Tailoring a Full Bath for Empty Nesters - Fine Homebuilding FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Main Menu
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Main Menu Subscribe
Design

Tailoring a Full Bath for Empty Nesters

This family bathroom was remodeled into a luxury master retreat.

By Jennifer Jones Issue 247 - Kitchens & Baths 2014
Article Image

Synopsis: In this article, Jennifer Jones writes about a small bathroom remodel her firm designed for an older couple who were looking to create a luxurious bath more closely aligned with the style of the rest of their home. The project demanded a redesigned floor plan that eliminated the tub to allow for better circulation through the compact space and a generous shower. This article explores lessons in small-bath planning and the execution of details that bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary design. Photo: Thomas Kuoh

Our clients, a couple of empty nesters with a charming Bay Area house built in 1914, asked us to create a beautiful but functional master bathroom that would complement the architectural details of their home. We wanted this to be the one and only remodel of this bathroom. Creating a timeless design that would remain stylish and functional for many years was our top priority. We achieved this through smart space planning and by using classic materials and fixtures, and a soft, muted palette.

Four details worth replicating

This project illustrates the potential in reimagining existing spaces with light remodeling work. Combining layout improvements with updated fixtures and finishes has resulted in an absolutely new bath within the old bath’s footprint. Here are the changes that had the greatest impact.

Removing the existing tub made way for a large light-filled shower defined by a glass partition and curb. The partition, as well as a recessed shower niche with glass shelving, helps bridge the gap between the traditional and the contemporary styles of the space.

The Carrara-marble basket-weave floor evokes a traditional quality. Keeping the flooring consistent throughout the compact space helps tie the design together and make the space feel cohesive.

The freestanding weathered-oak vanity provides a textural contrast to the muted-gray ceramic tiles and light dove-gray walls while providing plenty of storage. The Carrara-marble top and cross-handle faucet controls add a traditional touch that blends well with the home’s original details.

Applied panel molding that simulates traditional wainscot is inexpensive and adds another layer of traditional detail to the bath. Adding tile to these walls would have overwhelmed the small space.

Formed to fit

Paying attention to the dimensions in this project yields insight into what arrangements may work in your own bath designs. Here are some of the author’s recommendations when it comes to spatial planning, which exceed code in some instances.

For more photos, drawings, and details, click the View PDF button below:

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Sign Up

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

×
View PDF
X
X

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Featured Story

Fine Homebuilding Issue 297

Fine Homebuilding – February/March 2021, Issue #297

Featuring: Battery-Powered Cordless Framing Nailers; Successful Floors With Trusses; Sidewall Shingles With a Flare; and High-Performance Raft Slab

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Attending in Sweatpants: The Virtual 2021 International Builders' Show

  • Celebrating Efficient Post-and-Beam Construction

  • Wet-Room Drainage

  • Handling Asbestos Tile

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

  • Fine Homebuilding All Access
  • Fine Homebuilding Podcast
  • Tool Tech

    Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

  • "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

    Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Sign Up See all newsletters

Video

View All
  • Waterproofing system

    Shower Waterproofing

  • 2019 FHB HOUSE VIDEO: Prepping for Tile

  • Slab Tile

    Finishing Touches for a Porcelain-Slab Shower

  • Tile Setting

    Installing Large-Format Tile

View All

Plumbing

View All
  • Crushproof Tubing Company Simple Drain

    Self-Plunging Sink Drain

  • Midcentury Makeover

  • PEX

    Which PEX to use?

  • Adjustable Drain Pipes

View All

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Musings of an Energy Nerd

    Buy Now
  • Fine Homebuilding Magazine Slipcase

    Buy Now
  • 2020 Fine Homebuilding Archive

    Buy Now
Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 297 - Feb/Mar 2021

    • Foundations for Success
    • Staircase Renovation
    • Ditch the Hose
  • Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021

    • Insulating Glass Keeps Getting Better
    • Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb
    • Making Sense of Minisplits
  • Issue 295 - Kitchens & Baths

    • Condo Kitchen Reimagined
    • Row-House Remodel
    • Rise of the IAQ Monitor
  • Issue 294 - Oct/Nov 2020

    • Schoolhouse Reimagined
    • Tool Test: Folding Sawhorses
    • A Better Way to Build Tall Walls
  • Issue 293 - Aug/Sept 2020

    • A Practical Guide to Fall Protection
    • Installing Frameless Cabinets
    • Make Any Tablesaw Safer

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Manage Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility

© 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Account

  • Log In
  • Join

    Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

    Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

    All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

    Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

    More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

    Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Follow

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 52%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in