Our clients, two NYC transplants, were excited to have a large yard and ample square footage, but their 1959 ranch featured an en-suite bathroom that was more big-apple-tiny and certainly not fit for two. The original goal was to build a master suite addition on to the south side of the house, but the combination of contractor availability and Denver building costs made the project cost prohibitive. So we turned our attention to how we could maximize the existing square footage to create a true master with walk-in closet, soaking tub, commode room, and large vanity with lots of storage. The south side of the house was converted from two bedrooms, one with the small en-suite bathroom, to a master suite fit for our client’s lifestyle. We used the existing bathroom footprint to place a large shower which hidden niches, a window, and a built-in bench. The commode room took the place of the old shower. The original ‘master’ bedroom was divided in half to provide space for the walk-in closet and their new master bathroom. The clients have, what we dubbed, a classy eclectic aesthetic and we wanted to embrace that with the materials. The 3 x 12 ceramic tile is Fireclay’s Tidewater glaze. The soft variation of a handmade tile plus the herringbone pattern installation makes for a real show stopper. We chose a 3 x 6 marble subway with blue and green veining to compliment the feature tile. The chrome and oil-rubbed bronze metal mix was carefully planned based on where we wanted to add brightness and where we wanted contrast. Chrome was a no-brainer for the shower because we wanted to let the Fireclay tile shine. Over at the vanity, we wanted the fixtures to pop so we opted for oil-rubbed bronze. Final details include a series of robe hook- which is a real option with our dry climate in Colorado. No smelly, damp towels!- a magazine rack ladder and a few pops of wood for warmth and texture.

This little house still has a shower and bath - with a private backyard view.

Medium Diamonds - 47 Vermont Pine, 1036E Bluegrass

Our clients, two NYC transplants, were excited to have a large yard and ample square footage, but their 1959 ranch featured an en-suite bathroom that was more big-apple-tiny and certainly not fit for two. The original goal was to build a master suite addition on to the south side of the house, but the combination of contractor availability and Denver building costs made the project cost prohibitive. So we turned our attention to how we could maximize the existing square footage to create a true master with walk-in closet, soaking tub, commode room, and large vanity with lots of storage. The south side of the house was converted from two bedrooms, one with the small en-suite bathroom, to a master suite fit for our client’s lifestyle. We used the existing bathroom footprint to place a large shower which hidden niches, a window, and a built-in bench. The commode room took the place of the old shower. The original ‘master’ bedroom was divided in half to provide space for the walk-in closet and their new master bathroom. The clients have, what we dubbed, a classy eclectic aesthetic and we wanted to embrace that with the materials. The 3 x 12 ceramic tile is Fireclay’s Tidewater glaze. The soft variation of a handmade tile plus the herringbone pattern installation makes for a real show stopper. We chose a 3 x 6 marble subway with blue and green veining to compliment the feature tile. The chrome and oil-rubbed bronze metal mix was carefully planned based on where we wanted to add brightness and where we wanted contrast. Chrome was a no-brainer for the shower because we wanted to let the Fireclay tile shine. Over at the vanity, we wanted the fixtures to pop so we opted for oil-rubbed bronze. Final details include a series of robe hook- which is a real option with our dry climate in Colorado. No smelly, damp towels!- a magazine rack ladder and a few pops of wood for warmth and texture.

The owners of this classic “old-growth Oak trim-work and arches” 1½ story 2 BR Tudor were looking to increase the size and functionality of their first-floor bath. Their wish list included a walk-in steam shower, tiled floors and walls. They wanted to incorporate those arches where possible – a style echoed throughout the home. They also were looking for a way for someone using a wheelchair to easily access the room. The project began by taking the former bath down to the studs and removing part of the east wall. Space was created by relocating a portion of a closet in the adjacent bedroom and part of a linen closet located in the hallway. Moving the commode and a new cabinet into the newly created space creates an illusion of a much larger bath and showcases the shower. The linen closet was converted into a shallow medicine cabinet accessed using the existing linen closet door. The door to the bath itself was enlarged, and a pocket door installed to enhance traffic flow. The walk-in steam shower uses a large glass door that opens in or out. The steam generator is in the basement below, saving space. The tiled shower floor is crafted with sliced earth pebbles mosaic tiling. Coy fish are incorporated in the design surrounding the drain. Shower walls and vanity area ceilings are constructed with 3” X 6” Kyle Subway tile in dark green. The light from the two bright windows plays off the surface of the Subway tile is an added feature. The remaining bath floor is made 2” X 2” ceramic tile, surrounded with more of the pebble tiling found in the shower and trying the two rooms together. The right choice of grout is the final design touch for this beautiful floor. The new vanity is located where the original tub had been, repeating the arch as a key design feature. The Vanity features a granite countertop and large under-mounted sink with brushed nickel fixtures. The white vanity cabinet features two sets of large drawers. The untiled walls feature a custom wallpaper of Henri Rousseau’s “The Equatorial Jungle, 1909,” featured in the national gallery of art. https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.46688.html The owners are delighted in the results. This is their forever home.

Custom linen closet behind the studs

After assessing the Feng Shui and looking at what we had to work with, I decided to salvage the Florentine marble countertop and floors, as well as the "glam" vanity cabinet. People fought me on this, but I emerged victorious :-) By choosing this Thibaut Honsu wallpaper, the green marble is downplayed, and the wallpaper becomes the star of the show. We added a bamboo mirror, some bamboo blinds, and a poppy red light fixture to add some natural elements and whimsy to the space. The result? A delightful surprise for guests.

This mid-century modern kids' bathroom features a compact double vanity, black fixtures, and fun sconces

These homeowners wanted an elegant and highly-crafted second-floor bath remodel. Starting with custom tile, stone accents and custom cabinetry, the finishing touch was to install gorgeous fixtures by Rohl, DXV and a retro radiator spray-painted silver. Photos by Greg Schmidt.