Date: November 29, 2021 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Steph Smith |
Before & After: In Fort Smith, Jo Waite updates a bath with design elements that are as current as they are classic
When the owner of this Fort Smith home contacted Jo Waite to renovate the primary bath, Jo knew she wanted to stay true to the home’s traditional roots. “I wanted to make it relevant and fresh but do so in a timeless way that blends with the rest of the home,” she says. “The owner allowed me to be really creative with this project, and I’m grateful for the trust she gave me.”
As both an interior designer and licensed contractor, Jo brought the space to life through the execution of details, such as a waterfall edge added to existing cabinetry and polished lighting, hardware, and accents. Starting with the floor plan, she updated its flow by eliminating a bulky deck-style tub and replacing it with a cast-iron, stand-alone version that not only frees up space but also will stand up to years of use. Additionally, the shower wall was cut down and the upper portion replaced with glass, allowing light to stream into the space.
Lighter material selections also brought style updates in a bright, fresh palette. For example, the large-scale Carrara marble tiles carry across the floor and up the sides of the wall near the tub to create a seamless backsplash. “I designed this to be a splash zone the owner’s grandkids could enjoy as well as a maintenance-free area,” Jo says, noting it is easy to clean and won’t fade over time.
“My role is to push clients out of their comfort zones and then bring them back to a place where they want to live.” —Jo Waite, contractor and designer
Perfect Blend
Adhering to the design’s mix of classic and contemporary, Jo selected traditional arabesque accent tiles for the shower but specified them in a more modern blue glass material.
Well Accented
Delta plumbing fixtures in a brushed gold finish were used for the tub as well as the shower and vanity. “I believe hardware can be a bit of the jewelry in a room’s design,” Jo says.
Classic Touch
A quartet of sconces illuminate the mirrors over the vanity. The traditional-style keyhole switches allow them to be turned on and off at the source, while a wall control offers the option for dimming.
Making Waves
An iridescent Thibaut wallpaper, which Jo notes can appear both silver and gold, adds to the room’s spa-like feel by mimicking the look of waves. The pattern is repeated on the fabric in the room’s custom ottoman.
Design Resources
Contractor and interior design Jo Waite, Jo Waite Interiors & Construction Countertops Torres Marble & Granite Fabrics, mirrors, and wallpaper Jo Waite Interiors & Construction and Waite & Co. Fixtures Parking Plumbing & Electrical and Winn Supply Paint Sherwin-Williams Tile Specialty Woodworks & Tile
