From Dated to Dignified
When our client first contacted Craftsman Design and Renovation, she was living with a bathroom that had been remodeled in the early 2000s. The space felt dated, dark, and overly masculine—out of sync with the graceful character of her 1910 home. After a shower leak gave her the green light to move forward, she knew it was time to bring her dream bathroom to life.
Inspired by the Past
A key inspiration came from an old photo shared by a previous owner that showed the bathroom’s original tile wainscot and console sink. These historic elements became a touchstone for our design process as we set out to restore the bathroom to its former charm.
Restoring Period Elegance
We worked closely with the homeowner—who came to the project with a meticulous eye for detail—to recreate the historical look while improving functionality:
- Pocket Doors: The original pocket doors were preserved and integrated into the updated layout.
- Tile Matching: We sourced samples of white crackle-glaze tiles, comparing each to the original tile in her home to find the closest match.
- Classic Details: A decorative console sink and vintage-inspired accessories, such as a nickel-plated, wall-mounted soap dish, add authenticity.
- Storage Solutions: A custom wall of cabinetry and a built-in medicine cabinet provides ample storage without sacrificing the open feel of the space.
Letting in the Light
To enhance natural light from the window wall, we used strategically placed mirrors throughout the room. We also opened the shower by replacing a full-height enclosure with a pony wall—dramatically brightening the space while maintaining the original footprint.
Hidden Challenges, Smart Solutions
Old homes always come with surprises:
- Concrete Shower Floor: We discovered the shower floor was solid concrete—even on the second story! To avoid the cost of moving plumbing, we added a floating bench and worked with the existing drain location.
- Pocket Wall Depth: Fortunately, the pocket door wall turned out to be a double wall, providing plenty of room to update plumbing within the walls and integrate a deep recessed medicine cabinet for storage.
A Bathroom Worthy of the Home
This project was a true collaboration, guided by a homeowner passionate about honoring her home’s history. The result is a bathroom that feels timeless, authentic, and thoughtfully tailored to her needs—a beautiful example of how older homes can be brought back to life with care and craftsmanship.
Interested in bringing your bathroom back to life? Contact us today to get started!