Floating wood vanities are on trend right now, and the steel beams above add an industrial vibe. Photo by David Patterson.

Transparent Design

Set on 6.5 acres in central Boulder, this modern residence offers access to green space galore—and this bathroom is a prime place to soak it up. Enclosed by clerestory windows, a vaulted cedar ceiling, and dramatic vertical windows along the perimeter of the tub, this 200-square-foot room is representative of the sleek, open aesthetic that defines the whole home. “With that kind of space, there’s the ability to have unrestricted visual access to the outside,” says Dale Hubbard, founder and principal of Surround Architecture. “The conversation between garden and bath can be much more intimate because the owners aren’t worried about privacy. It’s a special place for them to start and end their day.”

Custom walnut his-and-hers vanities (pictured: hers) fabricated by RL Woodworks & Design anchor the space, and include a panel of sleek mirrors with flush LED lights. White concrete floor tiles match the concrete countertops around the Stone Forest sink, while the tub and shower boast custom slabs of silver vein-cut marble. Softer elements, such as the Foscarini chandelier above the tub, balance the sharp angles and clean black-white-gray palette. “This project is really a study of rich, raw, industrial materials,” says architect Chad Willis, “and levels of refinement down to the most spa-like environment.”

5280 Home February/March 2020
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Drama Queen

Want to get daring with your home decor, but feel wary of committing to a large room? A bathroom is the perfect spot to take the risk, says designer Jane Freking, principal at JF Design. “I always like the powder room to be beautiful, bold, and dramatic,” she says, “because all of your guests see it.”

Sleek, monolithic countertops are on trend. And if you want a totally cohesive look, match the drapes to the wallpaper. Photo by Eric Lucero.

For Cherry Hills homeowners with tastes that skew “fun, new, high-fashion, and forward-seeking,” Freking says, she chose Kelly Wearstler’s Graffito wallpaper in Onyx to add punch to their powder room. Freking had Roman shades custom-made in the same graphic pattern for a chic, seamless look, then gave the eye a resting place with warm, 10-inch-wide white-oak floor planks.

Textures rule in the space, with a sleek Neolith countertop from the Stone Collection providing a striking contrast to the patterned walls, and a Fisher Weisman rope sconce that plays off the floorboards’ natural finish. A simple, wall-to-wall mirror with a beveled edge plays a supporting role, allowing the bolder elements to shine—an ideal balance in the high-impact space.

Lofty Ideals

The hallmark of a good loft renovation? A space that looks elegant and updated—but also like it wasn’t remodeled at all. Translation: historic character blending seamlessly with clean, modern details. That pretty much sums up this meticulously rebooted bathroom—part of a full LoDo loft overhaul courtesy of New York City–based Carol Maryan Architects and local construction firm Buildwell. Driven by the owners’ vision for respecting the materials and roots of the turn-of-the-century building, the team chose elements that integrate high-end polish—see Restoration Hardware mirrors and porcelain floors with a concrete finish—with the space’s original architecture, including exposed wood ceiling beams. “The clients believe in using and honoring what’s there,” says owner and principal Carol Maryan. “Everything they do is about respect for the environment.”

Use tall mirrors to balance high ceilings in a space. Photo by Raul Garcia.

The showstopping floating vanity was designed by Maryan and built by Marc Hunter Woodworking & Design to evoke the nostalgia of an old dresser. Its green Quartzite Aqua Light countertop complements the earthy stone and blackened-steel frame in the shower and the worn warmth of French brass fixtures, aged brass-framed mirrors, and original wood ceilings. “[We took] this rough, rustic old warehouse loft and renovated it to celebrate what’s cool about it,” says Buildwell owner Ryan Withers. “It’s luxury right up against these rough-sawn timbers.”

A Study In Contrasts

When Fort Collins–based designer Erin Hatzis decided that her own travertine-heavy master bathroom needed a facelift, the new design direction was clear: Give the dated space a modern makeover with the addition of bold contrasts, but stay true to her taste for soothing neutrals.

To anchor the space without overpowering it, Hatzis lined the shower walls and ceiling with a Fireclay subway tile in a dark gray-green hue (Loch Ness). “This [shade] was deep enough that it didn’t scream ‘color,’” says Hatzis, founder and owner of Everyday Interior Design. Matching backsplash tile in white and a custom-built white-oak vanity with Shaker detailing by RC Woodworks provide subtle texture in warm neutral shades, while the flooring—cement tile from Arto with rough edges and a matte finish—“has a little sheen and a softer feel than ceramic tile,” Hatzis says.

A brushed-gold chandelier hangs overheard for added shine. Photo by Kelli Kroneberger.

A brushed-gold Arteriors chandelier that hangs over the Wetstyle tub “was one of the bigger splurges in the room,” Hatzis says, “but lighting is such a key element.” The chandelier’s warm metallic tone is echoed by the room’s accent pieces, including Kohler plumbing fixtures and Restoration Hardware sconces. Gold, Hatzis says, is a trendy choice—a more sophisticated version of the shiny metals popular in the ’80s. “Don’t be afraid of going with the trend,” Hatzis says, “but choose wisely.” Her rule of thumb: Go timeless with big items—think: cabinetry and tile—and get trendy with smaller pieces like fixtures and hardware.