(Welcome to Bathroom Month! We're taking inspiring bathroom submissions from our readers. Join us. All info is here.)
Chick Click wrote and told us, "When I purchased my condo, my mom made that tsking sound with her teeth and said, "It doesn't look like you have any storage in the bathroom." She was right. All I had was one fabulous medicine chest and a cabinet sink that I thought was hideous!
After a year, I tore out the cabinet sink even though it was brand new. I had plans for a pedestal sink. Everyone told me that I would miss the storage. I don't. I do have a good closet in the hallway right outside the bathroom door so that's where towels, TP and other bathroom storage goes.
I was lucky to find the perfect pedestal sink at a going out of business sale for $48. So since the sink was practically free, I spent $150 on the faucet that I found online. (faucets.com) I LOVE it!
Every unit in my building has the same bathroom, only the tile colors are changed, and many of them have new, full size pedestal sinks (or what I call ginormous) that are just too big for the room. I opted for a 'petite' sink and I'm so glad I did. Really, how much sink do you need to wash your face and brush your teeth? And, the smaller footprint for the sink makes the bathroom look more spacious.
Recently I borrowed Danny Seo's medicine cabinet solution (which was absolutely brilliant ... and reorganized mine! Everything in the medicine chest is used daily - once a week minimum.
On the opposite wall I installed shelves for daily use items that don't fit in the medicine chest. (since I have no drawers or countertops) My styling brushes fit in a galvanized flower can along side the hairspray, and I still have room for one or two pretty display items.
I didn't have to do or spend much to make my bath perfect for me.... unless you count the $1100 plumbing job I sponsored last week! Take away lesson... don't use Drano on 50-year-old galvanized steel pipes - and use a hair trap!
Also, I know some folks might balk at the tile color... but I just think of it as sherbert! I don't think it needs anything more that white walls, white towels and rug to offset it. The natural light makes the colors fun and cheery!
Thanks to ClickChick for sending the photos and tips of a vintage bathroom done right!
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I must admit that I am bored to tears by bathroom design, but when I read Clickchick's description I was intrigued. I loved the idea of the smaller sink, great idea in a small bathroom. I was also interested in the faucet - but am I missing something? I don't see pictures of them. those would have been much more interesting than the shelves on the wall.
Oh, this post makes me so excited! I also have a hideous cabinet sink which is my only bathroom store and have been lusting for a pedestal sink since we first moved into our home, two years ago.
This actually gives me a light at the end of a tunnel in that I can have both a pedestal sink and storage solutions.
I too would like to see the fabulous faucet (and sink).
Hi Everyone:
Your wish is my command...
I rechecked and I did have a photo of the sink too, so I added it into the post.
Enjoy!
Wow!
What an honor to be featured. I didn't really realize just how well I was using the space until I wrote it up for AT.
Manty, I've added the faucet and sink (jessica) to my flickr set. Click my name for the link.
I love the floor!!
You've done an excellent job with creative storage. Well done!
Thanks! Great sink. Love the idea of having the sink take up a smaller footprint. Love this idea.
I love the colors of the wall tile -- think they are very soft & soothing. and i agree with you about the size of the sink (besides, it's less counter-top to clean as well.) your bathroom is swell!
I am intrigued by this bathroom because mine is almost exactly like it, but I lack a shower (I have only a bathtub). How did you deal with the window that is in the shower? If I added a shower, I don't know how to keep the window from warping, etc., and I would rather not replace it with a vinyl one if I didn't have to. Also, do you use a curtain over it for privacy? Thanks!
I would trade my pink tile (same vintage) for yours any day!
Very cute. I really like the side mirror. That showerhead gives me the willies, though... too serpentine.
WINDOW
The window in the shower is a casement window... so it's the threat of rusty metal, not rotting wood that I have to contend with. I WD-40 the operator turnout a couple times a year - but I do that for all my windows.
(a glass block replacement might be a consideration)
See my flickr set by clicking the link below. I have notes in many of the photos.
I installed a shower-stall sized rod in the window (staggered at about five feet so that I can still see the blue sky while showering!) And I cut down an old shower curtain (rice paper print) to fit the window. (It has a deep ledge which is tiled) I live on the top (3rd) floor so any looky-loos would have to work pretty hard to invade my privacy. (only a minor concern about showering at night = silhouetted )
FLOOR
That peachy/orange floor is definately love it or hate it! I love the pattern and I accepted the color by the time I closed on the property!
And you know... the color combination of the tile is just cheery. A big help for a morning grump like me! Hard to feel blah in my bathroom.
SINK
I didn't realize just how perfect the petite sink was until I was forced out my bathroom for the plumbing project. My neighbor let me use her shower for a week. What an angel! She has one of the huge pedestal sinks, and it really impressed me as too big for the space ( + more to clean!)
In Virginia
I don't think a shower head would be too tough to install - I suppose you need a window solution first though.
Thanks everyone for your comments!
Doug,
Maybe for you! :-P (It was standard in the remodel.)
Actually, it's great because at 5ft 5in, I like the force of the water right on my head in order to get the suds out of my thick hair.
But guests can crank it high enough to accomodate their height.
And when muscles are sore after a work out, you can direct the massage head directly to muscle in need.
(be nice - i sent my aunt this link!)
I love the wall mirror! can you tell me where you got it?
Oh dear! The mirror was a TJMaxx find many years ago.
At least a full year before I even dreamt of my condo. (but they were very popular at the time - Target had similar ones - maybe you can scavange for one?)