Bathing au naturel

There are several ways to ensure a bathroom has a close connection with the landscape. Large windows and the choice of appropriate materials were two themes explored in this remodeled master suite.

Architect Randall Kipp, who worked with interior designer Catherine Hailey and bathroom designer Shirley McFarlane on the project, says the picturesque river view was a strong design influence.

"This is also a very private property, so we had the opportunity to create something quite special for owners Jimmy and Terry Fang," Kipp says. "We were able to position the freestanding tub and shower in front of large windows. And although we provided concealed blinds, they are not really needed."

To reinforce the indoor-outdoor link, Kipp created a series of roof windows, and lined the ceiling with teak boards inset with wood pins.

"The paneling provides an attractive textural element and contrasts with the high sheen of the glass tile mosaics that feature throughout the bathroom," he says. "Teak is a traditional material, but we have used it in a contemporary fashion we didn't want to replicate a log cabin."

Kitchen designer Shirley McFarlane says wenge wood vanity cabinetry with a Calacatta Gold marble top echoes the styling of the kitchen cabinets. Stainless steel hardware on the doors and drawers, and exposed robust hardware on the sliding doors opening to the laundry room, toilet room and closet, also help create a clean, crisp aesthetic.

"All the colors of these raw materials have been brought together in the glass mosaics that wrap around the shower wall," McFarlane says. "The colors of the tiles repeat the colors of the teak, wenge wood, steel, marble and stone floor tiles. The tiles also have a translucency and a sheen that reflects the light beautifully."

Similar glass mosaics, in neutral tones to match the marble, form a full-height backsplash above the vanity.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes