Feel good factor harmonious spa-like remodeled bathroom by Doug Weiss

Limiting a color palette to just two key shades is an ideal way to impart a sense of calm. It's an approach the designer of this remodeled suite used to good effect, creating a tranquil sanctuary for the owners.

Douglas Weiss says that because the owners had yet to redecorate the rest of the house, the project provided the opportunity to start afresh.

"The only visual link I wanted to incorporate was a neutral ivory shade in the master bedroom. This determined the Crema Marfil floor tiles and vanity tops."

Weiss says the key starting point for the design, however, was the woven walnut veneer doors on the vanity cabinets.

"I love woven details, but had never worked with wood before," he says. "Consequently, the cabinetmaker made a sample door, which was such a success, I decided to use the basket weave for all the cabinetry, and for the full-height closet doors in the adjacent dressing room. The woven doors introduce a strong, textural element that balances the sleek look of the marble tiles."

The warm tones of the walnut veneer are picked up in a dramatic tiled accent wall that features honed Carmel planking tiles. These were vein cut to expose the cross grain, which resembles natural wood. The tiles also line the opening to the dressing room.

The accent wall forms a bold backdrop to a freestanding, sculptural bathtub.

A horizontal leadlight window behind the tub was replaced with a more contemporary vertical window in frosted glass. This allows light to illuminate the tub area, and provides space for a larger vanity and make-up area.

Other key features include a large double shower, and a custom-designed chandelier.

"The rest of the lighting is deliberately very simple, so it doesn't compete," says Weiss.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes