Timeless touches

A master bath in a 1920s Orlando bungalow proves that new construction can have nostalgic appeal.

This charming bath may look old, but actually it's brand new. In fact, it is the brainchild of owner Lisa Poole, who had authenticity in mind when she envisioned a master suite addition for her circa- 1925 bungalow.

Well-Planned Addition

Although the idea of a seamless addition is not uncommon, its execution was. Lisa's contractor, Paul Gidus, explains, "We researched and matched more than 30 details found in the existing bungalow and duplicated them in the addition." Guided by the expertise of designer Jim Ross, the layout of the new room was thought out from floor to ceiling. For instance, the 8-inch baseboards were custom-milled to match the existing woodwork. Even the room's intricate tile floor mimics the pattern found in the home's original bath. But instead of installing the tile piece by piece, the team opted for prefab tile sheets. The new flooring required far less time and expense to position and grout than the traditional approach.

Other materials such as beaded-- board paneling contribute to the oldfashioned feel. Where storage was crucial, such as near the pedestal sink and tub, Lisa opted for simple granite shelves that sit atop the beaded board. Even the switches for the retro light fixtures are reproduction push buttons, indicative of an earlier age.

Mission Accomplished

Married during the construction, Lisa and her husband, David, feel up to date in their nostalgic master suite. "I grew up in older homes," she says. "Because of their character, they feel homey to me." LAURN MAKOHON

GET THE LOOK

Love the Lisa's ideas for incorporating a vintage appearance? Here are some tips to get you started.

* A little research and imagination can go a long way when trying to add a timeless feel to a room. Many hardware and plumbing manufacturers offer retro accessories and fixtures.

* A few antique accents strategically placed throughout a room can imply an earlier era. Here, the handheld vanity mirror along with apothecary-style canisters set the tone without breaking the bank. Likewise, clever storage such as the inexpensive floor cabinet, which holds towels, shampoos, and other supplies, perfectly fills the bill.

* Materials such as beaded board and tile flooring reflect bygone times. Research the era you want to re-create, and choose materials accordingly.

The Internet is a good resource for tracking down special items.

TIMELESS TOUCHES

Page 160: Residential design by Jim Ross, Ross Design Group, 615 North Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801, (407) 843-7677; builder was Paul and Stephen Gidus, PSG Construction, 839 South Orlando Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789, (407) 628-9660.

(D) Available only through a designer or an architect; (M) Contact the manufacturer for a retail source near you; (O) Mail order; (R) Retail store. Unlisted items are one of a kind or unavailable.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2002
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