Case Study
Case Study:
Modern Take on a Black and White Bath
White marble-look porcelain tile floors and walls pair up with a black herringbone backsplash for this chic main bath remodel.
Project Description
This Nashville, Tennessee, home received a bright, classically-inspired modern bathroom upgrade by using a handsome mix of black and white tile finishes and specialty features such as gold-toned profiles and fixtures. The result is a more organized, and accessible space outfitted for future needs.
A previous remodel in 2010 didn’t meet the expectations of these clients. Due to improper tile installation, tile lippage created a walking hazard. Poor ventilation, sloping, and drainage meant the entire bathroom would remain wet for hours after use, leading to mold accumulation and odor.
The bathroom’s overall layout also felt cramped — with a 6-foot, 6-inch-tall client, ample space and a smart layout was a must. For this project, the footprint couldn’t change because the main bath shares a wall with an adjacent room. Despite this constraint, the designers were eager to accommodate the client’s needs for easier movement and functionality.
Per request, the designers incorporated long-term accessibility for the clients as they age, including a curb-free shower with linear drain and reinforced walls in the shower and around the toilet to accommodate grab bars at a later date. A shower head, shower bench, and toilet were installed with height considerations. The reconstructed shower ceiling includes recessed LED lighting and an appropriate slope for water run-off and drainage.
Sleek, wooden cabinetry and shelving with drawers and doors provide a unified look with abundant storage. Additionally, the docking station drawers alongside pop-up outlets and USB receptacles declutter the countertops to provide more usable counter space. Despite losing 5.25 square feet of floor space, the new floorplan opened up the aisles for greater movement and ease of use for two.
The designers achieved a brighter and fresher look with wall sconces and recessed lighting to illuminate the sinks, as well as tall mirrors that further amplify the bathroom’s natural and decorative light.
Why Tile®?
Bathrooms with steam capabilities have a critical need for proper ventilation. The designers incorporated proper sloping to the shower’s tile ceiling to improve water runoff and drainage.
After leveling the floor, a movement membrane was installed that doubled as a heat mat with crack isolation. Reconstruction of floor joists lowered the shower floor for a curb-free shower with a sleek linear drain, making it more suitable for aging in place considerations.
Ceramic tile’s waterproof installation system can handle a wet, steamy environment and because ceramic tile is inert, it is naturally inhospitable to the growth of bacteria and other microbes such as mold. The designers used white marble-look porcelain tile with black veining for the bathroom floors and shower walls. To compliment the flooring, the vanity backsplash and accent wall (on the outside wall of the steam shower) are black subway tile in a herringbone pattern, which provides a pop of visual drama. The classic look all comes together with gold-toned profile strips in the floor and shower that coordinate with matte gold and brass fixtures and hardware.
This main bath’s approach to black and white is easily a modern renovation beauty.
Project Details
Designer:
Teresa J. Beck, Allied ASID; NKBA (Registered Interior Designer, Tbektu Design)
Installer:
Jien An (Tile Contractor, Revision Tile and Stone)
Additional Contributor:
David Garner (Garner Construction)
Photographer:
Reed Brown Photography
Location:
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Tile Category:
Residential Ceramic Tile
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