Imperial Kitchens and Baths, Inc. took an unused bedroom in an old Riverside home and transformed it into a masterbath and closet for the homeowner.
“At the time, my daughter was entering her teens,” says homeowner Susan Pierce. “Two women trying to get ready in the morning in one 5x7 bathroom was just not happening smoothly.”
Built over a hundred years ago, the second floor of the home housed three modest bedrooms and one small bath. The underused bedroom between Pierce’s bedroom and the existing bathroom became an attractive option for a masterbath and closet.
“Old homes are cursed with small closets,” says Imperial Design Principal, Ed Pudelek. “Today’s wardrobes demand more space for clothes and organizational systems. Many closets in older homes don’t even have a light.”
An important feature that Pierce was looking for in her own closet was incorporating an existing window so natural light would welcome her in the morning as she dressed for work. Pierce and Pudelek designed the room so that 1/3 of the bedroom became the closet while the remainning 2/3 became a spacious ¾ bath. The room’s existing closet was repurposed as a linen closet, while the closet in Pierce’s bedroom became the entrance to the new larger closet and adjointing bath.
The new bath had to fit in with the vintage of the rest of the home. Hiding the toilet behind a kneewall and the clear glass surrounding the corner shower make the room feel large and unencumbered. Subway tile in the shower is a classic transition between the new room and the vintage home. The main focus is on the vanity, which was designed to stand alone.
Uniformity between cabinets and trim is something that became popular in homes built directly after WWII; all wood products would be installed in the home unfinished. Then, because it would save time and money, the painter would stain the floors, cabinets and trim all the same color when he painted the home. This would not have been done in the time that Pierce’s home was built. Thus the gilded framed mirror and cherry cabinet purposefully do not match and stand within a foot or two of the window, to give it a furniture look.
“I have been living with my new master suite for a few years now, and I still wouldn’t change a thing.” Says Pierce. “It quickly became one of our favorite rooms in the house. After the remodel, it wasn’t unusual for me to find my daughter in here doing her homework on the tile floor.”
Creating a mastersuite in your home is an investment in your daily life. Elimiating frustrations and conflicting household schedules can lead to a smoother day over all. According to Remodeling Magazine (Cost vs. Value 2008-2009), when adding on a bathroom 56% of the financial investment can be expected to be recooped if the property is sold shortly after the home is improved. (And if you have lived in the home for two of the last five years, you could see a tax credit for the improvement at the time of sale.) Master suites are on the check list of many current home buyers.
Homeowners in the Chicago area can expect Bed-to-Bath convertions to start at about $30,000 (averaging about $40,000) depending on existing plumbing placement and product selection.
Since 1966, Imperial Kitchens and Baths, Inc. has been helping local homeowners with turning their house into their home. Imperial Kitchens and Baths Inc. specializes in the remodeling of kitchens, baths, basements and entertainment rooms. We are one of the few remodeling firms to boast a full custom cabinet shop on their showroom premises and a team of staff designers and installers. Family owned and operated, Imperial Kitchens and Baths, Inc. is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). For more information about home improvement and kitchen and bath remodeling, please contact Stephanie Bullwinkel at 708-485-0020.
About the National Kitchen and Bath Association
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry since 1963. With nearly 40,000 members and growing, the NKBA owns the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry. For more information, visit www.nkba.org.
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