Writ in water

Expounding upon a theme has resulted in a bathroom comfortable in its element

Onyx,stainless steel, walnut, frosted glass, glass tile and bathroom, bathroom accessory, bathroom cabinet, cabinetry, countertop, floor, interior design, room, sink, brown, gray — Onyx,stainless steel, walnut, frosted glass, glass tile and stone tile have been artfully incorporated into this smallattic bathroom. The mixture of materials serves to anchor the space, while at the creating a soothing atmosphere, says architect John Lum

The frameless glass shower stall blends almost seamlessly bathroom, daylighting, floor, glass, plumbing fixture, public toilet, room, shower, tile, toilet, wall, green

Onyx,stainless steel, walnut, frosted glass, glass tile and bathroom, bathroom sink, ceramic, countertop, floor, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, sink, tap, tile, brown

The correlation between certain colors and their ability to affect our mood is well documented. Dynamic colors, such as red, are used to enliven a space, while soothing colors, such as blue and green, invoke a serene atmosphere.

A blend of color and materials can instantly set the tone for a space, while elements such as lighting can transform the mood as needed.

For the attic bathroom featured on these pages the mood was determined by function, says architect John Lum.

"The homeowner wanted to expand upon the water theme and create a sense of being cocooned within a watery environment. This was achieved through the use of the Water Green tile by Ann Sacks. Other elements, such as the frosted glass doors, also contribute to the feel due to their transparent nature."

To further enhance the serenity, lighting has been kept subdued. As the bathroom is situated in the attic, a skylight was installed above the internal wall.

"Black, tumbled-stone mosaic tiles were used on this wall to catch and help diffuse the light coming from the skylight, as a way of further enhancing the feeling of being enclosed in a soothing space. The result is a bathroom which, despite its limited size, is a very relaxing environment," says Lum.

To counter the watery aspect, and to keep the bathroom from feeling cold and impersonal, Lum used walnut for the custom vanity.

"The walnut warms up the space and adds visual texture to what is an otherwise slick-looking space. For a touch of luxury we used a limestone slab on the floor, and the owner specified alabaster onyx for the vanity top."

Brushed stainless steel has been incorporated through the basin, faucet and accessories these surfaces play a part in reflecting and dispersing the light around the space, contributing to the interplay of light within the room.