Transforming Our Bathroom: A Journey to Modern Elegance and Practicality

Embarking on a bathroom remodel is an adventure filled with decisions, discoveries, and the ultimate reward of a revitalized space. If you caught the first part of our Birch House bathroom transformation, you already know the anticipation was palpable. Now, get ready to dive into the exciting details of how we brought our vision of a modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing bathroom to life.

The Heart of the Bathroom: Choosing the Perfect Faucets

One of the most thrilling aspects of any bathroom remodel, for me, is the selection of new hardware. It’s truly magical how a single fixture can set the tone for the entire room!

Out with the Old: Addressing Past Frustrations

Our previous faucets were, to put it mildly, a source of constant irritation. They featured a dated chrome finish with yellow gold accents – a look that definitely didn’t align with the contemporary, brushed gold trends of today. But aesthetics were only part of the problem. Functionality was severely lacking. The spouts were so short that filling even a small cup was a struggle, often requiring contorted angles and splashes. Moreover, simply washing hands felt awkward; you had to press your hands almost against the back wall of the sink basin to get under the water stream, which, frankly, always felt unhygienic.

Beyond the inconvenience, cleaning was an absolute nightmare. The intricate nooks and crannies around the handles and spout were perfect traps for grime, especially with our notoriously hard Utah water. Mineral deposits accumulated quickly, making daily upkeep a never-ending chore. It became clear that any new faucet needed to not only be stylish but also highly practical, durable, and easy to maintain for a busy family bathroom.

In with the New: Embracing Contemporary Design and Unrivaled Durability

My core requirements for the new faucets were clear: they had to withstand the rigors of daily use by a whole family, yet exude an ultra-contemporary, simple, and modern aesthetic. After extensive research, I found the perfect match in the Symmons Duro Single Handle Lavatory Faucet. And let me tell you, I absolutely LOVE this faucet! Its beauty is striking in its simplicity, a design philosophy that truly resonates with my desire for a clutter-free, elegant bathroom.

The sleek, square design of the faucet is a dream come true for cleaning, largely thanks to its single-hole mount. No more battling with multiple fixture bases where gunk loves to hide! This innovative design significantly simplifies wiping down the counter and the faucet itself, a huge win in our ongoing fight against hard water stains.

Uncompromising Quality: The Symmons Difference

What truly set these Symmons faucets apart, however, was their undeniable build quality. The moment we unboxed them, I was genuinely astonished by their solidity and substantial weight. It’s difficult to convey the impression of such robust construction without actually holding them, but trust me, these are unequivocally some of the strongest and most durable faucets we’ve ever encountered. This isn’t cheap plastic coated to mimic metal; these are solid metal, built with integrity and designed to last. My impression was profound – this is a brand that prioritizes longevity and performance.

Beyond the material quality, thoughtful design elements enhance both aesthetics and functionality. I particularly appreciate how the sink plug mechanism is cleverly concealed behind the handle. This small detail contributes significantly to the faucet’s clean, uncluttered appearance, elevating the overall visual appeal of the vanity area. Furthermore, the convenience of being able to purchase a full suite of matching hardware from the same Symmons Duro product line allowed for a cohesive and professionally coordinated bathroom design, extending the contemporary aesthetic effortlessly.

Effortless Installation for the DIY Enthusiast

For those considering a DIY approach, you’ll be pleased to know that these faucets were surprisingly straightforward to install. The process was largely intuitive: simply positioning the faucet into the designated hole and connecting it to the existing water lines. Installing the drain and its accompanying rod was also a smooth operation, easily accomplished by following the provided instructions. We even captured the installation process on video, which we hope to share with you all soon to demonstrate just how manageable it is!

Brightening the Space: A Lighting Revolution

With the new faucets dramatically redefining the vanity area, it became clear that our outdated lighting fixtures simply had to go. Ah, the old lights… with their chrome, gold, and frosty, flowery, carved glass glory. While they might have had their place in a different era or aesthetic, they certainly didn’t belong in our newly envisioned contemporary bathroom.

We opted for a significant upgrade to super functional, simple LED recessed lights. We installed three directly above the mirror on the ceiling, with an additional one positioned over the bathtub. The transformation in brightness and ambiance was immediate and dramatic – the space is now incredibly well-lit, a feature we absolutely adore. The sheer volume of light has made a world of difference. As an added touch, and a feature I now use daily and absolutely love, we included a dimmer switch. This allows us to easily adjust the brightness, creating a softer, more relaxed atmosphere at night, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Reflecting on Space: The Power of a Large Mirror

Next on our renovation agenda was addressing the mirrors. In their original state, they weren’t inherently bad, and my mother even loved them so much that they’ve found a new home in her house. However, for our family, they presented a recurring problem: their height meant our children couldn’t see themselves without a stool, leading to frequent arguments and frustrations. As a big proponent of avoiding unnecessary conflicts, I knew a change was essential.

Our solution was to order a single, expansive mirror: a magnificent 50-inch by 80-inch, 1/4-inch thick piece from a local glass cutting company. The impact this mammoth mirror has had on the perception of space is simply unbelievable. It literally makes the room feel at least three times larger and significantly brighter, reflecting light beautifully throughout. The cost, including delivery, was approximately $350, which we found to be an excellent deal. My prior searches for pre-framed mirrors of similar size proved far more expensive, making this custom-cut “gigantor” mirror a surprisingly cost-effective and aesthetically superior choice. I am absolutely thrilled with the outcome!

While we eventually plan to frame this impressive mirror with white-washed oak to complement the refinished vanity and our hardwood floors, I’m currently holding off on that step. I’m still contemplating whether to tile the wall behind the frame, a decision that will influence the final framing design. This pause allows for careful consideration of all design elements, ensuring a perfectly cohesive look.

The Finishing Touches: Walls and Ambiance

The structural changes concluded with a necessary plaster repair, which, I must confess, took about a week of diligent effort from my dear husband – a true testament to his hard work! Once the repairs were complete, we applied several coats of bright white, satin paint. And BAM! The room instantly felt fresh, clean, and infinitely more expansive.

Finally, to complete the transformation and infuse a sense of tranquility, we decided to decorate with carefully selected natural elements. Our goal was to create a spa-like ambiance, a serene retreat within our own home.

Take a look at the stunning final results:

*This post contains sponsored content written by me on behalf of Symmons. All opinions and the beautiful bathroom itself are entirely mine. WAHOO!