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Remodeling Design Dilemma Bathrooms

Bathroom Remodel (Vanity and Tile Ideas)

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

I have attached pictures of my current master bathroom, as well as a secondary bathroom (all bathrooms look the same - colors of vanity, countertop and tile). I thought there was a leak in the wall or vanity causing a musty smell underneath one of the vanities, and you can see in a picture that it has now been removed.

It is now obvious that the musty smell and humidity is coming from underneath the tub structure (red cellophane). If you pull it slightly to the side you get hit in the face with the smell and can feel very high humidity and temperature. So, I am thinking the tub needs to be removed and potentially some of the wall in order to find the issue, whether that be around the window or potentially a bad seal between the vapor barrier and exterior (the wall isn't finished behind the tub structure).

The tile has been discontinued (Emser Genoa Luca), or else I was planning to just refinish the bathroom with removing the built-in tub, completing the tile to the wall, and installing a freestanding tub with new vanities. Since the tile is no longer made and I don't have enough to complete the job (builder did leave a small amount in the attic), I will need to re-do the tile floor, as well as new vanities and freestanding tub. Does anyone have any ideas at a good way to get/find or just know of a tile that will "flow" with the tile in the shower (same Emser Genoa Luca). I am not doing this job because it is something I want to do, so I haven't saved up the money to do a full bathroom remodel. So, I am thinking I could save some money by not redoing the shower tile.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations on well-built vanities? I am wanting to change the vanity design to where each one would have 3-4 drawers nearest the wall and then 2 cabinets (instead of the current just 2 cabinet design).

TLDR: Is there an easy way to find/match tile for something that has been discontinued? Does anyone have a tile recommendation to go with Emser Genoa Luca tile if you have seen it before? Is there a well-known and well-built vanity that won't break the bank?

Thank you everyone!

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Comments (4)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
IMO this whole bathroom needs to be gutted and started over who knows where else there is leaks better to start new than try to match any old tile to new. You do not have space for a free standing tub since it needsat least 12” all around it for cleaning so if you rip out the shower you can reconfigure the space to have a nicer vanity size an alcove tub and a bigger shower IMO a no brainer and if money is tight do a simple 12 x24 porcelain tile for shower walls bathroom floor . I have no idea what that last picture shows . If you post a to scale floor plan with the windows doorways and toilet placement showing I bet you will get lots of ideas for a much better bathroom and a lot better ROI than leaving that very dated shower. By the time the tub is removed the water damge repaired it is IMO just better to do it right and I bet tere is issues with water in that shower if the tub had issues.
Jeff B
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you for the comments. I wasn't aware that 12" were needed on all sides of a freestanding tub, I was thinking 6" between the top lip (side) of the tub and the wall would be sufficient. Thank you for letting me know this (I am new to any sort of remodeling, so being sincere).

The last picture was just to show the colors of the house and wood floor that are throughout. I saw another post where it was asked to see colors in other areas of the house. That bathroom is just a half bath, but it uses the same tile, vanity and countertop as the other bathrooms.

I am not opposed to taken everything out and completely redoing it/re-arranging it. I would like to keep it on the cheaper end versus spending $30k+ on a bathroom remodel. I am hoping to keep it closer to $10k, but I also want to do it right.

This bath tub has probably been used <10 times in the past 4 years, so I am thinking that it is either water coming in around the window or potentially not a good seal behind the insulation (the wall isn't finished under the tub surround). But, I definitely want to take things out and make sure it is fixed the first time. The tub hasn't been used in the past 6 months, and you can just feel the heat and humidity underneath it when removing the cellophane (I live in a very high humidity area).

I am also attaching a picture that I put together showing the current dimensions of the bathroom. I am not sure on how it could be re-arranged with the window being centered on the wall, but I am open for any/every idea.
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Comments (3)
In our small bathroom with shower we have 4 x 4 tiles up the wall to chair rail height. In our case the shower tile was in great shape so we just replaced the vanity, counter, sink, faucet, med cabinet, vanity light, towel bars and we painted. It looks much better in there now. In another 1960s bathroom we gutted we used a Swanstone shower/tub enclosure. Here is their website and there are lots of colors and speckled patterns. We had a contractor measure first so I bought the right size from Lowes. I love that there are no tile grout lines to scrub. We chose the color Prairie from their Earth collection because it's manufactured from recycled materials. I love the tall shower niche we got with it and the way it's finished around the edges. You could fit one up against the 4 x 4 tile you are keeping. Then you don't have to be concerned you aren't matching the tile perfectly. Here is ours: Here is a link that might be useful: Swanstone shower walls kits website
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That is just too small for two doors. I would close off one and put a 5'6" tub across the end with a toilet and vanity lined up along the wall. I would save until I had the money. Anything else is a waste.
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ORB will technically work with chrome, yes..speaking of your lighting the rest you'll see after you know your other choices. The hardware need to have smth similar..say you have a lot of round, softer lines(existing lights, trim)-so I'd pick it when choosing faucet too. Unless you want to get away from it-and then existing lighting might or might not work. In short, it's not only about finishes. I would try to keep to the current vintage vibe-easier..and is attractive enough, well at least to me. Checkerboard flooring might be cool..I'm just thinking aloud. now, thank you for mentioning your bathtub and toilet are ivory (lucky you..I like ivory)..yes, something to take in the account, definitely, but easier to work with than with the existing vinyl -vinyl is bossier. can you post a picture of gray vanity with white/gray countertop your daughter envisions? There are many shades to gray..some will be too cool and stark while others might work. Lilac gray. Green gray. If warm enough.. I like the idea of a nice woven shade..will slightly repeat ORB as well, since they share this vibe of warmth, you know?.. I like the idea of deep drawers that mayflowers suggested, perfect for towels. Well deep drawers are kinda great to have whenever.
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Please post proper pics not the fish eye ones and black, white, brown and gray not exactly making my heart go pitter patter for decor. IMO keep it simple forget the colored lights IMO your inspo pic is awesome stick with that look and you will not go wrong. Same color floor as shower walls and honestly unless you are doing a black sink , toilet and tub I would return those black fixtures and go silver . nice high gloss white vanity with a white and gray marble top , timeless and beautiful spa like space .
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Jeff B
Original Author
3 years ago
I was able to remove the tub today, and I found where the hot, humid air is coming from. I believe that is also the source of the smell. There is a large hole cut in the floor for the plumbing. The hole leads into the wall that is between the garage and living room (bathroom is on a second floor).

I am still thinking to retile the bathroom and update it, hoping that a freestanding tub could be installed with ~6 inches on the 3 sides (wall and both vanities). With a freestanding tub, I believe this hole would be covered and sealed from airflow.
PRO
Custom Home
3 years ago
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