What we did:

Gutted an existing Linen Closet, opening it to 8 feet in height, and then inserting a custom-built cabinet into the space. New cabinet incorporates drawers and frosted glass doors for a spa look; replacing the original bi-fold door and wire shelving.

Constructed a matching vanity with an overall 34” height, deeper drawers and offering better utilization of counter space via enlarging it 2” in both dimensions, then replacing the builders molded faux marble with granite (St. Cecelia) and under-mounted (Kohler, Caxton 17”) basins. Door/Drawer hardware (Top Knobs, Nouveau) is polished chrome. Electricity has been added below one basin for a hair dryer and tooth brush. Sink fascia’s tilt for accessible comb and hair brush storage. Overall the two cabinets have approximately doubled available capacity in the same square footage permitting improved organization and convenience. Wood selection is Maple, stained almost ebony, designed with a furniture look.
Removed and replaced the original shower enclosure with semi-frameless ½” glass, incorporating a pony wall into the shower thus increasing its area. The pony wall has been capped with identical granite to pair with our vanity. A robe hook has been installed through the glass for hanging a towel while showering. Shower door swings inward or outward. Mounted (simplehuman) shampoo/soap dispensers.

The original full width mirror has been replaced with a beveled glass “floating” one attached to the wall. Really wanted separate tilting mirrors but with only 5 feet I just didn’t think they proportioned right.

Installed a 27” tall medicine cabinet (NuTone) replacing the original 18” one.

For the WC we selected a Toto Ultramax II, elongated, SanaGloss and comfort height to replace the original. Much quieter.

Painted and mirror-backed an existing wall cabinet for perfume.

Faucets, shower head, towel rods and robe hooks (Kohler, Forte) are in polished chrome.

A fixed window has been changed to one that opens and exchanged the sky light too ��" both with low-E glass.

Installed a ceiling fan - Casablanca damp area.

Added night lighting on the plant ledge and electricity/cable connection. Probably won’t ever put a TV in the bathroom but space on the wall above the medicine cabinet could accommodate one. We previously replaced the builder strip light with a pair by Kichler which remain.

Paint is C2, Slinky on the walls and Shark Fin on the ceiling though the color distinction isn’t what I imagined it would be. May paint some clouds on the ceiling as previously had that effect and liked the look.
The entire process took 9 months, much of it waiting for the cabinet maker, a local one-man operation, who had a couple kitchens ahead of our project. My husband did all the demolition, electrical, painting, cabinet installation and plumbing. Professionals handled the shower enclosure, window install, granite and cabinet building to his design. I’m sure some tweaking will continue but right now I’m happy with the new look.

Here’s a link to photos. My first exposure to Photobucket - haven't determined how to re-organize them into a better sequence.

If you copy/paste from word, that happens.

But, it's worth saying twice... your vanity and cabinet are drop-dead gorgeous!!

treasuretheday - you're very kind. I agonized for months not knowing whether things would coordinate as I visioned and your comments are a confirmation.

writersblock - Thank you. Somehow I knew Bill Gates has something to do with the altered transfer.

enduring - Thank you for your comment and for selecting/posting some of the photos. I will learn techniques to better use Photobucket soon, I hope.

Beth P.

Thanks, Rita

Thank you, we're pleased with everything after approximately 3 months.

The vanity is 62" wide with an additional 1" overhang for the granite. Original vanity was 60" but we have space to enlarge so added those inches into the drawers.

Regarding height, because we had ours custom built it was possible to go any height. I'm 5' 4" (on a good day as my DH says) and I felt 36" was a bit more than I would find comfortable in the bathroom. Our original was 31" high. I find the new one fits me fine and my DH (6') likes to too.

Good luck with your cabinet build. Ours is built of 3/4" cabinet-grade plywood. It is really sturdy, even the granite installer was happy. He said he doesn't like putting 500# of stone on some cabinets.

Good luck with your cabinet build. Ours is built of 3/4" cabinet-grade plywood. It is really sturdy, even the granite installer was happy. He said he doesn't like putting 500# of stone on some cabinets.

Thank you for your kind words. The pan is 36" square. By incorporating the "pony wall" into the shower, shoulder space in one dimension is increased by 4 inches - a significant difference.

We have floor and wall space to accommodate up to 36 x 48 (plus the pony wall) but that was going to require all new floor and wall tile. Because the existing tile was fine, we opted not to increase the budget.

Yes, the Linen Cabinet was also built custom and to match the vanity - drawers same height and same wood/finish.

The original Linen Closet had an 18" bi-fold door, which really only opened about 15", with wire shelving inside. The door was standard 80" height. We opened the width to 24" and the height to 96" for this cabinet. It is free-standing, though anchored, and the frame is scribed to fit as if built-in.

Appreciate your kind remarks.

We went with an internal drawer because our drawer needed to be small due to limitations for plumbing connections. And, we felt the proportion of the door would be wrong with it being smaller. It is a great space for nail polish and small items.