An ingenious facelift and a fresh new colour scheme transformed a small second-floor bathroom into an elegant and functional spa-like retreat.
While photographer Virginia Macdonald absolutely loves the
colour blue, she doesn’t love it on a toilet, a bathtub or a vanity sink. Unfortunately, she had to put up with just that in the cobbled-together second-floor
bathroom design of her 1930s semi in the trendy Toronto neighbourhood of Leslieville for 10 punishing years – literally, punishing. Thanks to the hip-wader tub (awkwardly deep due to a step in front), “I couldn’t take a bath without having to do some serious yoga and gymnastics at the same time,” says Virginia.
A practical makeover: The beforeWhen she finally got around to transforming her only upstairs bathroom into the sophisticated and relaxing oasis she’d pined for, Virginia knew just who to call on for help: good friend and
Style at Home contributing design editor Samantha Pynn, who was delighted to come to the rescue. A major expansion, or even a plumbing switch, was ruled out pretty quickly. "I dont spend
that much time in here," explains Virginia. "For one or two people, it was big enough. I wanted a drastic makeover but without having to knock down walls."
