KBB - February 2014 - 97

The sparking glass tile accents
around the vanity mirrors enhance
the sophistication of the bathroom.

To that end, Bland established a palette of colors and materials indicative of a posh retreat. A mid-tone ceramic tile floor provides a quiet
base, balancing the dark espresso-stained cherry wood cabinetry and
crown molding while allowing the white, pristine countertops and sleek
soaking tub to pop.
"The impact of the contrast between the dark and light creates drama,"
said Bland, who used a neutral flat-finish paint on the walls to support the
tones of the tile and cabinetry.
In the shower, she used three types of tile: a white wall tile boasting
a cubic texture that subtly captures light, a deep chocolate tile on the
smaller wall that gives a nod to the cabinetry and floor tile that connects
the shower to the rest of the bathroom. Despite some early concerns
from the client on the varied colors, shapes and sizes, "the solution was
successful because each tile had a reason or purpose," said Bland.
Perhaps the most notable feature of all is reserved for only the most
exclusive resorts: a contoured tub set against a seamless picture window
that offers private views of the surrounding wilderness. Bland positioned
the tub and window directly across from the entrance of the bathroom to
make a strong statement.
"We wanted a tub that was clean and sleek but also romantic and
inviting," she said. "The form of it was very important visually and ergonomically so that looking at it was just as much fun as bathing in it. It is
like a piece of sculpture in the bathroom."

Design with Purpose
The redesign emphasized function as much as it did lavishness. Because of the bathroom's generous size, Bland was able to incorporate
ample built-in cabinetry. Both sides of the his-and-hers vanities feature
storage for equipment, with a dedicated appliance garage housing
items such as the hair dryer and curling iron on the larger hers side. The
area also features a lower vanity for make-up application and a tall linen
closet accommodating pullout hampers for dirty linen.
Bland also prioritized high-quality, low-maintenance materials throughout the redesign. The client originally wanted natural marble countertops,
but Bland persuaded the couple to consider engineered quartz instead.
"In the end, the engineered stone turned out to be the right choice
because it was simple, consistent and maintenance free," she said. "The
homeowner doesn't have to worry about staining anything or sealing the
counter against moisture as you would with marble. And it helped the
bathroom maintain its semi-modern feel."
For the cabinetry, Bland selected a manufactured product rather
than a custom, hand-finished option because the former holds up better
against the heavy use, moisture "and all the things that bathrooms come
in contact with, just like kitchens," she added. Meanwhile, the volcanic
limestone tub is designed to retain heat well, withstand wear and tear
and be cleaned easily.
The lighting scheme includes dimmable recessed lighting around
the perimeter that illuminates surfaces and emphasizes the bathroom's
beautiful design elements, as well as eye-level task lighting at the vanity
mirrors. In fact, the sconces on either side of the espresso-framed mirrors
highlight one of the more surprising features of the space: a shimmering
glass tile accent.
"Bringing in the sparkly glass tile offered a way to lighten the area,"
said Bland. "It became the exclamation point of the bathroom." n

sources
Designer: Lauren Levant Bland, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen and Bath,
Chevy Chase, Md., www.gilmerkitchens.com; Photographer: Bob
Narod; Bathtub: Victoria + Albert Baths; Cabinetry: Decor Cabinet
Company; Countertops: Caesarstone; Lighting: Hudson Valley;
Shower Enclosure and Shelves: Starphire; Sinks: Kohler; Tile and
Plumbing Fixtures: Porcelanosa for Tile; Toilet: Kohler

www.kbbonline.com / February 2014

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KBB - February 2014

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