Design Master Class: Lisa Stewart offers bathroom redo worthy of luxury hotel
The challenge
A townhome in Raleigh’s Brier Creek subdivision was the perfect place to put down roots for this jet-setting American couple who raised their children abroad. But the 13-year-old master bath didn’t work for them. They were adamant, “Get rid of the tub because we never use it. It’s a waste of space!”
Super space
Before, the 12- by 12-foot bath had a large corner tub and a claustrophobic shower. The space felt awkward with two unequally sized sinks, and the cabinets functioned poorly. Now these homeowners have a space that rivals the best hotel baths in the world.
In place of the tub, we installed a spacious, 5- by 5-foot zero-threshold walk-in shower, which could be wheelchair-accessible if necessary. A heated floor, double shower heads, a custom teak bench and niches for soap add to the luxury. We replaced the old shower stall with a built-in bench seat for perching while painting toes, blow-drying and dressing. The mirrored wall behind it reflects light from a chandelier with hand-blown glass droplets. Wall-to-wall glass-and-chrome shelves shine with the homeowners’ personality when filled with treasured travel souvenirs and air plants.
We chose sealed 3- by 6-inch tiles of royal gray honed limestone for the shower walls. The curves of the natural pebble floor tile add softness. Small mosaic accent tiles with rust-colored glass and metallic slate create horizontal lines that pull your eye to the back splashes of the “his and hers” 48-inch-wide vanities. The Euro-style cabinetry, which has a contemporary espresso finish, floats above the floor, adding a light, airy feel. The soft-close drawers were designed specifically to fit the homeowners’ lotion bottles.
Custom-made medicine cabinets with floating, mirrored doors are illuminated by sconces of chrome and frosted glass. Modern chrome faucets adorn the 36-inch-high countertop sink combinations of glossy vitreous china. The wall color is Sherwin Williams Vanillin (6371).
Terrific trick
A space without windows doesn’t have to be dark. To overcome the lack of natural light in this bath, we added plenty of recessed LED lights and four wall sconces on dimmers. Large vanity mirrors and a mirrored wall bounce light around the room. Glass shelves, polished chrome and a chandelier sparkle. Lighting below the floating vanities and the bench seat provides a subtle glow that creates an alluring ambiance underfoot and a dreamy night light.
(Not) by the book
A kilim rug from the homeowner’s collection became a colorful cover for the bench seat. This added a much-needed punch of color and tied in the bath with the rest of the home. Using a rug to cover the bench was unconventional, but it’s a great example of the power of repurposing.
Lisa Stewart Design
7413-202 Six Forks Road, Raleigh
919-275-2212 or lisastewartdesign.com
This story was originally published September 12, 2014 at 8:00 PM.