Resort-style bathroom with freestanding tub, large skylights, glass wall and bamboo screen

Space is often at a premium in a row house, but the owners of this Colonial Revival-style house found the perfect solution they built an extra floor on top.

Architect Douglas Rixey says the new addition was part of an extensive whole-house remodel that has created a very contemporary interior.

"The house was completely gutted and rebuilt to suit the owners' requirements, which included a light and airy master suite on the new top floor. The owners wanted the entire floor to be open plan with virtually no walls. Because a row house only has windows at the front and rear, we introduced a series of skylights to ensure the interior would be flooded with natural light."

The master bathroom was designed in conjunction with Julia Walter of Boffi Georgetown, who says the suite has a resort-style ambiance. The effect is reinforced by the wide opening between the bedroom and bathroom, the freestanding Iceland tub and a large wet-area shower with pebble wall.

"Even though this is the only suite on the floor, a little privacy was required to screen the tub area from the stairs," Walter says. "So the architect added an electric glass screen with bamboo trunks the glass turns smoky at the touch of a button. The Boffi tub filler also features the latest technology with a simplified lever operation to make the water hotter."

A cantilevered vanity in walnut wood veneer continues the contemporary theme. Matching sinks are integrated into the white Corian top and all plumbing is concealed. Wall-mounted faucets retain the sleek, minimalist look. The vanity area also features partially recessed mirrored medicine cabinets, which are positioned so they appear to float.

In keeping with the tropical feel, the space is further defined by contrastingtextures. These include the pebble wall of the shower. Recessed niches beside the wall are illuminated.

The suite also features a glamorous dressing room with mirrored cabinets, a black chandelier and purple window seat.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

Photography by: Jamie Cobel