My client PL wants to renovate the master bathroom in his 1970's era home. Though initially the home didn't have much architecture to speak of, PL has added details such as columns and crown moulding. The recent kitchen facelift combines terracotta-look porcelain tile with some more craftsman inspired tile work. Another renovated bath uses classic white subway tile. From the inspiration shots PL has sent me, I can tell he is not interested in making his home look sleek and modern. He prefers the classics. His concern about choosing his own finishes is that everything would be beige. He explains that he likes both the classic look of carrara marble, but also the warmer look of limestone.
Taking inspiration from a dramatic circular foyer and oversized bronze lantern in the entry, and PL's master bedroom furniture which is craftsman inspired cherry with bronze hardware, I think of Mediterranean-inspired old California ranches I have admired in pictures collected over the years—a combination of warm stone with honed carrara. PL's bathroom is quite large, and I remembered a 12x24 tile I admired in a mottled cement gray color. I can envision this tile set in a running bond pattern, to accentuate the length of the room, and lead one in to the large garden tub. To contrast with the larger tile, I envision smaller hex tile for the shower floor. The tones are similar, and the scale and shapes create a nice juxtaposition. The soft white and warm veining of honed statuary or calcutta marble will pop against the deeper tones of the floor.
The garden tub is rarely used, but needs a facelift so we intend to either tile over the cultured marble surround or wrap it in woodwork to complement the painted vanity. The vanity can be saved—we will remove the cultured marble and replace it with real honed carrara, statuary or calcutta marble, and replace doors and hardware. To further enhance the warm feeling PL is seeking, I am thinking of a mid-tone putty color for the vanity and the tub surround that will enhance both the deeper floor and lighter (new) marble on the vanity.
PL would like a statement light fixture, and I am on the lookout for a bronze lantern. For hardware I am thinking of bronze pulls and knobs paired with either chrome or brushed nickel faucets. The entire bathroom will have an eclectic feel that will not be tied to one decade, kind of like PL's house!
I am really excited to begin this project!
