New "Lotus Spa" Guest Bath for Gene and Gina!
Gene and Gina are return customers who wanted to upgrade their fiberglass bath/surround shower unit to tile, and then spice up their flooring to help create a more elegant, modern, spa-like retreat for their guests to freshen up in. They planned to diy the room paint and cabinet upgrades, then add lighting and lav plumbing trim as well. Here is the "before" shot, depicting a very nice space, but lacking just a bit in warmth and style.
As you can see, the space was functional and fashionable for its day (some years back) but ready for a face lift. We began by removing the one-piece shower and tub unit, then replacing the tub with a very nice porcelain-over-steel tub. We then went to work on the tile shower surround. Gina selected a gorgeous porcelain 12x24" called Belmont Slate. The accent stripe was to be mosaic, with a lovely lotus flower motif. She wanted to help create it, and that was great! We went to work. We placed felt paper to protect wooden structures, waterproof flashing from tub to walls, then dura-rock wallboard and floated the walls to flush. Then we placed a thick coating of liquid membrane over it all to ensure best protection from moisture. Tiles were placed (including two gorgeous oil-rubbed bronze shelves to match the plumbing fixtures) and the mosaic began.
Gina not only helped with the mosaic, she did nearly all of it, except the lotus flowers and filler around them. She did an amazing job! It was fun sharing the task with an owner so enthusiastic and creative! We then grouted, and went onto floor replacement. She chose warm, easy care luxury vinyl, which went in quickly and should stand up to anything a busy family will dish out. The design really made the room pop against the white fixtures and textiles. The finishing touches: those lovely refinished cabinet doors, then the lav faucets and lighting. Boom! One of our all-time favorite results to date!
Projects like this are difficult in that there are many varied tasks, each presenting their own uncertainties and challenges to quality and schedule. But they are also among the most rewarding. Especially this one, where the owners were so helpful and easy to work for. We always had a hot cup of coffee, healthy snack/meal on hand, even an after-work adult beverage or two once or twice while we sat and "shot the bull." Tired? Yes. Bath flips are tough. But we are grateful beyond words for this couple and their support for us over the years, and for the fun we've had with them on this project. Gene and Gina: thanks again! We appreciate you to the moon and back. Enjoy your new lotus retreat and we hope to come back again soon to your sweet casa and make more beauty!
