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ANTIQUES & ORCHIDS BATHROOM

Written by peter    Monday, 31 August 2009

ANTIQUES & ORCHIDS This several-room remodel not only makes ample space for soaking and dressing, but showcases the owners' antiques collection as well. The elegant whirlpool bath forms a hub; a Umestone-lined shower and separate toilet compartment are nearby. His-and-her grooming areas, with separate sinks and dressing rooms, radiate out in both directions. Time-honored elements in the basic design scheme consist of antique furniture pieces, pewter accessories, French flooring pavers with limestone accents, and limestone tub trim and countertops. Curved soffits with built-in downlights are a contemporary contribution. Graceful orchids, placed here and there throughout the suite, add a finishing touch. REGARDING THE BASIC SQUARE Can you update a nondescript 7-foot by 8-foot bathroom? And one that a "walkthrough," or major traffic corridor, as well? In this case, out went the clunky old tub and shower; in came hard-working, compact fixtures and a wraparound sink-and-storage unit. Fixtures were placed to maximize space while keeping the traffic pattern clear. An adjacent room works to stretch the bath space, housing large floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets plus a compact European washer and dryer. How to let more light in? The designer added a large splayed skylight, painted it terra cotta for a dash of color, and placed low-voltage strip lights in the soffits for a nighttime accent. Both color and light bring out a subtle warmth in the sand-toned sealed marble tiles. MILE OF TILES It's the tilework thafs the showstopper, but the rest of this master bathroom works hard, too. The owners found enough room for a whirlpool tub, double shower, matching sinks, and some built-in storage. Knee walls separate fixtures, yet maintain a sense of openness in the otherwise small space. Tiles are a festival of color, but artfully laid out: elements include 1- to 6-inch squares and triangular border pieces. A skylight brings in some sunlight, and a recessed window niche frames a vase full of flowers. The original ceiling was raised to slope upward from the tub area to the vanity. ON THE ROCKS The owners had enjoyed using the outdoor shower at an isolated cabin and wanted to bring that experience back home. When their children moved out, they opted to stay put and build a fantasy-fulfilling master bath in the space where a bedroom and small bath had been. Boulders went in first. Then the bathroom was literally built around them. The two-sided fireplace took the place of one house wall, so a structural beam was added to support the roof. A new arched skylight brings in plenty of daylight; spotlights come into play at night. Past the sliding glass doors, it's only a few steps to the hot tub. And outdoors, more boulders, pine trees, and a carpet of aromatic pine needles continue to evoke the alpine spirit. A FAR EASTERN JOURNEY Part of an overall oriental house design, this master bathroom suite includes an efficient dressing room, vanity and makeup alcove, toilet compartment, and a raised bath area complete with a deep Japanese-style soaking tub. Shoji panels and wood accents are of beautiful vertical-grain fir; the panels fit right over original aluminum windows. Wall coverings employ three paper patterns, plus a separate border; off-white ceilings and gray-white wool carpeting form a clean, uncluttered background. When the bathroom is not in use, additional shoji panels close it off from the adjacent bedroom.

Last Updated ( Monday, 31 August 2009 )