Plumbing Is Necessary, But Bathroom Cabinets Personalize The SpaceRemodeled Tigard master bathroom with new contrasting cabinets provide lots of storage

What are two features that Homeowners request for a master bathroom? The #2 and #3 requests are for more (and better) storage, and an up-to-date look. Bathroom cabinets can satisfy both needs!

What are the features that homeowners request most often? The #1 request is for a large(r) shower.

The remodeled Tigard master bathroom is a great example!

The Homeowners requested a large two-person shower. And they both wanted more storage for:

  • Grooming paraphernalia to be put away when not in use;
  • Towels;
  • A back-up stock of tissue, hair care products, soap, and lotions (Costco overflow).

Making room for a larger lavatory

The existing lavatory area was too narrow, and the adjacent toilet room was wider than it needed to be, so space was borrowed from the toilet room to make the lavatory wider. The additional space allowed the following specialized storage in the bathroom cabinets:

  • Two pull-out base pantries, normally used in kitchens. An electrical outlet was installed in the back of each pantry, so blow dryers for each person could be immediately available for use, yet easily stored. Adjustable shelves on the pantries made room for everyday personal-care products.
  • Lavatory cabinets with tilt-out trays for nail clippers and other small tools that can get lost in drawers. Electrical outlets were installed behind these cabinets, for rechargeable care products.
  • A bank of three drawers with two deep drawers for towels.
  • Three tall wall cabinets for personal-care products and backup storage.

Additional benefits for the homeownersRemodeled Tigard Master Bathroom Shower with Lit Display Niche

In the adjacent room, a shallow wall cabinet was placed over the toilet, for tissue storage and towels. Because the Homeowners had decided to abandon a small existing shower in the toilet room during the design phase of their project, the area was available to convert to a generous linen closet, not only for towels but bed linens and pillows. The new closet became an important feature because it allowed us to install an accessible transformer that powered low-voltage lights that enhanced a display niche in their shower!

The Homeowners got the functional bathroom that they wanted. They also achieved a customized look that fit their needs perfectly:

  • “Shaker-style” transitional alder cabinets with contrasting colors;
  • Faux metallic bronze glazed walls;
  • Beige porcelain tile with a coordinating decorative liner (shower walls, lavatory backsplash, and floor);
  • “Noce” honed travertine countertop;
  • Satin nickel plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, and hardware.

 

Conclusion

Plumbing should be selected first, then bathroom cabinets should be defined. Because bathrooms are often small, storage is a critical issue. Kitchen-height cabinets are preferred for two major reasons:

  1. They are ergonomically better, requiring less bending that causes backaches;
  2. The difference of 4″ to 6″ will allow more and better storage.

See before and after photos plus a description of the featured project.

 “See the Possibilities. Create a Positive Difference.”

Diane Plesset, CMKBD, C.A.P.S., NCIDQ is a Homeowner Advocate who specializes in helping homeowners with remodeling and addition projects. She has been the principal of D. P. Design since April 1984. Diane is the author of the award-winning book “THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling” and many design awards.
Read about Diane Plesset’s design process.

Do you have specific needs for your master bathroom? I’d love to talk with you about your goals! Send me an email, or call me!

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