Hello! I am new to the AT world and would love to see if this community could help with a design project I'm thinking about. I just purchased my first apartment and want to make some updates and other changes that are more aligned with my taste and help maximize the small space (it's 560SF). I am feeling a little overwhelmed never having done this before and not knowing where to start. Some of my ideas are:
Design wise I am thinking neutral tones and materials like Carrara marble that makes the space feel inviting, calming, and tasteful. Would love any input on whether my ideas are feasible or if anyone has other suggestions I am all ears! I can try to upload better photos or video if it's helpful. Thank you!
I'd love to see a floorplan to better visualize the changes you're contemplating. The area with your laundry equipment seems badly designed. You'd block access to your washer and dryer if you used it as storage so I can see why you want to change that. Also, I can see why you want an actual vanity cabinet for the bathroom sink. Every has " stuff" that is best stored in the bathroom. However, I'd hesitate to remove a tub for a walk in shower. That could hurt resale potential down the line. Finally, research the care aspect of marble, it requires a lot of maintenance and is easily damaged. There are many other stone and man-made options that will perform better and may even cost less.
Emperador marble is the polar opposite of carrara marble but I think it's much more interesting and sophisticated. I've had different marbles all over the place for many years. I don't mind a well used, well worn, lived in look. It's not all that precious.
I would pull out the tub and exchange it for a roomy glamorous shower, as you suggested.
The kitchen appliances are well located as is but the floors, counter tops and cabinets all need serious upgrading. I like my kitchen to look like people cook and gather there. I prefer cream, vanilla or light butter tones for the cabinets
I think you need to settle on a general style before you begin.
Thanks for your suggestions! Unfortunately I don't have a floor plan, and tried to upload a video but it won't allow me, but I should be able to add more photos next week. I do know that marble can be high maintenance, but I love the look and feel of high quality, natural materials…are there specific types of stone or tile similar to marble that you would recommend for high use areas?
I had never heard of emperador marble, it's gorgeous! I was thinking a lighter style since the place is so small, and there is only a tiny window in the bathroom so I want it to be as naturally light as possible. But I'm also into the idea of mixing different marbles, do you generally use the same for one space or are there certain types you will use together, for example one marble for the flooring and another for the counters or backsplash?
I agree about the light tones for kitchen cabinets, and would prefer the counters to be a light marble as well but am also considering leaving the dark granite and maybe doing a black & white checkered floor? Would love for the kitchen to be a gathering place as well but it seems hard to do with such a small space 😔
I would very strongly advise living in the apartment for a while before making major (and expensive) decisions. Unless you have funding to get contractors in to do everything straight away it takes time to decide on priorities and realise how the spaces work (or don't). Meanwhile make mood boards, research looks and suppliers and save links. Good luck!
So, I have lots of questions. Are you going to do the design and contracting out yourself? Do you live in northeast, southwest? Do you have a champagne or beer budget? You have to be real about that. If you left the bathroom fixtures in place, keep the tub, replace the floor and bath surround with marble of your choice. Marble can be treated like a Persian carpet, with borders outlining the space or medallions in the middle field. I'm worried if you get a cabinet sink in there you might not like how much space it takes up. You might like hanging cabinets over the toilet and sink (with mirrors).
I bought a townhouse in 2021 that had its last renovation in 2005. That reno was done with timeless, high quality materials, including a marble countertop in the master bathroom. It has no doubt gotten a lot of wear over the years and has not suffered any damage. But it did not get sealed regularly, and there are deep brown water stains around the sinks that even the professionals have been unable to remove. Moral — marble needs to be sealed regularly, like once every year or two. Fortunately, sealing is super easy! You just wipe on a clear liquid, let it soak in for an hour or so, and then wipe it clean with water or stone cleaner. If you seal it regularly, your marble countertop will be a timeless, beautiful addition. I think fear of marble is funny — there are marble floors in Pompeii and other ruins in Italy that are unstained and undamaged after 2,000 years!
I agree with you regarding a vanity sink for the bath, I hate pedestal sinks, had one, very impractical for me. I also would replace the tub with a nice walk in shower. That’s what I did . I really don’t think it would affect resale value if you ever sell because I don’t think your target buyers would be a family with toddlers. My young grandchildren quit taking baths at a very young age & showered ever since ( theythey’re still young, 7 & 8 ). I haven’t bathed in a tub for 30 years even though my current home has a freestanding tub (stupid, dangerous ) put in by the builder. I only use the walk-in shower.
I've seen emperador marble on the floors in hotel lobbies and elevators. It more depends on the thickness of the cut. And being properly installed in the first place.
Congrats on buying your first apartment. Making it your home will be so exciting. I highly recommend removing the cabinet to the left of your sink and putting in a larger window. At minimum, remove that cabinet and install floating shelves. Also, update the paint on your cabinets and change out all the hardware.
You make a good point about the sink vanity, I will look into the hanging cabinets, thanks! I live on the west coast (San Francisco) and will definitely be hiring a contractor, will probably also consult with someone for the design but figured I would start with this community first to try and narrow my vision! The more I talk to others I am thinking perhaps high quality tile for the kitchen/bathroom floors and backsplash versus marble. I would say it's more of a wine budget - I want good quality, tasteful materials but this is not my dream home project, more like an update and refresh the place so I don't want to break the bank. Do you have any examples of the marble borders or medallions? What material would go well with something like marble borders?
This is helpful advice, and something I have also been thinking about! I do have contractors available to start soon and I also have the benefit of not having to move in right away so it would minimize disruption later if I could get the work done now. But I don't want to rush into it either…will continue to research and gather quotes and ideas. Thank you!
Totally agree with this - I am renting a place right now that has Carrara marble bathroom floors, and there is a dark brown stain around the base of the toilet from water damage which makes me think it wasn't sealed properly because I definitely keep that area very clean! But it looks gross and has made me nervous about marble floors in certain areas, although it's reassuring to hear with proper care this is avoidable.
You're right about target buyers - the unit itself is up 4 flights of stairs with no elevator, which I think would be a turnoff for people with young kids! The bathroom is so small it doesn't make a ton of sense to have a tub in it, could perhaps get back some of that space and add shelving in between the shower and toilet instead…
Thank you! I already looked into a larger bathroom window, and the contractor told me it's not possible because the exterior of the building will now allow for it structurally. But will definitely be removing the cabinet and repainting/changing all hardware!
On a slightly separate note, does anyone have experience with combo washer/dryers (basically one appliance that does both)? It would be space saving but I worry they don't function as well as separate appliances…
Hi. Congrats on your new apartment! Huge accomplishment, I must say! Please take a look at the above linked image. This seemingly represents what you're going for. I'm currently at work but will add to the other images after work today. Hope this helps some.
