Kitchen and bathroom in similar colors and materials

Countertops and cabinets don't have to match up from room to room. A decor theme can be carried through in more subtle ways, and the resulting feeling of harmony will be all the stronger with an understated approach.

The kitchen and bathroom featured here are a case in point. They have no specific shared surface, yet achieve a similar aesthetic. Interior designer Christopher Grubb says his clients wanted a natural look, an ambiance also favored for the living areas.

"The owners asked for a contemporary feel with a mixture of neutral colors and textures. Another request was for plenty of light and an overall feeling of spaciousness.

"The kitchen was designed for a family, who preferred a long island with plenty of seating. They also liked the idea of a separate kitchen that still retained an open, airy feeling, an emphasis also seen in the bathroom.

"A kitchen-breakfast nook here would have been too boxy. However, the long back wall with a run of countertop and overhead cabinets makes the area spacious and open."

The warm tones of nature are seen in the stone countertop, wood floors and cabinetry.

"This isn't real wood on the lower cabinets," says Grubb. "It's a textured thermo foil gray oak finish, which is actually a photograph stretched over a textural backing. The result is a surface that looks like and feels like real wood."

The backsplash draws together the palette of muted, earth tones.

In the master bathroom, it can be seen at a glance that similar tones have been used, again combining in a mosaic surface this time on the walls of the double shower.

"The owners wanted a contemporary feeling of his-and-hers zones in the large open space. To achieve this, we placed the freestanding tub perpendicular to the window, which created space for two separate vanity areas."

The custom vanities, designed by Grubb, have doors and drawers in a white gloss finish. A dark espresso architectural accent wraps over the side of each, and incorporates a drawer.

"I felt this project was the perfect setting to incorporate this design the bi-level countertops of the vanities create a unique stepping feeling in the room."

The large shower is another focal point in the bathroom. It has a standard shower, a rain showerhead and a hand-held body spray. There is also a built-in bench, which has the appearance of a large, solid slab of stone and acts as a visual echo of the vanities.

"Overall, we really wanted to keep the space contemporary using strong, sleek lines, but still retain a spa-like feel. The dark and light tones are offset by the crispness of white again we've used a neutral palette. The porcelain flooring complements all these tones."

Grubb says the kitchen and bathroom are relaxed and inviting, with touches of whimsy, such as the kitchen pendants and shower bench.

Story by: Charles Moxham