Photography By Erik Rotter
Whether it’s time spent getting ready in the morning, enjoying the ritual of primping for an evening out, or unwinding in the tub at the end of a long workday, we spend a generous amount of time in our master bathrooms each and every day. That’s why it’s equally as important to shower your master bathroom space with sophisticated design elements as it is in the rest of your home. Here are a few tips for creating a thoughtfully curated space that bathes your bathroom in beautiful design.
Be open to reinterpreting a typical layout
First things first: when looking to revamp your master bath, discard any pre-conceived notions and conventions related to interior space planning. By reinterpreting a typical master bathroom layout, you can create a space that is tailored to you and functions around your needs. For this particular design, the homeowners craved a hotel-inspired experience to help outfit their 1,200-sq.-ft. master wing. By combining the bathroom and walk-in closet within an open-concept space, their master bathroom became an expansive ensuite dressing room with the functionality of built-in storage space, and the beauty of a luxurious spa-like environment.
Create harmony by balancing stylistic and functional needs
We’re often juggling competing needs in a master bathroom space – whether those are stylistic or functional in nature. We all desire a little Zen, so ensure each partner feels like the bathroom is a space made just for them by incorporating elements that suit their style and needs. For example, double monolithic his-and-her rain showerheads and separate walk-in entryways were installed in this ensuite shower so it could be conveniently accessed and shared by both husband and wife. Separate floating vanity spaces on opposite ends of the room were incorporated to create individual pockets of relaxation, while also allowing each person to breeze through their morning routine without rubbing elbows or fighting for counter space. Combining feminine and masculine design details, like the dark and moody exotic wood, with jewel-like fixtures and lighting pendants, also helped to create a harmonious look that both partners love.
Layer materials and mix textures and shapes
Avoiding an all-white clinical approach helps to make any bathroom space feel more inviting. You can still preserve that coveted spa-like look, but do so by adding a mix of materials and layering of textures and shapes, which creates more visual interest and adds a greater sense of warmth to the space. This bathroom design balances a number of contrasting shapes throughout – from the round vanity mirror and circular pendant lighting, to the sharp square and rectangular shapes of the custom floating vanity, deep soaker tub and built-in shelving systems. Softer, rounder elements were incorporated to add contrast and visual relief to an otherwise masculine space. Incorporating a repeating element, like the exotic wood running through the base of the vanity, which is replicated throughout the dressing area’s wall panelling, helps to ground the design. Don’t be afraid to play with contrasting tones like charcoal grey and white, warm woods, smooth glass, and shiny metals. While fundamental elements of the design may differ in palette, shape, or material, it’s important that they all tie back to a cohesive theme. In this case – that was Zen.
Incorporate stylish storage – but first, catalog your belongings
A gorgeous bathroom can easily be taken to the next level by adding practical and stylish storage. Bathrooms tend to get overloaded with cosmetics and grooming products. Before getting started on a renovation, catalog your storage requirements, whether it’s makeup and other grooming products, or, if combining a master bath and walk-in, garment and accessories requirements. Creating a catalog of your belongings before starting a renovation helps ensure every drawer, closet, and shelf works for you to neatly and efficiently conceal clutter.
Statement details
Think of fixtures, faucets, lighting and art as the jewelry of your home. Once the space has been planned and laid out, each of these accessories provide the opportunity to truly personalize your bathroom space, and help to create a visual focal point. Take the custom round pendant installed above the soaker tub in this master bath for example – it’s a simple yet unique design element that adds flair and draws your eye to the magnificent soaker tub.
Take note of the little things
Finally, add the finishing touches to your master bathroom space by upgrading to high-quality, spa-like bath linens and robes, incorporating incense or aromatherapy to create a unique sensory environment, and pressing play on a calming playlist. Your master bathroom will soon become your favourite place to luxuriate.
With over 30 years of industry experience, Melandro Quilatan is president and co-founder of Tomas Pearce, and leads creative direction in all aspects of the firm’s residential design practice area. As principal design lead, Melandro believes that through the discipline of interior design, designers have the power to enhance people’s lives and heighten the enjoyment of their environments. tomaspearce.com