Bath Showcase: Elegance Under the Eaves
Tackling this under-the-eaves bathroom with all its angles and corners was a geometrical challenge, but Brian Lessard, of ALC Design in Londonderry, was up for the job. “The client wanted to give the bathroom the same feel as the rest of the house, which was a 30-year-old, post-and-beam Cape,” he explains. “The remodel was challenging because we did not want to cover up things that made the space special, such as the open ceiling and other structural elements. They had also raised the floor to accommodate the plumbing, creating an awkward door well, so we needed to improve the overall flow.”
Although the space was small, the client desired a luxurious, spa-like ambience and also wanted both a shower and a tub. Lessard and his team first streamlined the space by getting it on one level. With careful planning, they created a glassed-in shower in one corner, leaving the open beams exposed, and positioned the curved-front tub under the window. The tub was designed to precisely fit the width of the dormer window.
To create a light, spacious feel, whites and cool grays are used throughout, with the existing beam trusses white-washed to blend with the walls. Gray-veined white marble graces the shower and vanity countertops. The cabinets are also gray, and done in a Craftsman/Shaker style. Plank tile flooring in soft gray completes the look.
Where possible, Lessard incorporated some unique touches, using repurposed materials. Frosted glass doors, installed as sliding barn doors, create a focal point for the entry. These were reclaimed from a church, cut to size and modified to be used as sliders; new hardware was also added. “The hinges came from a salvage center and the doorknobs as well,” says Lessard. “There is some beautiful craftsmanship out there that we wanted to integrate into the space. It brings character and there is nothing made like it today. I love historic craftsmanship because of the beauty and the quality.”
For lighting, Lessard wanted to elevate the space with elegant fixtures. Above the vanity, bell-shaped, frosted-glass lights are suspended from silver-toned arcs. In the tub area, a chandelier features candle-style bulbs encircled by an open silver sphere. While the bathroom underwent a complete transformation, the exterior of the house was not touched. “When other people saw the new bathroom, they were blown away,” says Lessard. “They had no idea that there had been such a renovation.”
With the remodel finished, the once-awkward room is now stunning and comfortable, with its interesting lines and relaxing vibe. “The client loves it,” says Lessard. “It makes the house feel complete to them.”
