12 Jun Master Bathroom Renovation: The Pewter Tub
As you can see from the Master Bathroom Inspiration Board I created above, the tub was a front-and-center element for me. I love baths, and it was important for the tub to be comfortable and beautiful. I’m a tall girl, so the tub needed to be long, and I wanted it to be deep. Oh, and I also wanted to stick with the original tub’s material, cast iron. It holds heat longer, and I wanted to keep with the time period of my home. My husband was iffy in this – cast iron is so heavy, and he worried about getting it up the stairs. I will tell you, it was no small feat, it took eight burly men!!
I originally wanted the silver matte looking finish shown in the above picture. Through a little research, I learned this is TRULY silver leaf, and guess what, it tarnishes. The lady I spoke with told me this was the type of tub you put in a bathroom “you don’t use much”. Uhhhhhh this is the Master Bath, and who has a bathroom they don’t use much?! So that was out as I do not plan on polishing my tub every time I use it…was there a way to mix Beauty and Practicality?
Why yes, there is.
I found this gorgeous 68″ double pedestal cast iron tub via Vintage Tub & Bath. The best part is that you can get it custom painted! There are lots of beautiful finishes, and I chose “liquid mercury”.
The white rim peeking over the silver finish is so pretty to me. It gives a modern updated feel to a traditional looking cast iron tub so you still get the classic feel with a little twist, a little surprise if you will.
I think it contrasts nicely with the floor and other elements of the room. It’s a simple statement piece in the space.
As you know, I like the look of mixed metal, so I thought an unlacquered brass tub filler would look really pretty next to the silver tub. If you have ever tried to find this type of plumbing fixture, you know the finish can be difficult to find unless you go European (which oftentimes does not fit American plumbing standards – I learned this lesson after I ordered a pair of beautiful drains that did not fit my barber shop sink). But I have discovered that Newport Brass and Sunrise Specialty have a selection of unlacquered plumbing fixtures in case you are looking. My tub filler is from Sunrise. (I don’t see the unlacquered brass option so you may have to call to order it since it is a specialty finish)
It looks really lovely with the tub, and my kids think the sprayer on top is a phone. : )
I cannot wait for a long soak when this reno is over!
(In case you missed it) The Master Bathroom Renovation from the beginning:
The Original 1921 Bathroom + The Plan
How We Found Our Antique Barber Shop Sink
Gutting The Bathroom, Tile, & Ideas
Wood & Marble Floor Installation
* Special thanks to Vintage Tub & Bath for sponsoring this post.
Andrea
Posted at 10:30h, 12 JuneLove it! We just ordered a cast tub from Vintage Tub as well and were so impressed with the quality & their customer service. Your bathroom is seriously gorgeous.
Grace
Posted at 13:42h, 12 JuneOh cool, Andrea! I would love to see photos, send me some when you are done! Good luck! xo
sarah
Posted at 14:01h, 12 JuneThis is a beautiful bathroom and I love the tub. I really like hearing about the process too. You have a great eye. It is nice to see a blogger renovate a bathroom that is not white subway tile with dark grout and gray walls.
Grace
Posted at 14:08h, 12 JuneThanks Sarah! Sometimes I wonder if I talk too much about the process, but I get a lot of emails and comments liking that so it is nice to hear. I think the “ups and downs” and the “how we got here” conversation is interesting as well. I laughed about the subway tile and dark grout line. It is funny how you see trends like that go through the blogosphere, but I think white subway tile is a classic look that will always look great. However, I like going off the beaten path and coming up with something I think is beautiful, with modern elements and classic bullet points. My husband and I actually put these spaces together, and we make a great artistic team, I think. Thanks so much for your comment!
Trisha
Posted at 17:16h, 12 JuneThat tub and floor are fantastic! I love the lamps and the mix of metals- great job! Please come to Boston and do my house!
Grace
Posted at 17:57h, 12 JuneThanks Trisha! And I would love a trip to Boston. 😉
Tracy Laverty
Posted at 22:44h, 12 JuneYou’ll never want to leave when your project is all done. The tub is fantastic!! What an absolutely beautiful vision for every detail. The sconces, the colorful pendants, that painting, the flooring- wow! Everything looks so balanced, elegant and fun. I love all your details of the project because it’s an inspiration to me not just showing a before and after picture, but the journey!
Jennifer
Posted at 13:04h, 13 JuneSo gorgeous! And I laughed at the “bathroom you don’t use much” comment! Who, indeed, has one of those?!
Jill Rogat
Posted at 13:10h, 06 JulyI never thought of adding a pewter bathtub to the bathroom but this is really beautiful – what a fabulous focal point.
Grace
Posted at 09:07h, 07 JulyThanks Jill! We love the look, too!
Kirsten
Posted at 21:41h, 02 FebruaryI loved all of your bathrooms posts! So inspiring to see the transformation in the space. Do you plan on doing a ‘full reveal’? I’d love to see it all together. Also, I’d lien to greedily ask that you post about the moulding/trim pieces on the wall. They look perfect and like they were meant to be there. I really want to do something similar in my home but am lost on where to start…