Bathroom with Flow

Being asked to make a bathroom smaller is not something that happens very often. In fact, this is the only time we have had such a request. Having worked with the homeowners in the past we had a good sense of their style and knew this was an opportunity to create something unique where every detail would be noticed.

The original master bathroom was too large for two people and was neither comfortable nor attractive. By taking the excess space from the bathroom, their small bedroom closet could become much larger and more functional. Working around the existing stool location and two existing windows, so as to avoid additional costs, we created the angled walls of the steam shower so that it could accommodate two people but not pinch flow to the rest of the room. In addition, there is a small stepped half wall that provides privacy for the stool but doesn’t create a cave.

River rock was laid in a field of 4″ x 4″ ceramic tile to create a path that travels from inside the steam shower out over the threshold and to the vanity. In the shower a small amount of blue glass tile was used amidst large ceramic tiles as an accent to emphasize the juxtaposition of water and stone.

The custom-built vanity has a unique design. With six different angled faces, four containing their own set of drawers and doors, we created a structure that reflects the flow of the room. It also has a couple of distinctive features including a hairdryer drawer with an outlet in the back (so there is no need to ever have to deal with the cord again). The center drawer stack doubles as a structural leg and allows the sides to “float” and create more visual space.

Remnant granite was used both for the vanity top, which extends past the vanity becoming a shelf and beauty station, and the seat in the steam shower. The edges were hand-drawn and cut to compliment the organic nature of the stone, while also enhancing the flow of the room.

This master bathroom is now spa-like and the clients love to spend time in it. The space is warm and comfortable, highly functional, and appropriate to their home.

Highlights

• 2006 Chrysalis award
• 2006 COTY award
• Steam shower
• Remnant granite countertops and shower seat
• Glass tile accent
• Semi-private stool
• Custom vanity with Dedicated Function Drawers (DFD)
• Energy efficient Panasonic fan