Many a midcentury remodel starts with the undoing of someone else’s errant attempt, or two, to “beautify” a bathroom. Years of neglect may also be weighing heavily on the bathroom’s ability to shine. Whether you are taking a bathroom “down to the studs” or simply doing a little nip-n-tuck, it is wise to revisit the basics to set the project on course. Let’s get started with these 5 tips to master your bathroom remodel.
Ensure good plumbing. Chances are if you’re house was built in the middle of last century your plumbing not only needs to be addressed, but might need to be replaced. Your project will be prone to leaks if you neglect this foundational issue. In the long run, it’s more cost-efficient to address this when the walls are open and funds are abundant.
Develop a color palette. Study your choices to help you make an informed decision. Look at photographs. Talk to professionals. Peruse Atomic Ranch Magazine to find a cohesive blend of colors, and stick to them. Steer yourself toward a neutral base color plus one to two additional colors. Having too many colors will disrupt the mood and character of the room.
Choose tile wisely. You’ve got a few decisions to make. Tile for your floor may differ from the tile you want in your shower pan and on the adjoining walls. Small patterned floor tile in the shower pan will provide better footing and less chances of slipping. You might want subway tile, mosaic, a clean 4” x 12” or larger for the walls, countertops and backsplash. All of these will be in line with achieving the MCM look you desire.
Decide on cabinets. If you are planning to resurface your original cabinets, then spend most of your time on preparing the surface. You might be dealing with multiple coats of paint, which can be challenging to completely remove. Your reward will be well-fitting closures and less bulky lines. If you are replacing your cabinets your choice will be between a floating (attaches to wall) vs. a footed (attached to the floor) cabinet. A floating cabinet with a flat-front facade will ensure a clean, modern line.
Finesse fixtures and décor. Your finishing touches will include choosing sink and shower fixtures, and ushering in your MCM décor. Chrome is a popular finish for fixtures, rather than a rubbed bronze or antique gold. Wall art, a few countertop bobbles, and a toothbrush holder and you’re all set.
