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Baths Design

How Difficult Choices Lead to a Beautiful Bathroom

Come home to an elegantly appointed bath that reflects your tastes.

In a 1930s Georgian home in Illinois, designer Mary Nigh worked with Waterworks to create this colorful powder room (left) and master bath (right). The formal powder room features wallpaper from John Rosselli in shades of turquoise and blue, and Waterworks’ Fielding vanity for an old-world look. The marble-clad shower stall in the master bath is fitted with nickel-finished fixtures including both a shower rose and hand-held spray. PHOTOGRAPHY BY BR LILLIE

These Are the Choices that Lead to a Beautiful Bathroom

Choices, choices choices! Should you go with a freestanding deep-soaking tub and a glass-enclosed shower? A traditional, subway- tiled backsplash? Marble slab? Mosaic? Bright colors or all white? Teak-clad walls and floors? Fixed rain shower rose or hand-held high tech? When it comes to designing bathrooms, the choices are endless, and choosing your style can be daunting. But the words of iconic designer Mark Hampton can help: “Real comfort, visual and physical, is vital to every room.” From modern and zen to old world and textural, look no further for inspiration for your next bathroom design project.

Left: In a newly constructed home that is one of the greenest in Chicago, designer Kelsey Haywood used low-VOC materials and natural finishes and textures for clients who wanted a retreat that evoked the natural world. A small sauna provides an escape, and is warmed up by a rug from Lapchi Rugs, and stools from Made Goods through CAI Designs. PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARET RAJIIC Right: Randy Heller designed a wellness-focused home on the North Shore, that includes this master bath that is all about comfort and quiet beauty. A small table by Baker Furniture holds a touch of green, and the Waterworks fixtures shine in polished nickel. A vintage rug warms up the room. PHOTOGRAPH BY NATALIE MAROTTA

When to Zen in the Bath

For a zen-like master bath by Devon Grace Interiors, Devon Wegman used a palette of black and white with natural wood to evoke Japanese design. The showstopping Porcelanosa Noa tile has sculptural feel and is completely waterproof. Brizo’s matte black fixtures would add graphic interest to any bathroom.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DUSTIN HALLECK

Sometimes a Bathroom Needs a Sauna

In a modern farmhouse by TZS Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, the basement is equipped with a luxurious bath and sauna. Custom millwork by Arbor Mills creates the perfect Nordic feel, and the marble-clad shower includes fixtures by Kallista through Ann Sacks and K&B Galleries. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCEL PAGE

Want more tips on bathroom design? See why powder rooms can be tiny dynamos.