Arriving at the optimal configuration for a bathroom layout can feel like an insurmountable challenge when the space is limited and the wish list is long. Instead of admitting defeat and assuming the bathroom of your dreams was never meant to be, I suggest you get out your sketch pad and be prepared to exhaust every option before you concede. As part of a top-to-bottom gut job of a Georgian Revival town house, I was tasked with shoehorning an en suite bath into a compact floor plan, complete with all the amenities one would expect to find in an elegant upscale environment.
I am constantly inspired by the character and charm of old houses and thrive on finding new ways to work classic influences into modern homes by combining one part traditional luxe with one part contemporary chic. The profile for the vanity was borrowed from an antique breakfront, where the centre section projects beyond the ends that flank it. Burled-walnut-veneer doors give a nod to fine cabinetry, while a crisp frame delineates the vanity in a contemporary manner. The recessed side sections allow the cabinetry to be a safe distance from the swing of the shower door and the inevitable occasional overspray.
When it comes to making a newly renovated bathroom fit into a century-old home, little touches go a long way. When working with exotic stones and decorative veneers, settling for standard-issue wall sconces just won’t do. Vintage crystal double-arm wall sconces befitting a decadent dining room and delicate glass cabinetry knobs add a touch of sparkle to the mix, while vintage silver dresser accessories infuse the bathroom with old-world polish.