Restoring a historic property is a journey of patience and vision—a journey that Samantha Sutton, influencer and owner of After Hours Farm, is capturing frame by frame. In her master bathroom project," an 1860s farmhouse restoration in Armada, Michigan, preserving the home's original character was paramount. However, for the master bathroom, Samantha knew that the cold reality of Michigan winters required a modern intervention. By installing a WarmlyYours in-floor heating system, she ensured this renovation would be as comfortable as it is photogenic.
Project Details
- Location: Richmond, MI (48062)
- Room Type: Master Bathroom
- Heated Area: 105 sq. ft. (Total Room: 157 sq. ft.)
- Flooring Surface: Tile, Marble, or Stone
- System Type: TempZone™ Flex Roll
- Power Specs: 120V, 1582 Watts, 13 Amps
- Thermostat: nSpire Touch Programmable Thermostat
A Modern Upgrade for the Cameras—and the Cold
The Challenge Samantha Sutton is no stranger to aesthetics, but as she documents the renovation of 1860s farmhouse for her social media following, functionality is just as critical as design. Historic farmhouses in the Midwest are notoriously difficult to heat, particularly in rooms with expansive tile surfaces. With the cameras rolling on the master bathroom renovation, Samantha needed a heating solution that was invisible to the lens but felt instantly luxurious to the touch. The goal was to eliminate the chill of the 157-square-foot space without installing bulky radiators that would detract from the vintage design.
The Solution To solve this, the project utilized the WarmlyYours TempZone™ Flex Roll system. The installation process—often a key point of interest for DIY content creators—was straightforward. The cut-and-turn rolls allowed for full coverage of the 105 square feet of open floor space, easily navigating around the planned fixtures. Controlled by an nSpire Touch Programmable Thermostat, the system offers precise temperature management, ensuring the floors are warm exactly when needed.
The Result The finished master bathroom at After Hours Farm is a perfect blend of old-world charm and new-world technology. The electric floor heating provides consistent, silent warmth that radiates from the ground up, protecting the homeowners from the harsh Michigan winter. As Samantha shares the final reveal with her followers, the invisible comfort of the heated floors serves as a testament that historic preservation doesn't mean sacrificing modern livability.
Featured Products
1. TempZone™ Flex Roll (120V) The TempZone™ Flex Roll is the industry leader for installing radiant floor heating under tile, stone, and marble. The heating cable is secured to a mesh fabric at 3-inch spacing, ensuring even heat distribution. The roll format allowed for rapid installation over the large 105 sq. ft. area, significantly reducing labor time compared to loose cable. ``
2. nSpire Touch Programmable Thermostat This sleek, white thermostat features a 3.5” full-color touchscreen and a modern design. It includes a floor sensor to strictly monitor floor temperature and a built-in GFCI for safety in wet environments like bathrooms. The programmable schedule allows the homeowners to wake up to warm floors without running the system 24/7, optimizing the energy efficiency of the farmhouse. ``
