Remodeling a Small Bathroom on a Small Budget With Taste & Class

Recently I have been looking for new fixtures for the remodel of my bathroom. My home is historical, having been built in the early 1900's. Although I like to keep period pieces or victorian touches around my home, I also want the modern conveniences of new appliances and fixtures of today. What's the problem? Well my bathroom is 8' x 8' (no where near the size of most modern bathrooms), and trying to find fixtures that fit has been quite a challenge.So for weeks I researched and brainstormed with my husband and my contractor. How could I remodel my small bathroom, on a small budget and keep it's historical character, taste and class?

The firstchallenge wasto find a tub or shower that would fit in the allotted space. My first thought was to go with a clawfoot tub and pedestal sink, the traditional historical bathroom. After some thought, it really didn't fit with the rest of the house. As I stated, I've kept several historical features (hardwood floors, vintage lighting, a pedestal sink in the guest bath and other period touches), but I've also done a lot of updating.Secondly, I'mjust not a fan of clawfoot tubs. Itried so hard to like them but I just don't, and they don't lookvery comfortable.

The second thought I had was to just eliminate the tub and go with a shower. But after some thought, I realized that most people interested in an historical home would want to have a tub. And if I everdesired to sale, my husband thought this would pose a big problem and it probably would.

I'm also one of those people that likes to have unique things in my home. I don't want to look like everyone else. I also wanted to have a luxurious bath, but since my checkbook is limited, I had to search high and low to find things. Here are some of my great finds: