Why We Love In-Wall Toilets (and Why You Should Too)

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This post was created in partnership with Geberit as part of a sponsored collaboration.

When you’re renovating in a New York brownstone, every inch counts. Bathrooms, especially in older homes, tend to be compact, irregular, and full of quirks. So when we’re designing these spaces, we’re always looking for solutions that maximize function without sacrificing design. That’s why we’ve become big fans of Geberit’s in-wall systems and actuator plates. 

A Smarter, Sleeker Solution

Geberit pioneered the in-wall cistern more than 60 years ago, and their innovation has become the industry standard for modern bathroom design. Instead of a bulky tank sitting behind the toilet bowl, the Geberit Duofix system integrates everything inside the wall. The concealed steel-frame carrier supports the wall-hung toilet bowl and houses the tank, which is pressure-tested before it ever leaves the factory.

This not only creates a cleaner visual line, it fundamentally changes how the space feels and functions. With the tank hidden, you free up floor area, increase the perception of space, and can even adjust the mounting height of the toilet bowl to suit accessibility needs or design preference.

Installation That Makes Sense

From a plumbing perspective, the Duofix in-wall carrier is engineered to simplify installation. It’s compatible with both 2×4 and 2×6 stud walls, making it a fit for most renovations or new builds. 

The carrier bolts directly into the framing, distributing weight through the steel frame rather than relying on the wall finish itself. Once installed, the frame can support up to 880 pounds, which gives both contractors and homeowners peace of mind.

The system connects to standard waste and water lines, and the concealed tank is designed with dual-flush technology, 1.6/0.8 or 1.28/0.8 gallons per flush, meeting both U.S. and Canadian plumbing codes while dramatically reducing water consumption. Because all mechanical components are accessible through the flush plate opening, maintenance and future servicing can be done without opening the wall.

A modern bathroom with green tiled walls, a black marble sink, gold fixtures, a round wall mirror, a toilet, and a glass shower with an arched door.

Why We Like the Actuator Plates

Once the in-wall system is installed, the actuator plate becomes the only visible element. It’s a small but crucial detail, and one that can completely change the aesthetic of a bathroom. Geberit’s Sigma40 actuator plate is the thinnest in their lineup at just 3/16 of an inch deep. Available with round or square buttons, in a wide variety of finishes in both glass or metal. The plates feature fingerprint-resistant coatings and a refined dual-flush mechanism that feels solid and responsive.

The flush plate doesn’t just look good, it also provides easy access to the system’s internal components. Beneath it, you’ll find the service panel that allows plumbers (or experienced DIYers) to adjust or replace parts like the fill and flush valves. These valves are engineered without the traditional chains and flappers that often corrode or fail over time, ensuring smooth, long-term operation.

Performance Meets Design

One of the reasons we keep specifying Geberit products is that they bridge the gap between engineering precision and design flexibility. The in-wall system pairs with wall-hung bowls from nearly every major ceramic manufacturer, so we can choose a fixture that fits the style of the project, whether it’s classic, mid century, or ultra modern. And because we use Geberit Duofix systems and actuator plates in 90% of our projects, we can rely on consistent performance along with the design freedom we need.

And for anyone renovating an older home, an in-wall system can actually simplify layout challenges. By moving the tank inside the wall, you can reclaim precious inches of depth and make tight spaces feel noticeably larger. Add the visual lightness of a floating bowl, and the entire room feels elevated.

A bathroom with maroon wall tiles, a white toilet with a dual flush plate, a handheld bidet, and a wooden shelf displaying decorative items.

Why We’ll Keep Using Them

Every renovation we do has to balance history with modern living. Geberit’s in-wall systems check all our boxes: clean design, reliable performance, sustainable water use, and easy maintenance. Behind the wall, it’s all precision engineering. In front of it, it’s pure design freedom.

If you’re planning your own bathroom renovation, especially in a smaller or historic home, consider going in-wall. It’s one of those upgrades that you’ll appreciate every single day.

Weekend Bathroom Renovation

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If you’re short on time but want maximum design impact, a weekend bathroom renovation might be the smartest approach. With just two days and a few key upgrades, we completely transformed the garden-level bathroom in our Brooklyn brownstone—no gut demo or major construction required.

This project was all about efficiency, affordability, and design-forward thinking. With help from Glacier Bay products, available exclusively at Home Depot, we were able to give our tenant Kimberly a space that feels brand-new—while keeping the process simple enough to tackle over a weekend.

Step One: Fixture Upgrades for Function and Style

A successful weekend bathroom renovation starts with identifying what matters most. In this case, we focused on replacing the four primary fixtures: the toilet, vanity, faucet, and shower head. Glacier Bay products checked all the boxes—streamlined design, high performance, and straightforward installation that didn’t require a professional.

  • Toilet: We opted for a compact, high-efficiency model with a clean, skirted base that’s both modern and easy to clean.
  • Vanity + Faucet: The pre-assembled vanity unit included a sleek integrated faucet, which helped cut down on install time. The storage adds function, while the crisp finish brightens the space.
  • Shower Head: We installed a pressure-balanced model that offers reliable water flow—a simple upgrade that makes a noticeable difference.

Each component was DIY-friendly, which made staying on our tight weekend timeline realistic.

Step Two: Color Drenching for Maximum Visual Impact

To give the space a more cohesive, elevated feel, we turned to color drenching—painting the walls, trim, and ceiling in a single deep, moody hue. This technique adds depth, minimizes visual clutter, and creates a cocoon-like atmosphere that balances beautifully with the bright white fixtures. We used a navy blue paint to drench the bathroom.

For a weekend bathroom renovation, this is one of the fastest ways to deliver dramatic change without changing your layout. Check out our blog post on how to color drench a room! 

Step Three: Rethinking the Floor—Without Demo

Instead of removing the existing tile, we installed peel-and-stick luxury vinyl floor tile, which was both cost-effective and fast. After prepping the surface, we laid down the adhesive tile in a staggered pattern to create a more custom look. This step took just a few hours and instantly refreshed the room.

If you’re planning your own weekend bathroom renovation, peel-and-stick flooring is one of the most practical upgrades you can make.

Products We Used

Glaicer Bay Shower Head

Glacier Bay Bath Vanity

Glacier Bay Bathroom Faucet

Glacier Bay Toilet

Caulk

Caulk Gun

Paint Brush Set

Paint Roller Cover

Plastic Tray Liner

Wrench

Shower Curtain

Gray Paint

Blue Paint

This entire project came together in just two days—and the transformation speaks for itself. The key was focusing on high-impact areas and using reliable, easy-to-install products like those from Glacier Bay. Whether you’re working on a rental unit, a guest bathroom, or just want to refresh your own space without a full remodel, a weekend bathroom renovation is well within reach.

The Best Tile for Your Shower Niche

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One of our favorite design elements that is both stunning and functional is the recently popularized shower niche. We love that these use space that’s already available by cutting into an existing wall to create a recessed shelf of sorts, and that they can provide such a sleek, uncomplicated feel to any bathroom design. Recently, we’ve been loving the idea of using a shower niche as a pop of color in juxtaposition with other neutral tile/stone throughout the rest of the bath, or playing with mixed materials like a hexagonal pattern beside marble stone inlays. Here, we’ll outline some of the tiles & trends we’re loving so you can find the best tile for your shower niche!

blue tile against a lighter tile

MONOCHROMATIC MOMENT

If you love the look of a single color, but don’t want to go with a beige or cream, allow us to introduce you to merlot. Slightly darker, romantic, and perfectly textured, this zellige from Riad tile is the ideal way to bring in both color and intrigue into a full shower space or as standalone beside a veiny calcutta marble in your shower niche.

NATURAL STONE

We love using natural stone for an organic look against a more colorful hexagon pattern, and we love the idea of using travertine to bring a more unfinished texture to your shower aside more polished tile. Alternatively, doing the entire shower–niche and all–in travertine can create a beautiful neutral canvas that would lend itself beautifully to a wet space or Moroccan-inspired shower with an arch (stay tuned for this look in one of our upcoming projects). Bonus points if you tile the arch with a more ornate handpainted tile or mosaic for that true Moroccan look!

DIAMONDS ARE A SHOWER NICHE’S BEST FRIEND

One of our favorite ways to bring a little classic New York into any home is through hexagon & diamond mosaic tiles. Adding these to a shower niche against other monotone hexagon tiles can create a classic little pop that goes a long way.

Make sure to check out our tiling essentials before your next project!

What to Give a New Home Owner

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We recently heard a phrase that really stuck with us, “Homes have souls, too.” Nothing could be more true! The soul of a home lies in the art of it–the linens on a table, height etchings on a wall–the things and the lives we create within their walls that make them ours. Now, we’re not suggesting that you can wrap all of that up into a single house warming gift, but we think approaching it from this point of view can help narrow it down when there are SO many options. We’re breaking it down and showing you exactly what to give a new home owner to help them add a little soul into their home.

BRINGING WARMTH INTO THEIR SPACE

When we think of home, we think of a place where we feel warm, safe, and seen. The most obvious way to bring warmth into a space would be through flame, making a candle one of the most common housewarming gifts. While we’re not knocking the tried & true, we are suggesting you push a little further out of the box by thinking about warmth as a color, a texture, or a feeling of familiarity. Vintage items (like this print from 1stDibs (which by the way, is offering 40% off through mid March storewide) are a great way to warm a space through all three. Vintage colors & textures tend to feel worn, and as such, add a lived-in look to any space. Natural stone, though cool to the touch, has a grounding & earthly affect in a space that will simultaneously elevate & root the room’s style, so pieces like this sculpture make a great gift. When in doubt, we opt for a bespoke textile or a personalized piece of art.

collage of fine gifts for a new home owner including slippers, olive oil, kitchen towels, and a pasta maker

GIFTING TOOLS TO MAKE MEMORIES WITH

At least one person in your life prefers an “experience” to a physical gift, but we firmly believe you can kill two birds with one stone in this case. Try to put yourself in their home a month, a year, or ten years from now. What would they like to experience within their home in that time? Perhaps they’d love to host a pasta making night with friends, watch the birds fly around a feeder in their backyard, wave to their neighbors from a bistro set where they drink their morning coffee each day, or be the house on the block most known for its funky mailbox. If you don’t know the person well enough to know what type of experience they’d most desire, go with everyday luxury. Encourage them to find meaning in the mundane with a fancy olive oil, an invigorating soap, a plush pair of slippers, or a beautiful wind chime.

collage of fine gifts for a new home owner including art, lamos, pillows, soaps, kitchen towels, and a coffee maker

OTHER GIFTS WE LOVE

For The Living Area

Black Ceramic Spotted Vase

Large Travertine Knot

Balizie Brass and Travertine Decorative Table Sculture

Polished Brass Dish

Candle Holders

For The Bathroom

Tri-Tone Multi Candle Set

Metal Bathroom Accessories

Turkish Hand Towels

Colorful Shower Organizer

Unisex Bath Robe

Fount Society The Routine

For The Bedroom

Bamboo Duvet Cover

Organic Cotton Quilt Set

Ceramic Table Lamp

Cotton Fisherman Throw Blanket

Cowboy Kush Candle

Taper Candle Set

For the kitchen

Coppia Couple Glasses Set of 4

Cotton Fringe Napkin

Black Pepper and Hemp Candle

Espresso Machine

NEED SOME MORE INSPIRATION?

Check out how we styled our projects for more house warming gift inspiration!

Aubergine (eggplant) colored office space with white couches, bookshelvs, white stone coffee table, round purple built in chair and chandelier
Creamy colored kitchen with pot rack and open shelving
Light ficture hanging in a room above fireplace with books and green floral wallpaper

Our Guide to the Perfect Guest Bathroom

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There is an art form to curating the perfect guest bath, just consult any of the viral guest bathroom TikTok videos we can’t seem to look away from. But what makes guests truly feel welcomed & warm in your space? It’s probably not all in the travel sized takeaway cosmetics, but rather in feeling as though they’ve been accounted for. Today, we’re sharing our guide to the perfect guest bathroom that will leave your guests impressed & comfortable for the duration of their stay!

LINENS FOR YOUR GUEST BATHROOM

When choosing linens for your guest bathroom, make sure to choose something that will stay soft after it’s been washed, perhaps in a color that won’t stain easily (especially if you’re not a fan of bleach). Less is usually more, but, when it comes to linens, we recommend having extras on hand. Depending on how many guests you plan to host, it’s a fair assumption that each person should have two full sized towels, a hand/face towel, and a washcloth available to them. For that extra special touch, we love to keep an extra robe on hand that they can use while they’re visiting us!

Plush Robe

Turkish Hand Towel Set

Handwoven Bathroom Accessory Set

Quick Dry Bath Mat

Plush Turkish Bath Towels

squiggle edge mirror with teal tile and black marble countertop

SOAPS & SMELL GOODS, AND PERSONAL CARE FOR YOUR GUEST BATH

When buying soaps, salts, candles, and other smell goods (pun intended) we like to curate a vibe in the guest bath by picking a theme. If the theme is spa, we’ll choose an aromatic, herbal soap & subtle scented candles. If the theme is romantic, we’ll go for a rosier, muskier scent. It’s nice when things coordinate without necessarily matching!

Another great guest touch is to keep things like deodorant, razors, and hair ties readily available for your guests to pull from should they need. It makes people feel like you’ve gone the extra mile to take care of them, and keeps them from having to ask if they need something after you’ve gone to bed or left for work.

Native Mini Deodorant

Replica Bubble Bath Eau de Toilette

Ouai Gentle Body Wash

Sleep Bath Salts

Boy Smells Candle

Aesop Hand Wash

Kiehl’s Hand Cream

Disposable Razors

blue tile against a lighter tile

Tile We Love

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One question we get over and over again is, “Where is that tile from?!” The truth is, we have lots of go-to tile brands we use across different projects, from Zellige and mosaic to marble and more. We’ve rounded up some of the tile we love to give you inspiration for your next bathroom, kitchen, or backsplash! Plus, if you’re looking to do it yourself, make sure you have all our tiling essentials before starting your next big project!

blue tile against a lighter tile

RIAD TILE

From Terrazzo to natural stone, Riad has everything you need for an on-trend while timeless look. We’re especially looking forward to their forthcoming collaboration with Rejuvenation!

bathroom with large white tub and whoer wet space, green and white tiles alternate to create a stripe pattern, custom vanity to right with fluted detailing and large mirror above

ZIA TILE

This brand is certainly one of our most used brands by far. We’re especially partial to their range of zellige for its variety in color, dimension, and texture, but the truth is you really can’t go wrong with any of their options.

squiggle edge mirror with teal tile and black marble countertop

CLE TILE

One of our favorite options for outdoor or high texture spaces, Cle Tile has taken center stage in some of our most design forward spaces, including this crowd-favorite double vanity at Carroll Jardin.

double vanity with squiggy wavy terracotta tile

WANT MORE?

If you’re dying to know what tile we’re using, how we’re using it, and how you may be able to snag a discount code or two, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter! This is where we’ll be sharing all project details with direct links, exclusive codes, and more!

Furniture Design Details Trend Predictions

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One of our favorite ways to add personality to any design is through furniture design details. Overall furniture structures, like dressers, beds, chairs, etc. haven’t changed too much over the last one hundred years, but the design details are so indicative of what time period a piece comes from. Today, we’re sharing our furniture design details trend prediction for 2025 and sharing all of the elements we’re looking forward to including in our designs!

FLUTED FRENZY CONTINUE

In the last five years, fluted furniture has become a staple in big box furniture and bespoke pieces alike. We love how much texture and intrigue this detail adds in mill and stone work, and we think the movement will continue into reeded glass, upholstery and beyond this year with a major resurgence of stripes. From striped couches to curtains, pillows, rugs, and ceramics alike, stripes will be making a major comeback in textiles, tiles, and more!

bathroom with large white tub and whoer wet space, green and white tiles alternate to create a stripe pattern, custom vanity to right with fluted detailing and large mirror above

INTENTIONAL FURNITURE DESIGN DETAILS

Over the last decade, we’ve grown used to large, statement furniture featuring soft, bulbous edges and a heavier feel. Moving forward, though, smaller, detailed, sharper pieces make a comeback in sitting benches, stand alone reading chairs, and tables that lend themselves to a more airy, open space.

restored wood door casings and stairwell with vintage bench and potted plant

STATEMENT HARDWARE

We think people are ready to move away from minimalism and toward a more ornate style when it comes to hardware. Minimalism will get an upgrade with oversized hardware (perhaps, even intentionally oblong or asymmetrical in shape) paired with monotone cabinets for a modern look. On the traditional end, we’ll see a sway to art deco with opulent hardware (think brass birds), paired with darker wood.

vintage inspired bathroom door with wired glass and WC marker in gold lettering. Gold handle and open door leads to out of focus bathroom

Step inside a Parisian-Inspired Brownstone in Brooklyn

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We’re answering all of your questions about this beautiful, French-inspired historic brownstone in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.

A Parisian home in the heart of Brooklyn

Sometimes, you meet clients and immediately bond over a shared vision. When we first chatted with Hagar and Ziv, we learned all about their love for Paris and the sprawling facades of the limestone buildings along the Seine. Despite their differences, Brooklyn and Paris share a romantic aura that we knew would translate through architecture and design.

Finding inspiration in French design

Designing a historic brownstone 3,624 miles from the “City of Light” challenged us as renovators, restorers, and interior designers. We wanted to really capture the essence of Paris. We thought about what makes the city so iconic – its grand arches, sloping curves, modern and art deco features against classic architecture, soft stone colors, and rich neutrals. That led us to some beautiful paint color choices throughout the home.

  • Farrow & Ball Schoolhouse White – Walls throughout the house | Farrow & Ball
  • Sherwin Williams Alabaster – Ceilings throughout the house | Sherwin Williams
  • Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black – Stairs | Sherwin Williams

Furniture fit for the 16th arrondissement

As we were sourcing furniture for the home, we looked for a variety of new and antique pieces. The goal was to strike an eclectic balance of modern design with historic charm. If you have ever been inside a Parisian home, you may be familiar with this approach. It’s not uncommon to find a flat screen TV next to an antique chair that someone found at a nearby flea market, which also just “happens” to be from the 1800s. We selected materials like velvet, suede, marble, chrome, and light wood to evoke that unique collector’s vibe.

  • DWR X Sarah Ellison Muse Sofa – $4,995 – $3,996 | Design Within Reach
  • Brace Bloce Cream Chair – $1,699 | CB2
  • Rolland Armchair – $2,523 $1,181 | Soho Home
  • Santoro Round Green Agate Coffee Table – $1,099 | CB2
  • Channel Tufted Ottoman – $100 | Target
  • Carlisle Bedside Table – $1,395 | Soho Home
  • Sagebrook Home 22″ 4-Legged Accent Table, Black Marble, Nickel | Amazon
  • Jaxx Red Marble Side Table – $499 | CB2
  • Monte Ivory Performance Fabric Dining Chair – $429 | CB2

Attention to detail: tiles, textures, and fixtures

One unique challenge with designing this home was that it is a bit smaller than your typical Brooklyn brownstone. For example, Carroll Jardin is only three floors, including the garden level, whereas most traditional brownstones are four. With limited square footage, we wanted every detail to count. Hagar and Zev gravitated towards rich tones and blue colors, so we sourced samples from this world with character and intricate design. Here were the final picks:

  • Red Onyx/Colorado Calacatta Checkerboard – $Varies | Castelli Marble, Inc.
  • Zellige in Forgotten Turquoise – $Varies | Clé Tile
  • Square in Moroccan Sea Salt and Tea Ceremony – $Varies | Clé Tile
  • Fornace Brioni and Cristina Celestino Tile – $Varies | Clé Tile
  • Purist Sink Fauce – $524.10 | Kohler
  • Purist Rite-Temp Shower Trim Kit – $868 | Kohler

Lighting fixtures to tie it all together

The French excel at many things including, but not limited to, incredible lighting. If you have ever been to Paris, you have probably noticed that the lighting fixtures, indoor and out, are unmatched. From bespoke French design to antique lamps, they know how to find the fixture for any room. We sourced lighting that would create the perfect warm soft glow throughout all three levels.

  • Rizzato 43, Satin Brass / Opal – $Varies | Nuura
  • Ariel Fluted White Marble Sconce – $Varies | CB2
  • Meshmatics, Large Steel – $Varies | Moooi
  • Neptune Travertine Wall Sconce – $299 | CB2
  • Flos String Light with Sphere Head – $1,691 | Flos
  • Gubi Multi-Lite Pendants – $1199 | Gubi
  • Sputnik Light Feature – $73 | Amazon

Bringing this project to life has been a dream come true. Stay tuned as we share more products and our favorite items throughout the home! You can watch the full house tour on YouTube and read the feature in Architectural Digest.

The Gates House – Reveal & House Tour!

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We are so thrilled and proud to share the Gates House with you. It has the more restored original features than any of our projects to date! Many many painstaking hours have gone into fully restoring them. It all takes time! This project has been over a year in the making! BUT it was worth the wait! We are excited for you to see the beautiful white oak floors with a Peruvian walnut inlay, the gorgeous woodwork and stained glass, the restored plaster tapestries, not to mention the custom painted kitchen cabinets and modern bathrooms. It’s truly one for the books! It takes a village to renovate in NYC and we’re very thankful for our wonderful partners, collaborators, and craftsmen who took part in this project. Most importantly, to homeowners Laura & Rebecca and their new born twin girls (yes our second set of twins if you’ve been following along) Welcome home!

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Vintage DIY Door(s)

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A bathroom by The Brownstone Boys with a green door labeled "WC," a clawfoot bathtub, patterned tile floor, a window with wooden trim, and potted plants on the windowsill and a small stool.

Our favorite room in our home is our vintage inspired guest bathroom, and more specifically, our favorite feature in it is the vintage glass WC door. It’s a project we took on and we just can’t get enough of because we expanded our collection of them to 4 more with our recent speakeasy basement renovation. We’re not done yet! We love the look and would (will)  do it again! A lot of folks have asked us where we got it and how to make one, so we wanted to break it down for you.

The secret is if you want a door like this, you’ll likely have to DIY it. There are some vintage glass panel doors like this out there but chances are it won’t be the right size. They are few and far between, but what is readily available are doors that have wood panels in many sizes. We easily found one that was very close to the measurements that we needed. 

The Brownstone Boys work on installing or repairing a door in a room under renovation, surrounded by tools, wooden planks, and construction materials.A man sits on the edge of a bathtub in a bright bathroom with large windows, viewed through a wooden door with a glass panel—a scene that captures The Brownstone Boys' signature blend of classic charm and modern elegance.

 

We could have scoured the local salvage yards for one (Brooklyn folks- Old Iron Architectural is great for doors!), and I’m sure we would have found it, but we decided to get ours from a vintage seller on etsy. They had a large stock of doors that would work for us and the price was right at only about $100. We recommend typing in the size of the door that would work best in the search (either on etsy or ebay) and finding a seller near your home that will deliver.

A man stands on a city sidewalk holding a large rectangular glass pane in front of The Brownstone Boys' glass shop with colorful signage.

A green door with a brass plate and glass knob is partially open, revealing white subway tile walls and a black-and-white hexagonal tile floor—a classic look inspired by The Brownstone Boys.

Once we received the door we needed to alter it. This is the hardest part. It does require some tools and some skills to use them. If that doesn’t sound like you, it is possible to have someone else do this part for you. If you bring it to a local woodworking shop they likely can quickly and inexpensively make the cuts for you. Or you can even ask the seller you get it from if they can do it for you. Our door was very close to the size we needed but it was less than an inch too wide. We trimed it down on each side with a circular saw. Then we cut out the top wooden panel so that it was open for glass. Fortunately, trimming the side of the door also cut off where the old hinges were, but we did need to fill an old hardware hole with wood filler and let it dry overnight.

A black door slightly ajar in a construction area, styled by The Brownstone Boys, reveals a laundry room with washer and dryer; tools, cords, and a bucket are scattered nearby.

A black door labeled "Dirty Laundry" opens to reveal a laundry room by The Brownstone Boys, featuring a washing machine and a vibrant pink tiled wall.

The next day we sanded it all down to get the old paint off. Finally we added the trim piece to where we cut the wood panel that will eventually hold in the glass. So now we had a door that we cut to the right size, altered for a glass panel at the top, filled and sanded. Now it’s ready for the cosmetic part: glass, paint, and hardware!

We got our vintage chicken wire glass from a store called Olde Good Glass. They have some really amazing vintage and vintage inspired options. We gave them the dimensions and they cut the glass for us, we just had to pick it up! There are many neighborhood glass shops that might also have some great options. Reeded, chicken wire or frosted glass all work really nicely! We nailed one side of the trim piece with finishing nails, installed the glass, and then held it in place by nailing in the other trim piece. 

A man from The Brownstone Boys applies or adjusts a “WC” sign on a glass door with a wire mesh pattern.

We really wanted our door to pop so we painted it a vibrant forest green called Isle of Pines from Sherwin Williams in our WC but for the basement doors we went with a classic Black (Tricorn Black). We definitely suggest having some fun with the door and making the color pop! I suppose a natural wood door wood be gorgeous too depending on the condition of the door. The hardware needed to feel as though it was always on this vintage door so we got ours from House of Antique hardware. It has a crystal knob and brassy backplate.

Finally, we didn’t want our guests wandering around wondering which door was the bathroom so we stenciled on “WC” in antique looking black and gold letters from House Number Lab. House Number Lab is great because you can completely customize the font and text. 

This door is a fun DIY project that we think really makes our guest bathroom special. It wasn’t very expensive but it’s something that brings a little bit of joy into our day. If you do end up making your own door please share it with us! We just can’t get enough of the Vintage Doors!

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Pros and Cons of Wall Mounted Toilets

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As you scroll through beautiful bathroom design inspiration photos you might notice a recurring theme. What is it that makes these pictures of bathrooms of your dreams so clean, modern, and sleek? As you look closer you might notice that rather than the sometimes bulky, space-eating floor mounted toilets there is a space-saving modern beauty mounted to the wall! Popular in Europe for their space saving qualities, the wall mounted toilet first made its way to restaurants, bars, and public bathrooms in the US and have recently become more popular if not the latest trend in bathroom design for homes. We considered it for our renovation and have spoken to many other renovators who are doing the same. So what’s the pros and cons? And how do you go about getting one of your own?

Some visual reference for wall mounted toilets. We LOVE the simplicity and visuals for build out. Left photo: Toto Middle photo:Drench.co.uk Right photo: Comparison photo- Kohler

PROS

Modern and Space-Saving

As we mentioned, wall hung toilets have a very streamlined, modern look. The main reason is that the large and bulky tank of a floor mounted toilet is hidden in the wall. The gives you the ability to eliminate the space required for the tank and even the several inches of space behind the toilet, resulting in up to 10”-12” of additional floor space in the bathroom. 

Custom Heights

There is not much you can do to customize the height of a floor mounted toilet. They do come in a couple of different options: standard  height and comfort height (which is a few inches higher). A wall mounted toilet can provide greater flexibility since it can be mounted at whatever height you would like. 

Easy to Clean

Since a wall minted toilet sits above the floor clean up is a breeze. With no difficult or impossible to reach spaces you can more quickly and thoroughly clean. 

CONS
More expensive 
The biggest con to a wall mounted toilet is the cost and effort they take to buy and install. Many times the tank and wall mounting assembly is sold separately from the actual toilet which will also run more than a floor mounted toilet. Steel is usually used to mount and provide the strength necessary to support the weight. This might not be as big of a concern when you are building the a entire bathroom but when you’re retrofitting it can be a very intrusive renovation. The water and waste lines will have to be relocated, the wall will need to be opened up considerably, the studs might even need to be relocated (especially in older homes), and the floor will need to be repaired where the toilet sat. You’ll also need to know if you have 2×4 or 2×6 studs before ordering the equipment since the sizing will be different. 

Harder to Fix
There‘s no opening the lid to jiggle the mechanicals or easily replace a part. The tank is sealed up in the wall. If something goes wrong the trouble and expense to fix a wall mounted toilet could be much more.

Less Options
Since wall mounted toilets are still gaining in popularity in the US there are much fewer options. Only a few companies are selling them and the ones that do only have one or a few models. We checked out the Kohler, Duravit, and Toto versions. 

Ultimately we decided to go with a more streamlined version of floor mounted toilets. We fell in love with the simple, clean and streamlined Miseno high efficiency two-piece elongated chair height toilet with the slow-close seat. We weren’t going for too much of a modern sleek aesthetic in our place, and as you might know we were on a pretty tight budget. Our floor mounted toilets fit in well with our design. But our research will not be wasted as we’re pretty sure one day when we are designing and renovating a future space we have the opportunity to sleek it up with a wall mounted toilet. Are you in the market for one now? Have you installed one and have any feedback?

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Keep It Glassy! Shower & Tub Enclosures

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If you are building a new bathroom, especially if you have a nice walk-in shower, you will probably want to have a glass enclosure. Ours was just installed and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it! So we thought we would talk a bit about the process, options, and pricing. 

A glass enclosure to a shower or tub will instantly transform the way your bathroom looks. It will create a nice open and airy feel, provide for a comfortable if not luxurious experience, and show off your beautiful tile or stone you spent so much time picking out! 

So here are some options & tips we learned along the way…

Frame or Frameless

If you have ever wondered what makes the glass in one bathroom look modern and attractive and another not so much, it might be the lack of a frame around it. It makes a big difference in creating an open and modern space.

Having the frame around the glass is going to add strength. The frameless will be fixed to the wall and floor, so the corner there will be very sturdy. The opposite corner at the top will be floating pretty far from where the glass is fixed so it will have some play. It’s possible, though unlikely, that a hard fall against it can take the whole thing down. So it’s just something to be aware of, but mostly likely not something to be concerned about. There is also a semi-frameless options which improves the look, but still adds strength. 

One way to get a lot of strength and still keep a modern look is with a grid enclosure. They have a bit of an industrial feel and could really fit in nicely in a modern loft type space. Or if that is just the look you’re going for. 

Clips or Channels 

The way your glass is fixed to the wall can also make a difference in the finished product. You can have 2 or 3 clips securing it to the wall, or it can sit in one long channel that is fixed to the wall. We feel like we see more clips these days but we also like the clean look of the channel.

Doors

There are several options when it comes to the doors. The door can not only adds to the look that you’re going for but has some functional implications as well. Here are some of the options:

Hinged Door

Your shower glass will consist of one or more fixed panels and a door. The door can be hinged to a fixed glass panel or to the wall. It provides a modern look and easy access in and out of the shower. The shower door has to swing out (in case someone falls inside to provide access) so you will get some drips from the door on the floor when it opens. You also need to make sure you have space for the door to swing, which is always a consideration in NYC. 

Sliding Door(s)

You can have double or single sliding doors. This can be good if you want access from multiple sides or if you don’t have the space for a door to swing out. It also keeps everything pretty tidy with no drips on the floor as a hinged door will. It sometimes has connotations of older sliding shower doors and will be framed since the doors will need a track or mechanism to slide on.

Bi-Fold Door 

It’s not the most popular option but you can also have a bi-fold door on your shower. It might be useful if you don’t have a lot of room for a full swing door, but you still want to go frameless.

Splash Panel

You could even go doorless! A splash panel is a single pane of glass that will keep (most of) the water in the shower but the entrance will be open. It creates an even greater open and airy feel. The drawback might be that depending on the configuration of the shower and glass you could end up with a few splashes outside.

Glass Options

Now that you have decided what the configuration and door access will be, you have lots of options on the glass itself. There are options to include textured, opaque, or specialty glass. No doubt the vast majority of us will go with a clear glass, but you even have a couple of options there. Plain clear glass is just great for the most of us, but if you want to upgrade you can go with Starphire glass. Sometimes called “low-iron glass” because it contains only ten percent of the iron regular glass contains. Starphire is ultra-clear and brilliant in a way regular glass is not. During the manufacturing process, the green hue is removed that is normally visible at the edges.

Process

Once your shower or tub has tile and/or stone installed you can have a shower glass company come out to measure and walk you through your options. We worked with Mirage Shower Doors. The team was great! We knew exactly what we wanted, so they came by for measurements and only 7-8 days later the glass was installed. It is spot on what we wanted.

We went with a frameless shower glass in regular clear glass. We did a hinged door with one fixed panel of glass. We have clips securing the glass to the tile and a handle in a matte black finish. Very happy Boys! 

Pricing

It could vary depending on your choices, but we would recommend budgeting $2,000-$3,000 for your shower glass. 

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Tiles, Counters, and Hardwood… Oh My!

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In the past 5 months a lot of demo and building has been going on, but the next few weeks are going to show the biggest transformation so far! That’s because we are now working on the stuff that you’re going to be able to see when we’re done! Work is finally happening for the tiling, hardwood flooring, and plaster.

It’s crunch time to make decisions on the surfaces and we’re on it! The last thing we want is a delay in the project if we can’t make up our mind, so here goes!

Hardwood Flooring

We bought the place with 3 1/4 solid white oak flooring with a white wash finish installed throughout. It certainly wouldn’t have been our first (second, third, or fourth) choice. We thought about taking it all out and getting something new, but it’s solid wood floors that are in decent shape. We decided to just fill in areas with the same floor (it’s a fraction of the price of any of the others we were considering), sand, and refinish them. We already sanded one of the boards that was removed with demo and once the awful white wash finish is off it’s beautiful white oak wood. We’re planning on just putting a matte natural finish on it to bring out the tone and make the place light and airy. Does anyone recommend a stain they prefer or love?

Kitchen Counters

We’ve already ordered our kitchen cabinets. The cabinets were one of the first items we ordered from the RTA Cabinet store. They have been sitting in their storage unit and are ready for delivery! The cabinets are a simple grey shaker cabinet. Picking out the kitchen counters was something that could wait, but we planned on a white quartz to contrast with the grey cabinets. Similar to our kitchen inspiration picture from Branca & Co. We found HanStone, the quartz company we wanted to work with, and noticed that their quartz with marbling is so beautiful. We’ve always been suckers for a carerra marble countertop. So we ordered a few samples and feel that we can’t go wrong with any of them! They are all in the white family but some have more marbling which gives them a slightly grey tone. We were worried that choosing one with too much marbling might make for a grey on grey effect with the cabinets…but one of them keeps standing out to us. Even though our cabinets are grey, we really like the one that looks the most like carerra marble. After a lot of consideration and asking many people their opinions, the one that we think we’re going to go with is the one with the most marbling with the carerra look: we have decided on the Montauk finish.

Master Bath

Our master bath inspiration photo sold us on this charcoal hex tile a while ago. Then we found Fireclay Tile. They have the most beautiful handmade tile. We knew we wanted to get our tile from them. We received an amazing sample package with several options included with finishes, tile shapes and the perfect sample of colors. They had the matte hex tile we wanted for the floor and the far shower wall. For the side walls, we wanted something white to contrast with darker tile. We also didn’t want something with too much of a pattern since the hex will be busy enough for the room. We decided to go with a simple 6×6 white tile laid in a brick pattern. We think it will go really well with our midcentury modern custom vanity. Especially with the contrasting grout color.

Guest Bath

Our guest bathroom is going to be brand new. There was not a bathroom at all where we’re building it. We really wanted to make sure it blended in with the rest of the house. Since our master bath has a bit of a modern look with the charcoal hex, we’re going classic in here. Maybe even a bit vintage. We’re doing matte hex florets on the floor with a matte 3×6 subway tile to chair rail height and bull nosed at the top. All from our friends at Brooklyn Tile & Design.

I’m not sure which one of these finishes we are the most excited to see go in! It’s all going to be so beautiful and we’re slowly getting packages by the day. We wish we had some after pictures to show you now. The first step of the tiling process (the mud layer) started just a couple of days ago and hardwood flooring starts this week. We can see the finish line now and finally seeing the finishes come to life. It’s going to be such a transformation. Check out our Instagram account for pictures and videos of the process!

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Battle of the Bathrooms- Old vs. New

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Jordan and I are pretty aligned on most of our design choices. Picking out tile was a breeze. We are eyeing a few light fixtures and both have the same favorites. No arguments over furniture. We both love vintage charm as well, but other than restoring original features of our house, up until this point we haven’t added more to the historic detail. One of the only things that we are actually adding to the house is a guest bathroom upstairs. So our challenge is to make something that will be brand new fit with the house and our style. I’m pushing for some serious vintage features since our master bath will be more classic and modern. I think I have Jordan coming around! 

The top floor of just about every brownstone basically has the same layout. The stairs are in the center of one side of the building. The width of the stairs & hallway are typically about 6 feet (give or take a few inches). The wall from the hallway to the rest of the building is structural. This creates a space in the front and back of the stairs that is about 6 feet wide (in the front this would be above the vestibule). Some buildings have a little mini bedroom or office there. Some open up the wall to the neighboring bedroom to create an L shaped room. Some build in bathrooms or closets.  Our building is currently configured with a bathroom in the rear and a small bedroom in the front. We think the room is to narrow for a proper bedroom. The dimensions are 10′ X 6′. It will fit a twin bed at most. We think it’s the perfect size for our guest bath! So we are going to renovate the existing bathroom as the master bath and build a brand new guest bath in the front. Below are some details to out bathrooms- we like to think of it as battle of the bathrooms.

Master Bath
Currently the bathroom that will be our master bath is the only one on the top floor and has access to the hallway. We are going to close up the hallway entrance and restore a previously closed up entrance from what will be the master bedroom. Jordan loves the look modern hotel bathrooms (inspired last by a stay-cation at the 1Hotel Brooklyn). While it will have some vintage touches, overall it will be classic and modern. The room is 10’X6′. We’ll have a glass double shower on the shorter wall, a new toilet, and a double vanity. The finishes will have a large charcoal hex tile on the floor and then running up the shower wall, with a 1″x 6″ off-white tile on the wall with the vanity. All of tile will be from Chelsea Arts Tile & Stone.

Guest Bath
Since the master bath will be modern with it’s glass shower, I’d like to go full vintage in this bathroom! We’d like to get a old pedestal sink, a clawfoot tub (this is practical too because it will go in front a window), bead board wainscoting, classic black and while small hex florets on the floor, and light fixtures to match. The toilet will of course be new. It could be a bit overboard I guess, but I think the end result will just make us very happy.  We’ve already seen what we need at a local salvage yard. All of the fixtures will require some restoration. Also, I love wainscoting and I’m determined to get some in the house somewhere!

Some of the original details were unfortunately erased from out place over the years, so we love the idea of putting some back in a new feature. I’m going to keep working on Jordan and we’ll see how many vintage items we can work in! In the meantime, if you have any tips or tricks in restoring a pedestal sink and clawfoot tub let us know!

With that we are rounding out the design phase of our project. We’ve gone through a couple of rounds of revisions with the DOB and at this point expect to get approval to start in the next couple of weeks. If you have followed along we’ve shared many of the design choices, problems, and resolutions we have had. Our next post will be the results of all of the great feedback we have received and decisions we’ve made along the way. Fingers crossed we will start demo the first week of January (we’re still waiting for our Christmas present from the DOB)! 

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