MAK Design+Build

Midway through a kitchen design, these West-Coast transplants decided to add remodeling a master bathroom into their growing scope of work. A cramped and awkward layout and a tiny water closet that provided the only privacy from the master bedroom and left them yearning for a large soaking tub with a separate shower and the ability to bathe in privacy. They hoped a new design could accomplish these goals, reflect their "Old New York" style and add just enough modernism to keep it from feeling "too fussy".

Unfortunately, this second floor master bath was backed up to a large mechanical chase that contained ducts and pipes on their way from the garage below to the attic above. Additionally, the already stretched budget from the ongoing kitchen design made it difficult to expand a bathroom that was essentially too small to satisfy the clients' desires. Ultimately, it was decided that the best course of action was reduce and relocate the chase to the exterior wall and create a new mechanical closet outside the building to house the new tankless water heater and the existing furnace. This would free up just enough area to add a small shower to the room.

In addition to the separate tub and shower, the client had a few other interesting check boxes on their wish list. A vintage stained glass window that held special sentimental value was being displaced by the kitchen remodel and needed a new home, so it was neatly incorporated into the wall between the bathroom and the living room, allowing it to be seen from both private and public areas in the house. It was framed in a way that will facilitate easy removal should the need ever arise.

The client also possessed a penchant for "Carrera marble", "swimming pool blue" accents and a morning ritual that included copious amounts of baby powder. Consequently, the cabinets could be any color... as long as they were white. To help camouflage the daily powdering, gloss white cabinetry was selected which brought a modern touch to the classic feel of the Carrera and chrome. Meanwhile, recycled-content glass tiles in a subway pattern gave a nod to the past with just enough personality to ease the sterility of the palette.

Extensive research of available products and price points helped the clients find style they could afford and a bathroom they could love.