Ah, Golddust, you do not want to do what I did (or didn't do). This is an 1850 house, and the plumbing pictured is the only option. In order to pull it off, the tub needs to be raised up. Before the remodel/repainting, it sat on four ugly wood blocks (courtesy of a former owner). My contractor decided to build a more attractive platform. Nice idea, but then unrelated events were set into motion and he ended up quitting my remodel and going into another business. This was a blow because he did a great job on other areas of the house, and the very rural area in which I live isn't exactly overrun with reliable workers. Since then I've approached two other contractors about finishing the job. One sounds like he might actually do it.....one of these days. In addition to the plumbing/platform, the room needs new wiring over the sink, and cabinet hardware installed. Meanwhile, after a lot of time spent looking forward to taking a bath (yes, we have a stall shower, thank heavens), my hip arthritis has progressed to the point where I'm no longer able to sit on the floor, and I have serious doubts about my ability to get in and out of that tub. So the way it looks now, it's possible the tub will never be usable in my lifetime--or, if it is, I won't use it. That's the long answer. :-)

What are the dimensions on the pantry wall? You are smart to recognize how you really live, and plan for backpack space. I think the tidiest look would be a low built-in, open at the top. Eventually you could put a hinged lid and window seat, but for now, keep it open. Top access keeps things from spilling into the walkway, and dividers inside separates each person's stuff. In my upcoming remodel, I'm building what I call a "pantry wall", but it will function as command center, desk, and pantry. It will be 5' wide, floor to ceiling, 12" deep on one side and 20" deep on the other. On the 12" side, I plan to keep cookbooks, canned goods, small appliances. No pullouts. I'm adding 2 outlets inside one of the cabinets, for chargers. I would not use glass fronts, as you have shown, if it will be storage space. You said "I don't know how much I would store there". I suggest you go through your existing cabinets, and make a list of what you have. Then go through the new layout, one cabinet/drawer at a time, and figure out what is going to go in each space. Measure stuff. Decide what will work in your space next to the fridge; where the dishes will go; where to put things that need to be handy for cooking. That will help you determine what's left to go in the pantry shelves. One thing I asked my cabinet maker to do is add extra shelves to many of the upper cabinets. If the shelf will house cans of soup or coffee mugs, it doesn't need to be 12" high. I'll have more shelves, spaced closer together. Boxes of cereal need more space. I can see this being useful in your pantry cabinet.

mjlb - I love that too! Although I didn't do that on mine, I think it would be an easy update. I also like the sconces on the columns. jakabedy - Oh good, I did something right? Thank you for that. I never really thought of the mini brick as contemporary (maybe the glass, but not the other) ... probably becuase it still has that traditional subway pattern. My main conern is using the same size (whether 1x2, 2x4, or 3x6) for both bs and fp. I also thought that using the smaller tile would provide more variation in the color of the stones, and give a bit of a casual, slightly rustic look????

Hi all, Thanks for the replies! I went to order the darker hex and lo and behold it’s out of stock across the country till late February. Start date is January. So bummed! Ordered a sample of the lighter stuff but not feeling crazy about it. I had my heart set on hex, but should I just do a dark gray rectangle tile? As for the vanity, yes it is not my first choice. I have looked at everything out there including pedestals. I am picky! I was about to have one custom made, but thought this is a bathroom, how much do I want to spend on a room I spend the least amount of time in? So, now I’m just not sure.