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This Bathroom Created for 3 a.m. Wake-Up Calls Balances Function and 5-Star-Hotel Design
New York City-based designer Kylie Bass recently undertook a challenging bathroom renovation for a client, an on-air news reporter who requires an efficient and comfortable space for early morning preparations. The client's unique schedule, demanding a 3 a.m. wake-up, necessitated a design that seamlessly blended functionality with the luxurious feel of a five-star hotel. Bass faced the inherent challenges of renovating a pre-war Morningside Heights bathroom, particularly its narrow dimensions and unmovable pipes that limited expansion and required creative solutions for concealing infrastructure within lowered ceiling sections.
The design process began with the selection of large-scale Bianco Dolomiti tiles from Artistic Tile for the floor. This choice provided a timeless and clean aesthetic, establishing a foundational element that allowed for the introduction of bolder design choices elsewhere. The same large tiles were extended to the shower walls, contrasting effectively with smaller, broken joint squares used for the shower floor to add visual interest and texture.
Maximizing storage in the narrow bathroom was a critical aspect of the design. Bass opted for a custom vanity featuring two base cabinets and sinks, one for each client. A central countertop was integrated with a discreet, shallow drawer underneath, specifically designed for organizing brushes and hairstyling tools. Further enhancing storage capabilities, three recessed medicine cabinets were installed, ensuring ample space for personal items without cluttering the countertops.
A significant feature of the renovation was the careful outlining of the shower entry. Bass utilized offcut pieces of Arabescato Corchia marble from the vanity countertop for the shower bench, shampoo-conditioner niche, and trim. This not only minimized waste from the expensive marble slab but also created a cohesive and luxurious look. The shower was framed with custom gridded panels, a deliberate design choice to highlight the shower door and provide visual structure that complemented the organic veining of the stone.
To achieve a desired textured wall finish while adhering to budget constraints, Bass chose limewash over authentic plaster. Limewash offers a similar aesthetic at a significantly lower cost, providing a textured look that is flat to the touch and can be easily painted over if the client's preferences change in the future. For the plumbing fixtures, the Waterworks Roadster collection was selected. This line was more affordable than other luxe options from the brand due to its simpler detailing. The client’s husband requested a rain showerhead, and a handheld option was included for practical reasons, allowing the client to wash her body without necessarily washing her hair during her demanding early morning routine. This thoughtful integration of practical elements with high-end design ensured the bathroom was both efficient for daily use and conducive to a sense of rejuvenation, meeting the client’s specific needs for an early start to her day.
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