Bath Showcase: Dark & Dreamy
Photos by: Liesl Clark
Dark and dramatic—a stylistic departure from recent trends—captures the essence of this bath. “The clients have distinctive tastes and wanted a bathroom with natural elements,” explains Katja Sienkiewicz, owner of Basswood Builders, LLC. “They saw this as a place to relax, so every detail speaks to creating a soothing space.”
Sienkiewicz first repositioned some windows so that views of the outdoors could be enjoyed while soaking in the tub, which, done in a warm, coppery hue, is itself unique. Crafted in Lithuania, it is made of micro cement over an acrylic base. “A cement tub was their first choice but would have required structural reinforcement, as this is a second-floor bath and cement would be very heavy,” she explains. “Fortunately, we found a vendor with this option.”
The bathroom has an Asian air about it, even though elements of it are internationally sourced. The Zellige wall tiles, known for their deep gloss and rich tones, were hand-crafted in Morocco. With an obsidian matte finish, each tile is unique.
A handmade Indian cabinet with an inlaid geometric design was a client find that has been repurposed as a striking vanity. Sienkiewicz added a Dekton countertop that combines the beauty of real stone with resistance to heat, scratches and stains. The material’s natural variations complement the myriad textures in the room and partner well with the brushed nickel hand-hammered sink. The thoughtful use of nickel fixtures and large mirrors brightens the space and balances the dark tones. The mirror over the vanity, made by the client, is framed in mahogany to match the door and window trim.
One of the room’s most design-forward features is the shou sugi ban accent wall; this Japanese technique chars wood (usually cedar or cypress) at high heat until it becomes blackened and crackled. The soot is then brushed away, revealing a distinct, textured wood grain. In this case, the wall was then polyurethaned to withstand the bathroom’s moisture.
The floors, done in a pale gray glazed porcelain tile called Dragon Beige, are heated so as to be quick drying. Outdoor-rated Philips Hue wall sconces were selected for their ability to tolerate heavy moisture.
A cheerful Buddha beaming from the vanity and other sculptures placed throughout create a peaceful retreat that celebrates nature and beauty.
RESOURCES
Bath Design/Build: Basswood Builders LLC • basswoodbuilders.com
Tile: C. Morin Tile • 603-440-3766
Carpentry: Evan Laurie, Master Carpenter • thriveadus.com
Electric: Reed Electric • reedelectricnh.com
Plastering: KT Blue Board Plastering • ktplastering.com
