Old home bathroom remodel preserving classic look with updated elements. New vanity with double undermount sinks and quartz countertop. Tile shower under slanted roof with small shower bench.

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

Martin King

Enter a soothing sanctuary in the principal ensuite bathroom, where relaxation and serenity take center stage. Our design intention was to create a space that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The minimalist aesthetic, characterized by clean lines and understated elegance, fosters a sense of calm and balance. Soft earthy tones and natural materials evoke a connection to nature, while the thoughtful placement of lighting enhances the ambiance and mood of the space. The spacious double vanity provides ample storage and functionality, while the oversized mirror reflects the beauty of the surroundings. With its thoughtful design and luxurious amenities, this principal ensuite bathroom is a retreat for the senses, offering a peaceful respite for body and mind.

main bathroom

Updated hall bathroom.

Nautical Themed Bath with a Steam Shower. Dating back to ancient Greece, a steam room is a common amenity in pools. Renowned Renovation combined this shower with a steam room powered by Kohler Technology.

BAGNO COMPLETAMENTE RISTRUTTURATO CON PAVIMENTO IN PVC EFFETTO LEGNO E CEMENTINE IN GRES PORCELLANATO. SANITARI SOSPESI BIANCHI, PIATTO DOCCIA IN RESINA DA 160X80 CM E BOX DOCCIA SCORREVOLE

A master bathroom in need of an update was modernized with a barn door, new vanity and modern natural tile selections. We were able to create a bathroom space which include warm colors( wood shelves, wall color, floor tile) and crisp clean finishes ( vanity, quartz, textural wall tile). There were 2 benches included for seating in and out of large shower enclosure.

A large portion of the cost associated with the material costs of this project, the large semi-frosted glass door brings balance to the space, creating a level of intimacy and privacy to the interior of the walk-in shower, while keeping the overall space inviting and open. Certainly worth the cost.

Nathalie Priem Photography

The guest bathroom received a completely new look with this bright floral wallpaper, classic wall sconces, and custom grey vanity.

Beautiful bathroom with white shiplap walls, black hardware, vessel sink on a custom built vanity.