Bathroom of the Week: Serene, Light-Filled Retreat
A designer creates a relaxing space in white and soft neutrals for a busy couple
Interior designer Eva LaRocque is usually involved in a project from the beginning. But in this case, a couple’s renovation was plagued with one disaster after another. After hearing about their plight, LaRocque swooped in to save the day after demolition was complete. The homeowners, parents of two children, needed their en suite bathroom to serve as a relaxing sanctuary. The designer created a light-filled space enhanced by the use of natural materials.
LaRocque covered the wall behind the bathtub in large-format (12-by-24-inch) porcelain tiles, using a matching grout to minimize the grout lines. “We needed a niche here, but we did not want to call attention to it,” she says. The niche fades into the background, allowing the tub to play a starring role.
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A white oak vanity custom designed by LaRocque adds warmth to the room. The vanity design strikes a nice balance between classic and contemporary. The furniture-like look of the piece is traditional, while its clean lines lean contemporary.
The counter and backsplash are Silestone, a quartz product. “The homeowners wanted something really low-maintenance, so this was a good option for them,” LaRocque says.
The toilet is past the vanity on the left.
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The counter and backsplash are Silestone, a quartz product. “The homeowners wanted something really low-maintenance, so this was a good option for them,” LaRocque says.
The toilet is past the vanity on the left.
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The designer opted for wall-mounted faucets to add a contemporary element to the transitional mix. “I typically use a 9-to-10-inch backsplash for wall-mounted faucets,” she says. “I like to leave a little room for the backsplash to extend above the faucets.” This height also worked well with where she wanted to place the mirrors.
The vanity hardware and mirror frames are matte black. “We love to mix metals. But it has to be done with intention to look right,” LaRocque says. When mixing metals, the designer recommends being consistent in groupings. This means all the plumbing fixtures have the same finish, all the lighting finishes are consistent, with the cabinet hardware an opportunity to add a second or third metal finish.
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The vanity hardware and mirror frames are matte black. “We love to mix metals. But it has to be done with intention to look right,” LaRocque says. When mixing metals, the designer recommends being consistent in groupings. This means all the plumbing fixtures have the same finish, all the lighting finishes are consistent, with the cabinet hardware an opportunity to add a second or third metal finish.
New to home remodeling? Click here to learn the basics
While most of the room is monochromatic, one spot where LaRocque added a strong pattern was the encaustic cement tile floor. “The idea was to maintain a neutral and serene space,” she says. “But I wanted to create a moment that captures you as soon as you walk in the room.” The pattern is black and white with taupe accents.
LaRocque added wood accents that play off the white oak vanity. These include a ladder that serves as towel bars, a picture frame, a tub shelf, a woven stool and a woven planter. The walls are a warm white that doesn’t feel too sterile. “I used Simply White by Benjamin Moore. It is not a super-bright white — it has a little cream undertone to it,” she says.
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LaRocque added wood accents that play off the white oak vanity. These include a ladder that serves as towel bars, a picture frame, a tub shelf, a woven stool and a woven planter. The walls are a warm white that doesn’t feel too sterile. “I used Simply White by Benjamin Moore. It is not a super-bright white — it has a little cream undertone to it,” she says.
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The shower enclosure is clear glass, so LaRocque kept the surround simple. The tile is a light gray. “It’s all one tone, but the way the natural light hits it can make it look like there’s more than one tone,” she says. The chevron layout of the tiles is a more contemporary take on a classic herringbone pattern.
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Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their two children
Location: Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose, California
Size: 240 square feet (22 square meters); 12 feet by 20 feet
Designer: Eva LaRocque
A soaking tub was on the homeowners’ must-have list. When the designer joined the project, the layout of the plumbing fixtures was set, but she still needed to determine the proper sizes for the tub, shower and vanity, as that would affect the spacing and the flow between them. “This tub is nice and deep but doesn’t take up too much floor space,” LaRocque says. Two new operable windows and a new operable skylight let in light and fresh air.
As for style, the couple wanted a transitional mix of classic and contemporary with a serene feel. The tub has a classic silhouette that’s not overly traditional. The large floor-mounted tub faucet has a more streamlined, contemporary look. The designer used natural materials and light colors to infuse the room with a sense of calm.
The light fixture helps fill the space between the tub and the high vaulted ceiling without stealing too much attention. “I didn’t want to put in anything too glam or gaudy, and a natural woven pendant would have been too boho,” LaRocque says. “The white linen shade adds softness, doesn’t take away from the tub, and it’s a natural material.” The fixture has polished nickel accents that tie in with the other light fixtures in the room.
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