A Craftsman Bathroom Remodel
Traditional yet fresh, with a high contrast color palette yet lots of warmth, this Craftsman bathroom remodel is a careful balance. A mix of black and white, marble and wood, as well as expansive storage and a feel of airiness are all the result of a careful design mix.
In this post we’ll look at all the details, including:
- Custom storage in beautiful cabinetry
- An expanded shower
- Beautiful finishes including a geometric marble floor
- Brass hardware
- Traditional elements
- Fresh modern lines
- Style that respects the home’s historic style
While it was important to our clients that we freshen up their primary bathroom, it was equally important to respect the architectural style of their historic Craftsman-era home. Previous renovations had erased some of the original 1910 details, so our in-house designer Cally Ransom worked closely with our clients evoke the traditional feel of the style.
Windows Before
A big part of bringing the Craftsman into this Craftsman bathroom remodel was replacing the existing windows over the bathtub, which were not original to the home. They were cumbersome, dated, and didn’t fit in with the original architecture of the home.
Windows After
New Prairie Style windows have a classic traditional look but also have cleaner, more sophisticated lines. These types of windows are an appropriate choice for Craftsman architecture, exist elsewhere in the house and were just right for this particular Craftsman bathroom remodel.
Shower Before
The existing shower was almost completely closed in. This gave it a dark, cave-like and claustrophobic feel. Having a walled-off shower stall in here also chopped up the floor plan.
Shower After
The new shower is feels much more open, thanks to clear glass above the pony wall. The shower enclosure also gave us a chance to make a bold style statement with black marble on the bottom and coordinating white marble tile on top.
Shower Details
The pony wall also gave us a chance to conceal a shower bench and shower niches. The top niche can accommodate lots of tall bottles, while the lower one can hold bars of soaps and also serve as a shaving niche.
The herringbone shower floor is another traditional touch. The amount of grout between these small tiles also makes the floor slip resistant.
The shower fixtures were a key part of the Craftsman bathroom remodel. Their silhouettes and the golden brass finish are traditional. Additionally, the handheld wand’s proximity to the bench is helpful if someone needs to be seated while rinsing off. This is an important feature for homes where homeowners wish to age in place.
Also worth noting is the white marble herringbone tile on the ceiling above the shower. This is an often overlooked area in shower design.
When a shower has a curb, its job is to create a nice transition between the bathroom floor and the shower floor. We love the way the veins in the black marble delineate the intricate white and gray marble mosaic tile and the small black herringbone shower floor tile.
The Craftsman Bathroom Remodel Preserves Important Details
Bathroom Before
Because the home is historic, it was important to respect its architectural style. This included honoring it with new elements while also preserving original ones like the paneled bathroom door. Its leaded stained glass insert was an inspiration for he room’s design.
The built-in cabinets had tired and were no longer functioning properly. However, because our clients had come to appreciate the extra storage they offered for linens and bathroom products, we emulated that storage with the new tall custom cabinets that flank the tub. These cabinets more than doubled the space of the original built-in cabinetry.
Expansive Storage
In a Craftsman bathroom remodel, one major way to honor the style is through the cabinetry. To make up for the loss of the original built-in cabinet in this room, we designed two large matching cabinets that extend from floor to ceiling. While these are built-in, they have the look of freestanding cabinets. Using glass doors on the top maintained a lighter feel, while the rich wood nods to Craftsman style.
The bathtub is a more modern touch. While a freestanding bathtub is a traditional element, this tub has a minimalist and sculptural look. We centered the new floor-mounted tub filler on the new windows.
Tip: A handheld wand fixture is very helpful when cleaning a bathtub.
Vanity Design
During the Craftsman era, there was a focus on expert carpentry and handmade details. Here, we maintained this philosophy while freshening it up. Thick rails on the door and drawer profiles nod to the era, while thin fluting along the top drawers is an updated touch. The brass pulls and the towel bar are a classic touch. And feet on the bottom give the custom piece a furniture-like look that coordinates with the tall cabinets.
The high backsplash carries a consistent line around the shower stall. This is visually pleasing and prevents the room from looking cluttered. Also preventing clutter are the clear glass shades on the sconces. To top it all off, an arched mirror brings a soft curve into the space.
Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the balance between updating this space while making it an overall Craftsman bathroom remodel:
Elements that nod to Craftsman style:
- Honoring craftsmanship such as carpentry
- The Prairie Style window
- Carrying the original trim style from the rest of the house to the millwork in the bathroom
- Preserving the original bathroom door and its stained glass window
- A focus on wood, in this case, deep rich wood
- Classic brass finishes
- Traditional cabinet hardware
- Marble finishes
- Giving elements a freestanding furniture look
- Choosing plumbing fixures with traditional silhouettes
- Using classic patterns like herringbone
Elements that updated the look:
- The geometric pattern in the mosaic floor tile
- The minimalist shape of the bathtub
- The crisp contrast of black and white
- Large format tiles on the shower walls
- The clear glass shower enclosure
- Fluted detail on the vanity
- The high backsplash
- Consistent visual lines
We hope that this Craftsman bathroom remodel has inspired your bathroom remodeling plans. If you’d like professional help remodeling your bathroom and/or any other space in your home, please contact us for a free remodeling consultation. Our design team will tailor your space to your needs and your personal style.
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