Kintsugi Bath
We were invited back by these clients to remodel their master bathroom with the goal of creating a design that would serve them well, and that would also harmonize with the new work we’d already completed elsewhere in their home. Our design intention was to simplify the room visually to encourage relaxation, and we thought that the natural light from the window would be a key element in accomplishing that feeling. The organic-shape of the inlay details at the porcelain tile walls reflects beautiful natural light further into the room, and calls to mind “kintsugi,” the Japanese pottery technique of mending broken areas with gold. We enlarged the shower and added a floating bench, carefully positioning it and a new free-standing tub so that our clients could relax, face the window and the light, and take just a moment’s quiet before the day begins. We designed more drawer storage at the vanity to reduce clutter knowing that things tend to get put away when there is a place to put them. We included heated floor tiles and a towel warmer to increase comfort. Brushed bronze and nickel finishes are intentionally combined, as are light and dark materials, shiny and matte surfaces, crisp and rustic textures. The result is a complex simplicity that feels serene.
Photos by Julie Mannell