Floating a Powder Room
FLOATING FIXTURES 1950s Cape Code-Style Home Remodel - Birmingham, Michigan
Carrie Long, founder of Carrie Long Interiors (CLI) specializes in high-end residential design and custom furniture. She received her degree in Interior Design from Wayne State University and has practiced her profession around the world, where she discovered Geberit in-wall systems. Having used the systems in many successful client projects, she knew Geberit could help her solve some tough design problems in her own home.
The Challenge
At only about 15 square feet, Long’s first-floor powder room was a creative challenge. The room needed an overhaul not only in design, but also in code compliance.
“We needed to make use of available space creatively. I had to save inches in our small powder room while remodeling our 1950s Cape Cod-style home. I wanted the design of the powder room to project a clean look and the spacious feeling of ‘floating,’ says Long. “On the practical side, we had to make sure it met recent codes and plumbing updates.”
The Solution
“We chose a Geberit in-wall toilet system and Sigma01dual-flush actuator in Alpine white not only for water savings, but also because the white color makes the actuator, toilet, and sink seem to float on the geometric floor-to-ceiling brown and white tile wall. The remaining walls complement the color and open-space scheme with a shimmery light brown linen wallpaper,” says Long.
The Geberit system allowed additional floor space and by placing the tank in the wall created almost 3 square feet of additional wall and design space and 9 more inches of maneuverable space in the room. The front of the toilet is 23 inches from the wall, 2 inches more than required by some codes.
“Because of the tank’s position in the wall, the toilet appears to be ‘floating’ on the wall,” says Long. “Its positioning just above the base board makes it easy for cleaning as well as anchoring it to the room. We also built a custom box around the sink and wrapped it in white stone to further give the appearance of floating, plus added a small circular sink to provide interest as well as create more counter space.”
“As a design enhancement and to add storage space in the small powder room,” continues Long, “we created a hinged medicine cabinet door out of an old vintage sign I found in New York. We had the builder make a medicine box flush in the wall for it, painted it brown and then placed a mirror in the frame. It adds interest and functionality to the room.”
“I have known about Geberit in-wall systems for years and use their products in many of my clients’ homes. I knew it would be the ‘go to’ for my own home’s remodeling,” says Long.
“Our plumber who installed the system was very happy with not only the appearance and ease of installation of the in-wall system, but he said it quickly solved the code and plumbing issues in our older home. The powder room installation was so successful, we used it in my son’s bathroom,” says Long. Geberit in-wall systems work especially well in residential or older home bathroom renovations where space may be limited. Because of the floor and wall structure of Long’s home, regular floorstanding toilets would not have allowed the same opportunities for her “floating” design.
The Geberit System provides unlimited possibilities for bathroom design by allowing the plumbing fixtures to float above the floor. In Long’s home, finishing off with the Sigma01 white actuator complements the powder room with a sophisticated and “floating” touch that combines simple lines, elegance and practicality.
Geberit offers compatibility with wall hung-toilets made by every major ceramics manufacturer. No other carrier offers designers the flexibility of the Geberit system.
The Geberit in-wall system was the perfect answer to Carrie Long’s design and space challenges.
Design Firm: Carrie Long Interiors (CLI)
Interior Designer: Carrie Long
Photographer: Beth Singer Photography, Inc.