Project: Design-build Bathroom Remodel in Melrose, MA (#ProjectReededRetro)
Project Reeded Retro is a design and build remodel here in Melrose where our team assisted in all design, product, materials, and construction, from start to finish. The home was built in 1900, and we re-designed a portion of the second floor, creating a hallway to the back stairwell, along with a magnificent bath space in a period-specific aesthetic. Our homeowners expressed that they felt a share of the second floor was not useful to them, so we exerted our efforts on a redesign.
We took the existing second floor bath space, along with an adjacent idle room, and restructured the layout to better fit our clients’ needs. We created a hallway from the office space which leads to the back stairwell, then made use of the adjacent space to design a brilliant bath accessed from both the second floor hall and the master bedroom. The bathroom showcases fluted cabinetry, an era-influenced shower space, a clawfoot tub that demands attention, a toilet alcove with privacy, all in an everlasting black and white and neutral finish palette, radiating with retro design intent.
Photos 1-3, 5-7: Regina Mallory Photography
A pivotal pallet, classic in time – a bordered hexagon floor tile, cherry wood reeded cabinetry, a lined subway and retro dot wall tile, a chrome metal finish, a blend of lighting styles, black and white, and neutral.
Vanity vignette, a blend of elements. Traditional plumbing fixtures in chrome, transitional reeded cabinetry style in a cherry wood species, and contemporary wall sconces in chrome.
Displayed is rich reeded cherry cabinetry, bright quartz cabinetry top, chrome plumbing, and chrome hardware; all are details that elevate the aesthetic.
We clean up in a bath space, and it is time to come clean. This existing space had both a fireplace and a door going out to the balcony. Upon many design proposals to implement a fabulous bath space with a working fireplace and a garden filled balcony, our clients’ needs come first, they assessed no use for either, so together we eliminated the fireplace and the door access to the balcony. In doing so, we space planned for a large step in curbed shower space with privacy wall, we created clearance for the clawfoot tub and chandelier moment, all enveloped in intentional tile selections.
The floor tile is a 1” hexagon mosaic in white with a black border, the shower wall tile mimics this 1” hexagon in a black and white retro dot pattern, and the full bath space is enveloped in a white subway tile with black liner.
Showcased in our shower space are the traditional chrome plumbing fixtures.
The white and chrome clawfoot tub is the centerpiece of the space, showcasing a chrome tub filler, and a bubbly chandelier above.
She is a beauty!
Design specifics – a close up of the claw foot, a focus on the tub filler, and attention to the shower niche.
Take a walkthrough of Project Reeded Retro and see how we transformed this underutilized second floor into a timeless bath retreat with thoughtful design details and vintage-inspired charm.
See how this space was transformed in our Before and After Gallery!
At McGuire + Co. Kitchen & Bath, we love helping homeowners bring new life to every part of their home. Whether it’s updating a bathroom, reworking a floor plan, or creating a space that truly feels like yours, our design-build team is with you every step of the way. Explore our bathroom design services to start planning a space that blends timeless style with everyday comfort.
