Maybe it’s due to the fact that life has become a bit crazy outside our homes, that we are now, more than ever, yearning to create a place to escape the chaos. And there’s no room where we are seeing this in more, than the baths in owners’ suites. The push is on to create crisp, minimalistic spaces with monochromatic color schemes and few adornments. And tubs aren’t going away anytime soon. In fact, they are taking center stage when it comes to soaking away stress.
Bright Idea LET THERE BE LIGHT
There’s really no other room in the home that needs layers of lighting more than the bathroom. In this example, plenty of light fixtures— sconces mounted on the mirrors over the vanities, a pendant hanging over a make-up station, and an eye-catching chandelier—on separate dimmable switches, offer options for setting the stage. Whether the goal is soft and romantic for a relaxing soak in the tub, or full-on brightness for a morning shave, this elegant configuration has it covered.
Builder Sterling Homes Interior design Designs on Madison Lighting Lighting EFX Tile Florida Tile Art Gallery Veronique Mirror Affordable Glass and Mirror Plumbing fixtures Ferguson
Bright Idea WORK WITH ANGLES
A tiny footprint—approximately 92 square feet—and angled ceilings, made creating a full bath in a 3rd floor attic space especially challenging. Previous owners had roughed in some fixtures, but new owners decided to punch up the plans a bit. White, black, and gold finishes keep in line with the historic style of their home while giving it a modern twist. The custom shower door is clipped to accommodate the angled ceiling and swings both in and out which is helpful in a tight floorplan.
Design and construction The Cleary Company Countertop Ironsbridge by Cambria Toilet Toto Vespin II Tile Subway tile in artic matte from Florida Tile; Vine Steet Studios Equip chevron white matte from Hamilton Parker Faucets/showerheads Kohler Purist Vanities painted in Sherwin-Williams Rock Bottom
Bright Idea GO FOR GOLD
When we say “gold” we’re not talking about the shiny brass fixtures that were placed in most of the homes built in the 1980s ballpark. Today’s gold finishes tend to be brushed and look stunning when used with both light and dark cabinetry. In this spacious bath, gold fixtures add a decidedly formal touch. Even the glass partial wall separating the wet room from the double vanities, is subtly framed in gold, completing the elegant look and adding a rich, warm tone to the space.
Builder Zicka Homes Interior design David A. Millett Inc. Shower glass and mirrors Basco Shower Enclosures Window Pella Windows & Doors Cincinnati Tile Daltile Corporation and Florida Tile Plumbing fixtures Ferguson Cabinets Western Custom Cabinetry Countertops Sims-Lohman
Bright Idea DITCH THE DECK
A free-standing soaking tub replaced a bulky deck to go far in creating a contemporary aesthetic in this stylishly updated bath. In the shower, a large slab of tile was used to create a bench that passes through the glass to offer seating both inside and out. Carefully mitered corners make the bench appear as a large block of concrete. On the opposite wall, two vanities are faced with a cobalt blue glossy foil to complete the space’s modern vibe.
Design and construction Kitchen Kraft Inc. Tub Jetta Vega Mirrors Fleurco Halo with defogger and light Tile Niche in Boost Smoke; Bench, floor and walls in Boost Pearl, from Atlas Concorde Plumbing fixtures Hansgrohe Cabinets Bria Cabinetry in Cobalt Wired Gloss Foil from Dura Supreme Countertops Minet quartz
Bright Idea PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
Wanting to stay in a home where they’ve lived for 35 years, a couple of empty nesters knew it was time to make some adjustments to their primary bath. Modifications included opening up the floor plan and incorporating aging-in-place features including a zero-entry shower and grab bars. Adding form to the function, the couple chose elements that would introduce a Scandinavian feel to the space. Natural walnut cabinetry, neutral tile and countertops, and streamlined fixtures create the warm, but minimalistic, look they desired.
Design and construction Dave Fox Design-Build Remodelers Lighting Progress Lighting from Northern Lighting Wall tile American Olean Floor tile Crossville Notorious from Hamilton Parker Hardware Shelley Pull from Atlas Homewares Countertops Mont Morino Quartz from Konkus Cabinets Omega Cabinets in Walnut Shower glass and mirrors Eastway Supply
Bright Idea DITCH THE DOORS
Set on an angle, this textured, tiled wall serves a dual role: It serves as a backdrop to the stylish soaking tub, and it provides a bit of privacy for those using the shower space it conceals. With a stepless entry on either side and no doors, this Roman-style shower is an elegant option when a classic, timeless aesthetic is the goal. Large-format marble tiles on the floor add to the sleek appeal of this spa-like space.
Builder Redknot Homes Interior design Designs on Madison Tile JP Flooring Design Center Mirrors Basco Shower Enclosures Plumbing fixtures Ferguson Window Pella Windows & Doors Cincinnati
Bright Idea ADD “WOW” WITH A WET ROOM
A monochromatic color scheme and a wet room which is accessed through a glass wall, set the minimalistic stage for this contemporary bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling tile in soft grays adds to the wide-open feel of the shower and tub space, while contributing to its waterproofness. In addition, this spa-like space provides an amazing amount of elbow room and a stepless entry which makes it inviting for older individuals or those who require universal design features—all attractive options for future homebuyers.
Design, construction and cabinetry Daso Custom Cabinetry Shower glass Precision Glass and Shower Mirror Franklin Art Glass Tile Hamilton Parker Plumbing fixtures Ferguson Supply Countertops Cambria
Article by Karen Bradner
Article originally appeared in February 2022