With an artistic leaning

Master suites usually echo the architectural style of a house, but that doesn't mean the design is always predictable.

This master suite is one of three such suites in a large house designed by architect Tim Bjella of Bjella Architecture.

"The whole house is basically a curved sculpture," he says. "The inside reflects what's happening on the outside."

In this suite, designed for owners Ashok and Rajni Jain, curved soffits with concealed lighting add a dynamic, contemporary feel to the space. They also help to scale down the apparent size of the room, making it feel more intimate.

Stainless steel shelves and trim on the walls enhance the crisp, modern look stainless steel also features on entire wall panels and the front of a desk in an adjacent study.

"The steel provides the sleek, high-tech look that the owners wanted, but it was important to ensure the space would still be warm and inviting," says the architect. "For this reason, we introduced highly grained Australian lacewood veneers to walls and furniture. The opposing elements the warm wood and cool steel also add visual interest."

A double-sided fireplace between the study and bedroom reinforces the cozy, inviting look.

Sculptural detailing is also evident in the bathroom, which features a large tub and a circular double shower leading to a steam room.

"The cut cylinder shape of the shower mimics the form of the house itself," says Bjella.

Again, contrasting warm and cool elements help keep the look modern, yet comfortable. Rosso Verona marble on the tub deck and shower walls has a warm hue. This is contrasted by the cooler tones of Labrador Antique granite, which forms the steps of the tub deck, shower columns, vanity tops and integral basins.

Bjella says the custom, sandblasted glass shower walls and doors have a practical as well as aesthetic function the wavy lines conceal watermarks. A similar sandblasted pattern appears on the vanity mirrors.

The vanity also mixes curved cabinetry detailing, brushed stainless steel and Australian lacewood, ensuring there is visual continuity with the rest of the suite.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes