Bath Showcase: A Vision In White
Cool, clean and calm capture the essence of this spacious modern bath built by Image Contracting in Bedford. “The homeowner wanted a bath that was the antithesis of the existing one,” explains John Harding, owner. “The original had plenty of room, but felt like a cave. It was done in dark brown tones, and the shower was completely enclosed, making it claustrophobic.”
The client also sought a bath that echoed a European spa experience, complete with European fittings. “This presented a challenge, as British and European plumbing fixtures do not easily sync with American elements,” says Harding. “There was a lot of pre-planning and retrofitting to make everything work. For example, because the client wanted the faucets to be set into an exterior wall, we had to build a false wall in order to install the plumbing within the building envelope. Everywhere, the measurements had to be very precise, but ultimately, it came together.”
The color palette was key to opening up the space, which is drenched in various shades of white. White walls complement the natural marble of the shower stall and countertops, which add texture. Honed marble floors in a dark gray-and-white checkerboard pattern keep the bath from feeling too sterile and segue to a mosaic marble tile in the shower. Natural light pours through two large windows and frames the freestanding soaking tub, creating a restful spot for unwinding.
The clear glass shower ensures an equally relaxing experience. “The shower stall is curbless and has very little framing, so it visually disappears,” says Harding. “It’s like you’re standing in a glass bubble. We had to recess the glass into the tile before we did the rest of the work, since there is no track.” The shower features dual controls and has a rain head and handheld shower.
Large mirrors (concealing the medicine cabinets) over the sink enhance the light, and the open chrome shelving adds to the airy feel. Dome-shaped sconces echo the look of a ceiling light but are wall mounted instead, providing an interesting design twist.
The bath is full of thoughtful details such as running the crown molding not only around the walls but also into the shower, thus unifying the room, and installing LED lighting around the baseboards for a soft ambience. Like the sconces, these are dimmable, and add the perfect finishing touch to a serene retreat.
RESOURCES
Design/Build: Image Contracting • imagecontractingnh.com
Tile: Northeast Custom Tile • northeastcustomtile.com
Shower Glass: Skeirik Door • skeirikdoor.com
Plumbing: Queen City Plumbing • qcplumbing.com
Electrical Contractor: Evan Jones Master Electrician (EJME) • wiringisnotahobby.com
Painter: 1776 Painters, LLC • 781-799-2227
Drywall & Finishing: Valued Drywall & Finishing, LLC • 603-333-4905
