Before & After: A Standard Issue Bathroom Gets a (Super Special) New Look

Project by: Jen and Eric Alden of Rara Avis Design
Location: Rose Park Historic Neighborhood – Long Beach, California

Jen and Eric’s bathroom, while not a total eyesore, was in need of some major updating. Being visual people with a practical bent, they decided that they wanted a bathroom that could stand up to water. Like, almost every inch of it. Coupled with some lucky vintage finds, their tile transformation makes for a pretty impressive overhaul.

From Jen and Eric: This bathroom renovation is in our own 1913 bungalow, located in the Rose Park Historic neighborhood in Long Beach, California.

The bathroom is in a 1970s addition and was in desperate need of a remodel. We wanted a bathroom where everything could get wet, so we tiled the entire space — aside from the custom built-in linen closet and tongue and groove ceiling detail.

It’s not a large area, so we were able to splurge on quality fixtures and details; the faucets are from Watermark; the mirror, sconces and soap dish are from Liz’s Hardware in LA; the paper holder is a vintage swimming pool locker flea market find; and the door was found at Olde Good Things in LA. We were able to resize it and hang in on a custom sliding rail from Real Sliding Hardware.

Our business is in design, predominantly visual styling/display and large-scale art installations for retail stores and residences. We’ve designed retail build-outs, but this was our first bathroom renovation. This year we’re starting renovations in our master bathroom and kitchen!

Thanks so much, Jen and Eric Alden! You can see more of their work on their website, Rara Avis Design!

Too many tile pictures? No such thing! Check out more bathroom inspiration here for your next project.

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