
First, you have moisture damage (rotted materials, mold, mildew) that may have led to structural issues. The plumbing may need replacement and the fixtures updated. Beneath the tiled walls and vinyl-clad floor, things may be downright soggy. Then, we face aesthetic shortfalls: hastily added shower stalls, mismatched colors, weird or cheap tile, big-box vanities, builder-special lighting, and layers of flooring. The room may be far removed from the vintage harmony we hope for. A few case studies inspire with solutions but also show how even the best-laid plans require flexibility. Things may change when demolition begins. With at least one unexpected finding during their bathroom projects, these old-house lovers showed ingenuity.
BEFORE (above) The tiny tub came right into the toilet space! Wallpaper dated to the Sixties. AFTER (right) A big closet became the tub niche; a tile border that follows the floor plan is a sharp enhancement.
A COMPLETE MAKEOVER
DESIGNER PAT GAYLOR MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY
This job went way beyond cosmetic. With the room sinking and shifting, it was demolished down to lath and floor beams; a steel beam now shores up the floor. Reconfiguring the space allowed for a full-size tub. White tile, a wood wainscot, and Englishstyle wallpaper create a timeless room for an 1810 house built before indoor plumbing.
PROUD DETAIL: Using plain tile (instead of marble) and wood allowed a splurge on polished nickel fittings.
BEFORE (right) The main bathroom, not very big, was a hodgepodge of colors and styles.
AFTER (above) Using a cool white palette on walls, ceiling, and floor made the room feel larger. Shiplap siding replaced 20thcentury drywall. Under the white paint, the wood floor has been restored.
farmhouse SIMPLICITY
Dit verhaal komt uit de March - April 2025 editie van Old House Journal.
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Dit verhaal komt uit de March - April 2025 editie van Old House Journal.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Al abonnee? Inloggen

uncovering the charm
An eye-popping restoration followed when the owners removed faceless aluminum siding to find a handsome brick exterior with original details intact.

A Touchup for Knotty Pine
More than a simple cleaning, this process removes grime and a tired finish while preserving the mellow quality of vintage knotty pine.

Quick Fixes
Do it fast but do it well.

the KITCHEN UPFRONT
When this 1880s Philadelphia house was built, the kitchen was undoubtedly in a different location.

MORE THAN A HOUSE MOVING
even good smells can be too much Homeowner Jeremy Stock insisted that he and Danielle not only needed a stove vent but that they'd need a very efficient one that would vent steam, smoke, and smells to the outside.

A Pattern Match
The discovery of a patch of historic linoleum led to the re-creation of an 1890s-style floor, using paint and vinyl.

the door IN ITS FRAME
The frame is often overlooked as a key component to a properly operating entry door.

Sunshine in a Cottage Kitchen
A happy room demonstrates that simplicity often underlies good design.

A REWARDING EXPERIENCE!
We revitalized a long-forgotten building on a prominent corner and would do it again.