Bring a bath down to size

Clever interior details and custom fixtures create the simple elegance that defines this room from top to bottom.

Most homeowners agree that a spacious master bath would be a good problem to have. But sometimes a large room is a challenge, because scale and proportion are often left out of the design.

However, one look at Nancy and Steve Dilger's bath in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and you'll see how successful the right choices can be. Judy Pickett of Raleigh worked with the couple to craft an attractive, functional bath.

Scaled to Perfection

"The ceiling just soared," says Judy, explaining her first reaction to this room. "It is light and airy, but we had to create more of a human scale." She suggested the crown molding that distinguishes the main room from the vaulted ceiling. It finishes the room at 10 feet rather than the full 16, making the space feel cozier.

Steve, who is also a builder, incorporated a dropped ceiling over the shower and tub. The vanities were sized to complement the space proportionally. As a result, Nancy's side is balanced with the shower and tub, while Steve's side is smaller but reflects the same overall look.

Mixing Textures, Not Colors

A neutral color scheme was the natural choice. "Although the house is fairly formal," Nancy says, "we love relaxed colors." Earth-toned marble tiles complement the textured wallpaper.

The painted glazed finish adds elegance to the vanities. Judy designed each as a freestanding piece of furniture. "Custom cabinets allow you to choose the proportions," she explains. "Details and imagination are what really make a room special."

SARAH JERNIGAN

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2002
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