In the mood to linger

If you're faced with a large, impersonal bathroom, how do you create a warm, inviting retreat that will encourage you to stay awhile?

That was the dilemma facing this homeowner. The original master bathroom, installed when the house was built ten years ago, featured large expanses of marble and high ceilings that made the room feel cold and echoey, says designer Melissa Wilson, CBD, of Insignia Kitchen and Bath Design Group.

On the upside, the space was large, natural daylight was good, and the homeowner had definite design ideas.

"She wanted to have a separate bath and shower, and more areas of privacy within the large space. She also wanted a black floor, which became the starting point for the overall design," she says.

Choosing the correct color for the floor took time, says Wilson. Rather than a solid black surface, she selected a porcelain tile that incorporates warm brown tones and has a slightly wavy effect.

"The two colors avoided a heavy, monotone look, and meant that dust would not be so obvious, which can be a problem with dark floors," she says.

From there, it was a logical step to install the black cabinetry and cream pedestals.

"The original bathroom had a long countertop, which quickly became cluttered, so I designed tall cabinetry around the pedestals to give the homeowner plenty of storage space. There is now very little countertop to clutter up," she says.

Features such as the bead boarding and period sconces above the vanities make this a traditional bathroom, says Wilson. More transitional touches include the square pedestal sinks, a window treatment of Roman shades and simple black drapes, and the shower area.

A narrow black crown molding visually reduces the height of the room and adds to the overall cozy ambiance.

For further details, contact Insignia Kitchen and Bath Design Group Ltd, 1435 S Barrington Rd, Barrington, IL 60010, phone (847) 381 7950, fax (847) 381 8004. Website: www.insigniakitchenandbath.com.

Story by: Trendsideas