Build a Floating Vanity: Introduction

This blog post highlights a specific bathroom vanity, the Mercury Row Altenburg, available on Wayfair, which is featured as a Cyber Monday deal. The article draws attention to designer Elisa Baran's use of this vanity in a split-level Long Island home, demonstrating how a high-low design strategy can result in a sophisticated aesthetic. Baran successfully integrated the Wayfair vanity into a bathroom featuring travertine tile, a vintage Dutch pendant light, and limewash walls, creating a calm and cool ambiance that belies the vanity's affordable price point. The Mercury Row Altenburg vanity, originally priced at $600, is available for $240 during Wayfair's Cyber Monday sale, representing a 60% discount. This wall-mounted vanity measures 25 inches wide, making it suitable for smaller bathrooms. Its design includes two inset doors that open to reveal a spacious storage area beneath the sink, ideal for storing towels or tall bins. The vanity's walnut-inspired facade is noted as being in line with current design trends that favor darker wood varieties. A key aspect of Baran's design approach, as detailed in the blog, is her customization of the vanity. While the unit comes with a white cultured marble sink, Baran opted to replace it with a travertine-lined version. This modification, though seemingly minor, significantly elevates the vanity's appearance, making it seem like a custom, bespoke piece rather than a mass-produced item. This customization exemplifies how affordable pieces can be transformed to fit a high-end design vision. The article positions this Wayfair vanity as a valuable find, particularly for those undertaking bathroom renovations or looking to update their space on a budget. It underscores the potential for creating a luxurious look without extensive expenditure by strategically combining affordable items with thoughtful design choices and minor upgrades. The example of Elisa Baran's project serves as a practical illustration of achieving a high-end aesthetic through smart shopping and personalized touches, making the Mercury Row Altenburg vanity a noteworthy selection for design enthusiasts. #FloatingVanity #WayfairSale #CyberMondayDeals #BathroomRenovation #InteriorDesign #HighLowDesign #SmallBathroomIdeas #HomeDecor #DesignerTips

The article highlights a specific floating vanity, the Mercury Row Altenburg vanity from Wayfair, which is featured as a significant discount during Wayfair's Cyber Monday sale. Originally priced at $600 when first utilized by designer Elisa Baran, it is now available for $240, representing a 60% reduction. Designer Elisa Baran integrated this vanity into a split-level Long Island home, employing a high-low design strategy to create a sophisticated bathroom space. The bathroom features travertine tile in the shower, a vintage Dutch pendant light, and limewashed walls, all contributing to a calm and cool aesthetic. Despite these high-end elements, the affordable Wayfair vanity seamlessly blends in, making it indistinguishable as a budget-friendly find. The Mercury Row Altenburg vanity is wall-mounted and measures 25 inches wide, making it a suitable option for smaller bathrooms. Its design includes two inset doors beneath the sink, providing a spacious, open storage area capable of accommodating extra towels or stacked bins. The vanity's walnut-inspired facade aligns with current design trends that favor darker wood varieties. A key design tip shared by Baran involves customizing the vanity to elevate its appearance. In her project, the original white cultured marble sink that typically accompanies the vanity was replaced with a travertine-lined version. This modification, while small, creates a significant visual impact, giving the impression that the entire unit is custom-made rather than a mass-produced item. This customization strategy allows homeowners and designers to achieve a bespoke look without incurring the full cost of custom-built furniture. Lydia Geisel, the author and a home editor at Domino, emphasizes the value of this Cyber Monday deal, positioning it as a prime opportunity for those undertaking bathroom renovations or seeking to update their space. The article underscores how strategic purchasing and thoughtful customization can result in a high-end aesthetic, even when incorporating more affordable pieces from large retailers. The featured vanity is presented as a practical and stylish solution for modern bathroom design, particularly for spaces where maximizing both aesthetics and functionality is crucial. #FloatingVanity #WayfairSale #BathroomRenovation #CyberMondayDeals #SmallBathroomIdeas #HighLowDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #AffordableLuxury

Choosing the right bathroom vanity is crucial for both functionality and aesthetic appeal, whether undertaking a full renovation or a minor update. Vanities serve as primary storage solutions in bathrooms, from compact powder rooms to spacious en-suite master baths. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of top bathroom vanity picks, categorized by type, and offers essential considerations before purchasing, including style, size, materials, and storage features. Vanities can be purchased as complete sets, including a countertop and sink, or as cabinet bases, allowing for customized sink and countertop selections. Emily Cathcart, owner of Emily Cathcart Designs + ECD Cabinetry, notes that stock cabinets with pre-notched drawer boxes are designed to accommodate plumbing components. The article highlights both freestanding and wall-mounted vanity options, each with distinct advantages. Freestanding vanities, characterized by legs or a base that rests on the floor, offer more storage due to their full-height design. They are often perceived as a more traditional choice and can be secured to the wall for added stability. However, their floor-reaching design can make cleaning the area underneath challenging. In contrast, wall-mounted, or floating, vanities are affixed to the wall, creating an open and airy feel that is particularly suitable for modern aesthetics and smaller bathrooms, as they maximize visible floor space. While stylish, they may not be ideal for households with small children who might struggle to reach the sink. Other less common vanity types include built-in units with custom cabinetry and console vanities, which typically feature a wall-mounted sink with front legs. Material selection significantly influences a vanity's quality, durability, and cost. Sharon Sherman, owner of Thyme & Place Design, explains that cabinet boxes and drawers are commonly made from wood, which offers superior quality but comes at a higher price. More affordable alternatives include particleboard, while industrial furniture board and manufactured wood are also frequently used, especially for painted vanities. For countertops, high-end options like marble and quartz are popular, whereas ceramic provides a more budget-friendly choice. The article emphasizes that countertop material selection should align with lifestyle and maintenance preferences; for instance, a durable, easy-to-clean material is preferable for a high-traffic family bathroom compared to a less-used powder room, where natural stone might be acceptable despite its susceptibility to stains. Storage features are another critical consideration. Vanities offer a mix of open and closed storage, including drawers, cabinets, and shelves. The specific storage needs depend on who uses the vanity and the bathroom's existing storage solutions. Primary and family bathrooms generally require extensive closed storage and ample countertop space for daily essentials like toiletries and makeup. Guest bathrooms and powder rooms, conversely, can often function with smaller vanities and more open storage. Special features like soft-close drawer glides, built-in power outlets, and drawer organizers can enhance usability. Vanity dimensions—height, width, and depth—are standardized, with common widths ranging from 18 to 72 inches. Shallow depths are practical for smaller bathrooms, but extreme compromises in height or depth should be avoided. Before purchasing, it is important to assess how the vanity will be used and the room's size. Building codes, such as maintaining a minimum of 15 inches of clear space between the side of the vanity and the centerline of a toilet, must be observed. Adequate clearance for opening doors and drawers is also essential. For replacements, plumbing considerations, including the P-trap connection, are vital. Budget constraints also play a role, as smaller vanities are generally more cost-effective. Regarding cost, bathroom vanities vary widely, from a few hundred to over $5,000, influenced by size, materials, and added storage features. The choice between a single or double vanity hinges on available space and user needs. Double vanities typically require at least 48 inches of width and are best suited for large bathrooms, while single vanities are practical for smaller and average-sized spaces. In large primary baths, two single vanities can create separate user areas. Plumbing modifications for additional sinks can increase costs. Quality indicators include solid wood construction, metal hardware over plastic, and fully assembled units, along with meticulous craftsmanship and water resistance, which is paramount in bathroom furniture. Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton and Kristina McGuirk authored the article, consulting with design experts Sharon Sherman and Emily Cathcart. #BathroomVanities #HomeImprovement #BathroomDesign #InteriorDecorating #HomeRenovation #StorageSolutions #FreestandingVanity #FloatingVanity #MaterialSelection

This article details the renovation of a 1920s bathroom, a project undertaken by interior designer Anne Sage for a client. The primary goal of the renovation was to respectfully blend the home's original 1920s architectural character with modern functionality and aesthetics, all within a tight two-week timeframe. The project aimed to create a serene and livable bathroom space that would appeal to the current homeowner while also considering future resale value. Key aspects of the renovation included addressing the dated elements of the bathroom, such as original 1920s details and unfortunate later additions like linoleum flooring. Sage drew inspiration from the common arched motifs of the 1920s era, specifically reconstructing the shower arch to harmonize with an existing arch over the toilet, creating a more cohesive look. Functionality was also a major consideration; the new design incorporates a floating vanity for easier cleaning of the entire floor and a one-piece toilet with fewer crevices for maintenance. The addition of a built-in tub from AllModern was a strategic choice to enhance both the user experience and the home's resale value, offering a boutique hotel sensibility. The design process involved Sage conceptualizing all aesthetic choices, which were then approved by the client. The installation was managed by Pulled, a home project management app, which coordinated the labor to complete the renovation from demolition to finishing touches in just two weeks. This rapid timeline was crucial as it was the client's only bathroom. A significant lesson learned during the project was the unpredictability of renovating old homes; after demolition, unforeseen issues such as leveling the floor and prepping walls for tile application required additional work and budget, leading Sage to advise clients to plan for a 30% contingency. The chosen color palette of blush, mauve, ivory, and sand tiles from Fireclay Tile was selected to bridge the gap between 1920s popularity and contemporary trends. The tile choices were meticulous: small 1" x 6" tiles were used for the arches to ensure a smooth curve, while larger 6" x 12" tiles in a darker shade grounded the space. For the floor, a classic hex flower pattern was updated with larger hex tiles and a deconstructed floral arrangement, spacing pink tiles further apart for a modern touch. The use of white oak finishes on the cabinet and warm brushed brass fixtures contributed to a luxurious, Californian aesthetic. A complementary paint shade, 'County Line' from Portola Paints, completed the look on two smaller walls. To maximize space in the compact 8' x 8' room, a floating cabinet from BOXI by Semihandmade was installed, providing significant storage and creating a visually seamless line that made the bathroom feel larger. This clever design allowed for the installation of two sinks where only one previously existed. All lighting, fixtures, and hardware were sourced from Rejuvenation, ensuring a uniform finish with their Aged Brass, which provided a warm, not-too-shiny surface. The sconces, inspired by 1920s hotel lighting and featuring rounded shapes, echoed the curves throughout the space. An additional sconce was strategically placed in the alcove above the toilet to brighten a previously dark area. To manage costs for both materials and labor, much of the wall behind the cabinet was covered with a large mirror, eliminating the need for tiling behind it. The overall renovation successfully merged historical respect with modern design, creating an updated, functional, and aesthetically pleasing bathroom. #BathroomRenovation #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #1920sStyle #ModernDesignElements #TileWork #FloatingVanity #HomeImprovement

This article provides 18 DIY bathroom vanity ideas, offering creative solutions for those looking to personalize their bathrooms without extensive renovations. The ideas range from repurposing existing furniture pieces to updating standard stock cabinets, catering to various styles and skill levels. One popular approach involves transforming a vintage or antique dresser into a unique vanity. This process typically includes removing the top, modifying drawers to accommodate plumbing, and adding a new sink and faucet. The article highlights that these dressers often provide ample storage and character that modern vanities may lack. Another innovative idea is converting an old console table or desk into a bathroom vanity. This usually requires reinforcing the structure for durability and adding appropriate countertop and basin fixtures. For those seeking a minimalist or industrial look, the article suggests using open shelving or a simple metal cart as a base for a vanity. This design offers a contemporary aesthetic and can make smaller bathrooms feel more spacious. Additionally, ideas for upgrading existing stock cabinets are presented, such as painting them in a bold color, replacing hardware, or adding decorative trim to give them a custom, high-end appearance. The article emphasizes the importance of proper sealing and waterproofing for any repurposed furniture to prevent water damage in a bathroom environment. It also touches upon the selection of suitable countertops, recommending materials like stone, wood treated for moisture resistance, or even a custom-poured concrete top for a modern touch. Plumbing considerations are a key aspect of any DIY vanity project, and the article advises careful planning to ensure compatibility with sinks and faucets, and proper installation of P-traps and water lines. Throughout the discussion, the article showcases how each DIY project can reflect personal style, from rustic farmhouse and shabby chic to sleek contemporary and industrial designs. It encourages individuals to explore flea markets, antique shops, and even their own homes for forgotten pieces of furniture that can be given a new life as a focal point in the bathroom. The diverse range of ideas ensures that there is inspiration for nearly every taste and budget, making personalized bathroom design accessible to a wider audience. The article aims to inspire creativity and provide practical guidance for achieving a custom bathroom vanity. #DIYBathroomVanity #HomeImprovement #BathroomDesign #FurnitureUpcycling #InteriorDesign #FleaMarketFinds #RenovationIdeas #CustomVanity