Bathrooms

This cramped and dated bathroom was transformed into an open floor plan master suite that included the removal of an unused whirlpool and expansion of an existing shower (with steamer, body sprays, showerhead, hand sprayer).  Walls separating the toilet were eliminated and two sinks were replaced with one to create more storage and more counter area.  A diagonal wall conceals a previously hidden 8” cold air return and serves as additional support for the granite top.  Several types of tile, patterns and designs were used to create room continuity.  Color schemes of gold’s and bronzes accent and soften the bathroom.

The homeowners of this 1920’s built Spanish Mediterranean home in the Washington Highlands of Wauwatosa wanted to update and expand their master bath. An existing entry door from a guest bedroom and an existing one-person shower stall would be transformed into a two-person custom shower, with no door. The challenge was to blend the new space with the existing style of the home while creating a soft and comfortable environment. Structural issues became evident in the beginning and we were faced with additional challenges. Upon demolition, it was discovered that the water and waste pipes ran through the floor/ceiling joists. The original joists had to be re-supported to eliminate potential weight sag due to compromised wood integrity. To comply with current codes, steel L-beams were fastened to one side of each compromised floor/ceiling joist. Water and waste pipes were then rerouted through existing wall cavities and down to the basement. These corrections allowed for the transformation of the one-person shower to a multiperson shower. All wall and floor cavities were insulated to weatherproof and sound-proof the room.

Within two months of purchasing their 1930-built English Tudor home in Wauwatosa, this young family of five (two adults and three young girls) quickly learned that their existing 1 and ½ bath were not enough. They needed additional bathroom space.

The decision to transform a second floor covered airing porch and unused floor space into a master suite came quickly. Much of the home’s exterior character spills into the home’s interior so the main challenge was to make certain that the renovation looked like it was original. It had to compliment the existing character of the home. The new space also had to include additional storage room and accommodate antique furniture pieces.

The homeowners also requested a custom shower stall; private water closet, so the remainder of the space can be utilized while it was in use; his and hers sinks and vanities; and natural light throughout the suite.

Our clients wanted to transform their bathroom into a “friendlier” lavatory for people who are in their “Golden Years”. 

The existing tub was replaced with a large custom shower that features body sprays, a bench seat and recessed shelving for storage of shower items.  An existing heating vent had to be rerouted.

Existing floor tiles were removed and the floor needed to be raised to match the hardwood in the hallway.  A layer of ¾” plywood, a layer of ½” Durock, a layer of Thoro Floor Leveler and Warm Floor were installed, followed by 12” x 12” Everest Blue floor tile.  The same tile was cut to 3” to create a matching base tile.

6” x 6” Bright White tiles covered the walls with a pencil line of Cobalt tile to frame the recessed shelving.  This also formed an accent line throughout the shower.

The shower floor was made up of small Cobalt squares and white octagons.  The bench, walkthrough and half wall top were capped with White Corian.

The existing shower was removed and additional space from an unused closet in the adjacent room was used to gain space for “his and hers” style cabinetry.  A white Corian counter top was installed atop the vanities and drawer bank and two framed mirrors hang above the counter.  A small cabinet separates the mirrors and houses the client’s personal toiletries.