Fresh Bright Bathroom in Melrose | McGuire + Co. Kitchen & Bath

Project: Fresh & bright full bathroom remodel in Melrose, MA (AKA #ProjectNewlywed)

There’s no better way to kick off a marriage than to go through a home renovation together, and that is exactly what our clients did in this recent bathroom project, lovingly nicknamed #ProjectNewlywed. Shortly after their backyard wedding (COVID-style) in the Fall of 2020, our clients decided that the outdated second-floor bathroom of their Melrose home had to go.

During the design process, our designer Jenni devised a plan to streamline the bathroom by removing an unnecessary half-wall at the vanity and a ceiling soffit over the bathtub, creating visual space and allowing the room to breathe. Although the layout of the bathroom stayed the same, the new design included a double sink vanity with ample storage and countertop space. For even more storage, we designed for a wall cabinet and floating shelf to fit within the nook over the toilet.

The aesthetic in this bathroom is bright and fresh, with a neutral white and light-gray color palette. The soft gray vanity cabinet sits atop a marble-looking hexagon mosaic floor and is punctuated with dark hardware. For added architectural interest, Rob installed a shiplap treatment on the wall behind the vanities, and crown molding throughout the room. The tub/shower alcove gleams bright with glossy white subway tile, a deep soaking tub, brushed nickel shower fixtures and custom wall niches to corral shower products.

Construction-wise, this project was a full-gut renovation, taking the bathroom down to the studs and sub-floor. We always say that demolition is the “period of discovery”, and in this project we came across a trifecta of issues with plumbing, electrical and structural that all needed to be addressed to bring the home up to code. Although no one likes surprises (in construction, at least), we quickly tackled the issues and kept the project moving along on schedule. In the end, we can feel confident that our team left the home in better (and more beautiful!) condition than when we found it, and that these newlyweds will enjoy the renovated space for many, many years!

Melrose Gray and White Bathroom Remodel with gray vanity and quartz countertop — *The new vanity configuration includes his-and-hers sinks and ample drawer storage, with wall-mounted medicine cabinets above*.

Melrose Gray and White Bathroom Remodel with gray vanity and quartz countertop and shiplap walls — *The shiplap wall treatment and crown molding provide subtle hints of texture for added architectural interest in the room.*

Melrose Gray and White Bathroom Remodel Cabinetry — *To maximize storage in the bathroom, we added a wall cabinet and floating shelf to the toilet nook.*

Melrose Gray and White Bathroom Remodel shower with soaking tub — *The tub/shower area is bright and white with a new deep soaking tub, classic white subway tile and brushed nickel fixtures.*

Melrose Gray and White Bathroom Remodel — *The bathroom includes a lot of luxurious and functional details, like a 2-in-1 showerhead, custom wall niches for shower products, ample drawer storage, and a classic marble-looking mosaic floor tile.*

Melrose Gray and White Bathroom Remodel materials selection — *A neutral color palette doesn’t have to mean boring! We created a lot of visual interest throughout the space with pattern, texture and contrasting finishes.*

It was such a pleasure working with this wonderful couple on their fresh and bright new bathroom, and we appreciate their glowing testimonial: “…At the end of the day, this is some of the best work we’ve ever seen done — our bathroom is absolutely beautiful and has totally changed our home for the better….”

If you would like to see what this space looked like before the remodel, please check out our Before and After Gallery, and check out our full photo gallery for this project on our profile at Houzz.