If you want to get the greatest return on investment, there are two rooms you should consider renovating first: the bathroom and the kitchen. For the most part, bathroom's don't require a complete overhaul either. Just updating some of the inexpensive elements such as vanities, toilets, and fixtures can often do the trick, which is good news for budget-conscious homeowners. This is exactly what Kelly Mindel of Studio DIY did when she tackled the makeover of this primary bathroom—you should see the before photos. In order to save money, she kept all the plumbing where it is and made modifications within the same layout.
Primary Bathroom
The term “Primary Bathroom” is now widely used to describe the largest bathroom in the home, as it better reflects the space’s purpose. Many realtors, architects, interior designers, and the Real Estate Standards Association have recognized the potentially discriminatory connotations in the term “Master.” Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge.
The biggest expense was the re-tiling of the walk-in shower and the flooring but oh, what a remarkable difference it made to the overall look. That green is fresh and we're predicting this bright hue to be the 2020 Pantone Color of the Year. In fact, green has been a major theme in fashion and interiors and we're here for it. Take the tour of this very maximalist and color-driven bathroom makeover that made our retinas pop.
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Mindell wasn't afraid to go bold and bright in this bathroom fusing the green zellige with a burnt orange floor tile. Somehow they just work and we're in love with the maximalist approach after seeing so many minimal color-averse bathrooms in recent years.
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If there is one color combination we keep going back to it's pink and green. Mindell played with that by bringing in baby pink wash basins. They really do add a beautiful contrast.
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The marble top for the console ties them all in together.
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There is an abundance of natural light in this bathroom which seems unusual given there aren't too many windows to the outside. Then you look up and see she's cleverly installed two Velux Sun Tunnels; one here and one in the shower. It really opens up the space.
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The vanity is also the main storage point, something Mindell says is key for a bathroom. A beautiful-looking space will be pointless if it isn't functional.
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The vintage rug adds some texture to the space and is also an additional color play to boost the maximalist impact.
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Mindell used handmade terracotta zellige tiles from Morrocco by Clé Tile in the walk-in shower and vanity backsplash. It is a striking statement but we love the variation of color.
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The gold hardware makes it look like a luxury hotel. We also love the little built-in nook with pink-colored haircare by Kristen Ess to match the adjacent basins.
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The ladder is also used as additional storage to hang towels while the hanging plant gives it a hint of nature below the light that pours through from the sunlight. The Justine Blakeney abstract art makes this room light up.
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Mindell prioritizes storage in the corner with chic baskets that double as décor.
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So many bathrooms rely on overhead downlights which aren't very flattering. Mindell wanted to change that by incorporating some softer lighting options. She collaborated with Sazerac Stitches to make these sconces which fit perfectly between the mirrors and help provide some kinder lighting when looking at yourself each morning.
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The hardware looks expensive but is actually really affordable. These faucets are from Amazon and look like they're out of a luxury showroom.