This Ridgewood Bathroom Expansion Offers Style & Storage
Writer Marirose Krall | Photographer Peter Rymwid | Designer Julia Kleyman, Ulrich Inc. | Location Ridgewood, NJ
Custom etchings on the glass walls of the shower enclosure create a sense of privacy. Designer Julia Kleyman says the arabesque-like tile mosaic on the backsplash wall inspired the shower-door patterm.
A Ridgewood, New Jersey, bathroom expansion offers storage, style and family harmony
Custom etchings on the glass walls of the shower enclosure (seen at right) create a sense of privacy. Designer Julia Kleyman says the arabesque-like tile mosaic on the backsplash wall inspired the shower-door pattern.
With growing daughters vying for vanity space, Melissa Hinkle knew her kids’ bathroom was in need of an overhaul. “The existing bathroom was small,” says designer Julia Kleyman of Ulrich Inc. in Ridgewood, NJ, “only 53 square feet.” In the new space, Hinkle wanted a spacious shower stall and double sinks. The dual basins would be necessary, she says, “if I wanted to survive the teenage years.”
Accomplishing all that required reallocating space; she gave up a linen closet in the hall and a portion of a bedroom to acquire additional square footage for the bathroom. In addition, Kleyman says, the renovation involved moving the toilet and shifting the entrance door half a foot. The give and take was worth it. “We were able to completely transform the space and add 10 square feet,” Kleyman says.
The enlarged room was completely reconfigured to make the best use of the newly acquired space. The bathtub was removed and a large shower was added. (The master bathroom has a soaking tub the girls can use if they wish, Hinkle notes.) Storage options were maximized. For instance, cabinet hardware is also used for towel storage. “There really wasn’t a good place to put towel bars,” Hinkle adds. The double vanity features a hamper between the two sinks, hidden behind a “four-drawer” false front.
The various blues in the room create an atmosphere that’s striking yet soothing. Kleyman says of Hinkle, “She was very open to some funky tile design. She is a colorful person. Her house has lots of texture. We wanted something colorful and unusual and whimsical.” The custom dark navy cabinetry coordinates with the floor and wall tile, which feature different shades and patterns. “This is a unique and eclectic style in a small hall bathroom,” Kleyman adds.