Master Bathroom Renovation: Island Counter

26 Apr Master Bathroom Renovation: Island Counter

This might be my first Saturday post ever, but I realize I have not written as much this week as I usually do, so I thought I would update you on the renovation of our Master Bathroom.

In fact, just yesterday, the countertop arrived for our little island furniture piece that rests next to the sink.  My favorite element about the island (besides the fact that it looks great) is that the middle section of the back (which you can see in the photo above) pulls out to reveal a hamper!  Since this piece is about 44″ wide, and 24″ deep, I knew the drawers would be crazy deep, which did not seem necessary for the items we would be storing.  Toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, etc. do not really require nearly two feet of drawer depth.  Therefore, the idea for the hamper was born.

The three drawers on either side of the unit will provide plenty of storage, and I am so thrilled with how the design turned out overall.  The carpenter on this job has been fabulous, and I have really been impressed with his design knowledge and ideas.  After I told him I wanted to incorporate the shower tile pattern  somewhere else in the bathroom, he came up with the idea to turn the pattern on the horizontal and add it to the cabinet.

When the carpenter first brought in the unfinished piece, my mouth hit the floor.

I knew it was really special, and I told him again and again how spectacular I thought his work was.

Of course, then I had to find a countertop, and I visited nearly every remnant shop in my area.  Since I didn’t need a very large piece, I was hoping to find something exotic and interesting at a great price.  I also knew I wanted a white background, and I wanted the marble to be honed.  (not shiny or polished) I was sure I wanted something fairly thick too, at least 3 cm, which is a little over an inch.

There were a few stones that caught my eye…like this one.

But I decided it might be too boring.

I actually almost picked this marble.  It had kind of a blue tinge to it, and the movement was really interesting.

But then I thought that maybe with the chevron wood and marble floor, it would be too much movement.  I want this bathroom to be restful of course, so I did not want to go too crazy.  When I found this Danby Calacatta Marble, I knew it would be perfect.

Side Note:  If you are wondering what the difference is between calcutta marble and calacatta marble, here is how it was explained to me.  Calcutta marble has more of a gray background and is a softer look, whereas calacatta marble has more of a white background with more powerful and striking veining.

I really appreciated the Danby marble because not only would the deep gray accents pick up on the pewter tub and antiqued mirror, but the pattern and veining looked like a bolder pattern of the marble on our floor.  (pardon the dust)

Plus I loved how the gold flecks in the Danby highlighted our unlacquered brass faucet fixtures.

My faucets are aging beautifully by the way.  I decided to let them age on their own, rather than forcing the issue, and I have enjoyed seeing them take on their own patina.

I have yet to add the hardware to the drawers and hamper, but I still plan on using the blue opaline pulls that were originally in this bathroom.  Although I was thinking yesterday about getting a brass backplate for each end of the pulls to add a little glam. (??)  You can see the blue pulls in this image.

Can you believe this is the same space?  It is shocking.  I can feel the finish line though, friends.

So, so close.

Have a great weekend. xo

More Bathroom Renovation Posts:

The Original 1921 Bathroom + The Plan

How We Found Our Antique Barber Shop Sink

Gutting The Bathroom, Tile, & Ideas

Wood & Marble Floor Installation