This project updated a small shower while maintaining the historic charm of this 1800s home in Poughkeepsie, New York. My clients are gradually incorporating modern functionality into the home. They are also ensuring the features that originally inspired their purchase remain intact.
The Homeowners complained that it felt like showering in a cave. They often hit elbows and felt claustrophobic in the space.
We wanted to eliminate the cramped feeling and lack of light. So, we decided to ditch the solid walls. Instead, we opted for a glass enclosure. This meant moving the plumbing from the interior partition wall to the back wall. Adding in a wall niche at the exterior wall
I created this rendering to give my clients an idea of the potential. It helps them visualize what these changes look like. This allowed us to talk through the current pain points and ensure that the new solution was addressing the problems. The last thing anyone wants is a large investment that yields the same pain -just prettier.
A shower is usually the main expense in a bathroom renovation. It’s crucial to get it right. Often it becomes the centerpiece of the bathroom as well. Tile choice is very personal. The clients ultimately went with something different. However, this design gave us a vehicle to talk about their options.
Sometimes the best plans go awry when you literally hit a brick wall. We had plans to put in plumbing here and we had to course correct. We ended up packing out the wall and lost a small amount of space. In the end, we managed to keep momentum.
The products that are under the tile are as important as the tile work itself. Many people assume that tile and grout are water tight. This is not true as grout is porous and over time can allow water seepage.
Using an underlayment product will create a barrier from water that protects your framing. The right products ensure you can look back at your investment 5, 10, or even 15 years later and feel happy.
The new layout of the shower has changed the entire dynamic of the room. The clients love the open feel that the glass provides. Even though the footprint of the shower is relatively the same, they no longer feel tight and closed-in.
My clients chose a square green tile with texture and black finishes for the fixtures. Although it’s a darker tile and finish, the shower still feels stylish, open, and airy.
If you live in the Hudson Valley and are considering a project, click here to learn more about DBS Remodel.
Corinne Bentley-Morales 