In the project shown in the before and after sequence, my challenge was to stay within the footprint of the existing  master bathroom.  Also, the soaking tub was a favorite place for relaxing so it too remained. 

The other challenge was a very tall male… who loved the the idea of a ceiling showerhead which he often used  in hotels while traveling.  So now you know the general parameters and can see the transformation.

before vanity

before shower

before soaking tub

Now for the transformation

Vanity, natural cherry with dual sinks

Shower and solartube

Soaking Tub

Solutions  to this master bathroom remodel:

• a single vanity with customized storage for him and her
• balanced lighting from sconces and overhead fixture
• 36″ counter height suits both
• glass wall between tub and shower enlarges room
• Solartube adds lighting  with less expense (original plan included skylight)
• hotel towel shelf stores extra towels
• mosaic border adds horizontal element
• travertine throughout is easy to maintain

Roy Hunter, a contractor and environmentalist started Second Use after becoming frustrated with the amount of materials he saw getting thrown away on construction sites. He pooled finances with a few family members and leased an empty 2-acre field in Woodinville, Washington as the site of the first store. The first inventory consisted of salvaged lumber and beams from the demolition of a Fred Meyer store in north Seattle. Second Use has been reclaiming building materials for reuse in the Puget Sound region since 1994.

Second Use Founder Roy Hunter

In 1997, the Seattle store opened in its current location on Second Avenue South in the South Park neighborhood. Second Use has been recognized for ongoing growth and achievement in the community. In 2006, it was a winner of the Seattle Mayor’s Small Business Award. In 2007, it received the Washington State Recycling Association’s “Recycler of the year – business primary” award.

Online Inventory Search

Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or contractor Second Use can help you find a greener way to approach your next remodel or demolition.  If you have a project you’d like to discuss, please contact our field crew.  If you have materials you’d like to bring in, see our acceptance policies and/or visit our store.  You can also learn more about our salvage services by exploring the links.

I hope you will visit Second Use either online or in person.  Try the calculator:

Find out how much re-using materials can save the environment in real world terms:

• Lbs of CO₂ averted
• Days a fluorescent bulb could stay lit
• Miles a SUV could drive

Love your comments, Faith

You can use these tips to make your small bathroom seem like a large, luxury room .  Plan an effective renovation by using concepts like those below to provide an illusion of height and space.

You can also see images from my award winning bathroom from HGTV Designer’s Challenge as examples.

• An illusion of height comes with moving the eye vertically so consider a tile installation from floor to ceiling. Think vertical with mirrors, sconces, accents, shelves to emphasize vertical.
• A crown moulding will also create height.
• Wallpaper with a vertical pattern or a painted vertical stripe  is another option.
• Mirrors  add depth, width and length to a small room.  The mirror reflects and distributes light throughout the room.
• Clear shower doors increase  space and light. A fully frameless shower removes barriers.
• Consider a skylight or Solatube to add light to the bath.
• Large tiles increase a sense of space. Rectified porcelain tiles allow narrow, nearly invisible grout lines.
• Floating cabinets, a pedestal or wall mounted sink  also make the floor space seem larger. A vanity cabinet unit takes up a lot of floor space, so avoid if possible.
• Light coloured walls, floors and simple décor makes a room seem larger. 
• Clutter  exacerbates the problems of a small bathroom so select storage solutions to minimize it.

HGTV

The sinks by Sanindusa represent a new level of design and environmental committment.  They are not only beautifully designed but also made of recycled materials. 

Choose your favorite and let me know your vote!

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One of my favorite places for tile is Statements in Seattle.  Not only is the staff knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, they provide beautiful resource examples throughout their showroom.

Even more helpful is their blog and I feature in this post the top ten tips to consider when using tile in a remodel. (author:  Britt Bertolucci)

1.Something to consider when doing a kitchen backsplash is outlet placement. Jamen suggested placing outlets under the cabinets. This makes your design smoother and is easier to use in the long run.

2.If you have two different floors that bump up to each other, plan the thickness of the under-lamenant. Most installers can do this for you but it is still something to consider and discuss prior to picking your tile.

3. Like I mentioned last week Schluter is a great and often less expensive alternative to sometimes more costly bullnose or trim pieces

4. Very important: Make sure you or your installer remove all preexisting materials before the install. Also check for damages and see if any repairs are necessary. It is always better to start with a clean slate when remodeling. .The 20% your saving now by not doing having a clean slate now could cost you a 120% in 6 to 8 months.

5. When looking for shower pan tiles you should use 4″x4″ or smaller for proper sloping.

6.Time!! Research your tile choice ahead of time. Some tile is special order so make sure you have the time if necessary so you get something you truly want and not something you are ok with, but will hate in two years.

7. Remember your color choices. Try not to get something that will date itself in a few years.  

8. Remember it is NOT cheaper or faster to do it twice. On that note make sure your installer is a reputable one who preferably is licensed and bonded and will not take costly shortcuts.

9.When using grout and thinset, check with the manufacturer’s recommendations and always read directions about application and sealing procedures.

10. Counting the cost.  Don’t be scared of the highest estimate. The highest estimate is not always the worst. It often will cover all your bases, because remember, there are always unexpected surprises. ALWAYS!