It’s not uncommon for couples to have different morning schedules. When one person needs to get up much earlier than the other, a master suite with an open concept bathroom plan can create logistical issues. Even the simple act of turning on a light can become a hassle. Such was the case for the ensuite master bathroom of Jeff, a morning radio DJ, and his wife Kristen. In order to solve this issue, Neal’s Designer Jodi Smith designed a new enclosed bathroom plan to create a spa-like space for both parties to enjoy together… in their own time.
The original bathroom layout used a central vanity area with no wall or door from the bedroom. On the left side of the vanity, a door led to a walk-in closet. On the right side, a door led to the enclosed bathroom with another vanity, a tub with a shower, the commode, and a window. One common issue with this type of ensuite bathroom layout is a lack of storage capacity resulting in many items finding homes out on the counter, visible from the bedroom. Additionally, the open entryway from the bedroom, a niche for a hamper, and the inclusion of a wall to close off the small bathroom took up valuable inches of available space.
In order to have enough space to accomplish Jeff and Kristen's goals, it was necessary to rework the floorplan to combine the two areas and relocate the door. This also led to moving the closet door into the bedroom, separating it entirely from the bathroom. With the new space, the bathroom was now able to accommodate a long vanity as well as a larger custom shower. Jeff summed it up nicely, “We are amazed at how Neal’s was able to utilize limited space to create such a beautiful and spacious primary bath!”
Going in, Kristen told Jodi that she wanted to include a double vanity rather than the two separated vanities they'd had. This was a great design directive as a double vanity would not only increase the storage options and maximize the space, it would also help create a more unified bathroom made for two people. This can be a useful design technique to help busy couples feel like they share a space even when their schedules don’t always align.
The decision to design a vanity to feature a unique trough-style sink is one of the stand-out design choices in the bath. This not only injects the room with the kind of ease and relaxation typical of Scandinavian-inspired spa design, it also highlights the purpose of having a shared bathroom- to be able to use the space together. “Jodi really brought our dreams to life!” says Jeff. “She was a great listener, asked the right questions about how we would use the space and helped us pick the perfect finishes.”
There are many other showstoppers in the new bathroom’s design that all work together to create an inviting space full of softness and light. The vanity is paired with a whimsical but sophisticated wallcovering with a lush, classic leaf design in soft shades of blue-green and hints of gold. The metallic shimmer is further enhanced with brushed bronze fixtures and hardware. An open shelf along the bottom of the vanity is a luxe inclusion that increases the spa-vibes. Teardrop pendant lights on either side of the vanity, mirrors with integrated lighting, and recessed can lights in the ceiling provide a variety of options for layered light any time of day or night.
Not to be outdone, on the other side of the new bathroom the shower is another focal point. Here, a porcelain tile mimics the look of wooden beadboard walls, like something you’d see in a sauna. The effect is unexpected, stunning, and creates a casual feel despite the elevated touches of luxury that abound in the new design. There’s a vintage quality to this shower design as well that’s played up by the use of a brass-finish trim detail along the top side of the shower’s horizontal niche.
The same sandy-toned quartzite from the vanity was used for the additional elements of the shower. Both the bathroom’s floor and the shower floor use the same Imperial Gold Calacatta marble in two different tile shapes. These design decisions help tie the two halves of the new room seamlessly together. To finish off the space, the simple detail of Arts & Crafts style wainscotting under the window ensures that no part of the new bathroom is left unpolished.
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