Yesterday I stopped by a house Chino the Handyman recently completed and fell in love with the master bathroom. Girly Girl designed it of course {she has such good taste}.
The layout of the double vanity is about the same size as the outdated one we have now. I LOVE the color of the cabinets, but I’m not so much in love with the linen cupboard to the right of the unit. It feels like the person using the sink on the right side would feel a bit squished while brushing their teeth {first world problems I know}. So I’m thinking maybe an extra row of drawers and a little more counter space would be a better fit for us.
I also think those 12″ x 24″ tiles look pretty groovy as well.
Moving on to the mirror. Now normally, I am a big fan of framed mirrors, but this one, set on a penny tile background has just enough bling factor to make you feel like you’re in a hotel bathroom suite. Comfortable, but not too flashy. Or trendy. 
The sinks are pretty fabulous too. {I would go with a chrome faucet instead of bronze hardware though}.
And then there is the tub and shower area. Don’t you just love that built in shelf? I think I might need one of those. I’m not exactly sure what I’d put in there, but it looks cool.
Here’s a close up of the penny tile as well as the tile they used on the floor. What do you think? I like how Chino and Girly Girl used the same tile throughout the entire bathroom. It seems pretty neutral, but not boring, or plain. I think 3 -5 years from now this look will still be in style.
Oh, and the toilet room. I would have a higher toilet in there of course. 😉
Yes the bathroom is for us, but there is the re-sale factor to consider here as well. So my questions to you are:
1. Do you think the color of the cabinets are too dark?
2. Do you like the penny tile/mirror combo? Do you think it’s too flashy? Too trendy?
3. What do you think about the built in shelf above the bathtub? Cool? Useless?
4. Tile counter tops… love, hate? {12″ x 24″ were used}
It’s getting down to crunch time and we’ll need to order the supplies for our bathroom remodel soon. So thanks in advance for all you help. You rock!
~Mavis
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Leanna T. says
I love it all. My hubby and I are both left handed so the linen cabinet would not be a problem for us but I think extending the counter would look nice too.
KAte says
That was my first thought, a left handed person wouldn’t have any issue!
Also it looks like the outside clearance is the same for both sinks, so it still looks balanced.
Allison says
I love IT ALL.
Except the tile counter top. I despise grout on counters. Make it solid surface and I would be SOLD!
Ashley says
Ditto- personally I don’t care for the counter top, but I love everything else about the bathroom. Especially the floor tiles!
Amanda says
Agreed. Tiled counters are the worst (counters).
Madam Chow says
Agreed. Hate the tile countertop. I would also use some frosted glass around the loo.
KAte says
Same, grout is such a pain on a counter top. I’m also not wild about sinks that are higher than the counter, because then it’s an edge that makes cleaning a pain. I love just being able to wipe the counter in one easy motion and run it right over the edge into the sink. BUT, that’s a personal preference, and I’m a little crazy like that.
Leslie says
Another vote against tile on the counter. But honestly I dislike tile in any application because of the associated grout maintenance.
Melissa Fritcher says
I like the linen closet – the person there would be no worse off for room than the person on the left w/ the wall present – and even if it’s free-standing and there isn’t a wall there in your bathroom layout, you generally stand to brush teeth & wouldn’t be huddled next to the sink anyway, right? I’m left-handed, and I can’t get my husband to use ‘his’ sink anyway. I do not like tile countertops & I think in the bathroom they are even worse – beard shaving (husband, not me), toothpaste, etc – it’s all going to get in the grout and it’s such a pain to get out. Solid, only way to go. I love the other design details, though I’m particular to free-standing tubs, claw-foot, etc. Nice big floating glass shower – frosted, of course, gotta have a bench in there, too. & genius whoever came up with a toilet room. Genius. Want that. lol.
Vanessa says
I have had tile counters before and they drove me completely nuts! The grout always seems dirty and is hard to clean. I would choose a solid counter, especially sinks the sinks are raised and you can’t just wipe the counters into them.
Brandy says
I love the cabinets but I agree about the linen closet. And I love the shelf above the tub, because then you can decorate which is kind of hard to do in the bathroom. And the tile behind the mirror is fabulous but the tile on the floor I’m not a fan of, seems kind of kitchen or patio ish to me.
Karen says
The shelves look good but will be a bother to clean/dust once you put stuff on them. Maybe a small alcove that would hold a few bath supplies. Dark cabinets look good but white or grey would look good too. Sometimes making a room look too cookie-cutter just to protect resale will just make your house look like every other one on the market.
Heidi P says
Love the cabinet color, penny tile is beautiful with the mirror but I really don’t think the shelf is a good idea unless you know what your are going to put on it before installing it. Also, the counter tile looks dated already. Maybe that’s all they could afford because it is an inexpensive way to do a counter top but I think a solid surface would be more in style and easier to clean. Just my 2 cents.
Catherine says
Love the penny tile/mirror combo
The cabinets are the color we have and I really like the color. We have the tall linen cabinet and I dislike it. Things always get lost in the top and back and it seems to bulky and looming in our bathroom.
The tub shelf is cute, but I wouldn’t want to keep it organized to look cute. 😉
I like the floor tiles, but HATE tiled counters. We have them throughout our house and they never look clean enough.
Patty says
I agree with the tile counters. But I would have an under counter sink, rather than one that sits on top of the counter because when the silicon around the sink gets old, it leaks. Also with an under counter sink, wiping/washing the counter is much easier, just wipe it all into the sink. Dirt, dust and crude gets into the silicon around the sink. Love the color of the cabinets and love the linen closet.
Gina says
Like the color, if it is paired with the lighter walls, floors and counters, like it is. Like the penny tile accents. It adds some interest to boring plain tile. I think tile needs to be partnered with accents. Like the built in shelf….wish I had one. like a linen closet, but do agree that the sinks are scrunched in to close to the walls.
Cecily says
Don’t really care for any of it but I don’t like grays in a bathroom, too dreary. One thing I really despise is the light on the mirror. It makes it a bear to try to clean the mirror (as you may notice in the picture). Of course, you are the one who has to live with it so you should go with what you like.
Tisha says
If you do a linen cabinet like that, I would make sure to have pull outs in the cabinets. If storage is an issue, I would definitely keep it. Honestly, toilet closets make me feel claustrophobic but they do seem to be popular. While grout lines can be difficult, when talking about resale, somebody could like that option if they want to further personalize the bathroom. Some feel guilt about ripping out perfectly good granite just because it does not suit their style. I also like the shelves by the bathtub. I would limit it to 3 shelves and have a pile of towels, washcloths, assorted other things in a basket, etc. Keeping it simple will make it easy to clean around.
Kristin says
Just completing our bathroom reno so here is my opinion.
1. Love the cabinets in the dark colour. if you do add a storage cabinet like the tall one, be sure to have about 8″ of counter to the right side of the sink for elbow room.
2. Love the penny tile, its beautiful. I would pair it with a tile that a bit simpler so it becomes the feature.
3. Built in shelf is a great place to add a pop of colour. The recessed niche in the shower is the best thing we put in. Its keeps the soap from getting wet.
We went with all chrome fixtures as we found that often one item wouldn’t come in the finish we wanted. Chrome will be around forever. Good luck with your choices. There are way too many!
Erika says
I love it, but agree about needing more counter space. Maybe they added the linen cupboard if they didn’t have a good hall closet for linens? Love the tile, and the beveled edge of the mirror spiffs it up. I like the shelf, but I’m not sure about the stripey backing of that spot.
ChrisM says
I like everything except the cabinet and the tile counters. The cabinet would be better if it were flush with the vanity (same depth) or I would just expand the vanity across the wall. Tile countertops = more grout to clean. I HATE cleaning grout. I would do granite or one of those cool recycled countertops with glass in it.
Robin Wright says
Love it except the countertop, go solid surface. The cabinets, if you have them made, have the drawer go all the way up, get rid of the false fronts. I did this and have so much room. You can add a shelf.
AshleyAshley says
I love the penny tile and have thought about getting it before myself, so thank you for sharing these pics. I do think the penny tile and subway tile are very popular right now as well as the popular prelayed rectangular minis are popular too. My preference is penny tile for small awkward spaces, too much would be strange, it’s really more of a compliment or back splash. I think it will probably be popular for another ten to twenty years…and wait resale?? you just bought this house!!
My suggestion for the cabinets is to have them be the same or similar in the bathrooms as the kitchen, your small bathroom I think you went with a pedastool sink, no cabinets to be found. I think having similar design aesthetics in the bathrooms and kitchens gives a house good flow.
Mavis Butterfield says
Although I would LOVE to have pedestal sinks in my master bath, I think it would be a HUGE mistake. People want storage. The HH and I don’t really need it, but I think I should gave cabinets in the bathroom.
mari says
Hi, do not go with tile on counter, the grout getting dirty will make you crazy!! Do granite like in your kitchen the contrast in grain will go with dark cabinets and lighter floors. Also go with chrome because hardware on cabinets is silver/steel. I have a shelf by my tub I put photos in pretty frames and a fern on mine they like the humidity of bathrooms. And last but not least like the mosaic tile but would still have framed out mirror, and yes loose the cabinet and go with longer vanity. You’ll be grateful for the extra counter space.
🙂
Mavis says
Oh I like that idea of the contrast in grain! Thanks.
Nguyenagain? says
1. Do you think the color of the cabinets are too dark?
NO!! This is a classy traditional look!! Cabinets are great!! Shower is awesome, LOVE the penny tile!!
2. Do you like the penny tile/mirror combo? Do you think it’s too flashy? Too trendy?
Personally, I think the mirrors about 12” to large on all sides if you consider in in proportion to the rest of the wall, but I understand why-there isn’t a while lot of space, and Im seeing elbows hitting. Agreed that the linen closet would squish someone out. I’ve always been a fan of dividing two sinks with a slightly recessed middle cabinet and two rectangular framed mirrors above the sinks. I do like the light, but not its placement in the middle of the mirror.
3. What do you think about the built in shelf above the bathtub? Cool? Useless?
Very cool!! There are so many possibilities, totally increases resale value!
4. Tile counter tops… love, hate? {12″ x 24″ were used}
Hate it. But we can’t all afford granite, so its understandable.
Norma says
I would do granite countertops with undermount sink. I would do heated floors. I have them and LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE them. They weren’t expensive and so worth it. I had a neighbor do his bathroom remodel the same time as us and didn’t do them. He is so sorry. We also have the built in shelf and keeps everything neat. Everything else I like, except I would do deep drawers for towels and roll them up.
Irene says
Lovely bathroom, with very classic design. I think it’s an excellent starting point for what you’d like to do in your master bath.
1. Color of the cabinets is perfect. I think it would create a very nice contrast with a light colored countertop and white sinks. Having said that, if you decide to forego the window in the bathroom and the lighting is awful, I would go white.
2. I really like the penny tile behind the mirror. But I don’t think I would do the border in the shower. Fewer groutlines = less cleaning = better.
3. If you’re into trinkets and displaying stuff, go for it. If you aren’t, I wouldn’t do it. Functionally I don’t think it adds too much.
4. Hate tile countertops. Just no. Don’t do it.
5. I wouldn’t do the tall cabinet if you don’t need the storage. Wasted money in my opinion. I would add more drawers for more efficient storage though.
Mavis says
Everyone is pretty much against those countertops, which is surprising to me!
Ann says
Hi Mavis — pretty bathroom. I like the cabinet color. It’s not too dark for me, but then I have this espresso/mocha/whatever color in my kitchen and baths, so I’m biased. I agree with others on tile countertops. Use a solid surface and then you can have undermount sinks, which really are easier to clean and eliminate caulk. I put a shelf above my tub, but part of the reason was because we have a free-standing tub, so there is no other space around to set stuff. But it is a dust collector, and it has been hard to find the right thing(s) to put on it that look right to scale. Even a medium sized scent diffuser looks sort of scrawny. I love penny tile, and thought about using it myself. But, I like a tight grout line, and I thought penny tile expose too much grout, so went another direction. I have marble countertops, so used a small hex marble tile in shower and complimenting areas. Good luck. There are sooo many cool choices.
Kimberly says
1. Do you think the color of the cabinets are too dark? Definitely too dark for a small space-I’d go with white.
2. Do you like the penny tile/mirror combo? Love penny tile-I’d go with colored penny tile and white subway tile
3. What do you think about the built in shelf above the bathtub? Cool? Useless? May be nice for a jar of fancy bath salts
4. Tile counter tops… love, hate? {12″ x 24″ were used} Hate! Ick no tile on countertops-the grout will look terrible and badfor resale-go with a solid surface
Jo @ Let's Face the Music says
I don’t like tile countertops and would only consider an undermount or integral sink. I’m not a fan of tan, brown, and orange so the bathroom seems a bit old fashioned to me. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
Carmen says
Love it all apart from the tiled counter (I’d like a solid surface like limestone.) I also question the usefulness of the built in shelf.
Mavis says
It might not be super useful, but isn’t it adorable!
Nina says
Lovely bathroom! Not too plain; not too trendy. Future buyers can always lighten cabinets. Penny tile around mirror is cool, but I’m not crazy about tile counter tops. I’m getting rid of mine because I dislike grout-line cleaning. Built-in shelf over bath looks cool, but as I live in earthquake country I would not use it for storage of bottles or design elements (your Puget Sound area does occasionally get earthquakes, too). I might hang art or a towel bar with fluffy towels.
Excited to see how your bath turns out. By-the-way, I love all the photos you take outdoors–I miss the cool moistness of Tacoma.
Dale Ann says
1) I love the dark cabinets paired with the brushed nickel hardware! It gives the room a feel of richness and grown up sophistication.
2) The penny tile is nice. Not my style, but it does work well in this room. For the mirror and lighting, I think I would have gone with two separate mirrors, easier to install, easier to replace, and for me two lend themselves to a classier look. I personally would prefer lighting above the mirrors, not installed into them.
3) If this were my bathroom I would opt out of the giant wall shelf, but would love to have a few small ones similar to the shower area.
4) I agree with the others…no on the grouted tile counter. Definitely would prefer a solid counter instead.
Having storage in the bathroom is always a good thing, but I agree with you Mavis, I’m not in love with the linen cupboard placed there either. If this were my bathroom I would extend the counter all the way across, then give both sinks more distance from the walls. I would find storage somewhere else in the room.
I do like the idea of the toilet room, but I would replace the solid door with a frosted glass one. It would still give privacy, but let light in so that it doesn’t have a dark closet feel (which may be scary for some children (or adults).
Gail Nowakowsky says
I really like the materials used in the bathroom but would change it up thus: Floor and wall tiles great but I wouldn’t put tiles on counter top. One piece counter and under mounted sinks. Much easier to keep clean. I don’t care how meticulous a housekeeper you are I think the grout will discolor with use and heaven help you should something colored get spilled on it. Also better resale value. I wouldn’t do shelf in tub – I think it will collect soap residue, etc in the corners and you will be in there with a q-tip cleaning out the corners. That’s my opinion for what it’s worth.
peggyk says
Now I love the linen closet in the bathroom. And I love the tiles. The dark cabinets not so much. and love the sink. Isn’t it funny we all look to resale value when we do things – like beige – lots of beige and white. You are having such fun with this I can tell.
Tracie H says
Love almost everything…I’m with everyone else who said no go on the tile counter tops. They’ll make you crazy. I love Madam Chows idea about the frosted glass around the toilet room. A glass door (frosted of course) would let in additional light and look really cool.
KCB says
Ditch the tiles on the counter. That’s exactly what we have (put in by the builder, probably because it’s cheaper). I would use granite, quartz, or some solid surface. I also prefer undermount sinks. When I feel like I can tolerate the mess, we’re going to have our bathroom tile counters changed. I do like the beveled mirror set on the tile background.
Cari says
Before I answer any questions I have to say that I LOOOOOVE the 12″ x 24″ tile I have been longing to do it in a room for years. They are a basic neutral, but the size makes them more interesting.
Now questions
1. Do you think the color of the cabinets are too dark?
Go with what you like – some people hate too dark some too light. I think that they contrast well with the lighter tiles, personally.
The space seems generous and bright so I don’t think it’s a problem
2. Do you like the penny tile/mirror combo? Do you think it’s too flashy? Too trendy?
I like it, possibly trendy, but stylish. You never know, that could be a trend that catches on right before you sell and peaks after. Framed is more classic, but this look is a cheaper alternative to the builder chrome edged or wall to wall mirror (they completely lack style).
3. What do you think about the built in shelf above the bathtub? Cool? Useless?
I think it is too tall out of proportion, a couple of smaller niches would be more useful. Small niches could really be helpful in “staging” your house for sale as well.
4. Tile counter tops… love, hate? {12″ x 24″ were used}
I think tile counter tops are a bad idea (even though I love, love the tile so much) because of the grout. I really like the tile in the shower too. You won’t have as many grout lines to clean and maintain in there.
PS I agree on the vanity/ linen closet. That is a lot of storage for 2 people. Unless you need that space to stockpile toilet paper all the top couple of shelves will be is a place to hoard crap.
Have fun!
Em says
We picked this piece which is similar, but has a solid marble top:
http://m.lowes.com/pd/allen–roth-Espresso-Undermount-Single-Sink-Bathroom-Vanity-with-Natural-Marble-Top-Common-45-in-x-23-in-Actual-45-in-x-23-25-in/1235271
We used a faux marble tile on the floor and it matches the countertop. Soft green walls.
I like the shelf they used!
Tracy L. says
Ok, so I might be in the minority, and I didn’t see it mentioned. I have OCD issues and continuity is HUGE. Growing up back east seeing different cabinetry in different rooms screamed, “do-it-yourself” tacky!! People remodel throughout the years not staying true to their houses architecture but taking on different trends leaving the house feeling so hodge-podge. My vote would definitely be to stay consistent with your other white cabinetry you have in the kitchen and in the girls bathroom.
NO TILE COUNTER TOPS!!! They are horrible to keep clean, and will never be a good re-sale. Whatever surface you choose I would keep it one continuos slab, and I say more counter space is more valuable than cabinetry. It seems your closet could hold extras if need be. Chrome fixtures are classic and never go out of style. I personally don’t like the shelf in the wall, more spaces to clean and have visual clutter. The “pins” that you have pinned that are white, clean, bright spaces seem more conducive to the rest of your house.
Sue says
If your bathroom is anything like this one I’d put glass block in where the shelf is above the tub. We have that and it brings wonderful light into the shower.
Sallie Borrink says
I’ll be in the minority with Tracy and say that I would stick with a look and go white. In addition to the continuity aspect throughout the house, this will look so dated much sooner than you think. This current cycle of decorating style has been around for quite a while. Maybe if you can afford to change it out in 3-5 years you don’t care, but I know i would have to go with something much longer term than that.
HOlly says
1. Do you think the color of the cabinets are too dark? – No, as long as you use light/neutral colors everywhere else to provide contrast/balance and get natural light in your bathroom like they do. I would even go lighter – something more in the white/grey family and less in the brown family to make everything pop.
2. Do you like the penny tile/mirror combo? Do you think it’s too flashy? Too trendy? – I like the penny tile but I do not like the unframed mirror or the light fixture. I would go with something a little more transitional that does not look like everything you see in flip houses these days. Maybe even two separate mirrors above each sink. Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware have good options.
3. What do you think about the built in shelf above the bathtub? Cool? Useless? – I think this is cool and useful – can put shampoo, etc in these nooks.
4. Tile counter tops… love, hate? {12″ x 24″ were used} – like the tile on the floor but I would splurge on a countertop (marble, quartz, granite, whatever)
Carmen says
I’ve just taken another look at these pictures (since you popped into my feed ‘again’ I think) and what I forgot to say last time is whilst I like the bathroom, it looks way too dark for me to actually want to go in it – especially the claustrophobic toilet area, and the shower. Honestly, I would NEVER use that toilet, which is a serious issue (for resale.)
Unless your room has significantly more natural light (which I doubt given your mention of adding a window), I would go white all the way. My focus would be getting smart with lighting and how to maximise a lighter (& thus clean) feel to the bathroom; fittings are secondary.
Peggy says
You might be able to pull off tile for the counter tops, but most other humans should stay far, far away, and if that’s the only option, butt the tile up against each other with almost no visible space. A cleaning nightmare!!