Major Makeover: Bland to Evocative Asian-Style Bath
A complete remodel gives a bathroom an unexpected yet thoroughly calming presence, with reinterpreted Asian style
Designer Dan Danenberg's clients wanted anything but the norm when they remodeled their Palo Alto, California, master bath. The project involved tearing down the existing bath and closet and transforming both spaces into a large spa bath that is comfortable, luxurious and evokes an Asian theme. "The ultimate vision was to reinterpret what people typically see as Asian details into newly fashioned and modern materials," says Danenberg.
Here we see the symmetry of the bathroom. The tub is flanked on one side by the freestanding toilet (previous image) and on the other, the doorless shower, marked by the showerhead and niche. Both the toilet and shower areas are approximately the same size.
The entry into the bathroom from the master bedroom is marked by tone-on-tone yellow and a splash of deep purple on the entryway wall. "My clients collect art from artists in Kansas, so the displayed artwork influenced all the interior color decisions," says Danenberg.
The freestanding slab of polished slate behind the tub is both a contrasting element to the charcoal tiles and a water feature: Water slowly pours down the face of the slab onto a bed of river rocks. "The rocks sit on a copper pan similar to what is done in a standard shower," says Danenberg.
Tiles: custom, ASN Natural Stone
Tiles: custom, ASN Natural Stone
A strip of purple contrasts with the rich tones of the wood cabinetry and gray-black hues of the wall tiles. The stone tiles were cut down from a larger size to create this custom design.
"Our client loves the new space, which is now a luxurious and modern spa bath. It's Asian inspired without being predictable," says Danenberg.
"Our client loves the new space, which is now a luxurious and modern spa bath. It's Asian inspired without being predictable," says Danenberg.
BEFORE: A cramped vanity with limited storage and a lackluster tub area. This was a complete expansion and reconfiguration indeed.
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More:
Doorless Showers Open a World of Possibilities
So Your Style Is: Japanese
Look up at the ceiling and you'll notice how Danenberg reenvisioned the typical bamboo reed shade trellis into a stainless steel tube and steel mesh, custom made and designed as an art piece. A stainless steel, stone-surround tub made of recycled steel sheet metal complements the ceiling materials; the tub also reinterprets the Japanese ofuro (soaking tub). The oval shape reimagines the typical simple rectangular wood tub.
A closer look at the image reveals an open toilet area, anchored by a black freestanding toilet (slightly obscured by the tub stand and ceramic bowls in this picture). The toilet can be enclosed by a glass entry later, should the client desire more privacy.
Hat box toilet, Kohler; tub: custom, Diamond Spas; cabinets, closet doors: custom, Irpinia