Featured in Better Homes & Gardens publication “Dream Baths”, this master bathroom was originally a “Jack & Jill” bathroom that was shared with the adjacent guest bedroom. As part of a major renovation, the door to the guest bedroom was closed off. The existing subway tile was retained where possible, along with an existing pair of wood cabinets and a marble countertop in front of a pair of windows. Everything else was removed. Unfortunately, because the tile had been set in a mortar bed, only a small amount of it could be salvaged for reinstallation as part of the new design.

The Owners wanted to create a bathroom with a relaxing, sensuous atmosphere that didn’t speak to style; that would appear contemporary and timeless at the same time. The sconce lighting fixtures, soaking tub, double bowl vanity, toilet and faucets were all selected for their ability to contribute to this theme through their curvaceous form.

Dream Bath

Salvaged subway tile on the left side of the vanity & medicine cabinet create symmetry with the existing subway tile on the right side. A book-matched stone backsplash further accentuates the symmetry.

Imagine the Owners’ anguish when they came home one evening during the construction, only to discover that the over exuberant demolition contractor had broken out a large chunk of the marble countertop. Fortunately, the damage was inflicted onto an area beneath which was a void where a radiator had been removed. The problem was solved by having the damage cut out in a curving, symmetrical shape, and a new stone countertop installed a few inches below, creating a vanity area beneath the mirror, between the windows.

The neutral colors of creams, whites and gray were selected to harmonize with the existing subway tile and marble. Since more tile was needed than what could be salvaged, and matching the tile would be next to impossible, the issue arose as to how best to select tile that would appear to belong with the existing tile. The solution was to standardize on the color, but use a variety of shapes and sizes. A heavy relief border tile was used as a shower seat edge and border inset at the shower. Added to the mix was 4x4 & 6x6 inch wall tile set in both an orthogonal and oblique grid.

Detail of countertop cutout where damage was incurred. Heavy relief tile was used to create a frame around the mirror.