21st-Century Amenities for an Old-Time Show House Bath

Designer Allie Mann’s challenge at the 2014 DC Design House was to reimagine a guest bathroom that was stuck in the 1930s, while making it still feel appropriate for the age of the home.

The size of the room and the location of the plumbing fixtures were some of her biggest challenges. “We were looking to do updated pieces appropriate to the scale of the space — a room that would look and feel timeless in design, as well as be warm and inviting,” says Mann, of Case Design.

Besides looking pretty, the resulting room can carry a tune: The Kohler showerhead plays music via Bluetooth. It’s a harmonious fusion of 1930s styling and 21st-century technology.

The original bathroom had a pedestal sink, which didn’t offer any storage.





AFTER: Mann made up for that with a staggered vanity that conceals plenty of storage. The large mirror above plays to the height of the ceiling and is flanked by bubble sconces.

The mirrored vanity cabinets were designed by Mann and fabricated by Crystal Cabinetry.

Sconces: Troy Lighting; vanity: custom by Crystal Cabinetry; countertop: Norwood Stone, Vermont Marble; plumbing fixtures: Artifacts Collection, Kohler; paint: C2; glass enclosure, mirrors: Sommer Glass


The room still sported its original 1930s toilet and bathtub surround. Mann kept the tub and refinished it.


AFTER: Large subway tiles, marble and a simple glass panel give the tub and shower a modern yet classic vibe.


With so much great natural light coming into the room, Mann installed a shutter on the lower portion of the window for privacy but left the upper portion open.

She chose a new toilet that’s in tune with the 1930s look of the original bathroom. A new custom cover hides the radiator unit.

Toilet: Kathryn one-piece toilet, Kohler





The 6- by 12-inch tiles were laid in a herringbone pattern on the floor, while the chair rail and the 1- by 1-inch mosaic tiles were used on the shower walls.

Here is Mann with her design board just before workers began the tile prep work.

More: See other spaces from this year’s show house

URL: 21st-Century Amenities for an Old-Time Show House Bath http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-23244.html