Simplicity refined

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Smooth finishes to natural materials and basic geometric shapes re-create the comfort of hotel luxury in this bathroom

view of this bathroomvanity featuring cherry wood cabintery, bathroom, cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, interior design, kitchen, lighting, room, red — view of this bathroomvanity featuring cherry wood cabintery, double basins, recessed lighting, stainless faucets

view of this bathroom featuring cherry wood vanity/cabinetry, cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, red, orange, brown

view of this bathroom featuring cherry wood vanity/cabinetry, cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, orange, red

view of this bathroom featuring cherry wood vanity/cabinetry, bathroom, cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, home, interior design, kitchen, lighting, room, red, orange

Business travelers find themselves in any number of hotels and, in doing so, encounter many different types of bathrooms. They quickly develop an appreciation for a bathroom space that is relaxing and rejuvenating.

It's no wonder then that the owner of this house, a frequent flyer, looked to luxury hotel bathrooms for inspiration when it came to the design of his own.

Brad Lamoreaux of Lamoreaux Architects says the design brief was based around re-creating the level of comfort achieved in a five-star hotel. He settled on a refined and narrow palette of materials including limestone for flooring and tiles, and American cherry in a natural finish for the cabinetry.

"Using simple geometric shapes like the pure round shower heads, oval vanities, and elongated rectilinear forms, we set about creating an uncluttered and clean look that conveyed a modern luxury aesthetic," he says.

The bathroom is separated into three main sections which are emphasized by the exposed post and beam structure. The bathtub is situated below large windows at one end with a double shower taking center stage in the middle of the room. A toilet is positioned beside the entrance to the room and is partitioned by a sliding door.

A thick surround creates a low wall around the shower stall with frameless glass rising up to just below ceiling height to enclose the space. A shelf inside the stall can be used as a seat.

"We didn't want the shower to feel open like a fishbowl, and the low wall acts as a physical barrier, essentially creating a room within a room. It has the effect of conveying further privacy even though the stall is predominantly glass."

The wall is the same height as the bathtub and, like the floor and vanity, is made of Rosal limestone, a light-hued stone with a thin, flecked grain. Its honed surface complements the smooth and uncluttered finishes of the exposed beams and white porcelain of the bathtub and basins.

Restricting the variety of materials, limiting the fittings and fixtures to the essentials, and paring back the surfaces to their simplest forms all allow the room to express an atmosphere of simple, yet refined luxury.

"By generating this feeling of calm, we created an inviting space that encourages one to spend time to relax and unwind and recharge their batteries," the architect says.