Sometimes it’s tough to take a finite amount of space, increase its usefulness and not make it feel cramped.
David Ades of Classic House & Garden took on that challenge in a Denver-area home and created a his and hers master bath designed to keep a recently retired couple happy for years to come. A bathroom remodel always ranks near the top of the Cost vs. Value report issued by Remodeling Magazine. For Ades, the space was improved in several ways, which definitely added value to the current owners.
“The homeowners wanted a warm, luxurious feel for this master bath, but they also needed to maximize storage, while maintaining an open uncluttered look,” Ades said. With no option to expand the square footage, Ades worked with the homeowners to put a game plan together that would be more functional, brighter and warmer.
His and hers sinks were set in quartz countertops and placed atop a quarter-sawn oak vanity. In order to create more storage for both people, the vanity was flanked by open-shelved wall cabinets that have two drawers at the base.
Void of any window in the room, Ades was able to accomplish two goals above the sinks. He installed a wide “awning window” to bring in natural light. On each side of the
window, hinged double mirrors were added so they could be folded and pushed to the side when not in use. The new window also rewarded the homeowners with a view to the southwest that includes Red Rocks Park and Pikes Peak once the leaves fall from the foliage.
Earth tones used for the floor and shower tiles give the space a sense of warmth. Adding to that warmth is a heating element under the floor tiles that is controlled by its own thermostat.
To keep things quieter, insulation and two layers of drywall were used between the master bath and the bedroom.
Ades said a half-wall for the shower allows light to enter while providing some privacy and separation from the vanity area. “The custom “Euro-style” shower features German antique glass, a primary faucet mounted on a wall bar, a second handheld faucet and two decorative niches,” he added.
Ades said he worked closely with the Littleton homeowners in order to meet several needs in their small area. After he finished the project, he discovered that the exact floor plan was used in other neighborhoods throughout Denver, and he believes that his upgrade plans might be applicable for other homes in the area.
After photo by Philip Wegener
