super fresh, yet effortless + lived-in look.
Port Isaac Wallpaper in Gull, Quantity: TBD
We’re going with the shiplap, but this was my original second option!
Neutral. Nautical. No-brainer! I think this would be so darling on the walls. Pro tip: install a quality vent + apply a coat of Decorator’s Varnish in “Dead Flat” to the surface of the wallpaper to ensure it holds up to humidity!
