Who among us doesn’t love a trip to the spa?
These days, people have the option to just head down the hall to the master bathroom, as more and more homeowners are turning this space into a spa-like retreat. In fact, bathrooms are increasingly becoming one of the most popular home renovation options, and for Pat and Misti Campbell, the result of their bathroom remodel is a serene sanctuary whose vibe would rival that of any spa.
The Campbell sanctuary is not only serene but also spacious, though it was not always so. The original bathroom, 20-odd-years-old, was bisected by a hallway and a wall, creating a tight space not uncommon to many bathrooms of this era. Working with plans from designer Niki Matthews, Jared Mason of The Creative Kitchen Company created two entrance and exit points so that two people can function and never be in each other’s way. The biggest challenge was trying to create good flow while making sure the space was still attractive.
Attractive it is, partly because of the color scheme—almonds and whites, along with different woods and varied textures—which warms up the spaces and gives it an airy, beachy feel. Hand-crafted, sliding barn doors allow entry to the bath and adjacent master closet, and custom lighting and natural light from the windows create a luminous backdrop. The porthole-like windows filter in sunshine (and starlight) to create a nautical illusion. They are also reminiscent of the round windows throughout the remainder of the house.
Layers of lighting
Mason explains that today’s homeowners are steering away from a single overhead light to canned lighting with a few accent lights. Misti concurs that the elegant sconces she chose, complete with vintage bulbs, are “very romantic in the evening if you’re in the soaker tub. They look like candles.” The recessed skylight in the ceiling is outlined in the same driftwood-esque material as that on the distinctive tiled wall that houses the dual sinks and swivel mirrors. Multiple bathroom mirrors create a shimmering effect and, as with light fixtures, Mason confirms that it’s in vogue to have a series of mirrors versus one large mirror extending the length of the bathroom. The larger tiles on the floor help the room to visually expand, while the smaller pencil line that is the grout stays cleaner, longer.
Taller cabinets
The rich travertine cabinetry, chosen specifically to pull in some darker hues, is one of the homeowners’ favorite features. At 34.5-inches, the cabinets are prized in many of today’s baths (as opposed to the traditional 30-inch versions of cabinetry). “Our cabinets and our sinks are higher so we don’t have to bend over to brush our teeth,” explains Misti. “I didn’t realize what a difference it would make.”
The Campbell bath also houses a separate makeup counter with spacious drawers for storage—with storage being the key word. “The current trend is lots of good storage in the bathroom,” says Mason, “and linen cabinetry is especially desirable.” Today’s pull-out storage options include slots for hair dryers, straighteners and more, with outlets included in the hidden space so that there are no messy cords cluttering the countertops.
Praiseworthy tub
All hail the Campbell’s freestanding soaker tub, which takes up less space than the large corner tub that preceded it. “There used to be a square in the corner, and we had a walkup area to get into the bathtub, set in slate with a large ledge,” says Misti. “It was overwhelming.” Next to the soaker tub, perfectly sized for today’s standards, the glass-enclosed shower space with elegant hardware and a built-in shower shelf provides an equally luxurious bathing experience. Many of today’s homeowners also opt to incorporate shower benches and/ or zero entry showers. “Zero-entry showers have no curb to step over,” explains Mason, “A lot of people are thinking to the future.”
Other forward-thinking concepts include multiple shower heads, heated floors, tubs with whirlpool jets, surround sound and other spa-like comforts. The Campbells chose to install a television in their upgraded bath, further evidence that the master bathroom can accommodate all the luxe offerings and creature comforts that today’s discriminating homeowner—and spa-goer—wants.
RESOURCES
Contractor: John Hardesty and Jared Mason, The Creative Kitchen Co.
Design: Homeowners & Niki Matthews with Nicole Matthews Interiors
Cabinetry: Conestoga slab door in hickory, nitefall finish
Countertop: Viatera quartz, in white pearl, fabricated by Wallstone
Barn doors: Panel Town & Floors
Vanity wall: Ashen barn panel, Floor & Décor
Faucets: Maleko waterfall, Signature Hardware
Tub: Carmel Solid Terrazzo, Oceanstone
Shower door: Swan Freedom
Shower tile: Aqua Silver Travertine Tile, Floor & Décor
Floor tile: Aventis Cotton, Florida Tile