Private retreat

On the surface, it might seem that empty-nesters no longer need a place to escape the noise and bustle of a busy household. But factor in family visits, and there's often a need for grandparents to take time out.

The owners of this house established their own private sanctuary a master suite that's complete with separate his-and-hers facilities, an office space and a large sitting area.

The suite was part of a major remodeling project by interior designer Josh Behr and architect-builders Michael Menn and Andy Poticha. The project included combining and enlarging two bathrooms and extending the master bedroom by six feet.

To enhance the sense of separation, the bedroom is reached via a passage lined with mirrored closets. Both the study and bathroom open from this hallway, which features rice-paper glass skylights that match the glass of the bathroom doors. The bathroom has its own ante room, also lined with cabinetry.

Menn says the owners wanted to share some spaces in the suite, but also have individual facilities. This was achieved by creating separate vanity areas and toilet rooms within the overall bathroom space.

"Creating a very open and airy environment was important," Menn says. "Two skylights and large windows ensure there is plenty of natural light."

The centerpiece of the room is a large tub, positioned beneath the windows on an axis aligning the entrance. Glass-walled spaces on either side of the tub accommodate the shower and the husband's toilet room, which incorporates a urinal. The other toilet room is on the opposite wall.

"The lower half of each glass wall is sandblasted, which provides privacy while still letting in light," says Menn. "The glass also enhances the contemporary feel of the space."

Behr says the bathroom fitout was designed to reflect the eclectic nature of the rest of the house.

"There is a distinct Art Deco feel about the interior," he says. "The owners also have an extensive art collection, which includes both contemporary and Asian works. These concepts influenced the look."

Behr says the interior of the 20-year-old house was originally painted white.

"We wanted to bring in more color, to warm the spaces up and make them a little friendlier," he says. "The color palette of terra cotta tones was inspired by the art collection."

In keeping with the desire to create a sanctuary, the bathroom includes furniture an antique-style Chinese table and vase sit alongside a contemporary Italian bench seat. And modern sculpture on one side of the room is contrasted by a traditional Asian statue on the opposite side.

"It was important to balance the very eclectic mix of furniture and objets d'art," says Behr.

Using natural materials helps achieve this visual balance. The floor features light-colored limestone, while the vanity tops are a rich granite in tones of copper and burgundy. Glass tiles around the tub and in the shower, provide reflective surfaces, retaining the contemporary feel.

Matching his-and-hers vanity units are lacquered in a warm chocolate brown.

"Balancing light and dark, hard and soft, and warm and cool elements provides a continuity with the rest of the house interior," says Behr.

Functionality was another priority for the room. The walk-in shower has no sill, allowing easy access. Lighting is also positioned to provide the best light for shaving or putting on make-up. And a large, corner closet provides plenty of accessible space for towel storage.

Story by: Trendsideas