Date: February 18, 2012 | Story: Diane Carroll | Styling: Diane Carroll |
When designer Susan Latta first met with clients to discuss the look for their new master bathroom, she was given a unique directive: “Bring the outdoors in and emphasize the windows,” says Latta, “which was such a nice change of pace from homes where privacy is a problem.”
Situated at a quiet corner of the home and screened with a wooded backyard, the room was inherently private, and allowing unobstructed natural light to flow into the space was a possibility. “That set the tone,” says Latta, “for creating a relaxing, restful place.”
The builder, Nall Custom Homes, had planned a large, rectangular area for the master bath, and Latta was brought on board to design the room with all the amenities the homeowners had in mind. “Having enough space was integral to creating the spa-like style they wanted,” she says, “with both a shower and a tub, dual sinks and plenty of storage.”
Latta began with the connection between bedroom and bath, designing a glass shower flanked by windows as a sunlight-filled focal point when entering the space. On one side of the shower, she placed a spa tub in an alcove rimmed with windows, creating a tranquil spot offering views of the wooded site. On the other side, she specified a long vanity with dual sinks and a series of mirrors to reflect the views. “That added to the retreat-like feel of being surrounded by the outdoors,” say Latta.
For the vanity, Latta and the homeowners worked through the details of storage needs, adding ample drawers in various sizes. Counter-mount sinks were chosen as sculptural elements to complement the room, with the simple forms of the vessels plus streamlined wall-mounted faucets adding a spa-style feature.
An earth-tone marble was selected for the countertop and backsplash, paired with light terracotta tile for the floor and shower. “Bringing in the soft, earthy palette added some warmth, and kept the room from feeling stark,” says Latta, who accented the materials with light reflecting cream-colored walls and woodwork.
Open shelves were added alongside the shower as additional storage for towels and larger items, as well as favorites from the homeowners’ pottery collection. Ceiling lighting was placed to illuminate each area at night, with artisan glass pendant lights suspended over the vanity. “It’s important to have lighting that’s closer to you at the counter, illuminating your face better,” says Latta. “I always look for a mix of overall lighting and task lighting to add to the functionality.”
A cozy armchair and upholstered vanity stool were added to complement the room’s restful and relaxed atmosphere. “It’s fresh yet warm, full of comforts and surrounded by the outdoors,” adds Latta, “which makes it a truly inviting spa-like space.”
Design Resources
Bath designer Susan Latta Design, CKD, CBD, CGP, CGB, Fayetteville, (479) 601-3377, susanlattadesign.com
Builder, cabinetry Nall Custom Homes, Springdale, (479) 872-1337
Armchair Marshall Clements, Little Rock, (501) 663-1828
Cabinet hardware Interior Fabrics and Design, Fayetteville, (479) 444-0222
Flooring Townzen Tile & Laminates, Springdale, (479) 751-4043, townzentile.com
Marble Artistic Tile, Marble & Granite Co., Springdale, (479) 750-2121, atmgusa.com
Pendant lights Lighting Emporium, Springdale, (479) 751-8184, lightingemporium.com
Vanity stool Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock, (501) 663-0460, cynthiaeastfabrics.com
