Since the final days of bathroom month are upon us, we wanted to take a look at a beautiful bathroom in the making - a rehab by Art and Chel. Jump below for photos and details of the challenges and successes of one huge job:
Since the final days of bathroom month are upon us, we wanted to take a look at a beautiful bathroom in the making - a rehab by Art and Chel. Jump below for photos and details of the challenges and successes of one huge job:
Positions of future toilet and heat mat.

Choosing Colors - Ralph Lauren's River Rock Series

Doesn't look like a simple install. Art's caption says it all..."there are easier tiles to lay".

Grout color is called Haystack.

Trying out the tub.
Recess in the tub surrond. Art says, "This was the only pipe and duct free space."

Completed Recess Detail
Almost done and looking really good. Art says, "Waiting for bamboo tub apron, touch-ups and glass. Toilet is functioning now after I realized the caps for the floor mounting screws were stuck in the space between the tank and bowl. Radiant heat is wired and running!"
Really amazing job, Art & Chel - looking forward to seeing the totally finished project! Thanks for tagging your photos with "apartmenttherapychicago".
great job guys!
view Lizzykewl's profile
I've always wondered if "tile" like this would be a bit too much, but I think this looks awesome! Can't wait to see the final pics.
view mattab's profile
This is amazing! I renovated the kitchen myself; I've been going back and forth about whether I should DIY the bathroom.
This has inspired me to go the diy route! (At least most of it will be DIY - I have a phobia of touching toilets with my hands).
view david @ justveggingout.com's profile
I remember Art posted a while back about having these tiles sitting in boxes forever...glad you finally put them to good use. So far so good!
view emhoop's profile
Radiant heat...that's my dream.
view Lesley's profile
Thanks everybody!
While we did a lot of work diy style, Big Art was there for the skilled work. We couldn't have done it without him! And my little brother too.
We decided to go white on the walls rather than the textured RL River Rock paint (even though I love it) to keep things clean and simple. The fixtures are white so, overall I'm happy with the decision.
view art's profile
Looks great! You did a much better job putting in the river rock than my so-called professionals.
view smile's profile
I purchased river rock tile 4years ago for my entire bathroom floor. Everyone including the sales associate thought we were insane but we did it. It was easy to install but you must seal, seal, seal. Today, I can't open a magazine without seeing it on the walls and floor. This makes me very happy.
P.S. keep a bag of grout never by for touchups
view luvdecor's profile
Nice toilet. Very comfortable.
view SeanG's profile
looks great! what kind of toilet is that?
view LegsBattaglia's profile
The toilet is the Starck 3 by Duravit.
It is a great way to get a Duravit design at an affordable price.
view art's profile
Specifically, Starck 3 two-piece toilet.
view art's profile
ART and CHEL - BEAUTIFUL work. Absolutely stunning. It is a work of LOVE. I hope this is your space that you can enjoy a looong time. Hope to see the final pictures - I am sure it will look worthy to be published in a magazine.
view Anusha73's profile
Gorgeous! I think one of the lighter paint shades would best complement the stone.
view farmhousemoderne's profile
I HATE the tiles in my bathroom, but assumed that if I pulled them down I would have to replace the drywall behind them before re-tiling (because the paper-backing would rip off). It looks like you didin't have to that here. Am I mistaken? Can I just pull down the old tiles and put ip new ones? How did you know where stuff was behind the walls?
view thebear's profile
@thebear,
It depends on the condition of your wall. If it was constructed of cement backer board you should be alright. I went a step further and coated every seam in the wall with fiberglass tape and a liquid waterproof membrane. When that membrane dries you have watertight seams. This is going a step further than the contractor--the membrane is expensive if you use a lot of it. It is well worth it though as the original shower in the small bathroom is already leaking (that one's next).
A fresh layer of mastic will provide a new level base for your new tiles.
As far as knowing what is behind the walls, I replaced the tub so I could tell where the pipes were. You would have to use a stud finder and possible have to make a couple of "peep holes" to find what's behind the wall. That is if you are going to build a recess. But that is a bit more detailed process than just putting up tile.
view art's profile
Holy crap, that looks amazing. Great job. Can't wait to see the finished room.
view brittanykate's profile
Nice job! Your doing it yourself?! Can't wait to see the bamboo tub surround!
view PlanItGirl's profile
Spoooooky... we chose the same thing for our bath's remodel. Including the Starck toilet.
So, basically, you guys have excellent taste!
view modtramp's profile
Hi I was wondering if you could help me out with a question for my bathroom remodel.
I see the you've made a bamboo apron that sits flush with the front lip of the tub. I need to do that (but with tile instead). SO...
1)How did you build the front frame. Can you give me the dimensions of the wood and what you did there
2) How did you make sure the frame and backerboard would come out to the right width so that when you laid the bamboo it sat flush
If you could be as specific as possible that would be SO helpful. I've never done this before and I'm trying it on my own. Thanks! Your bathroom looks AWESOME!
view intern4life's profile