We’re going the custom route for the vanity in our master bathroom. It’s something we’ve never done, but we really want to maximize the space we have (between 75″-80″) so we met with a contractor who really gets our vision and he quoted us a $2500 allowance for a vanity. That doesn’t mean we’ll use that all, but that included really nice drawers and all the bells and whistles. When searching for ready-made vanities around the size we needed, it came so close to that amount without not even including what we were envisioning.
Our contractor basically said, “Show me a picture of what you want and we’ll get it done.” Cue my eyes getting really big and then spending the next week trying to figure out what exactly we did want and learning, no picture or previous example has it all. But, I found 8 vanities that I pulled ideas from that ultimately landed us where we wanted. I put them below, in sequential order of my thought process…so hopefully you can follow along!
This was the first vanity I had pinned. I loved the drawers and the black, but it felt really heavy for our smaller bathroom.
Then, I came across this one and thought–yes! Floating! But we need two sinks still, so the cabinet/drawer configuration wasn’t quite right.
This one was floating and in a wood tone, which I kind of loved. Also the extra shelf underneath for towels got my wheels turning.
And then I saw the inset drawers on this one and added those to the list.
But maybe in a more medium toned wood like below? This is also the photo where we decided–a thinner marble countertop would be lovely. (Side note: inspiration photos for spaces don’t always have to come from that kind of space!)
I went to bed, but couldn’t sleep. A wood vanity just didn’t feel right. Although I did want to add some warmth to the space, black felt right for our home. To tie in with the kitchen–and it just feels so sophisticated. Â The photo below sold me on black again. With two wood mirrors!
But we then decided a lower shelf wouldn’t really be functional for our bathroom, especially with a linen closet 4 steps away. So nix the lower shelf. Keep it floating. But, ooo!!! Wider inset drawers, like the below image, would be perfect for storage. I can organize smaller things like makeup, deodorant, face lotions and perfume in the top drawer and leave the bottom drawer for larger storage like blow dryers and toiletry bags.
But in black. With a marble top.
And still floating. And nix the shelf. And at a comfortable 36″ high. We are working with a carpenter to make sure we’ll still be able to store things with an undermount sink.
On that note: What are your thoughts on a vessel sink? Not the 90s bowl vessels, but the more modern rectangles that just kind of sit on top? I imagine they save so much on storage!
Source Images: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
For practicality, a vessel sink may save on storage below, but actually using it to wash your face is not functional in my experience. The high edges and the faucet interfere with full range of movement and you actually feel cramped for space just getting washed. For what it’s worth! ????
I have this Ikea sink (http://www.ikea.com/fr/fr/catalog/products/60299417/) that I used as a vessel sink on a much larger countertop. It works wonders!! Plus, no problem to clean behind it as it is flush with the wall (and I caulked that extra mini gap).
I design custom vanity cabinets for clients and I really like your thought process! In most cases that top drawer will have to be a false drawer front. Even with the newer styles of vessel sinks, definitely sketch out the dimensions to make sure that it would actually allow you to have a functional top drawer. You might be able to squeeze a side-scooped, u-shaped drawer in the top, but it could still be a tight fit. Your second drawer will likely have to be a u-shaped drawer to make room for the p-trap. It also sounds like your drawers may have two drawer pulls, which could be frustrating when have to use two hands to open the drawers everyday. Can’t wait to see what custom solution you guys come up with!
i think vessel sinks will look very dated soon
All the Yaasss! Although- the sinks that sit on the surface might be a trial and error thing. We have one (for the same reasons: looks awesome, saves space in the vanity) but it is very splashy. I think it’s a matter of getting the sink and faucet to play nice together- low flow and getting the water to hit the downward slope on the drain cover were key for us. Something to keep in mind. Can’t wait to see your end results!