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Flickr Finds: Art and Chel's Bathroom Rehab...In Progress

2008-03-28-artchel1.jpgSince 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:

 
 
2008-03-28-bath.jpgPositions of future toilet and heat mat.

2008-03-28-paint.jpg
Choosing Colors - Ralph Lauren's River Rock Series

2008-03-28-tiles.jpg
Doesn't look like a simple install. Art's caption says it all..."there are easier tiles to lay".

2008-03-28-grout.jpg
Grout color is called Haystack.

2008-03-28-tub.jpg
Trying out the tub.

2008-03-28-recess.jpgRecess in the tub surrond. Art says, "This was the only pipe and duct free space."

2008-03-28-recess2.jpg
Completed Recess Detail

2008-03-28-nearly.jpg 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".

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Comments (20)

great job guys!

posted by Lizzykewl on March 28th 2008 at 8:29am
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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.

posted by mattab on March 28th 2008 at 8:31am
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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).

posted by david @ justveggingout.com on March 28th 2008 at 8:35am
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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!

posted by emhoop on March 28th 2008 at 8:38am
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Radiant heat...that's my dream.

posted by Lesley on March 28th 2008 at 8:39am
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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.

posted by art on March 28th 2008 at 8:44am
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Looks great! You did a much better job putting in the river rock than my so-called professionals.

posted by smile on March 28th 2008 at 8:53am
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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

posted by luvdecor on March 28th 2008 at 9:06am
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Nice toilet. Very comfortable.

posted by SeanG on March 28th 2008 at 9:19am
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looks great! what kind of toilet is that?

posted by LegsBattaglia on March 28th 2008 at 9:21am
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The toilet is the Starck 3 by Duravit.

It is a great way to get a Duravit design at an affordable price.

posted by art on March 28th 2008 at 9:34am
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Specifically, Starck 3 two-piece toilet.

posted by art on March 28th 2008 at 9:36am
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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.

posted by Anusha73 on March 28th 2008 at 10:09am
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Gorgeous! I think one of the lighter paint shades would best complement the stone.

posted by farmhousemoderne on March 28th 2008 at 10:10am
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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?

posted by thebear on March 31st 2008 at 7:11am
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@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.

posted by art on March 31st 2008 at 8:15am
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Holy crap, that looks amazing. Great job. Can't wait to see the finished room.

posted by brittanykate on March 31st 2008 at 10:37am
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Nice job! Your doing it yourself?! Can't wait to see the bamboo tub surround!

posted by PlanItGirl on March 31st 2008 at 1:02pm
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Spoooooky... we chose the same thing for our bath's remodel. Including the Starck toilet.

So, basically, you guys have excellent taste!

posted by modtramp on October 10th 2008 at 6:44am
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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!

posted by intern4life on October 7th 2009 at 11:19am
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