Date: May 19, 2017 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek |
Sophisticated finishes, an airy palette, and personal pieces result in a timeless master bath design that is sure to be enjoyed for years to come
Richard Harp jokes that the owners of this West Little Rock home selected him as their contractor because he was an Eagle Scout. “The lady of the house found out that I was an Eagle Scout. Much of their family have received this honor as well, and I really think that’s how we ended up working together,” laughs Harp. However the initial contractor selection was made, Harp earned merit when he and draftsman Jim Johnston were able to piece together the dream home this couple envisioned based on numerous magazine clippings, floor plans, and houses they had seen in person. “She wanted special spaces throughout the home, and the bath was one of those,” Harp notes. While working with Harp during the planning phase, the homeowner brought in designer Laurie McFarland to help achieve the look and feel she imagined for the interiors—namely the master bath.
Sophisticated Feel
“She tends to like a more organic look, but she wanted the master bath to feel more polished than the rest of the home,” McFarland says. “This is the one place that is just for them, so we felt like we could do that in here.”
To accomplish this, McFarland specified classic cabinetry and countertops along with polished nickel hardware that will not wane in style. Expansive beveled edge mirrors serve a functional purpose on both the his and her vanity areas, while also adding to the clean look. “We mounted the sconces on the mirror to play to the light and airy feel of the room,” McFarland notes. Attached to the woman’s vanity, a dressing table nook provides a comfortable spot for applying makeup and adds to the room’s sophistication. Additionally, a freestanding tub with a telephone-style fixture has a timeless appeal and is also the perfect spot to unwind at the end of a long day.
Down-to-Earth Details
While the bath has an elegant look upon entry, there are several organic and personal touches that tie it to the rest of the home’s design—namely the wood-look tile flooring. “The rest of the home has a lot of natural elements and we chose to use this tile in the bath to carry that throughout the home,” McFarland notes. In the shower, the homeowners decided to forgo the bells and whistles they had in their previous home in favor of a more streamlined design. They also requested that the antique chair, seen near the back window, be incorporated in the design. McFarland had the family piece recovered in an inviting smoky gray velvet, which makes it a comfortable spot to lounge. Overall, the designer notes that having worked with these clients on a previous home helped her to gain perspective on their likes and dislikes, allowing them to truly customize the space to meet their needs as well as their style.
Design Resources
Interior design Laurie McFarland, Laurie McFarland Design
Contractor Richard Harp, Richard Harp Homes
Draftsman Jim Johnston
Cabinetry Capitol Custom Cabinets, Inc.
Countertops A-1 Granite Man, Inc.
Fabrics Laurie McFarland Design
Fixtures Westlake Plumbing
Flooring ProSource
Glass West Little Rock Glass
Hardware PC Hardware
Lighting Light Innovations
Upholstery Howard’s Upholstery Shop
