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Timeless materials and a simple, contemporary design create a warm, inviting feel in this master bathroom

Interior view of a bathroom bathroom, countertop, interior design, kitchen, room, gray, black — Interior view of a bathroom

Interior view of a bathroom - Interior view bathroom, countertop, interior design, kitchen, room, gray, black

Interior view of bathroom from another angle - ceiling, floor, flooring, home, interior design, real estate, room, gray, red

Interior view of the bedroom - Interior view bed, bed frame, bed sheet, bedding, bedroom, ceiling, furniture, home, interior design, living room, mattress, room, suite, textile, wall, window, window treatment, gray

Interior view of bathroom - Interior view of cabinetry, countertop, furniture, interior design, kitchen, room, black, red

View of bathroom showing shower - View of bathroom, door, floor, glass, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, gray

Interior view of bedroom - Interior view of furniture, home, interior design, room, window, black, gray

T he increasingly popular concept of the bathroom as a relaxing, spa-like retreat has seen the tub pushed firmly into the spotlight.

While the conventional positioning of the tub would be on a perimeter wall, the owners of this master bath acted on the suggestion of architect William Harrison, placing it in the center of the room.

Set beneath a chandelier hanging from the vaulted, tent-like ceiling, the tub is set into a marble surround, anchored at each corner by a square pedestal.

View of bathroom showing shower bathroom, door, floor, glass, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, gray — View of bathroom showing shower

"While the tub floats in the middle of the room, the pedestals give it a classical, substantial feel," says Harrison.

Contrasting with the pale marble floor, tub surround and vanity top, mahogany wall paneling adds a sense of warmth and richness to the space.

"We intentionally kept the paneling detail simple," he says. "It has classical elements, such as a base and cornice, but is otherwise stripped back to clean, flush finishes that create a contemporary look."

Interior view of the bedroom bed, bed frame, bed sheet, bedding, bedroom, ceiling, furniture, home, interior design, living room, mattress, room, suite, textile, wall, window, window treatment, gray — Interior view of the bedroom

This idea is carried through the entire room, where timeless materials are paired with a simple, sleek design. Harrison says this makes the space feel more like a comfortable room than a functional bathroom.

Positioned symmetrically at either end of the tub, the shower stall and toilet cubicle feature sand-blasted glass walls. As well as providing privacy, these add light and a sense of volume to the room.