apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Jeremy, I love your bathroom. Simple functional, elegant. I'll keep your reference for my own bathroom redo.

Jeremy-Really lovely bathroom, very soothing tones. I like the simplicity and uncluttered feel of it. I also like how the wall color (it's a soft grey, yes? hard to tell from the pics) plays against the travertine. The double-vessel sinks = very decadent. (Do you have any problem with water-spotting on the sinks? Does it require much more upkeep/clean-up?) If this were my bathroom, I'd save my pennies to retrofit a steam/shower in that huge stall--with yes, a double-headed showerhead--and install a jacuzzi tub. The place already feels like a day spa, why not go for it. (I probably would have gone with a much darker wood for the cabinets, but that's me...) Overall, I think the place definitely rocks.

Very, very nice. Have you thought about hanging anything over the tub? Maybe a wool wallhanging or something that feels organic?

One more thought... dimmer switches. It looks like you may already have Lutron dimmer switches (can't tell for sure). But, if not, definitely consider them. Who says bathrooms shouldn't be sexy with mood lighting, when appropriate?

Holy god I want this bathroom. It's so understated and beautiful. Now this is apartment porn--I could live in this bath!

Beautiful!!!

The shower is definitely my dream shower. Like someone else said, I think I would trade my entire apartment for this bathroom!

Other than the dimmer switches suggestion, I wouldn't change a thing. This is completely restful, beautiful, and less is definitely more.

this bathroom looks heavenly. i'd put a chandelier over the tub. i like your little plant on the windowsill, you should add more greenery-- maybe small shelves on that big blank wall above tub with lots of little plants... or framed sixties mod bikinis.

I really love this bathroom, with the 2 sinks and separate bath and shower. I think the choice of stone also is beautiful. And you are super lucky to have a window!
But, I consider this website to be geared towards the smaller spaces and strict restrictions of NYC. It seems unfair for me to compare this bathroom and the LA bathroom with the NYC bathrooms. It is clear that your bathroom is huge, larger than most bedrooms here in NYC. This site is great because it helps show what kind of creative things one can do in even a super small space to make it beautiful and fuctional. Therefore, I cannot in good concsious give this bathroom an "it rocks".
It is really nice though and I am sure like me, many new yorkers are envious of the size.

Naomi: I partially disagree re: bathroom size (but agree with you on the NYC angle).
Although most NYC spaces are small, larger bathrooms like Jeremy's are actually pretty standard for new construction (post-2000) buildings. I have friends who live in new bldgs and brownstones in Brooklyn and Hoboken that all have bathrooms that are 8x10 or so. Another lives in a renovated Victorian (railroad) where the 7x15 bathroom (w/jacuzzi!) was created by knocking down a wall between two small "maid's" rooms.

I think the stone is beautiful and the colors blend well together. It looks rather elegant...nice enough to be in the Kohler catalouge. But I do not feel that it rocks...it is missing a perosnal touch...their is nothing in hear that speaks of the person who lives in it other than they are happy to go with whats in the book rather than be creative and have some fun.

Their is nothing daring...or spectacular.

Alk, I guess I haven't seen any of these apartments in NYC with large bathrooms, and definitely haven't lived in any. So, maybe I was wrong about the size issue. I still like a nyc competition over a national one. But again, I want to stress that I do like this bathroom.

Ugh, it looks like a hotel bathroom.

KJ--
You lucky devil... to stay in such nice hotels!

This really is a gorgeous bathroom. Since the bathtub has no shower in it (because the shower is separate), there are no tiles, on that huge wall, which usually end up give a little extra visual interest (or busy-ness? tomayto, tomahto).

So, my little old eye is kind of trying to figure out what it wants to see filled in on that wall, instead. But I love how clean and simple it all is, so I'd be tempted to just mirror that entire wall above the tub, so the marble in the shower would be reflected. But perhaps only if I worked out more, since that marble wouldn't be the only thing reflected. Or maybe a frosted mirror on that whole wall?

Or maybe art of some kind? But boy you'd want to select and hang it that pretty carefully, if it were going right above a tub.

I have mixed feelings about this bathroom. It is stunning--no question. But I got the hotel feeling, like KJ, though of course much higher-end than any hotel I've actually stayed in. I agree with me that it needs more of a personal touch. Are you guys still adding stuff like that? If the condo has just been finished, maybe you are. Maybe Doug's suggestion of a hanging over the tub would work, or maybe some cool artsy mirror like (Rob & Barb's? can't remember), though larger than theirs.

me--
If this is so "by the book" why don't more bathrooms look like it?

While I can see the point about it seeming overly minimal, I sooooo envy them being able to hit that note, and REALLY envy all the super-luxe finishes. I also think in a space like this, one single Monstera leaf in a vase would solve the "problem".

I think this is also another case of a bathroom not necessarily showing itself off to its best potential in these kinds of photos, since I think the subtlety of the stone, the feel of the steel, etc. all contribute to the feel in person. I also think some moodier lighting would put this bath over the top, in a good way.

Kudos for making this space your own with your elegant choices. I would be interested in understanding more about what the "givens" were in the builder's original plan, and what you all customized.

And you people are going to make a liar out of me yet, re: vessel sinks. I think these work really well here, and the color of the metal with respect to the wall color is really a home run.

But I stand by my assessment that vessel sinks will indeed "date" a bathroom, long-term (he says, in a sheepish attempt to save face...)

Thanks everyone for the nice comments.

Enrique - The bathroom walls are chatroom gray from Sherwin Williams. I know, completely geeky name for paint! They have a little bit of a green tint to them as well. Our bathroom walls are the slightly lighter Techno Gray. The shower is in fact a steam shower and has 3 body sprays. We are embarrassed to admit this sometimes as we weren't looking for that when we bought and my wife didn't even know what body sprays were before we bought. It is definitely a nice feature. It was especially nice after the long days of moving into the place. The tub is a jacuzzie tub, but like I said we aren't really tub people and haven't used it yet. I like the dimmer switch idea and will definitely look into that. Right now it is just standard light switches. We do have three lights, one over the tub, one in the shower, and the vanity light so you can get a dim feeling by just switching on the tub light or shower light. The vessels do get water spots easily so I would really think about your comfort level with that before anyone makes the decision to get stainless sinks. We have to wipe them down every day or two with stainless steel cleaner. I agree that a dark ebony color for the cabinets would have been nice, but these match the kitchen cabinets and cherry floors throughout the unit. I actually think we have the same towel rod and shower control valves Enrique!

Doug - We are definitely looking for ideas on what to put on the walls. Right now I have no idea. I really like Enrique's bathroom with the art but I would be afraid of putting anyting too nice in there as it can get steamy in there. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

me - It is lacking in those items that really set apart a great place from just a nice place. We moved in only 1.5 months ago and have primarily been trying to get boxes unpacked and the other rooms put together. Hopefully through more time and some good suggestions here it will have that personal touch. I do think that the style of the space and materials we chose do match our personalities/style and if you could see our whole place as a home rather than just this small piece you would hopefully get that feeling.

I definitely understand the views of those that say our bathroom isn't what would normally be expected for NYC or this competition. I didn't enter it to win, rather to get some ideas on how to finish off the decorating of the room. If you want to not vote for it or give it a leaves me flat rating that is great. I have really enjoyed reading AT over the past few months and always am able to get ideas from the things I see even if my housing situation is different than most of the apartments featured here. I hope that maybe someone can find some ideas from our place and apply them to their smaller bathroom if possible. I think it is a tribute to what AT has created that people from outside of NYC are participating in contests and discussions. I know that after reading about the Japanese soaking tubs on here I keep having this little voice in my head telling me it would be ok to rip out the jacuzzi tub that is in there now and get a stainless steel soaking tub some day!

Thanks again everyone for your comments and suggestions.

I saw this once in a store in Nolita, and I think it would look great over your bath--squares of gold leaf, literally applied as squares with small spaces in between to form a grid-like pattern. It's hard to visualize without seeing it.

I still cannot say I am a big fan of vessel sinks, but I think yours and Enrique's are the nicest I've seen.

Can I ask what color the paint is? It's a great taupe.

It's certainly a nice bathroom, and the marble is lovely, but it doesn't look "finished" yet. I know you've just moved in...the big needs to my eye are window treatments and a change of lighting fixture. The long fluorescent lightbulb and big slab of mirror remind me of the typical tract house treatment every developer puts in the master bath. If you can't change the mirror, definitely put something on top of it (like a frame) or around it or beside it (plants, maybe?). Or maybe some shelving to go with the shelves that should be put up by the tub. Anyway, good luck and enjoy.

How about some large (bordering on huge) stone architectural fragment on the wall above the tub? It could introduce an organic element, relate to the stone of the shower, and be impervious to water. Would look killer with a down-light.

Second choice would be a large zinc architectural fragment, relating back to the sink and tap metals.

And maybe an orchid on the counter betwixt the dueling vessels? A basket of white towels?

If all else fails, I think this bathroom just really needs you and your significant other traipsing around in luxurious white terry robes, post-body spray. :)

Since you are looking into an 'art' option of above the tub, I'd like to recommend a stag horn fern (Platycerium grande).
It is an exceptionally showy, low maintenance plant that can be grown on a vertical frame (hence, hung from the wall), requires very little direct sun light (hence, may do great next to that glass block window) and takes very little water (you may find it gets enough moisture from your steam shower).
I am a Chicagoan, myself, and would recommend you head over the Grand Street Gardens or Gethsemane Garden Center to look at one.
Great bathroom- and i think the fern would really be in keeping with the richness of the materails you have used.

ps-- I have no problem with this contest being open to parts past NYC, or to this being an enviably large space. Inspiration can and should come from all places, in any size. Glad to see gorgeous solutions and pride-of-place coming from all over the country.

Josephine--
A brilliant suggestion... exactly the "organic architecture" for this space!!

One or a series of artistiscally painted ceramic tiles (my mom had a nice one) or framed mosaic tile art piece could work well on a bathroom wall without much concern about moisture. Don't limit yourself just to prints or painted art.

Jeremy-Now I'm REALLY (chatroom-grey-with-a-hint-of-)green with envy. Steam shower AND a jacuzzi? My god, you two have my dream bathroom. Next you'll be telling me that you have radiant floor heating, too... And for the record, this bathroom is a whole lot nicer than most hotel bathrooms I've stayed in. (And I'm lucky enough to stay at some pretty nice hotels--if only because of the expense account.) Put the jacuzzi and steam shower to good use, damn it! Do it for those of us who must do without. (Maybe ease into it with an inaugural jacuzzi, complete with candles and a bottle of Veuve?) One final note on dimmers, check with your lighting showroom regarding specifically what type of dimmer is required by your fixtures--single pole, low-voltage, incandescent/halogen, three-way, etc. The wrong dimmer and you'll end up with a lot of buzzing becuase it can't be properly grounded. Cheers again on the great job. The room looks great in its simple state. When you least expect it, you'll find the perfect piece of art or decor that will work for you. No need to rush that decision.

Oh, yes I do think your bathroom rocks! You made good choices all around with the stone and fixtures. I also really like the glass brick window. I think it gets a bad rap. Here is a good use that provides privacy and plenty of light.

Or, if you choose to forego the art route, but want to continue to make us even MORE jealous, that wall at the foot of the tub is really the perfect place for a flat screen TV... :)

Sadist.

What are those circular metal knobs (?) to the left of each sink? Is that a newfangled way to activate the water? OMG, I have to start making money.

I want to second Patrick's comments regarding the appropriateness of entering this bathroom in the contest. Whether large or small, the owners of all the bathrooms put thought into their spaces and should be congratulated on them.

I bookmarked Jeremy's bath because I love the finishes so much--if I get the money together, I too will be using a stone similar to his in my (tiny) bath and will choose a similar wall color if appropriate. I like his large mirror as is too, and will definitely use his reference for the shower fixtures even if I choose something different.

This bathroom, even if large, is exquisitely done, and the ideas can be used in smaller spaces, particularly as the materials chosen are so wonderful and calm.

Jeremy -- as to the art over the tub. If you want something there, I like Patrick's ideas, but it is more than evident that you have excellent taste and will come up with something you love.

KUDOS on this great space. Again, my god I want this bathroom!

A lighting/chandelier possibilty...
Verner Panton's Fun 1, in shell (to keep natural):

dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=6564

or in chrome, for ultra funk:
www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=6563

I like how the repetition of the disk shapes "talks" to your window grid, but manages to loosen things up at the same time, and how either of the two finishes already "knows another guest at your party" (as Curtis put it so beautifully!)

Granted, it introduces a huge jump in vibe, but it could really be fun, and give the serene space a tiny jolt of "acidity".

Both are also available as floor models, too.

wow, very nice, serene, soothing. i like the glass block window--you're lucky to have a bathroom w/ natural lighting! is it a pain to keep the shower looking nice? i like the look of those all-glass shower enclosures, but i've always wondered about maintenance. i also have the same question that someone posted earlier: what are those little stainless steel things by the sinks?

I don't think the size of the room has anything to do with how cool it is. I think everyone would be really impressed by a tiny bathroom that was well thought out and gorgeous.

Well, this one really wangs my chung. And it *does* look like people live here - neat people with good taste.

Regarding over the tub:
"How about some large (bordering on huge) stone architectural fragment on the wall"

I swear, I was gonna say the same damn thing!

OR - you might think of three small shelves with three stone figures on them - anything from kouros figure-y to venus of willendorf-y to - - whatever. I've always found sea/water/shell/etc. motifs in bathrooms too obvious, but I love the idea of human bodies in a room where - you wash your body. I don't know what your lighting situation is above, but they might be (high)lighted in some way...

Or instead of shelves, you could just cut out the wall, make some built-in niches, light them, and then lay in your tub admiring all the beauty.

Those stainless steel knobs? They raise and lower the stoppers (not sure of the proper term) in the bottoms of the sinks.

BTW, I like this bathroom.

How about wood Asian panel doors on the wall? Something with a nice grid pattern to keep the zen going. The wood keeps things natural but adds a different texture.

The glass bricks are an especially nice touch in a Chicago bathroom, given that they were used so much in construction there. Sort of connects the room to the outside.

Wow. Thanks everyone for the great comments and suggestions. Now I just have to keep track of all these ideas.

jamie pup is right. Those little knobs actually control the stopper in the sinks. I had never seen them before, but they came with our faucets. The faucet is the Danze Parma. Kohler sells a stopper for the sink with just a pull on the stopper itself, but this solution worked much better.

sooj, the shower isn't that hard too keep clean. Much easier than the sinks. We just wipe the glass clean with windex a couple of times a week. It really only gets a little filmy looking on the bottom third after about 3 - 4 days of showering.

Patrick, the things we were able to change/choose were the flooring and countertop, all the shower and vanity fixtures, sinks, cabinet hardware, and lighting fixture above the vanity. The layout and other basics were pre-set. I should have included a picture of what the "standard" bathroom that was included in the units looked like as the other units haven't been occupied yet and have a much more traditional look with brushed nickel fixtures, light cream/pink polished marble, undermount sinks, and cream walls. As far as a flat screen in the bathroom, I don't think my wife would go for that one!

Josephine, thanks for the garden store tips. I always have trouble finding something other than the standard plants at places like Home Depot. I have recently discovered Jayson Home and Garden (http://www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com/) which is a great place for unique accent pieces and plants. I will be sure to check out the two you mentioned.

I love your bathroom,

Infact, I was a little apprehensive at running the slideshow after picture 1, incase I saw something I loved. We've just ordered all the fixtures and fittings for our bathroom reno and I'd hate to change my mind now! Not that I would. I'd just have to put up with it. Our bathroom reno is in a significantly smaller space (5' by 8') but I certainly don't begrudge you entering your larger space. Inspiration can come from big or small, decadent or affordable. It's gorgeous. If people think it looks a little like a fancy hotel bathroom, so what? I myself would love to frequent those fancy hotels and if I could feel like I was on holiday at home every day, even better.

I like the ideas for above the tub. Personally, I'd go for some kind of floating shelf in a dark wood and lean on a nice framed picture or an original piece of art with a shot of color. Add a plant (I know orchids have been done to death but if you like them, so what) and some candles and bob's your uncle, so to speak.

Reef

I like philipp's niche idea very much. It will stand the test of time too!

(In case it wasn't clear, after you put in the niches, you use them to display the suggested "stone figures" - not shampoo bottles or loofahs...)

:)

I think this is a fabulous bathroom, and it is also not THAT huge. I think it has a great, streamlined layout--it's not some suburban palace with room for chairs, and what-not. I love the design of this bathroom, and think that it has an awesome vibe. Oh, and I'm west coast reader who loves this site :)

Speaking about size. Visited a model "home" in a desirable suburb (can you say new money?...why anyone with that kind of money would by into a tract is another question). Those bathrooms could eat this one for breakfast. They are huge. BUUUUUUT they didn't make my heart go pittapat like this one. So there.

Wow!!!

This bathroom really rocks!!!! Absolutely LOVE the vessel sinks and the Stone!!!!!

You're absolutely right!!! The stone DOES make the difference!!!

The minimalist tone here definitely appeals to me, and I think it gives this bath a simplicity and elegance that's inspiring.

Also, I congratulate you on your color pallete. VERY nice choices without being bland. It's the one thing I wish I could be... more adventurous with color.

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely bath with us!! Congratulations on a stunning job, and very best of luck to you in this competition!!!

Best Regards,

Roberto Williams

Very nice. Since everything is so clean, I would do a slick huge framed mirror over the tub. One in a metal frame, or wood frame silver leafed. It would really reflect the light you have and add to night time mood as well with dimmers and candles...a suggestion for art would be to get a piece you like dry mounted, on thick wood. It's not expensive to do, just don't cheap it out and do it on thin wood. Perhaps some of your own photography if you have any snaps your proud of to blow up, or head down to the museum shop at the Chic. Art Gallery and pick up a favorite art print. You can also get all of the above blown up onto "canvas" for a different effect. remember to seal your stone, even if the builder did it !!! Do it again.

Not liking this bathroom either. It shows clever color and interesting fixtures...someone is really making a killing off bowl sinks, or sink bowls, or biiig...sinky...thingies. Whatever they are termed. Stainless steel ones, at that. One just wants to walk over to one of those sinks and break eggs into them. Bathtub area rocks. Perfect choice of window design.

yet another vessel sink-"hater" is born... ;)

I'm not a hater. I think they could be rather nice if applied well. But from the look of things they're used a bit too much in people's bathrooms. Two on one vanity for example, is going overboard, imvho.

So, if someone LIKES vessel sinks, and wants a two sink bathroom, what do you propose?

Patrick (the other one): A big ol' fountain with two nekked cherubs holding out golden Trump-lookin' vessel do-daddies. Puts the fun in functional. I have no idea. Just not a fan of the big bowls.

kinda stark, and the vanity wood is really too contrasty, it jumps out and interrupts the whole serenity flow you've almost got. the stainless bowls are boring. the stone is beautiful.

What is the metal object mounted in the center of the far wall of the shower? If you don't mind, my curiosity is driving me crazy.

Anna,

It is the control for the steam shower. You can turn the steam shower on/off and also control the temperature of the steam.

I am suggesting petroglyphs carved on stone for decoration. There was a guy on HGTV who did mostly southwest designs. www.sandcarveddesigns.com His stuff looks fantastic on tv.

I like the wall color, but it doesn't really match the tile .. at least in the photo? it's a nice design though.

I know I sound like a rube for saying this, but my problem with vessel sinks is I always feel they're going to splash water all over me.

I dont' know if you'll actually read these posts anymore but I'll ask anyway.

So, you bought the condo brand new and the whole bathroom was upgraded? Or you bought the condo new and had someone come in and upgrade it. I was going to ask how hard it was to put in the material to tile your shower floor and if you had to pull out and replace a tub.

If this was an "upgraded" bathroom the developer made a killing. I'm guessing an extra $5k minimum just for the tub which you don't even use. I'm also wondering how often you (both) use 2 sinks. Also, how much of the vanity storage do you actually use?