A 1990s Bathroom Goes from Space at a Premium to Premium Space

A former client knew just who to call when she had a leaking fixture in her circa-1990s bathroom. “She asked if I had any recommendations for a new showerhead,” recalls designer Lauren Lowe of Lauren Elaine Interiors. “The whole project just evolved from there.”

Not only did Lowe shop with her client to source polished-nickel fixtures with oak levers, but she also helped elevate the entire room.

Existing white pedestal vanities set the tone for the classic, vintage bathroom, yet posed a challenge: a lack of counter space. “We really wanted to smooth out some design elements and give the client a lot more function,” explains Lowe, noting that they aimed for an aesthetic that is bright and airy, but also warm and inviting.

To increase the usable surface area, she added a custom slab of warm calacatta delicato marble—“as large as space would allow”—below floating glass shelves. Behind the vanity, a nickel-gap paneling that stopped about a foot short of the ceiling was replaced with paneling that extended all the way.

The most impactful change, however, may be the tiles. On the floor, a white marble with wide grout lines was updated with a hand-clipped calacatta mosaic and border. In the shower, the shiny fixtures pop against the fresh white marble. Hurricane glass sconces flanking the vanity, ceiling flush mounts, and a pendant orb over the tub complete the vision.

By keeping the tub location, large cabinetry, and overall layout intact and spending time with the contractor to focus on the little details (like the transition areas between the front paneling of the tub, the backsplash, and shower walls), Lowe says the renovation altogether went as breezy as the refreshed bathroom feels.

Resources INTERIOR DESIGNER Lauren Elaine Interiors BUILDER Heritage Homes COUNTERTOP AND MOSAIC TILE Walker Zanger HARDWARE AND FAUCETRY Waterworks PAINT Benjamin Moore Gray Mist TILE Waterworks LIGHTING Remains Lighting Company, Visual Comfort & Co.