Historic Renovation

The Howard County house where this bathroom resides was originally built in the early 1800’s.  You can see the lath, the thin strips of wood on the walls.  Lath and plaster is a building process that was used in the US and Canada until the late 1950’s to finish interior walls. Horse hair was often a part of the plaster to add support and because it was readily available.

The bathtub was jammed into the wall because it did not fit. We decided a shower with bench and built in niche would be much more useful in this 6’ x 9’ bathroom.

The pictures show that this bathroom was divided in the middle with a low window.  The captivating portrait was provided by artist Roberta Shaffer of Woodbine, MD.  Lady Stephanie’s portrait captures your attention and brings your view upward.

In addition, the bathroom lacked storage and style. Clockwork Builders, Ltd. provided the labor to renovate. They replaced the wall hung sink and slim medicine cabinet with a large vanity with drawers, provided by Design Kitchens & Bath. Free-floating glass shelves and precisely fabricated and installed shower doors were designed for better function within the room. They were the work of Mikhail Ahn’s crew from Perfect Glassworks.  The purple crystal knobs added a little whimsy! The gorgeous mirror and Schonbek crystal sconces were provided by Annapolis Lighting.

Marble tile, generously provided by The Tile Shop, was precisely cut and impeccably laid by Francisco of Silva Marble and Tile.  Francisco’s artistry transformed the shower and sink area.  Each piece had to be measured and remeasured before cut so that the grout line was consistent throughout the wall.  Note the beautiful craftsmanship at the curved top of each wall.  Accent tiles of Carrara marble with mirror inlay were chosen for the shower and replicated over the sink.  This arabesque pattern created movement and reflected more light to expand the feel of the 6’ x 9’ bathroom.  The floor tile looks like wood and completed the dramatic use of tile in this room.

In this small area repetition of color and pattern was critical to create a rhythm that keeps the eye moving around the space.  The classic marble harkens to the finest hotels around the globe and is exquisite and timeless.

The clean lines lend to a modern feel and the use of crystals, mirrors, and light enhance the room’s elegance and brightness.

Special thanks to: 

The Tile Shop www.tileshop.com.

Annapolis Lighting www.annapolislighting.com

Lisa Malveaux (abstract paintings) www.studiomalveaux.com

Roberta Shaffer (Lady Stephanie portrait)

Design Kitchens & Bath LLC http://www.dkbmd.com/

Clockwork Builders, Ltd http://www.clockworkbuilders.com/

Perfect Glassworks http://perfectglassworks.com

OVERALL