Nature sets the scene

A scenic mountain setting often inspires Craftsman-style architecture but it doesn't have to be traditional.

This new house, designed by architect Scott Gilbride, with interiors by Kirsti Wolfe, offers a contemporary interpretation of the Craftsman genre, with subtle Asian accents.

The look extends to the master suite, designed to provide a relaxing, Zen-like retreat away from the family living spaces. A sense of intimacy is created by warm, claret-colored walls in the bedroom, which complement in-built khaya mahogany furniture.

"Mahogany also features in the bathroom vanities, but here we used a sapele veneer, which has a very distinctive vertical graining," says Wolfe.

Designed as separate items of furniture, the symmetrical vanity units, and a tall cabinet between them, feature tapered legs reminiscent of traditional Asian furniture. The effect is enhanced by granite tops in dark Verde Butterfly, that sit above a band of black.

Recycled glass tiles on the walls in this part of the bathroom echo the shades of the bedroom wall and the home's dramatic country setting.

"Like the grain of the wood veneer, the tiles are laid vertically to draw the eye up to a large skylight, which floods the room with natural light," says Wolfe.

To provide a quiet contrast to the more colorful elements, the lower part of the wall and floor feature honey onyx mosaic tiles.

"The owner originally requested onyx slabs for the vanity tops, but these would not have worked with the Asian theme," says the designer. "The mosaics, however, give the space a calming influence."

Perhaps the most dramatic feature of the space is the outlook beyond a fir-framed window that frames the scenery like a painting.

A large soaking tub another Asian influence is positioned directly beneath the window. The connection with the outdoors is reinforced by the stacked pebble walls that wrap this part of the bathroom, semi-enclosing the tub and creating a strong textural feature.

The mountain views can also be seen from the shower. This space has its own accent wall a framed square of glass mosaics that mimics the shape of the window.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

Photography by: Paula Watts Designed to maximize a spectacular view of the