A simple makeover transforms an out-of-date bath into a bathing beauty.
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When seeking a house in the suburbs in which to raise a family, many young couples are faced with a distressing scenario. The neighborhood may be wonderful, the commute easy, and the house they fall in love with lovely to behold from the curb. But behind the perfect front door, the charm of this dream home may have been masked or obliterated by a disastrous remodeling dating to the glory years of avocado, harvest gold, and knotty pine.
The young couple who restored the bath shown here was luckier than most. The 1930’s Dutch colonial they fell in love with exhibited tons of charm. The bath and its adjoining cedar closet had not been modified “in the name of progress.” Although both had been shared by three bedrooms for more than 60 years, they were in fine shape.
Before the transformation
At 8′ x 8’4″ the bath was not too cramped either. Despite the fact that the sink and toilet stood cheek-by-jowl, they and the built-in bathtub were separated by a broad expanse of floor. The tile, too, was in near pristine condition.
Except for replacing an aging plaster ceiling (with greenboard, treated with an anti-mildew paint) and adjusting the position of the electrical wiring over the sink to accommodate a new lighting fixture, the couple could dress the bath themselves, at no great expense. And with a baby on the way, that was good news.
Decorating Details – Bathing Beauty
Wallpaper: Motif Designs. Hand towels: Trouvaille Française. Antique silver jars, razor and brush: Tudor Rose Antiques.
Faucet handle: A-Ball Plumbing Supplies.
Shower curtain, towels, and candles: Peacock Alley
Tub tray: A-Ball Plumbing Supply. Bubble bath and nail brush: The French Look.
Storage Solutions
“Structurally, there was nothing wrong with the cedar closet,” the owner acknowledges, “but it was dark and the cedar scent had evaporated.” Reviving the fragrance couldn’t be easier: all it takes is a quick sanding. With that, the cedar’s ruby hue and its pungent perfume came right back!
“Linen closets have a way of getting mixed up,” the owner laughs. “Labels organize everything.”
Bathrobe, sheets, and towels throughout: Peacock Alley. Quilts and wool throws: Laura Fisher Antique Quilts and Americana.
Bandboxes: Dixie Rose. Nickel-plated label frames.
One way to keep linens smelling fresh is to spritz them with Edith Mezard scented linen water, which comes in a variety of fragrances, such as tilleul — or linden. (Linen water can also be added to a spray iron.)
Linen water: Edith Mezard from The French Look. Antique linens: Trouvaille Française. Shelf paper: Wolfman Gold & Good Co. Ribbon: C.M. Offray & Son, Inc.
Willow hamper: Palacek.
The discussion of lux never makes its way to the forefront, although it should. The usability of any bathroom can be enhanced with the presence of a high-end electronic bathroom scale. Nevertheless, to gaze at the Sun safely, welding glasses must be no less than #14, and also remember not to use them with light gathering tools like telescopes.