A Clever Storage Box Hides a Laundry Room Inside a Bath
Natural light and smart space-planning turn 165 square feet into a multifunctional, spa-like retreat
When a couple moved from Australia to the Little Italy district of Toronto, they found a charming home nearly 100 years old and chock-full of charm.
There was just one problem, but it was a big one. The only full bathroom in the home was also the laundry room and, to put it mildly, it was a design disaster. Turning to Houzz for advice, they quickly found Gloria Apostolou of post Architecture, who had a stellar vision for how to divide and conquer in the small space.
“Originally, they thought they wanted two rooms, and I showed them an option for that,” Apostolou says. “But with only 165 square feet to work with, I thought that dividing the one room into two spaces — without any walls, just millwork — might be a better solution. Luckily, they agreed.”
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Photos by Valerie Wilcox
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Toronto
Size: 165 square feet (15.3 square meters)
Designer: Gloria Apostolou of post Architecture
There was just one problem, but it was a big one. The only full bathroom in the home was also the laundry room and, to put it mildly, it was a design disaster. Turning to Houzz for advice, they quickly found Gloria Apostolou of post Architecture, who had a stellar vision for how to divide and conquer in the small space.
“Originally, they thought they wanted two rooms, and I showed them an option for that,” Apostolou says. “But with only 165 square feet to work with, I thought that dividing the one room into two spaces — without any walls, just millwork — might be a better solution. Luckily, they agreed.”
https://st.hzcdn.com/static/gif/ApostolouBathroom.gif">
Photos by Valerie Wilcox
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Toronto
Size: 165 square feet (15.3 square meters)
Designer: Gloria Apostolou of post Architecture
“Once we measured out the existing space and leveled things out, we lost about 6 inches of height,” Apostolou says, “so the ceilings are only 7 feet, 10 inches tall, and that made it even more important to bring in as much light as possible.”
Tub: ios, Victoria + Albert; tile: 15-inch hex, Ceragres; windows: Marvin Windows and Doors
Tub: ios, Victoria + Albert; tile: 15-inch hex, Ceragres; windows: Marvin Windows and Doors
Contrasting hexagonal floor tiles are placed in an ostensibly random pattern that serves a purpose. “It’s a subtle progression of light to dark that draws you through the space, starting at the entrance and moving toward the back corner, where the shower is located,” Apostolou says.
The floating installation of the large white oak-veneer vanity (measuring almost 6 feet across) visually lightens the piece. A mirrored wall below the vanity, in addition to the mirrored space over the sinks, adds a reflective element that aids in opening up the small space.
Dot pendants: Woud; towel bar: Cabano
Dot pendants: Woud; towel bar: Cabano
A custom Corian countertop with an integrated sink complements the minimalist aesthetic of the space.
Countertop and sink: Corian in Glacier White; faucet: Axor Citterio M, Hansgrohe
Countertop and sink: Corian in Glacier White; faucet: Axor Citterio M, Hansgrohe
“We wanted the shower to be as invisible as possible so that the bathtub could steal the show,” Apostolou says. “So there is no door, only a glass separation.”
The bathroom floor tile continues into the shower, where it slopes to a linear drain. On the walls, the 12-by-24-inch matte tile is essentially invisible.
“There are too many things in a small space, and you really have to pick what you want to feature, and the rest just needs to disappear,” Apostolou says.
Tub faucet: Stillness, Kohler
The bathroom floor tile continues into the shower, where it slopes to a linear drain. On the walls, the 12-by-24-inch matte tile is essentially invisible.
“There are too many things in a small space, and you really have to pick what you want to feature, and the rest just needs to disappear,” Apostolou says.
Tub faucet: Stillness, Kohler
A wall-hung toilet is inset in a small nook. “It makes it all feel a little more spacious when you can see the tile extend below the vanity and toilet,” Apostolou says. “It helps extend the corners of the room.”
Wall-hung Cube toilet: Caroma
General contractor: Danny Pyrsos of InLine Design + Build
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Wall-hung Cube toilet: Caroma
General contractor: Danny Pyrsos of InLine Design + Build
More
Homeowner’s Workbook: How to Remodel Your Bathroom
Bathroom Workbook: How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?
Rather than relocate the bathroom closer to the master bedroom (which does not have an en suite bath), the couple chose to keep it at the back of the second story. Why? Because a building code in Toronto allows homeowners to have up to 100 percent glazing on the non-street-facing portion of their home. Taking advantage of the ability to employ enormous windows resulted in a bright space that seems far bigger than its square footage.
Washer and dryer: Electrolux