Compact yet complete bath

Move over, kitchens. As this charming space proves, there are other areas in your home that can benefit from a cottage-inspired look.

We often refer to the kitchen as the room within a home where a careful choice of design, paint colors, and other well-appointed features can achieve distinctive results-and rightly so. But the same can also be said about the master bath. With the endless variety of plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, building materials, and other accessories available today, you can capture just about any look imaginable. Case in point is this welldesigned vanity and tub alcove, which prove that mega space is not required for great style.

Nostalgic Approach

Taking its cues from modest nooks of the past, this new bath combines quaintness with present-day amenities. Measuring roughly 8 1/2 x 9 1/2 feet, which includes an adjacent water closet and shower area (see plan below, left), the overall design successfully provides space for traditional items and some extras as well.

While the vanity is conveniently tucked between two walls, the tub fits in a separate nook, keeping the common space in front of both open. Two sinks are outfitted with retro chrome faucets and porcelain handles. "The vanity appears to have short legs that make it look more like built-in furniture," says residential designer Richard Black. "To continue the vintage look, the cabinets have beaded-board panel doors and chrome pulls."

Like the vanity, the tub surround is footed at the bottom and paneled with beaded board. This grooved wall finish lines the alcove and serves as the tub backsplash as well. For privacy, Richard placed plantation shutters at the windows. They also expose the beautifully crafted trimwork.

Parts of the Whole

To keep the 10-foot ceilings from appearing too cavernous in this bath, Richard positioned picture molding 1 1/2 feet from the top. In another traditional touch, the beaded-board ceiling of the tub alcove is painted a light blue. Historically used for porch ceilings, the color and material give the notion that the alcove was once a covered side entry that is now enclosed. "Like the rest of the house," Richard says, "I wanted this master bath to appear as though it expanded over the years for the needs of a family."

With such convincing results, who wouldn't believe him? ROBERT MARTIN

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2003
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