Edwardian bathroom design
My Edwardian Bathroom Renovation⁚ A Personal Journey
I embarked on transforming my cramped‚ modern bathroom into an Edwardian haven. My inspiration? Old photographs and a yearning for elegance. I envisioned claw-foot tubs and gleaming porcelain. The journey‚ however‚ proved more challenging than I initially anticipated. Patience and meticulous research were key!
Choosing the Right Fixtures
Finding the right fixtures for my Edwardian bathroom renovation was a delightful but painstaking process. I spent weeks scouring antique shops and online marketplaces‚ poring over catalogs and websites dedicated to period-correct pieces. My initial vision included a magnificent claw-foot bathtub‚ and I finally found a beauty – a pristine white roll-top tub with elegant lion’s paw feet at a salvage yard just outside of town. It was a steal! The search for a matching pedestal sink proved more difficult. Many were either too small for my space or far too expensive. I eventually settled on a reproduction piece from a reputable supplier; while not antique‚ it perfectly captured the style and elegance I desired. The taps were another matter. I wanted cross-handled faucets‚ and after much deliberation‚ I chose antique brass ones that complemented the tub and sink perfectly. They were a bit pricey‚ but I knew they would add an authentic touch. The toilet was the simplest decision. I opted for a high-efficiency model disguised in a period-appropriate casing to maintain the aesthetic‚ while ensuring modern functionality. The whole process taught me the importance of patience and thorough research when selecting period-specific fixtures‚ and the reward of finding the perfect pieces was immense. The right fixtures truly transformed the space‚ bringing my Edwardian vision to life.
Recreating the Period Details
Recreating the authentic details of an Edwardian bathroom proved to be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I started by researching typical Edwardian bathroom features. I discovered that intricate tiling was a key element‚ so I painstakingly selected tiles that mimicked the patterns and colors found in period photographs. I chose a combination of creamy off-white subway tiles for the walls and a darker‚ patterned border tile to add visual interest. The installation was more labor-intensive than I expected‚ but the final result was stunning. Next‚ I focused on the smaller details – the hardware. I replaced the modern light fixtures with reproduction sconces featuring frosted glass shades‚ which cast a warm‚ inviting glow. I also hunted for period-appropriate towel rails and a medicine cabinet with an antique-style mirror. Finding the right cabinet was tricky; many reproductions lacked the subtle details that made the difference. I finally found a beautiful example at a local antique store. The finishing touch was the addition of a vintage-style patterned wallpaper border above the tiling. It added a touch of elegance and sophistication‚ perfectly complementing the rest of the design. It was a lot of work‚ but seeing all the details come together was incredibly satisfying; it truly brought the Edwardian era to life in my bathroom.
The Challenge of Plumbing
Ah‚ the plumbing! That’s where the real adventure began. My Edwardian bathroom renovation wasn’t just about aesthetics; it involved wrestling with outdated pipes and a less-than-ideal plumbing system. I quickly realized that simply updating fixtures wouldn’t suffice. The original pipes were ancient‚ and frankly‚ terrifying. I consulted with a plumber‚ Agnes‚ a true professional who understood my vision. Agnes warned me about potential problems‚ including the possibility of lead pipes and the need for significant modifications to accommodate my chosen claw-foot tub. She was right. We discovered several sections of corroded pipe that needed immediate replacement. The process was messy‚ disruptive‚ and far more expensive than I initially budgeted. There were unexpected delays‚ too‚ as we discovered hidden issues behind the walls. The most challenging aspect was integrating the new plumbing with the existing system while maintaining the period-appropriate look; Agnes’s expertise was invaluable in this phase. She cleverly concealed the new pipes and ensured everything functioned flawlessly. In the end‚ the effort was worth it. The new plumbing system is efficient and reliable‚ and it’s all hidden behind beautiful‚ period-appropriate fixtures. It wasn’t easy‚ but I learned a lot about the intricacies of plumbing‚ and I’m immensely proud of the result.
Painting and Finishing Touches
With the plumbing complete‚ I finally reached the most enjoyable part of my Edwardian bathroom renovation⁚ the painting and finishing touches. I chose a calming shade of sage green for the walls‚ inspired by the colors I’d seen in old photographs of Edwardian bathrooms. Finding the right paint was a quest in itself! I wanted a period-appropriate finish‚ something that would evoke the subtle elegance of the era. After much deliberation‚ I settled on a high-quality eggshell finish that provided a lovely sheen without being too glossy. The process itself was surprisingly therapeutic. Each careful brushstroke brought me closer to my vision of a tranquil‚ Edwardian retreat. I painstakingly painted the woodwork‚ opting for a slightly darker shade of green to create a lovely contrast. Next came the details⁚ I added antique-style brass knobs to the cabinets‚ and I sourced beautiful‚ patterned tiles for the floor‚ painstakingly matching the pattern to achieve a seamless look. The final touch was a gorgeous‚ ornate mirror with a delicately carved frame. It was the perfect finishing piece‚ reflecting the light and adding a touch of old-world charm. The transformation was complete. Standing in my newly painted bathroom‚ surrounded by the subtle elegance of the period details‚ I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. It was more than just a renovation; it was a journey into the past‚ and the results exceeded all my expectations.