Bathroom Remodel Filled with Antiques
Pam and George Zaiser were in the dreaming stages of their master bathroom remodel. They had shopped around for the perfect elements to upgrade and elevate their space.
The couple found some beautiful tiles, paint samples and even textiles they loved. However, the prefabricated bathroom vanities on the market were just not hitting the right notes.
The big box store vanities looked flimsy, and boring to Pam, whose home is furnished with beautiful antiques.
Alternatively, they considered hiring a cabinet maker to craft something custom for the space. Certainly, a cabinetmaker shop would use high end materials, like mahogany or walnut wood. However, not only was this option incredibly expensive, Pam felt that the end result may still be a little… blah.
Afterall, how creative can you get with a sink base that has to be fitted with plumbing and cabinet doors?
So, when a Facebook Ad for a massive mahogany antique sideboard from Bohemians hit her screen one morning, she started contemplating using it as the cabinet base for her double sinks.
It certainly had the scale. This massive turn of the century sideboard had 79” of length. It also had a very beautiful Sheraton design featuring a bowed front, beautiful backsplash and brass elements.
Brass is Back!
The brass inlay in the sideboard, along with the beautiful brass fittings really caught Pam’s attention.
Since the trend of both lacquered and unlacquered brass fixtures has recently returned with a vengeance, Pam started giving the sideboard serious thought.
As you may know, brass fixtures and brass hardware have recently been making a huge comeback in high end designer spaces. Brass faucets in bathrooms and kitchens, as well as brass hardware has been bringing warmth and glamor to the high end design world.
In the 1980s and 1990s, brass fixtures were the most popular amongst builders. However, by the early 2000s, many builders and designers started introducing nickel and stainless materials into their homes. Many declared that brass was a dated metal and a relic of the 1990s.
However, setting trends aside, brass has been a staple of home design for centuries. Fine Colonial homes used brass objects, such as chandeliers, candleholders, and brass andirons. Often, these high end household objects were imported from England.
In my mind, brass in both lacquered and unlacquered forms, carries a warmth and elegance in a home.
Altering an Antique as a Bathroom Vanity
Upon seeing the sideboard in person, Pam and George realized that many alterations would be necessary to transform it into a bathroom vanity.
For one, the sideboard sat much too high. Typical bathroom vanities measure 30 to 34 inches, so that the sinks sit around an average person’s waist. Of course, this makes hand-washing, shaving, and brushing your teeth comfortable.
To adjust for this, Pam had her contractor cut down the legs of the sideboard, leaving it the perfect height for her bathroom.
Additionally, the couple worried that constant water splashes would harm the sideboard top. So, to solve this issue, they had a quartz top created for the counter.
Amazingly, they also were able to mimic the beautiful backsplash of the original piece. The Quartz manufacturer routed out the material and added a strip of brass to follow the design of the original antique. What a beautiful detail!
They were even able to reuse the original brass side railings that Pam fell in love with on top of the Quarz.
Finishing Details
With the sideboard customizations complete, Pam and George were able to play off the vanity to finish the room in impeccable detail.
They added stunning picture frame moldings to the room, beautiful brass fittings in the shower and gorgeous window treatments that give a nod to the past. Of course, a brass and crystal chandelier also steal some spotlight!
Also, they were able to save space for their beautiful antique highboy chest of drawers. This truly gave the room a regal feel.
Furthermore, the fantastic window treatments add special touches to the room. Certainly, textiles give an added boost of personality. These custom cornices with tassles look incredibly highend and special in the bathroom.
All in all, this room transformation blew us away!
Please let us know what you think in the comments below.
