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Hi everyone. It’s been a while since I’ve been on the board, but I’ve always gotten the best advice here, which I appreciate more than I can say.

Our latest project as DIYers: Attempting a very small (money wise) remodeling project for our master bath if our idea is a good one. My husband is relying on me to get my thoughts sorted out and let him know if our plan is feasible, or not, so I’m here to ask the tried-n-true experts.

I don’t have any pics yet, but I’ll do my best to post some tomorrow. For now, I can describe the bathroom as pretty basic and boring, just as we built it 8 years ago – and I’m so ready for a change!

The room is approximately 11 x 20, but in that space there are closets in each corner, with one of those garden tubs in between, a shower next to one of the closets on one end, a double sink cabinet across from the tub, and toilet room next to the other closet and opposite from the shower. The entry door is next to the sink base. (The closets are 3-sided in shape on the exterior, with the doors opening into the room at an angle).

What we want to do is replace the garden tub with an all-white clawfoot tub. Construction-wise, we’ll build columns on either side, possibly with a plain header/beam across the top, supported by the columns. We’d also like to wainscot that area and do a header over the window. Any ideas with this are appreciated.

But our main issue is this -- would it work to use a different tile in the tub area, or should we tear out the old tile? The current tile is ceramic, set in a diamond pattern, and it reminds me of the inside of a seashell as far as colors. As mentioned, we want to do the columns and wainscoting, which would separate the two areas. We don’t know if our idea will work, but the plan is to put a marble strip across, then use marble brick-style tiles in a herringbone or basket weave pattern.

We have a tight budget, both money and time, and would like to keep things as simple as possible, but I don’t want to do this if it’s a huge mistake. I can be patient with it as long as I have a design goal in mind, and with your help, I will – whichever way you advise. Above all, I want to make wise decisions, as I’ll have to live with it for a long time.

Another thing, I’ll be painting the sink base, white/off white, and getting new hardware. Also will be getting new faucets – shiny nickel finish.

Any advice/suggestions appreciated... Thanks!!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dazed,

If I understand your layout the current tub is in the center of your room? If so, you could create an "area rug" affect with the tile in the new tub area. Purchase a border that would tie in the existing tile into the new tile, making sure that the heighth of the border is not too tall, but if you do a border and then inset a basic tile it will frame your new gorgeous tub and become a focal point in your room. You could even use a 12 x 12 mosaic and cut it into 4 inch strips as your border as a more cost effective method.

Hi Claudia,

Thanks for helping. The tub isn't in the middle of the room - it's in the middle of the outside wall, with the two closets flanking; otherwise, your idea would work.

If I can figure out how to do it, I'll post a pic I took during construction.

Be right back.

I'm probably missing something, but I don't see any way to post a pic so it must not be allowed on this forum. Thanks again for your help.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dazed,