When the homeowners began working with John and Sherri Duvall of Duvall Architects, PC on the design of the master bathroom for their new home, the goal was to continue with the theme established throughout the rest of the house: a contemporary feel with simple design.
“Their preference was to utilize natural products, such as wood and stone,” explains Sherri Duvall. Ultimately, it is the organic patterns of the products themselves – travertine and white oak – that provide the overall design of the room. Instead of using the materials as background for other colors, wall coverings or art, it is the stone and wood that become the art of the room.
Midwest Marble was tapped to provide the travertine. The company meticulously installed rectangular travertine tile on the bathroom floor and on the walls and ceiling of the steam shower in a classic brickwork pattern. Detailed inset travertine shelves provide a place for toiletries. Using a butt joint, it is the natural grain of the travertine that becomes the design by eliminating the additional element of grout.
Large slabs of travertine were selected for the bathtub surround, top and backsplash. The whirlpool-style bathtub with multiple jets is large enough to accommodate several of the couple’s young children and has become a favorite gathering place for nightly baths.
In addition, a perfect piece of travertine was located for the lengthy countertop of the other predominate element in the bathroom, a massive sweep of cabinets down an entire wall. By keeping the cabinet design simple using full flush overlay doors, again the design becomes more about the natural patterns of the wood than about the design of the doors. Modern brushed stainless steel hardware blends with the gray tones of the travertine and contrasts with the warm tones of the wood.
Two custom sets of upper cabinets accented with frosted glass flank the full size mirror offering the couple their own armoire-style space for storage. The cabinetry was custom built by Barry Suderman, owner of Woodmasters Cabinetry & Millwork.
Simple “his and her” under-mount sinks are conveniently located near each upper cabinet. Stylish brushed stainless plumbing fixtures blend with the hardware below, and the other fixtures for the shower and bathtub. A pair of elegant sconces provides a blast of light that sparkles off the mirror, creating an even greater feeling of uncluttered openness.
“Ultimately, the space is simple and serene,” says Duvall.
