It’s been a long time since I’ve done a remodeling update here on the blog. Things took a lot longer than expected, life got a bit crazy…you know how it goes! Last time I wrote, I had picked out the eco-friendly materials for the bathroom but the actual work hadn’t yet started. Now the project is complete (well, 90% complete anyway) so I can finally share…
The shower is tiled with natural, travertine stone and a border of recycled glass tiles called Blazestone from a small biz in Seattle.
We ordered a sustainably produced vanity from our local green home store, Natural Built Home. It is made with FSC-certified alder wood with a low-VOC finish and has no added formaldehyde. The backsplash is the same recycled glass tile we used in the shower. The countertop is Paperstone, made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper, eco-friendly resins and natural pigments. I had a hard time deciding between a number of different Kohler bathroom sinks but eventually decided on this large, rectangular one. Of course, I was happy to support the Wisconsin-based Kohler company!
The built-in cabinet you see in the photo above matches the vanity and we splurged on some handmade glass cabinet pulls from the Etsy shop Uneek Glass Fushions. Aren’t they pretty?
The toilet is a low-flow model from Toto. This is our first dual flush toilet and I love that it has the large and small buttons on top – even the kids understand what that means!
We also installed energy efficient windows and put spray foam insulation in the walls and 3rd floor ceiling, keeping the room nice and snuggy. The bathroom floor is tiled with travertine stone with radiant floor heating underneath. The heated floor is a bit of a luxury but it’s on a timer so we won’t be heating the floor all day long!
Have you made any eco-friendly changes to your bathroom?
(Disclosure: there are a couple of sponsored links in this post to help keep this blog in business.)
Natural Built Home says
Hi Micaela, The bathroom looks great! I am glad that we could help you with it.
Green Bean says
Love the recycled tile. We’re in the midst of a bathroom remodel as well – but no where near as far along as you. Maybe 50% finished . . . the tile goes up supposedly at the end of the week or early next. I found it surprisingly easy to find materials made of recycled content.
Micaela says
Cool Michelle (Green Bean)!! Will you post photos when your bathroom is finished?
Micaela says
Thanks for all your help Natural Built Home – it was great to work with you!
GreenSteve says
Wow, that looks great. Thinking of making a few home improvements myself, very inspiring…
ohkeeka [The Type A Housewife] says
It looks wonderful! And in Minnesota, I think you can justify the heated floor. 🙂
Elaine says
Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful.
Micaela says
Thanks Green Steve! Good luck with your home improvements!
Micaela says
Type A Housewife Kiersten – yes, I think heated floors should be a requirement in Minnesota!
Micaela says
Thank you so much Elaine!
Michelle @Special Mom Space says
This is so serene. I tend to gravitate toward earth tones and neutrals so I’d love to do this if I owned my own home 🙁 I live in an apartment and I can’t wait to own my own home so I can take my time with it.
Micaela says
Thanks Michelle! I recommend keeping a folder of design ideas that you like so that you will be prepared when you do finally have the chance to remodel!
Lori Popkewitz Alper says
Your bathroom looks gorgeous! You did such a nice job. I’m sure it was worth the wait. It looks like the vanity has 3 windows above it? So nice to be able to look outside when you’re brushing your teeth. I love the Toto duel flush toilet. Enjoy!
Micaela says
Thank you Lori! We LOVE the 3 windows looking out over the neighborhood. Feels like we are up in a tree house!
Kathy Carbone says
That’s fantastic! You’ve made a good use of all the recyclable materials, from the glass tiles to the paper stone. And your bathroom counter top benefited from that big time. The black colored top gives your bathroom a striking, dazzling ambiance.
Max Boughner says
Ahh.. Travertine stone, it makes you feel peaceful and tranquil. It’s a nice element in unwinding if you choose not to go out. On the other hand, energy efficient windows that have higher R value upon their glasses make them better insulators, preventing the heat or cold to escape. And, I agree ‘Kathy Carbone’; black creates that effect of elegance and resolute look.
Darryl Iorio says
Wow! First of all congratulations to your new bathroom! It really pays off to see such a beautiful masterpiece after such hard work. You definitely took on the “green” theme aesthetic to heart: From travertine stone to recycled glass, energy efficient windows to your Paperstone countertop. Cheers for this really beautiful bathroom!
bathroom lighting options says
I love the simpleness of the whole design, nothing too fancy but everything is still stylish and looking good. Real lovely work on your bathroom, you have to give us the name of the contractor! 🙂
Molly Stevens says
I just moved into my first home and have been busy remodeling and trying to get everything up to green standards. I really love what you did with your bathroom. All of the bathroom accessories fit perfectly and I really love your shower. I always find the oddly-shaped showers so interesting. Great job, hopefully mine comes out just as great!