Bathroom renovation in San Bonifacio: before and after

Bathroom renovation in San Bonifacio

From bathroom furnishings only to a complete project

When I started working at Fratelli Pellizzari, I was only involved in selling sanitary ware, taps, accessories, and bathroom furniture. Over time, with the help of colleagues and technicians, I also learned how to combine different surfaces, and today I design bathrooms by coordinating porcelain stoneware, wood, and wallpaper, finding together with the clients the right mood for the bathroom.
 

Renovating the bathroom: a challenge!

Designing and seeing a bathroom renovation come to life is truly a challenge: there are many details and constraints to take into account when renovating an old bathroom. There can be many surprises, sometimes impossible to foresee, because they only emerge during demolition or while carrying out the systems and connecting them to the existing ones.

Why renovate the entire bathroom?

Although it is a complex intervention, it must be said that it is also one of the most requested projects by clients here in the showroom. There are several reasons for this (we have listed them in the article you can read by clicking the button below), the main one being the desire to have a contemporary bathroom that is completely renovated and renewed.

10 reasons to renovate your bathroom turnkey

A renovation requires a lot of cooperation and tolerance

As I always explain to clients, when renovating a bathroom it is necessary for them to be more tolerant compared to what happens on a new-build construction site. When I receive a request like the one I will talk about in this article, I therefore try to make the client understand that we cannot expect absolute perfection, because we are working with existing constraints and unforeseen issues, and that a collaborative attitude and a bit of tolerance are also required on their part.

The bathroom renovation works in San Bonifacio

Fortunately, the clients are wonderful

Maria and Tommaso are lovely clients (the names are fictional, but they truly are wonderful people) and, when I explain to them that bathroom renovations can involve some imperfections, they tell me that “only God is perfect.” Fortunately, clients like this really do exist!

We need to be allies and work together…

I also explain to them that in situations like these the client needs to collaborate with us, because only by working together can the goal be achieved. In reality, for the work to turn out well there must be mutual trust, and both parties—us and the client—need to work side by side, not against each other. Sometimes we encounter impossible-to-please clients who almost seem to enjoy seeing us struggle, and who work against us rather than with us…

…especially now with Covid

Moreover, the period we are working in, with the Covid epidemic still ongoing, is a source of continuous problems: delivery delays, companies temporarily shutting down, and unexpected interruptions. But even here Tommaso stops me and tells me that he has great respect for those who work, that he knows us and trusts us, and that he knows we will do everything we can—and that is enough for him.

The bathroom project in San Bonifacio

Starting from their wishes

Here’s the thing: Tommaso and Maria are already strong candidates to become my “clients of the year.” As Tommaso says, I will truly give it my all for them!!

We start by talking about their wishes, about how they would like their bathroom to be, and little by little, thanks to their suggestions, we come to envision a project of what their bathroom will look like.

Here it is:

From the old 20×20 to the wonderful 80×80

For the wall coverings, porcelain stoneware tiles with a concrete-effect finish were used in the 80×80 cm format, in an ivory shade. These are alternated with a decorative band that I designed using the same type of tile, but differentiated by its grey color and a smaller 40×80 cm format.

Click here if you want to see other concrete-effect porcelain tiles like this

Wall paint finishes: neutral tones

For the interior wall painting of the bathroom, in the upper section, I chose a neutral-colored paint that echoes the tone of the tiles. This play of colors contrasts with the ceiling, which we decided to paint white to give more brightness to the room.
 

Floor-mounted sanitary ware

Maria wanted sanitary ware that was easy to clean, but she did not want wall-hung fixtures. For this reason, we included floor-mounted, back-to-wall sanitary ware in the project. As you have already read, the taps and accessories chosen are exclusively made of satin-finished AISI 316 stainless steel.

Wooden bathroom furniture

As for the bathroom furniture, Maria expressed her desire to have a solid oak countertop. I proposed a wonderful product: a handcrafted oak shelf, rich in knots and natural details, for an absolutely authentic and natural effect. In total contrast, Maria chose a countertop resin washbasin, a very spacious and design-focused model.

A large drawer unit beneath the countertop

Below the wooden shelf, I suggested adding a floor-standing drawer unit. Maria and I agreed on a white lacquered finish, to echo the color of the basin and the cube-shaped shelves. By the way, do you like them? They are designer shelves that are also extremely practical for keeping everyday items within easy reach.

And a wall-hung column opposite the countertop

To store everything needed for daily personal care, Maria and Tommaso also asked to include a wall-hung storage column with doors and an integrated groove handle. This element increases vertical storage space without weighing down the room, keeps the floor clear and makes cleaning easier. The suspended design contributes to a lighter, more modern look, improves the perception of order, and keeps everything within reach while making the bathroom feel visually more spacious and harmonious.

A carefully planned renovation requires a careful lighting study

Studying bathroom lighting is a fundamental aspect of the design, especially after such an important renovation, because it affects both everyday functionality and the overall atmosphere of the space. In this project, I wanted to create a balance between technical lighting and emotional lighting, making the bathroom practical, welcoming, and visually harmonious at any time of day.

Backlit mirror…

For the washbasin area, I chose integrated backlighting in the bathroom mirror, which runs along the entire length of the furniture composition. This solution creates a soft, diffused light, ideal for eliminating harsh shadows on the face and creating a sense of comfort and relaxation. The backlighting also enhances surfaces (especially textured ones), making the bathroom more elegant and contemporary.

…and a lamp to increase the lux level

To complete the lighting scheme, I added a lamp above the mirror, designed to provide stronger illumination to the countertop, along with ceiling spotlights that ensure direct and effective light (especially important in the morning). This combination allows Tommaso and Maria to see their faces clearly during daily routines, ensuring functional lighting performance without sacrificing aesthetics and visual comfort.

Wood brings warmth…

In this bathroom, we chose to combine a natural wood countertop with a white basin, creating a balanced and refined composition against a concrete-effect porcelain stoneware background. The oak wood, with its grain and warmth, becomes the element that humanizes the space and makes it more welcoming, while the white basin adds brightness and visual cleanliness to the washbasin area.

…and porcelain stoneware adds a modern touch

The concrete-effect porcelain stoneware wall covering, with its grey tone and material character, acts as a neutral and contemporary backdrop, enhancing the contrast between warm and cool surfaces. This dialogue between different materials results in a bathroom that is modern yet not cold, where the natural quality of the wood balances the more urban and minimalist aesthetic of concrete, creating a harmonious, elegant, and timeless environment.

A transparent shower enclosure…

For the shower area, together with Tommaso, we opted for a sliding enclosure with clear glass, a solution that defines the space without interrupting the visual continuity of the bathroom. The glass allows light to pass through and keeps the room airy and light, enhancing the surrounding materials and finishes and making the space feel larger, without visual clutter.

…and one that saves space

The sliding system chosen for the enclosure is also practical and functional for everyday use, especially in a bathroom where every centimeter counts. The choice of an essential and elegant enclosure integrates perfectly with the rest of the project, ensuring comfort, ease of use, and a clean, contemporary aesthetic.