Help with 1950's bathroom overhaul
We have a 12 ft x 8 ft full bathroom on the main floor of a 1950's house. We think the bathroom is original with the lovely pink and green tile. We need some design ideas on how to completely re-do the space. The size and shape make this a bit of a challenge. We are thinking of converting the tub into a shower, but can be persuaded either way. We are thinking dark grey tile floor, cabinets and counter top similar to the picture shown but (2) under-mount sinks, perhaps a drop ceiling over the cabinet, and then a different gray shower tile with glass enclosure. Talk us thru some better ideas. The current layout with dimensions is shown below along with current pictures. Thanks.
Comments (14)
PROPatricia Colwell Consulting
4 years agodcjv
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Bathroom Overhaul
Comments (6)I am excited - kind of a 'okay, i have it pictured in my head, get it done yesterday' thing. ;-) It looks like yours will be a fantastic, airy space! Agreed, the windows do add a huge amount - I put in a greenhouse window over the sink on my kitchen remod 8 years ago which added more than 1k to the total price. Regarding the marine varnish holding up, though - I used it on the wood 'floor' and sides of the greenhouse window, and 8 years later it still looks brand new despite frequent misting of the resident orchids and the inevitable standing water from not draining them well enough after watering. I know that's not a 1-to-1 comparison to the level of daily deluge in a shower, but I keep that greenhouse window at about 70% relative humidity 24/7, and twice a week there's usually a bit of standing water that I let evaporate (bad, i know, but it's reality) and the finish hasn't been affected in any way in 8 years of continual use. So, the GC might be right about your window frame. Regarding the 24k - if they haven't already, you may want to ask for an itemized list of materials, with part numbers and itemized pricing, and see which items you could get for less at various online sources. I've planned out the specific fixtures/'plumbing parts, and came up with a total fixtures price about 30% below what had originally been quoted. I found the same to be true when I remodeled my kitchen. It's more of a hassle for you, because you have to place the orders and insure the stuff is on site at the time the contractors need it, but it is an option to reduce cost and get exactly what you want. My view was that I wanted to pay top dollar for the expert labor and anything custom-built, but not for mass-manufactured items available at a range of prices. With the vanity choice, I know that can be tough. I've settled on the cabinetry, but my DH still thinks I'm loony to be putting in so many drawer units - he's happy to have roll-out shelves behind doors. I told him to consider the drawer banks roll-out shelves with deep sides - once they're in, he'll love them and wonder how he ever did without them! ;-) Im going with modular cabinetry very similar to what we put in the kitchen, to match the bedroom suite (we've got a 4' open arch between the vanity room and the bedroom, which I like because it gives that space an open feeling) because I really love the 'behind the doors' storage enhancements of roll-out shelves, etc. My space is more galley-like, with the toilet/shower room, vanity/dressing room, and large walk-in closet set in a line to the side of the bed room - I like the layout, but I can see on yours how tearing out the dividing wall will really open up the space - that would be my choice in that layout, too. I'm also planning the shower space to be a 'wet-room' type of drainage environment with a wide door and attractive grab bars bench-side. We plan to retire in this house, so I'm adding in some ADA features to cover long-term possible requirements - while I don't need the grab bars now (although - gotta admit that in the spring when I go 'whole hog' on the garden, a bench and bar sounds like a really good thing to my back!) I don't want to do this now and then in 10 years have to change it up. Okay, so I guess I've rambled enough about my plans and how they intersect yours, sorry for a long ramble! Your plans look really great - I'm sure you're going to love the end result!...See MorePink and maroon 1950s bathroom
Comments (53)OMG. This is the color of my bathroom as well! And it's been very difficult finding pictures of other bathrooms with the same scheme. (The reverse -- pink with maroon trim -- is easy. But maroon with pink seems much less common.) The towel bars, toothbrush holder, etc. are all pink. The previous owners covered all the tile with white paint and I can't decide whether to strip it off or not. I'd like the room to be original but it's only 5'x7' and I'm worried it will be too dark and oppressive. For a few days I was sure I was going to strip it off, but the stripper I used on a test portion wasn't very effective, so now I don't know if I want to bother. And of course I don't know the condition of the tiles and fixtures under the paint. Unfortunately the original floor tiles -- which were very cool -- are already gone....See MoreHelp me find a 1950’s style bathroom sink and toilet....
Comments (9)There are also a lot of wall sinks to which you can add legs. Kohler still makes a few, and so does Am. Standard. Duravit has a nice small console with backsplash if you are very tight on space, but unlike a 50's shelf sink it lacks anywhere to put stuff down: And if you have a very large budget, sinklegs.com will make legs for pretty much anything, although a local metal shop would be a lot cheaper, most likely. ETA I recommended ebay in my previous post because I have seen NOS chrome adjustable legs for under $20 there....See More1950s Bathroom Help
Comments (14)Wallpaper is the way to go and I love your humor. No guest will know unless they look close. Have had a few OP's here with similar bathrooms and they have wallpapered them with great success to making them look more modern. I agree with Jinx on the last 2 that she photoshopped that they aren't doing much for the room. You may need to look a bit more as I think when you see it you'll know it. And good luck with the floor. Post photos when you have the room completed :)...See More
cpartist
4 years ago
queenvictorian
4 years agodcjv
4 years ago
Manon Floreat
4 years agosheepla
4 years agodcjv
4 years ago
Jill
4 years agolizziesma
4 years agoBruce in Northern Virginia
4 years agodcjv
4 years ago
PROBeth H. :
4 years agodcjv, do you have a crawl space under the house? much easier to move plumbing around if you have to.
So you want to go totally modern? I'd say remove the tub and just do a larger shower. I see you have a heater in there. is that just an electric wall heater or is it hooked up to your HVAC? something else you'll have to remedy.
I'd keep the pony wall to offer a bit of separation for the toilet. Realize too that your new vanity will come out to 22". You have enough room for it, so it shouldn't be an issue.
What does the rest of the home look like, decor-wise? is it all modern or is there some mid century feel to it? I ask because instead of go full out contemporary, maybe try a little mid century modern? That way you still gel w/the home.
here are some examples of using a bit of mcm :I love these elements. The warm wood vanity, modern lighting and mirrors, maybe geometric type of tiling
another option is to replace the window w/something larger, and swing your shower around so that the placement is like this pic:
your toilet could me moved over to the other wall, perhaps borrowing space from whatever is behind that wall.
if leaving the shower it the same spot, see about doing a built in linen cabinet. (especially if you're doing a type of floating vanity. the closet offers a lot more storage)
another shower idea, except this would be on the other wall.
acm