CHILL SPA — Hello Robin Clark

BEFORE

Our ground floor full bathroom was functional. All the components were there, but the one-butt layout and generally bad ergonomics had us dreaming of anything less janky. The door: out of true and usually stuck. Windows: inoperable. Counters: same uncleanable tiles from the kitchen. Pedestal sink: too short by 3 inches. Claw foot tub: take it and it’s ‘charm’ far away from me!

Initially, we were going to do both bathrooms at once to consolidate plumber visits etc, so we half-demolished it…and it stayed that way for 3+ years once we realized it would have to wait, budget-wise.

PEPTO PINK

INOFFENSIVE BLUE

PHASE ONE?

BENCH FOR TOILET TALKS?

THE PLAN:

Same footprint, better design. Our contractor Todd didn’t want to deal with the shower pan, so we hired Tom Champion builders for the transformation. Tom was about to retire, so this was a big favor to us, and he was pleased that I had finishes and components chosen. We put in the time to create a working understanding of the design…scaling back most of the ‘extras’ in the architectural renderings as we did with much of the house. Another barn door would save space. We covered one of the windows to make room for built in medicine cabinets. The new bathroom layout feels generous, huge even.

LOGISTICS:

As with most of our renovation, supplies and equipment piled up in the addition and was separated from the rest of the house via plastic sheeting in an effort to contain the chaos. Inside the actual bathroom, none of the walls were true, so the entire space was re-framed and leveled. Leonard came and fixed all our crazed plumbing. Igor the master tile guy did some high math to sort my specification that the floor tile would climb up the wall of the shower. Here are the messy construction shots:

GOODBYE CLAW TUB + PEDESTAL SINK

Thank you for your service!

MY DREAM TUB

I did the math over and over. Seemed crazy that we had enough room for a freestanding tub, but we did.

BIG HEX

My mom says these make her crazy.

ADDITION

Storage for equipment and supplies. Here we are showing Mike’s mom the progress.

EXTENDED WALL

for extra privacy.

RIPPED OUT!

Look closely to see the phone jack next to the toilet where the previous owner must’ve conducted his business. Ha Ha.

REFRAMED

Same spot, new layout.

FILLED WINDOW

Notes for Leonard the plumber left directly on the framing. The math to configure the height of the counter, vessel sinks, wall mount faucets, and medicine cabinets…that was an intricate task that kept me busy for days!

NOTES

You just gotta trust the experts at some point.

LEONARD + SON

Leonard’s ring tone was the most intense part of the SCORPIONS song “Always in Love”. A serious guy.

FLOATING VANITIES!

Thanks the lord for IKEA.

IGOR THE MACHINE

Tom calls him this for a reason.

IGOR + TOM

AFTER

Dual sinks. Floating vanity. Giant wet room. Freestanding tub of my dreams. Sexy toilet. Black and white like the other ‘satellite room’ in our house, the mudroom. Outrageous results. It’s so freaking nice in there now, worth every minute of aggravation to get there. Amazing what happens when you look on a space with fresh eyes and apply quality products + solid craftsmanship!