Dressed to impress

Grand architecture deserves a similarly impressive interior design response. This ornate master suite is in a large house that replicates an historic French chateau in every detail from the materials used to the traditional craftsmanship.

The opulent house, designed and built by Steven West Custom Homes, includes massive 24-in thick walls and a grand, three-story-high rotunda that houses the formal living areas.

For the bathroom, however, designer Michael Habachy of Habachy Designs took his inspiration from the Hollywood Regency period of the '30s and '40s.

"This was a very glamorous era, with a lot of French and Art Deco influences," Habachy says. "I felt it would suit the architecture of the bathroom it's a very grand space with curved walls adding plenty of visual interest."

One of these walls features laser-cut elongated-diamond mirror tiles with beveled edges. These create a dramatic backdrop to the vanity unit that follows the gentle curve of the wall.

"We mounted framed mirrors and lighting sconces on top of the diamonds," says the designer. "This layering adds an extra dimension it brings visual depth to the vanity area."

In contrast to the glittering mirror wall, the lacquered and glazed cabinetry has a simple, clean-lined look. The cabinet doors have remodeled door knocker pulls that evoke the chateau style.

The piéce de resistance of the suite is a large Roman-style tub that sits in front of a curved, freestanding wall. Both the steps leading up to the tub and the wall behind feature small mosaic tiles, which are a mix of white statuary, Thassos and Carrara marble.

"The traditional Florentine tile pattern was handmade in Italy and shipped over in large panels," says Habachy.

Other key features of the suite include an extra-large shower space and separate his and hers dressing rooms.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes