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Ironwood Builders Salvage green tile from the shower to infill the towel bar loss. You need four and good tile setter. Save as much as you can, use a line of the salvaged tile on a gloss white subway tile. The new 4X4 will be lugged and that stuff probably isn't. What becomes of the shower space? How do you terminate the tile at the tub surround. The tile is set on a mortar bed. Taking out individual tiles will be difficult... and cleaning the mortar off to re-set The shower is the best bet.

nancy22032 Having grown up in a house with a very similar bathroom, I too would replace the shwer stall using a simple white tile with fine black trim. Adding several shower heads would give it a look of luxury even though the shower is small, install a light and interesting glass door. You have preserved the pretty green tub surround and the style it adds to the room. Our bath had a dressing table built in on one wall - does this one? Also there was a freestanding sink with large shaped edge. Having a 4 piece bath does add to the dollar value too.

LB Interiors Yes, white with black trim. For the new surround, you could use a wider black border tile 3" x 12" on the new construction with all white inside for the field tile. Creates a more dramatic presentation. The two sizes of tile will work well and create interest.

On the wall where the shower head will be, I would encase the plumbing in a column-type design. On both sides of the columned wall, install clear glass panels. Column wall - all black tile. Other walls black border with white field tile.

It's a slight twist with a difference. gives light to the space where the old shower once was.

I hope I'm understanding your dilemma?

Stephanie Allen If you want to save as much green tile as possible then make sure when tub filler and hot n cold hardware are removed it is with the most care as possible. There are the correct sizes available try (restoration hardware where they want an arm n leg) or similar co for less. Have a trusted source do the removal and new install. Do not let anyone sell you on the fact that this cannot be done. No need to replace tile just properly planned out measurements for retro fit. Same with Grab bar. Do not eliminate that just replace with same finish as faucet set. No new tile just paint exciting walls a fresh earth tone. Getting rid old white n green will do wonders. I;m feeling like green sea foam exsisting tile and sky blue! Even add an applique, stencil, or hand painted design on drywall over sky blue paint in the original green tile color to pull the scheme together :) and If you ever need home or business furnishings shipped nation wide then check out my retro store online www.bohofurnituregallery.com all design questions answered there plus best prices! BTW this looks like a very fun project. Any more pics?

nancy22032 I guess my comment was not clear. I meant to leave the tub area entirely alone and rebuild the stall shower. If the tub is not used for showers, there is no need to raise the surround or to interfere with it in any way. The faily simple act of rebuilding the shower saves the period look of the room.

LB Interiors I'm sorry , yes I would hate to see you destroy it's vintage beauty. Thanks, going to bed analyze it tomorrow.

rinqreation Keep the bath as it is and install a new white shower. If the stall is too small, see if you can use some space from the room backing it (if there is one). You need to be an expert at tiling and grouting to raise the bath's edges. Don't do it.

savanarose We were planning to demo the shower because it's got mismatched new tiles, and a broken shower pan and the shower head is too low. It's also very small. Want to use space created when it's gone as more room for the master bedroom closet which is adjacent to this space. I am going to get a bid on rebuilding the shower, because then we wouldnt need to put in new shower above tub OR try to create a cohesive look above the green tile with new tile surround that goes up to above shower height. I am also concerned it will difficult to replace the faucets and tile bar without causing damage to hard to fix and look good. Will know more after I speak to the contractors tile guy about that. Thanks everyone.

LB Interiors An example of new tub/shower? Maybe a lighter green tile or white with black liner tile? Liner placed to border outer edges of new tile at ceiling and sides.
Tile contractor may be able to reconstruct a shelf in place of towel bar? Replace tub fixture?

You wouldn't have to spend money on a new shower in the existing space and at any time you would be able to use that space for the bedroom closet in the future. You wouldn't spend money twice in this space.

..... P.S. You could finish off the existing shower space with glass shelves to use as an open shelf storage for fresh towels etc. add a few pretty accessories and some vintage collectibles. The openness in this space will make your entry and bath seem more spacious.

Norm Walters Construction Inc. If you want to change to a single hand shower valve, here is a restoration plate I've used before to cover the old faucet handle holes.

nancy22032 savanarose: I like your new thinking - no one has ever had too large a bathroom - maybe you could steal some space from the closet to increase the size of the shower?? Preserving the vintage look can be so great - I see the original small tile floor is still there. I am 80 so that bath really brings back memories. The mid 20th century look is becoming quite popular and so far this room remains a pure example. I'd love to see the house.

hparks74 This is a similar design concept, however your shower rod conversion kit will be attached to tub faucet. This would allow you to keep the home original integrity get rid of shower and not damage tile.

hparks74 They are a bit pricy but well worth it

Norm Walters Construction Inc. I understand wanting to keep the same look with regards to the faucets. It's one of those form over function debates though. Thermostatic valves are now required on all shower and tub faucets, even garden tubs. The only way to use old style, separate valves is to install a mixing valve between the supply and the faucets and it has to be accesible. This is required on all new homes now, and remodels in some locations, need to check with your local building department.

ASVInteriors Could you use glass brick on the level above your green tile? It would bring light into your shower and works with the epoch of the tile. This means demolishing the wall to that height but I am not clear if this is where you are going.

savanarose AS - not sure what you are getting at - the green tiles are all on walls that have no "view" on other side.
Norm - you are right about the separate hot/cold faucets and needing that valve.
Hparks - I really didnt like this for this bathroom - Ive sen that on clawfoots in victorian house, but not 30's. Thanks for thinking out of the box though!
Nancy - glad you like the house! More photos of it at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/92708967@N03/collections/72157632652409518/
Cant grab more room for shower from the closet, because that would be stealing from the master bed closet which needs to be as large as possible. Hence, original idea to demo this shower to give to the closet and then put the shower head above the tub, which is where then we have a tile problem.
LB - That looks really nice! Best Idea yet. I dont know if I can find the right color tile, but that's definitely a way to go that looks planned not patchework (or we ran out of tile and just decided to use this - lol) Oh also LB - yes, we will use the old "shower" as a linen closet - maybe without doors, defintiely shelve and preserve the tile trim around the face of that shower entry. It wont be deep anymore though since stealing space for the closet on other side.
Norm - maybe hand shower IS the way to go - less demo right? Replace the faucets and add the hand shower line? I'll talk to my contractor.
Good ideas everyone!
Thanks! I'll let ya know.

savanarose I'm going to look into combining 2 ideas - LB's tile design (though I think white might look better than trying to find a greenish color that looks like it was meant to go there) with Norm's hand shower idea!

LB Interiors Thanks, savanarose. I appreciate your mention. Very nice of you. Hope to see the new changes.

rinqreation Look for really good paint to seal the white walls. I wouldn't get the top part tiled too. Try getting information on 2component poly-urethane floor sealant for example (don't know how it's called in your country). Ask a pro, I've only heard of this type of paint used in bathrooms instead of tiles. Than you could keep the bath looking as it is, put up a hook for a handshower, result: pretty and water resistant.