60 AUGUST 2019 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM
Contractor: Streiberg Construction
Designer: LJ Interior Design, Leah JerrellBEFORE & AFTER
slhl
Kirkwood residents Chris and Melissa Fox had built their home
nearly a decade ago. Even though it was relatively new they
weren’t happy. While the vessel sinks provided visual eye candy
they weren’t very functional; water splashed all over the countertops,
the room was dark, and the built-in corner Jacuzzi tub was
cumbersome. “Their dislike for the brown cabinetry finally made
them decide to do something,” says designer Leah Jerrell, owner
of LJ Interior Designs. A friend of a friend had referred Jarrell to the
couple. She reminisced about their first meeting.
“We paged through some of Chris and Melissa’s inspirations
pictures. Sometimes people like the essence of a photograph but
need someone to hone in on what they really like so they don’t
go barking up the wrong tree. We immediately clicked.” It didn’t take
long for them to make a plan. Her clients wanted a clean, bright,
timeless look and that translated into an all-white bathroom.
Fortunately, the size of the bathroom was not a problem. Leah
was able to use the same footprint. Both of the old brown cabinets
were swapped out for new white vanities with more user-friendly
undermount sinks with Corian Quartz countertops. “Some people
want more storage, but Melissa liked having a place to sit down to
put her makeup on or just take a moment to focus on herself. So,
we decided to keep the same basic cabinet designs.”
Once the Jacuzzi tub was removed, the space was perfect for
an esthetically pleasing freestanding tub by Wildon Homes. Even
though Jarrell went with Moen chrome faucets she chose a stunning
antique brass finish chandelier to hang over the tub. “I love mixing
finishes. It just makes the space so much more interesting."
Leah wanted to bring in some texture to the all-white room, so
she suggested using shiplap on the walls painted Sherwin Williams
Pure White. She understood her clients liked the idea of a hardwood
floor but also knew it would be a tough mission to maintain. They
have two very active young daughters. It was easy to achieve the
same look with a look-alike wood tile Leah found at The Tile Shop
in Brentwood.
Last, but not least, it was time to tackle the problematic shower.
Leah was quick to defend her choice of white subway tile, a
traditional favorite. “I wanted to keep a classic look but not be
boring. So I changed it up and used bigger 4x12 tiles.”
The size of the shower was more than ample, big enough to add
his-and-hers shower heads and individual thermostat controls.
Canine lovers will appreciate the hand-held shower centered on
the wall. It was added for a special member of the family, the adorable
pooch, Bodie. All tails were wagging as accent mirrors and
soothing artwork completed this Kirkwood bathroom makeover.
See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.By Judy Hennessy
Photograpy by Megan LorenzHAPPY TAILS
A Kirkwood bathroom makeover
Before