Room of the Day: Small Addition Gives a Couple Room to Relax
A new master bathroom provides parents with a place for lingering and luxuriating
With busy full-time jobs and two kids under 5, Luke and Lucy Ekhoff needed a master bathroom getaway with some elbow room. Their existing bathroom was so compact, they decided to put a modest addition on their home that could incorporate a soaking tub, a separate shower stall, two vanities and lots of natural light. “They needed a retreat and a place to escape after long workdays and long nights with little ones,” says their interior designer, Harmony Weihs.
Without any room to grow within the home’s footprint, the couple opted for a modest addition, which gave them a more spacious bathroom and a walk-in closet.
“The addition was drawn up by the architect; then I took it from there and worked on the layout,” Weihs says. The addition is about 128 square feet total.
“The addition was drawn up by the architect; then I took it from there and worked on the layout,” Weihs says. The addition is about 128 square feet total.
AFTER: The addition portion of the room begins where the longer vanity abuts the wall next to the pocket door.
“Luke loves modern minimal design elements, and Lucy likes more traditional elements, so it was a matter of marrying the two,” Weihs says. Large windows and a skylight flood the space with natural light.
“Luke loves modern minimal design elements, and Lucy likes more traditional elements, so it was a matter of marrying the two,” Weihs says. Large windows and a skylight flood the space with natural light.
On the right is a pocket door that leads to the master bedroom. “It was a small space, so we used a pocket door for better flow and function,” Weihs says. The original plans from the architect had the toilet placed where this vanity is. “The last thing I wanted was for my clients to spend a lot of money on a new bath addition and remodel, and then have to walk directly into the elephant in the room,” she says. “Toilets are necessary, but we do not want them to be the spotlight.” By moving it to the other side of the room, she was able to squeeze in a separate vanity for Luke.
She also made the most of the vanity area by creating a countertop that “waterfalls” into the shower. “This maximizes the vanity and counter while tricking the eye a bit,” she says.
She also made the most of the vanity area by creating a countertop that “waterfalls” into the shower. “This maximizes the vanity and counter while tricking the eye a bit,” she says.
In addition to the main shower head and handheld, there’s a rain shower head. The shower tiles have a contemporary look. They are 12-by-24-inch porcelain tiles with modern linear veining running through them.
The details are important — the quartz countertop is mitered to appear 3 inches thick. “It makes it look more substantial, modern and high end,” Weihs says.
The designer prefers a more substantial backsplash as well. “I tend to go higher than the standard 4 inches, keeping the mirror size and light fixture in mind and making the scale between them all work well together,” she says. The backsplash is a small mosaic tile in soothing blues and greens that are subtly iridescent. “It reflects the natural light coming in through the new skylight,” she says.
The modern lights were for Luke, Weihs says. “I wanted the mirrors to be a bit softer and traditional, as that is what Lucy likes.”
Vanities: custom; faucets: Kohler; mirrors: Pottery Barn; tile: Pental Surfaces and Daltile
The details are important — the quartz countertop is mitered to appear 3 inches thick. “It makes it look more substantial, modern and high end,” Weihs says.
The designer prefers a more substantial backsplash as well. “I tend to go higher than the standard 4 inches, keeping the mirror size and light fixture in mind and making the scale between them all work well together,” she says. The backsplash is a small mosaic tile in soothing blues and greens that are subtly iridescent. “It reflects the natural light coming in through the new skylight,” she says.
The modern lights were for Luke, Weihs says. “I wanted the mirrors to be a bit softer and traditional, as that is what Lucy likes.”
Vanities: custom; faucets: Kohler; mirrors: Pottery Barn; tile: Pental Surfaces and Daltile
Weihs put the toilet next to Lucy’s vanity and across from the bathtub.
“A soaking tub was a must, as Lucy is an avid reader and likes to escape to the bath to enjoy a good book and a glass of wine while soaking,” Weihs says. She tucked the soaking tub into the exterior corner so that they can enjoy the views across it from the rest of the bathroom. The door to the left leads to a deck outside.
“The tub area was the main focus for tile, where I wanted some color and texture,” she says. The long ceramic subway tiles have a slightly irregular, handmade look. They are another good mix of traditional and modern style that suits both Lucy and Luke.
“The tub area was the main focus for tile, where I wanted some color and texture,” she says. The long ceramic subway tiles have a slightly irregular, handmade look. They are another good mix of traditional and modern style that suits both Lucy and Luke.
There’s a convenient shelf integrated along the back wall, which also houses the tub filler. “You always need a place next to a tub to put everything, and I wanted it to be a design feature too,” Weihs says. “This functions well and looks interesting.”
The couple were in and out of their old bathroom as quickly as possible, but they like to luxuriate in here.
“Rumor has it that Luke spends the most time in the morning enjoying the large shower and his own vanity,” the designer says.
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The couple were in and out of their old bathroom as quickly as possible, but they like to luxuriate in here.
“Rumor has it that Luke spends the most time in the morning enjoying the large shower and his own vanity,” the designer says.
More
10 Essentials for Enjoying a Spa-Like Experience at Home
Browse more bathroom guides
Master Bathroom at a Glance
Who uses it: Luke and Lucy Ekhoff
Location: Kirkland, Washington
Size: About 104 square feet (9.7 square meters)
Designer: Harmony Weihs of Design Harmony
BEFORE: The couple’s existing was tight. “It had the smallest shower — 3 feet by 3 feet — a toilet and I think the smallest single vanity I have ever seen,” Weihs says. “It was almost impossible to brush their teeth or blow-dry.”