MARBLE, GRAY CABINETS, LAMINATE & MORE
I love marble. Along with navy blue, Doug my dog, Ryan Reynolds (or Gosling), and area rugs, marble is definitely one of my addictions – one that I have yet to explore in my own home but have had OODLES of fun exploring with my clients.
My client, Laura, was looking to build her dream bathroom…on a budget. Well, she came to the right gal, as when it comes to getting some bang for buck (not street-corner style), I know where to spend money and where to save it – EVEN when it comes to a luxury product like marble.
Laura’s bathroom had a great footprint. With approx 125 sq ft of space, we fit in the loo, double-vanity, walk-in shower, and a free-standing tub. After that, it was just a matter of choosing products that would be budget-friendly and high-impact.
MARBLE-LOOK COUNTERTOP
We chose Calacatta Marble 180FX by Formica, which is a laminate countertop. Not only does it LOOK like the real thing, it’s more durable and drastically more affordable!
Of course, no countertop is fool-proof, and laminate has pros and cons. However, it’s easier to maintain than real marble.
The New Era of Laminate Countertops and Why They Rock
HEXAGON MARBLE TILE BACKSPLASH
Oh, this backsplash. Love is not the word for it; I think infatuation makes more sense. And no, that’s not a puddle of shower water; that’s my drool…
Hexagon marble backsplash from City Tile
The backsplash, whether in a bathroom or kitchen, is a great way to add personality to your space without breaking the bank (if you shop smart). And while I would be cautious of a hexagon pattern, as it’s not timeless, it still has some good life (subway tile layout is much better).
4 Tips & Ideas to Jazz Up a Simple Subway Tile
FLOORING & SHOWER SURROUND
Coming in at under $3.50 sq ft, this 12×24 tile makes a great visual connection with the countertop and backsplash and keeps things budget-friendly. We also saved a CHUNK of change by doing a fiberglass shower floor, rather than a tile floor (it’s also WAY easier to clean.)
Of course, the most budget-friendly shower is ALL fiberglass, but when creating a home you love; one that’s beyond a spec home, a tile surround adds to the visual and actual value.
THE DARK GRAY VANITY & STORAGE/LINEN TOWERS
There is MORE than enough space in this bathroom for the 3 Big T’s (towels, TP, tampons), and we created a beautiful foundation by painting the vanity and storage towers in Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray, a lovely grounded dark charcoal paint color.
FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
Chelsea Gray isn’t the only gorgeous dark gray cabinet color – I’ve got a few more beauties here – The Best Gray, Greige, & Green Cabinet & Vanity Paint Colors.
THE LOOOOOO
That’s funny if you’re a Canucks fan from the mid-2000s. If not, you just think I’m a weirdo, and that’s okay too.
I was going to pose with this photo, but I thought it might be awkward as an ‘action’ shot…
The paint is Benjamin Moore Oxford White, a relatively ‘clean’ white with little undertone. Don’t you just love the gentle curve and texture of the braided metal pipe? Just joking; I’ve drank too much wine tonight; ignore me.
THE FREE-STANDING BATHTUB
While I’m PERSONALLY a fan of built-in bathtubs, many of you love the look of a free-wheeling, free-standing tub…
I am not a photographer, so this is the best shot I could get of the tub – damn that window!
I know I’m happy, and it’s all about me – right? Okay, Laura is happy too, and that’s what really matters!
READ MORE
4 Tile & Shiplap Ideas for a Bathroom
3 Ideas to Add Style to a Small Bathroom
6 Budget-Friendly Home Update Ideas
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Can you tell me where you got the vanity cabinets?
Hi Terri, thank you for asking! They were actually made by a cabinet manufacturer in Surrey, where the builder gets a good discount 🙂
Love how everything looks! Can you tell me what size is the hexagon backsplash? Is it 2″ or larger”
Hi Lisa, I think it was a 2″ hexagon, thanks for asking!
Hello,
beautiful shower! Could you please share the brand/manufacturer and color of the 12×24 shower/floor tile? Thank you!
Author
Hi Karen, unfortunately it was a while ago and I don’t have the records on that product – sorry!
Do your remember what the finish was on the counter top? Etching or gloss?
Author
Oooo, I’m going to say it was the etched finish….
Beautiful design. I’m starting to think I need an interior designer to help me with my bathroom:) Is the glass shower frame custom made?
Author
Hi Anna! Yes, it was custom 🙂
do you have the complete length of the vanity including both cabinets on the end … this is exactly what i want but it looks kind of long zzz
Author
I’m sorry Andrea, I don’t! I’d phone the owners and ask them to measure it, but they’ve since sold it!
Beautiful remodel! Do you remember the manufacturer and name of the shower head?
Author
I’m sorry Erin, I don’t!
Where did you get the raised beveled mirrors
Author
Hi Steve! It was several years ago, but I’m sure it was HOme Sense…
BEAUTIFUL I am trying to redesign a bathroom for a house we are buying and love this look!! I have two questions for you! How do you think the marble would look in the same room as ship-lap? maybe a white ship-lap wall? we have an entire house of tongue and groove pine boards to re purpose! Also The counter top, did you order it as a counter of was it made out of the sheets of laminate? Im trying to figure out how to do the edge if it s made from the sheets. Thats where I ended up when I followed your links! I love the skinny look of it but want the edge to look like that 🙂
Thank you! I will be stalking your blog more!
Author
Hi Chelsie! Yes, I think the marble could look cool with shiplap. I mean it all depends on tile size/application, but generally speaking it can be pretty. As for the laminate, it’s a pre-fabricated product from Formica with the square wrap front, so there aren’t any seams, it just softly rolls over (without being rounded…)
I hope that helps!
~Kylie
Kylie,
I am in the middle of a master bathroom remodel and am heavily considering the laminate countertops. I love the project that you completed. Do you remember which finish you chose? Gloss Finish Code 90 or Etching Finish Code 46?
Thank you,
Joe
Author
Ooo, I can’t remember, but I almost ALWAYS choose the Etching finish…
Kylie, This is amazing! Can you please tell me what kind of knobs those are and who makes them. I want to purchase for my bathroom! Thanks!
Author
Hi Brigitte, I’m sorry it was a few years ago and those were the homeowners choice – I’m sorry I can’t help, but I do know that Build.com has some AWESOME selection!
How are the edges done? My husband and I are planning on installing this ourself. Do you know of a tutorial on how to do the edge so like those in ur pic? The bathroom looks awesome
Author
Hi Jennifer! I’m not totally sure which edges you’re referring to, but if it’s in the shower, that’s a metal schluter edge you can see, which is a homeowner friendly product!
Hi Kylie,
We love this bathroom and now your blog! Is the trim paint color also Oxford White? If not, do you recall the color even though it was a few years ago?
Thanks!
Author
Ooo Alicia, I don’t remember, but I would say that’s a ‘reasonable’ guess, even though I’m not a HUGE user of Oxford (it could also just be BM White – plain ole white!).
I’d love to know what the shower base is, please. Is that an acrylic shower base? If so do you know the brand/model please? Thank you!
Author
Hi Marcie! That is an acrylic base, but it was provided by the builder, so I’m not sure of the make! It looks like it could be a Kohler based on the drain style https://www.google.com/search?q=acrylic+shower+base+with+center+drain&sxsrf=ACYBGNS5pSWBLWIah4a9ad53O1xn7VcDBg:1574129884829&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwipgPbkmvXlAhV6GDQIHZDpC_0Q_AUoAnoECA4QBA&biw=1920&bih=888#imgrc=JIRBQMjT3_dz4M:
Grout color on hex please? 😍
Author
I’m sorry, it was several years ago and I don’t remember at all!
I absolutely adore your website. Thank you! I see the Calcutta countertop paired here with a warm paint color. Does that mean the laminate countertop is a warm shade as well? Slash, can we assume it is safe to pair with a warm color? Thank you!