Kirkwood residents Chris and Melissa Fox had built their home nearly a decade ago. Even though it was relatively new they weren’t happy. While the vessel sinks provided visual eye candy they weren’t very functional; water splashed all over the countertops, the room was dark, and the built-in corner Jacuzzi tub was cumbersome. “Their dislike for the brown cabinetry finally made them decide to do something,” says designer Leah Jerrell, owner of LJ Interior Designs. A friend of a friend had referred Jarrell to the couple. She reminisced about their first meeting.
“We paged through some of Chris and Melissa’s inspirations pictures. Sometimes people like the essence of a photograph but need someone to hone in on what they really like so they don’t go barking up the wrong tree. We immediately clicked.” It didn’t take long for them to make a plan. Her clients wanted a clean, bright, timeless look and that translated into an all-white bathroom.
Fortunately, the size of the bathroom was not a problem. Leah was able to use the same footprint. Both of the old brown cabinets were swapped out for new white vanities with more user-friendly undermount sinks with Corian Quartz countertops. “Some people want more storage, but Melissa liked having a place to sit down to put her makeup on or just take a moment to focus on herself. So, we decided to keep the same basic cabinet designs.”
Once the Jacuzzi tub was removed, the space was perfect for an esthetically pleasing freestanding tub by Wildon Homes. Even though Jarrell went with Moen chrome faucets she chose a stunning antique brass finish chandelier to hang over the tub. “I love mixing finishes. It just makes the space so much more interesting."
Leah wanted to bring in some texture to the all-white room, so she suggested using shiplap on the walls painted Sherwin Williams Pure White. She understood her clients liked the idea of a hardwood floor but also knew it would be a tough mission to maintain. They have two very active young daughters. It was easy to achieve the same look with a look-alike wood tile Leah found at The Tile Shop in Brentwood.
Last, but not least, it was time to tackle the problematic shower. Leah was quick to defend her choice of white subway tile, a traditional favorite. “I wanted to keep a classic look but not be boring. So I changed it up and used bigger 4x12 tiles.”
The size of the shower was more than ample, big enough to add his-and-hers shower heads and individual thermostat controls. Canine lovers will appreciate the hand-held shower centered on the wall. It was added for a special member of the family, the adorable pooch, Bodie. All tails were wagging as accent mirrors and soothing artwork completed this Kirkwood bathroom makeover.
Resources
Contractor: Streiberg Construction
Interior Designer: LJ Interior Designs
Tile: The Tile Shop
Granite: Stone Fabricators Inc.
Plumbing: Premier Plumbing
Lighting: Visual Comfort & Co.
Shutters/Blinds/Window Treatments: Hilson Inc.
Glass/Mirror: Serena & Lily
Woodworking/Cabinetry: Beck/Allen Cabinetry
Artwork: McGee & Co.
