Small bathroom in small MCM house - everything must go!

4 years ago

I'm heading toward an overhaul of the only full bath in my house, and although the layout won't be changed, everything will be replaced -- fixtures, cabinets, floor, tub surround, even the wall surfaces. The ceiling can stay, but even it needs some work.

Background: the house is a very early (1951) MCM split-level, and I am only the second owner. The family from which I bought it lived here for 56 years, and they seem to have had a continual tug-of-war. One spouse liked modern and kept adding more modern features, while the other wanted Early American, so there were 50s-60s room dividers, but a large wrought-iron chandelier.

After the modern-lover died, the colonial-lover redid the main bath (there's a powder room in a 1970s addition), aiming for Early American but ending up with Victorian dark oak. What is really wrong, however, is that there are an acrylic tub and surround, which grow mold and are impossible to clean. The vanity top is, I think, cultured marble and also difficult to clean. Furthermore, instead of replacing the floor they covered it with carpet. I removed the carpet and original flooring and put down peel-and-stick tile as a stopgap. I then put up with the rest for 10 years, but I've reached the breaking point.

Now, I do not know whether I will stay in this house. I'm nearing retirement and might sell it in about two years, or I might retire but continue to live here for another 20 or more years. Thus, I'm concerned both about design and materials that will make the house more salable, but also which meet my own needs, chief among which is ease of maintenance.

The bath is not large enough to add any luxury features, but I'm in sympathy with Sarah Susanka's idea that smaller houses should use the best design and materials possible, in order to give a sense of luxury without expanses of space. And, of course, better materials are more affordable when the amounts needed aren't large.

However, I don't want to go so far as to give myself headaches when I'm 80. A neighbor put in a lot of beautiful stone work--the stone installer seemed to be there for weeks--when upgrading the bathroom in his (even smaller) house and it did help to get a quick sale at a good price. However, I don't think that any stone surface is really easy to clean and maintain, so I'm leaning toward stone-look materials: slate-like tile for the floor (the open floor area is very small), probably solid surfacing with a marble appearance for the tub surround, quartz-resin for the countertop. White porcelain sink, tub, and toilet.

For the general look, I'm aiming for a sort of Scandinavian-spa theme. I'm not trying to restore the bathroom to its 1951 glory, because everything I've seen suggests that it would originally have had a wall-hung sink of no distinction. (The powder room has a Victorian oak vanity, like the one in the main bath but very, very small; I'd like to change it to a pedestal sink!)

I haven't gotten far with any choice for the walls. Right now, such open wall area as there is is covered with something that looks at first glance like Laura Ashley (!) wallpaper, but which on close inspection seems to be some sort of weird paneling, held on with finish nails. I'm going to pry up a section of it above the door, but what I expect to find is original drywall, possibly with a skim coat of swirled plaster like what's in the bedrooms.

At one point I had chosen tile for the walls, and I was considering running tile floor-to-ceiling. That would be functional, for sure, but now I think that it might look too institutional. I am not averse to just painting the walls if they can be put into condition for it. The only thing that is absolutely out is wood paneling of any sort -- the house was built with very nice, genuine wood paneling in all or parts of several rooms, but then the owners added fakish wood paneling in several others.

Pictures of what I'm considering in the next post.

Featured Answer

hydeparkgirl

4 years ago

scottie mom makes a good point: Find what you love.

I love colors and have orange, yellow, and rosy beige walls in my house, among other colors. It makes me happy to be in my house. We have a period (late 60s) pink and yellow bath, and I hope to keep it. I tell you this so that you know where my advice comes from (and that you may want to ignore it if your tastes run completely counter to mine!). While I love the idea of putting in a retro bathroom (and the link to retro renovation will find you great things!), it sounds like that's not your style. You could do something simple, like a white floor and white tile. You could do something punchy and fun with the walls if you decide to stay, whether that's wallpaper or a paint color you like. You could go with a color that you think will sell if you decide to go that route. We are adding a bath and went for a larger version of this floating vanity - ours isn't installed yet, but I really like the idea of making it easier to clean the floors (and that's a good idea if you're hoping to age in place!). You do need extra support, so it's worth being sure of that before choosing a floating vanity.

Try not to put too much thought into what others might want. You can't predict it, and it will bum you out if you redo your bathroom and sell your house only to find they've ripped out your new bathroom to do what they want with it (and that you wasted the money).

Good luck, and, again, as scottie mom said, have fun! (And oh, if you live in NY, as your name suggests, I highly recommend adding a heated floor mat under the tile, whatever tile you choose - if you choose to stay there, it will make walking into the bathroom on a cold day a pleasure!)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author
4 years ago
Here are some preliminary choices:

Floor tile (Emser Bombay Satara)

Vanity (this is Kraftmaid's Momentum Frontier and is approximately what I want, but possibly in natural maple, and probably not Kraftmaid). The existing vanity is 36 inches and there is not space for much more. It is important to me to have either a cabinet door or a deep drawer for the wastebasket, because there isn't floor space and I would rather conceal it anyway.

Sink faucet (Grohe)
HKO HKO
4 years ago
You do you, but I don’t feel that looks like bathroom tile. Too dark, too entry feeling. Pictures of your bathroom? Rest of house?
Related Discussions
small bathroom
Q
Comments (4)
Have you tried your local Freecycle, Kijiji, Habitat for Humanity or Craigslist? There are deals out there, local homeowners, and free things at times too! Having just checked the local Kijiji for example, there is a corner shower stall, brand new in the box, builder surplus for sale for $299 (Canadian). Spotted a used, but looks lovely small vanity, chocolate brown, $50. On Craigslist there are several vanity lights for under $25, and many allotments of boxed tile for cheap. I guess it all depends on what/where/how much you plan to spend. Good luck in your renovations! CCK
...See More
help! looking for ideas to update small bathroom
Q
Comments (9)
I think if you want to make this bathroom modern, you're going to have to gut it. sorry. but the tub and tile are very retro cool, and you said your style is modern/traditional. I think with the right accessories, you could make a retro bath work with that. 1. remove the tub glass and frame. there are hole patch kits for the tiles. install a shower curtain. 2. remove and/or replace the wall cabinet, mirror, switch plate and toilet shelf. maybe the towel bar too (but personally I like it). 3. get a handy friend to help you swap out faucets, light fixtures, etc. maybe even a new sink with a small cabinet. 4. finally, give the room a really deep scrubbing, repair any damage, paint, and renew the caulk. buy new towels, rugs, artwork, etc. I suggest a black and white theme to go with the black tile accents. all of this would be very cost effective (maybe around 1k or so, depending on what brands you choose).
...See More
Remodeling small bathroom to add shower while trying to keep terrazzo
Q
Comments (4)
there should be many terrazzo people in FL, since it's such a big thing down there. look for marble restoration companies and see if they do terrazzo. I do know one thing. They aren't cheap. I'd keep as much as you can. I wouldn't worry about having a tub, unless you absolutely need one. if you have room in the master, just have the guest bath all shower
...See More
Small bathroom layout question
Q
Comments (24)
@kirsten4224 Glad to help, I enjoy these projects. The sanitary sewer stack may or may not be compromised. In time corrosion can potentially effect the pipe but an inspection and test should prove if yours has been effected and thus, requires immediate replacing. Can you take some photographs of the stack? As I would like to see what it looks like more closely but ultimately, visually it can look ok, it would still require testing. That being said, even with a good test and good visually appealing pipe, as a home owner you have every right to replace something like this even if it is not compromised. It is not uncommon for individuals to upgrade old mechanical systems despite them functioning just fine, however, it is just as common for individuals to keep old systems that function just fine. I am just trying to point out that this is not necessarily a black and white situation, and if it isn't, then it really becomes your choice, and your choice would neither be right or wrong in this particular situation. Cost is usually the deterring factor in a case where a system works just fine. The plaster repair should not be the element that is cost prohibitive. Given you already need to drywall and finish every wall in that room, including the same wall that the pocket door is being proposed on, there is negligible total sq/ft of drywall work additional. The only extra repair is a strip around both inside edges of where the pocket door will go in and out from. That may-be 5 sq/ft in total or not much more.. and drywall required to close the old doorway from the outside. If that is say a 3ft door your looking at a total of approx. 21sq/ft more. In total 26 sq/ft extra if I am correct. So have them clarify why exactly it is more drywall repair. If anything the additional work is the framing work involved for a pocket door, as I said in a prior message, however, if you plan to frame the floor inside the "maids corridor" plus have that drywall and plumbing work complete, then that expense should be priced marginally in comparison, so some extra drywall work expense should thus, also be negligible. Although, even with fair pricing, at the end of the day it will all come down to what you feel is worth it for you. This is me thinking out-loud.. My advice is to have them itemize costs as much as possible. Especially don't except pricing without an itemized price for the sanitary sewer replacement, and if you are still interested, also for the pocket door. I would be tremendously curious as to what pricing your given for each.
...See More
Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks for the reply! I see what you mean about the tile. It won't be the eventual choice in any case, because the tiles are too large for the area. However, I do think that I want a slate look, not a marble or granite look.

The trouble with a complete redo is that everything has to be chosen before it's possible to choose anything. For example, the floor colors depend partly on the finish of the cabinets.

No pictures, because they would only show what I'm trying to remove, but here's a floor plan.
There are a mirror cabinet and light fixture (the only light fixture in the room) above the vanity, and a wall cabinet above the toilet. The rectangles in the lower right are a shelf-and-door unit opening into the bathroom, and a linen closet opening into the hall. The existing tub has sliding doors but I dislike them - I feel claustrophobic in the tub, and the water here is fairly hard. To my mind, a hotel-style fabric curtain is both more luxurious and more practical.
User
4 years ago
Just get real slate.
Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author
4 years ago
Just get real slate.

Did you read my first post?
User
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Slate is not high maintenance. I don’t know where you got that idea. I have 60 year old slate that only needs swiffering.

Less ungrateful snark over eyes glazing over your novella and the good FREE ADVICE gets you further around here. Most people will just click Back and move on. More bullet points with pictures and diagrams gets you better responses. Or you can always hire a paid designer to give you the same good advice.

The original MCM is highly desirable and should be restored. https://retrorenovation.com/
lafdr
4 years ago
You will get more feedback if you post existing pics since people love to be critical it gives them something to tear apart! : 0 I like your sink base and single handle faucet. I also chose a stone looking tile and wanted a stone look with a smoother finish than real stone. The tile I chose came in whitish/beigeish/brownish choices. Which of those shades is personal choice. So if you are drawn to brown, go for it! I went for the in between beige. Your home sounds very interesting. Hopefully you won't get scared off by mean posters and will update us with your progress and keep posting for feedback!
Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
The original MCM is highly desirable and should be restored.

Nothing in this room is original MCM except the narrow built-in shelf and door unit (just inside the hall door) and its knobs. Everything else was done cheaply 12-15 years ago in Victorian style.

But this is something that I'm keeping in mind with regard to the kitchen, where the cabinets are original. I need a different configuration there to install a dishwasher, but one possibility is just to replace the last cabinet in the row with a wider one, reusing the original end panel. OTOH, the countertop needs to be replaced, and hewing to the original MCM design would mandate laminate again.
Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author
4 years ago
Less ungrateful snark over eyes glazing over your novella and the good
FREE ADVICE gets you further around here. Most people will just click
Back and move on. More bullet points with pictures and diagrams gets
you better responses

I admit that I wrote too much and that it's hard to follow. I appreciated comments about the examples and maybe I leaped prematurely to the conclusion that I was hearing from purists who abhor anything that isn't 100% genuine.

Slate is not high maintenance. I don’t know where you got that idea. I have 60 year old slate that only needs swiffering.

I'd like to know more about your experience with it, especially if it's a bathroom floor. Slate is in period and there is slate in the front entry. Some of the stone vendors include slate in their warning about other natural stone -- that it needs periodic resealing (the 68-year-old slate in the entry is in good condition and I doubt that it was ever resealed), and that any spills must be wiped up within 2-3 seconds. Maybe that's just CYA on their part.
scottie mom
4 years ago
I recently redid a bathroom that had originally been done entirely in Indian slate--shower, floor, and tub surround. I ended up putting a porcelain that looks like slate in the non-shower part of the floor. In retrospect, I'm kind of surprised because I grew to loathe the real slate over time. It's a hateful material in a shower.

As for the rest of it--forgive me, but you're overthinking all of it and it's going to drive you nuts. I know because I've been there, both myself and alongside clients who desperately need direction.

Find someone local who can help you with finishes. Even if you're not moving anything, you need someone to help you make choices. Honestly, I was interested by the story about your house, and then the "Scandinavian Spa" idea sounded intriguing...then the images you posted were a complete surprise, and not in a good way. Let go of what you don't like about what's there. Let go of the stories about the squabbling former owners. Let go of your fears about stone (that doesn't mean you have to use it!) Get with someone who can help you make this project fun for you. That's my advice. Renovation is hard, and it sounds like even the thought of this one is making you miserable.

Also, I really would like to see what that bathroom looks like, but it's for another thread....good luck to you.

p.s. and FWIW, for the rest of my bathroom, I chose plenty of natural stone. Even (gasp) marble! It's beautiful and I love it and it requires nothing special that I find bothersome. Find what you love. A good designer who knows the good tile shop is an excellent place to start.
Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author
4 years ago
We are adding a bath and went for a larger version of this floating vanity - ours isn't installed yet, but I really like the idea of making it easier to clean the floors (and that's a good idea if you're hoping to age in place!). You do need extra support, so it's worth being sure of that before choosing a floating vanity.

I like the look of a floating vanity - the Ikea Godmorgon would be fine with me except that neither is this a DIY job nor is there an Ikea store anywhere near here. A truly floating vanity may not be feasible anyway, because the plumbing runs down through the floor. On the other hand,the pipes are close to the wall, and because the room is so small, a box enclosing them would not be visible (nor would the pipes themselves, I realize).

it will bum you out if you redo your bathroom and sell your house only to find they've ripped out your new bathroom to do what they want with it

I would probably never know! The seller of this house and I never met, and if I were to sell the house within just a few years it would be to move out of the area. In practical terms houses in the immediate neighborhood go to first-time buyers who are financially stretched and can't afford to make any large changes for a while.

While I love the idea of putting in a retro bathroom

I might feel differently if there were anything original to work with beyond the door and window frames, and if the flowering of mid-century design had reached bathrooms by 1951. I have some pictures of original mid-century bathrooms that I like, but they are all from houses built about a decade later. Some of the design elements in them have now come to be considered fresh and new.

Thanks for your comments.

Small bathroom in small MCM house - everything must go!

hydeparkgirl

Comments (12)

Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author

HKO HKO

Related Discussions

Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author

User

Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author

User

lafdr

Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author

Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author

scottie mom

Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Small bathroom in small MCM house - everything must go!

hydeparkgirl

Comments (12)

Paul NY 5b-6aOriginal Author

HKO HKO

Related Discussions

Paul NY 5b-6aOriginal Author

User

Paul NY 5b-6aOriginal Author

User

lafdr

Paul NY 5b-6aOriginal Author

Paul NY 5b-6aOriginal Author

scottie mom

Paul NY 5b-6aOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author

Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author

Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author

Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author

Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author

Paul NY 5b-6a
Original Author