In character

Bringing an older bathroom up to date can be a challenge. Space restrictions pose the most common problem, as homeowners want the luxury of modern fittings in their new bathroom, but don't always have the room.

With clever design, it is possible to incorporate these elements yet still make a bathroom appear spacious. The refurbished master bathroom featured on these pages is a good example.

Project designer Judy Kurtz of Sylvestre Construction says the original bathroom was divided into a collection of small spaces.

"There were several small closets and a separate room with a toilet and small shower," she says. "The owners wanted a more comfortable space with a better flow. They also wanted to update the rather feminine decor that dated back to the 1970s."

The solution for this project was to gut the entire bathroom, removing all the fittings, partitions and walls. A closet within the overall space was also removed, leaving a larger area in which to place the new bathroom.

"A decision was made to place a hot tub on the right-hand side beneath the only window," says Kurtz. "Formerly, this area was the toilet and shower room, which seemed a waste. Now, the pleasant views and natural light make the whole bathroom a much more pleasant space."

To make the tub a focal point in the room, a large arch was built. This also helped to disguise the slight slope of the ceiling.

A traditionally styled, cherry vanity adds character, as does an antique chest of drawers positioned opposite the entrance. The designer says this chest and a painting above it determined the gold colors of the bathroom.

Two doors, one either side of the vanity, lead to a steam shower and a toilet room.

Story by: Trendsideas