Setting a scene

A sense of timelessness is one of the benefits of building in a vernacular architectural style. However, rather than simply building to type, classic designs often extend a style with new ideas and materials.

This residence, a summer home sited at the end of a small peninsula, is almost completely surrounded by water. As with the home's other interior spaces, which were designed for maximum sunlight and views, this bathroom is a light and airy space where traditional elements, fittings and fixtures co-exist with more modern materials, says Mark Hutker from Hutker Architects.

"Despite a relatively large site, the home had to be built a certain distance back from the water, which dictated a relatively small footprint. It feels larger than it is because of the expanse of windows and doors. The bathrooms aren't that large. In order to make them feel bigger, we closed off the shower and water closet with frosted glass doors."

In the middle of the room, under a double-hung window with a leaded glass lower sash, sits a large, freestanding soaking tub. Twin vanities, with traditional wash basins, provide another furniture-like aspect. The leaded glass window, designed by local artist Bonnie Maresh, provides both light and privacy.

"The soaking tub is a traditional New England bath," says Hutker. "Our aim was to mix the nostalgic sensibilities of the fixtures and fittings with contemporary materials such as glass floor tiles and the large glass walls."

To reflect the colors of the environment that surround the home, the bathroom was tiled with a combination of glass and ceramic tiles.

For the floor of the bathroom and shower stall, interior designer Eileen Peretz selected one-inch glass and ceramic tiles in Sea Foam Green and Beach Beige. Walls are finished in larger white ceramic tiles. As in the rest of the home, a headcasing above the door level provides an architectural detail that wraps all the way around the room.

Story by: Trendsideas