I’m always trying to decide what blog readers like to see first – the before or the after portion of a design project? Do you like to be wowed, at the start, or do you like a big reveal? Inquiring minds want to know!
For this post, I’ll start at the beginning:
A client’s guest bath, accessed directly from a guest bedroom, also served as the main level powder bath. It had a traditional tub/shower combination with white tile. Certainly clean and crisp with Ryegrass walls. The challenge was to make it seem less, “bathroomy”, while maintaining the bathroom function. Covering it up just seemed to call more attention to the bathing area and it closed off the room.
The Before:
The After: Presto! (Well, it always seems to be so in the photographs.) The tub and surround were removed, added an overhead light, a new shower pan was installed, along with new tile, new fixtures and some dust and labor. Though this doesn't bode for an overnight process, my project’s contractor did move things along! (A note to myself . . next time, turn off the vanity lights for a photo!)
The Before: A nice sized vanity for any guest. It just wanted to be a bit more special.
The After: Another viola! The original drawer layout worked but the cabinet height was raised. We had a vision to add wainscoting to the walls, so we chose a recessed panel style. The cabinet was topped with leathered, mocha limestone. The arched valance base makes it more furniture-like. Gorgeous porcelain tile looks like stone but is much lower maintenance. (An extra molding strip, at the side, will be finished to match the rest of the paneling.)
Here is a detail of the wainscoting. It’s simply a series of wood rails and stiles, with a top cap, added to the walls. An added shaped insert prevents the panels from becoming too Shaker. It also catches the glaze.
The mocha limestone – close-up view:
We decided to add the glaze to the entire bathroom to tie it all together. With the texture of the limestone and the tile, straight-out painting would have been too dull. We left the walls alone to let the moldings pop. We’re going to go back with just a touch of the wall tint for the ceiling. It will keep the spa feeling flowing.
The project is almost done. Just a few bathroom touches and I’m off to do the adjoining guestroom! After that, my pro photographer, Whitney Gray will capture the images with her magical lens!
So, which do you like to see first? The before & after, or the after & before? Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
. . . And in the end, let me know if I can be of help! ~ Wanda
