Midcentury Modern in Niles
SCOPE: renovate the original bathrooms to provide better functionality, while keeping true to the architectural style of the house.
An empty nester couple looking to live on one level found this midcentury modern gem in Niles, Illinois near Chicago. Built in 1961, the house features an open floor plan, clean lines, terrazzo floor throughout, exposed brick and floor to ceiling windows. The bathrooms were original and had nostalgic features, but were not functional with low vanities, sparse storage space and dark cavernous showers. The couple decided to completely renovate the small hall bathroom and the large main bathroom.
The richly glazed tile is the star of the show and covers almost every wall. On a white background with scattered teal and sand, rectangles and ovals in matte and glossy are mixed and matched in both bathrooms. Walnut wood vanities were chosen to add warmth with a modern feel. In the hall bathroom the shower was enlarged and opened up with a glass shower door. The once dark main bathroom that was divided into two areas by a wall, is now separated by sliding glass doors. Storage was increased with a tall cabinet and dressing table drawers, also in walnut. The shower is now open and bright thanks to a raised ceiling and glass enclosure. The new bathrooms maintain the same style and feel as the originals with updated fixtures, improved lighting, enlarged showers and beautiful, colorful tile.
