JohnfrWhipple
BATHROOM DESIGN & BUILD
With Christmas break over it's time to get back to business. I'm excited about my newest project since the owner has agreed to allow me to try something new with his bathtub installation. I have seen over seas on some Spanish Design blogs some killer bathtub lighting designs. I want to take it one step further and make the tub appear to be floating and I plan like a magician to use smoke and mirrors - or at least mirrors.
Floating Bathtub Design Photo: Source - Page
The plan is going to be simple. Design the tub (drop in tub from Kohler) to be set into a tub surround with a built in toe kick. The kick above is a contrasting colour and my plan is to set it deeper and use the mirror in lu of the wood shown. Using the mirrors against the kicks face to create the illusion that the floor tile runs right under the tub and then add a little LED lighting to create a light source and help the owners set any kind of lighting mood they wish.
The first time I used mirrors for this type of design was on a fireplace build some 5-6 years back.
Floating Mantel, Travertine Fireplace Build Vancouver Photo: Source - Page
Back then I had little experience with LED lights and used a simple rope light for this build. Man I wish I could re-do this job one day and upgrade the lighting plan. With each job new skills are learned and refinements made to the building process. I think every builder try's to "Out-Do" his last job in a quest to constantly get better. I know I do.
The tub will be topped with a solid piece of granite or stone and the facing as yet is to be worked out. Maybe tile. Maybe drywall. Not sure.
With any tub install the design should include waterproofing up the walls some 18". This is a code required step that is often skipped by most builders and an inspection that is not required on a permitted job here in Vancouver. The bathroom we are renovating is a simple upgrade. No change of use. No fixture relocations. So we will be self inspecting this job and bending the rules a little on the tub's surround. The plan is to bring the drywall right down to the slab and create a sleek modern look.
Here are a few of the design inspiration photo's to help you visualize the finished job.
Floating Vanity with down lights Photo: Source - Page
Tub Toe Kick Photo: Source - Page
Photo Source
Floating Bathtub Design Photo: Source - Page
The plan is going to be simple. Design the tub (drop in tub from Kohler) to be set into a tub surround with a built in toe kick. The kick above is a contrasting colour and my plan is to set it deeper and use the mirror in lu of the wood shown. Using the mirrors against the kicks face to create the illusion that the floor tile runs right under the tub and then add a little LED lighting to create a light source and help the owners set any kind of lighting mood they wish.
The first time I used mirrors for this type of design was on a fireplace build some 5-6 years back.
Floating Mantel, Travertine Fireplace Build Vancouver Photo: Source - Page
Back then I had little experience with LED lights and used a simple rope light for this build. Man I wish I could re-do this job one day and upgrade the lighting plan. With each job new skills are learned and refinements made to the building process. I think every builder try's to "Out-Do" his last job in a quest to constantly get better. I know I do.
The tub will be topped with a solid piece of granite or stone and the facing as yet is to be worked out. Maybe tile. Maybe drywall. Not sure.
With any tub install the design should include waterproofing up the walls some 18". This is a code required step that is often skipped by most builders and an inspection that is not required on a permitted job here in Vancouver. The bathroom we are renovating is a simple upgrade. No change of use. No fixture relocations. So we will be self inspecting this job and bending the rules a little on the tub's surround. The plan is to bring the drywall right down to the slab and create a sleek modern look.
Here are a few of the design inspiration photo's to help you visualize the finished job.
Floating Vanity with down lights Photo: Source - Page
Tub Toe Kick Photo: Source - Page
Photo Source
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