Project Overview
This historic Cranbury home had original 1960s bathrooms that hadn’t been touched since construction. The main hall bathroom served guests and the kids — it needed to work hard while looking good. The homeowners wanted timeless elegance that would complement their colonial home’s character.
Before: The Challenges
- Original pink tile and fixtures (very dated)
- Pedestal sink with zero storage
- Tub/shower combo with deteriorating grout
- Single overhead light fixture
- Vinyl flooring lifting at edges
- Poor ventilation causing mold concerns
Design Approach
Rather than going ultra-modern, we designed a classic bathroom that feels like it could have been original to the home — just updated with modern functionality.
Color Palette
- White subway tile with gray grout
- Marble-look porcelain floor tile
- Warm brass fixtures
- Navy blue vanity cabinet
Scope of Work
Complete Gut Demo
- Removed all fixtures, tile, and flooring
- Discovered and remediated minor mold behind tub surround
- Updated plumbing supply lines (original galvanized)
- Installed new PEX supply and PVC drain lines
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
The homeowners preferred a shower-only bathroom:
- Removed cast iron tub
- Installed curbless shower base with linear drain
- Floor-to-ceiling subway tile surround
- Frameless glass panel (not full enclosure)
- Built-in shower niche for toiletries
Custom Vanity Area
- 36” furniture-style vanity in navy blue
- Marble countertop with undermount sink
- Brass widespread faucet
- Full-width mirror with brass frame
- Sconce lighting on each side
Flooring
- Marble-look porcelain tile (12x24)
- Heated floor system under tile
- Waterproof membrane throughout
- Baseboard tile for clean look
Improved Ventilation
- Panasonic WhisperGreen exhaust fan
- Humidity-sensing auto-on feature
- Ducted to exterior (previously just recirculating)
Fixture Selections
| Item | Brand/Model | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet | TOTO Drake II | White |
| Showerhead | Delta Trinsic | Champagne Bronze |
| Faucet | Delta Cassidy | Champagne Bronze |
| Vanity | James Martin 36” | Victory Blue |
| Lighting | Visual Comfort Sconces | Brass |
Timeline
- Week 1: Demo, plumbing rough-in, mold remediation
- Week 2: Electrical, cement board, waterproofing
- Week 3: Tile installation, heated floor
- Week 4: Fixtures, vanity, finishing
Result
The bathroom now serves as a showcase when guests visit — a far cry from the “sorry about the bathroom” apologies of before. The heated floor has been a particular hit during Cranbury’s cold winters, and the curbless shower makes the modest space feel much larger.
The classic design ensures this bathroom will still look appropriate in another 30 years.