A while back my friend Kathie to chat about her home and a few things that were in need of updating. We talked about a different look for the dated fireplace face and lots of bookshelves. Kathie loves to read and she does not part with her books easily! After a while we finally got to the real challenge – the multipurpose hall bathroom.

You should know this is not the first time Kathie and I discussed this ancient bathroom. My efforts to “do something” with this awful space had been frustrated for over 20 years. The room meant well, but just got a bad start in life and never developed any self esteem. I can’t imagine what the original 60’s builder was thinking. The awkward layout was bad enough, but the unusually narrow 24 inch doorway was a special touch!

During previous remodeling projects we had done cosmetic updates with paint, trim, counter tops and the like. Now these finishes were ready for renewing, but this time, Kathie was ready to take the plunge. We set out to bring the poor little bath into the 21st century.

Our design challenge was to create a nice “powder room” feel because this is the guest bathroom, but Kathie was adamant that we keep a bathtub in the floor plan for when her mother visits and (possibly) bathing grandchildren. And of course we needed to install a door wide enough for grownups!

On paper (or these days on computer screens) it is relatively easy to start by removing everything … so we did. Out with the wide old vanity cabinet and the extra linen storage, the tub and the toilet. However the doorway was still a problem which we solved by a surgical invasion of the large hall linen closet. Now the stage was set for renewal.

The bathtub and shower, our largest (and least used) elements, moved to the rear of the space, enclosed there by a ceiling high glass block partition. Kathie furnished this area with a standing towel caddy and a bench for dressing comfort. This leaves the powder room area easiest to access for guests who never fail to remark on the transformation.

For her finishes, Kathie chose a lovely white wainscot tile with pale green trim which surrounds the room, classic white fixtures and deep green walls for contrast. The final result is stunning and timeless…with a full sized door for access.

Len McAdams is president of McAdams Builders in Kirkland. Contact him at 425-822-6555.