Remodeling a traditional hall bath generally provides few design opportunities due to its size—or lack thereof. However, with a client who “thinks outside of the box” much is possible. This is our third project with him, and we believe he doesn't know there is a “box”. With each design meeting the layout changed radically and was revised again once we entered the selection phase of the project. This hall bath was 7 1/2' x 12' instead of the traditional 5' x 9' hall bath.

This bath presented several design challenges: the two existing windows were to be changed in neither size nor location, the baseboard heat registers limited the placement of the fixtures, and the space needed to function as a family bath as well as a more public powder room.

Ultimately, the windows were frosted to eliminate the need for window treatments, and the window opposite the door served as a backdrop for a backlit mirror. Eliminating the baseboard heat by installing hydronic radiant heat in the floor and removing a poorly functioning linen closet allowed us more design freedom. Positioning the pedestal sink opposite the doorway provided a unique focal point from the hallway leading from the foyer.

Kohler's brushed nickel, Grohe's satin nickel and Hansgrohe's Satinox, were all carefully selected to “match”. We crossed manufacturer's lines in order maintain particular proportions and silhouettes.

The unique shape of the Hoesch tub and the desire of the client to use a curtain necessitated the installation of a suspension rod. However, the track system supplied by Brite, Inc., a company that supplies ceiling track primarily for medical facilities, was less visible than a custom shower rod would have been.

These photographs show the frosted window with the suspended mirror above the Philippe Starck pedestal sink. One photo shows the mirror is backlit by a halogen fixture the other shows mirror is backlit by natural light.

Finally, our client tells us that the window that is in front of the pedestal sink with the back lit frosted panel and the round mirror suspended in front of it has a southwest exposure and is something that has to be experienced in person during a colorful sunset to truly be appreciated.