Serenity Now

A Minneapolis, Lake of the Isles multi-phase remodel paid special attention to the primary bath overhaul.

The client requested a spa-like feel and experience while infusing modernity into the traditional bones of the home. Maintaining cohesion with the design of the rest of the home was paramount, however our client was anxious at the idea of combining the two styles. Additionally, to keep costs down the overall layout and placement of plumbing fixtures needed to remain while creating a space that felt more open and artful.

The design team developed a concept of layering modern elements into the traditional architecture of the space to both honor the history of the home and infuse the personal style of the homeowner. Keeping the original millwork in the door and trim served as an elegant backdrop to the modern elements desired by the client.

As required, the layout of the space was kept in-tact but visually expanded by the removal of the bulky tub surround, addition of glass shower walls, and expansive mirror. A sculptural tub centered in the alcove adds an artful touch of elegance.

By building a hyper-neutral palette, focus was put squarely on refining design details within the space. The intersection of materials was paid particular attention, prioritizing the relationships between visual planes. Keeping all hard tile surfaces within a clean, neutral gray and white palette allow the details to unfold in layers, as the simplicity is studied.

Ease of maintenance was an overarching requirement and challenge in material selections, one that necessitated the use of porcelain over marble for a majority of the space. The design team took on the search to source an incredibly close Carrara marble replica, allowing for a seamless feel throughout, despite the different applications and use of marble wall tile. From the shower walls, shower floor, countertop and tub nook wall, they all marry extremely well, naturally complementing each other. Our client, a self-described lover of natural stone, has expressed amazement at perfected blending of real and faux marble.

Modern plumbing from Kallista amplifies the subdued luxury of the space in a softened polished nickel. Finger cove pulls in the cabinetry leave the polished nickel plumbing & lighting as the minimal metal elements.

In order to keep the space feeling warm and captivating, white oak cabinetry was used as a juxtaposition to the cool gray and white hard surface palette. Layered lighting allows the user to define their own level of ambience, whether it be a bright morning shower or a dimly lit evening bath. The light from the twin sconces bouncing off mirror create a lovely glow in the evening. In the end, warm tones and a pale palette create the ideal light-filled space in the morning and perfect escape at the end of a long day.