One oversized bathroom turns into two high functioning spaces for a family
Feature Image: Bathroom Reno a Deux, Megan Baker Interiors
You’ve seen the pretty photos from after the renovation, but you haven’t seen what this space looked like before! These two bathrooms were once one oversized bathroom in a heritage home. What’s worse, it was the only one for the whole household. Untouched for almost a century, the bathroom still had its original clawfoot tub, a pedestal sink, hardwood flooring and absolutely no storage. That’s when we got the call for a big renovation to design two small spaces for bathroom design before & after you won’t believe…
BEFORE: the original single bathroom, master bedroom to the left and W/C to the right
AFTER : the new family bath, ensuite to the left and W/C to the right. Megan Baker Interiors
We worked with the client to create a complete design package in preparation for their renovation. Our list of problems to solve included:
- Add a 3 piece ensuite— even it could only be NYC apartment sized!
- Solve the storage issues
- Refresh and reuse the original 1900’s clawfoot tub
- Keep the separate W/C
In terms of the design style, our goal was to make sure both bathrooms maintained the heritage character of the home and a timeless design base, while each having their own distinct feel. The new ensuite would have a modern touch and elegant feel, and the family bathroom would be classic in character and include a few playful details.
The renovation floor plan. Megan Baker Interiors
Now, these back to back bathrooms share a wall (that we added!) to get two spaces out of one. Shifting and shortening the W/C into half of the guest bedroom closet opened up just enough spare square footage to fit in a mini ensuite , accessed through the principal bedroom. It’s complete with a walk in shower, new vanity and mirror both with hidden storage. Our signature ledge detail displays a few spa essentials both in and out of the shower. A classic marble mosaic wraps from the floor up the main wall for a modern twist in application.
BEFORE: On the other side of this wall in the principal bedroom.
AFTER : Now on the other side of this vanity wall is the new ensuite! And we didn’t take any space away from the principal bedroom. Megan Baker Interiors.
The family bathroom has a large new vanity with a sink on one side and much needed counter space on the other. Both mirrors include hidden storage, and we added a pendant above each to finish the focal point. To bring the heritage of the home into this space, we added back detailing typical of the era like the shaker window trims and wainscotting wall panels. Then for a fun surprise, the W/C blooms with butterflies and flowers in a sweet statement wallpaper.
AFTER : The new family bathroom, Megan Baker Interiors.
AFTER : The new ensuite, Megan Baker Interiors.
An original clawfoot tub isn’t available to every home so we knew we had to save this one. To bring it back to life the inside was refinished in white glaze so it will be easy to clean and maintain again. We took the plumbing off of the tub and installed it on the wall instead for a little extra lounging length, and painted the outside a crisp matte black to go with our colour palette.
BEFORE: The antique clawfoot tub with old plumbing fixtures
AFTER : Refinished tub, new plumbing, and added heritage details. Megan Baker Interiors.
After design, construction, and moving back into their new space, this family now has two beautiful bathrooms instead of one. We maximized all of the functions on our list, and added back the heritage of the home— with a designer twist of course! It just might be my favourite bathroom design before & after to date.
Take a look at more photos of the finished spaces on our portfolio page if you’re looking for inspiration for your own renovation. And if you’re looking for help with the project we’d be happy to hear from you. Get in touch here so we can start designing the home you have been dreaming of.
Thank you to some of our favourite colleagues and suppliers for being a part of this project:
Construction — Urban Roots Build Co
White tiles — Tierra Sol Tile
Hardware & Pendants — Schoolhouse Electric
Mirrors & Wall Sconce — West Elm
Plumbing fixtures — Riobel
White vanity & Marble Mosaic Tiles — The Home Depot
Ensuite Vanity — Cantu