Style With Tile

A master bath renovation uses lilac tile and silver accents to make a bold statement in a small space.

Jean and Elise Dabezies didn't particularly like the small master bath in their Pensacola, Florida, home, but they had accepted its flaws. That is until the day one small critter's misfortune forced them into home improvement.

"A possum fell through the ceiling," Elise says. "We said we might as well go ahead and knock it all out." With the creature safely removed and the ceiling repaired, the room is now the picture of intelligent renovation, making the most of existing space by using color for impact.

Object Lesson

The bath's look, a cool combination of lilac and silver warmed by off-white walls and terra-cotta floors, was inspired by one object-a purple knob.

"You always have to start with something," says kitchen and bath designer Cheryl Kees. The knobs, used on the cabinets and linen closet, prompted the choice of lilac tiles. Cheryl says having an inspiration piece is key to building a design that comes together in the end.

Hint of Silver

The cabinets, painted and distressed a creamy shade, get a bit of glamour with silver trim. Faux finish artist Bev Elliot applied silver leaf to achieve the look, but a homeowner on a budget could re-create the look with silver paint.

Of course, going overboard with an inspiration can lead to disaster. This bath could have easily gone from sophisticated to childish if Cheryl had not balanced the bold color with more subdued hues.

Balancing Act

In this case, the neutral tones of the cabinets, walls, and floor absorb the intensity of the tile color while still allowing it to stand out. A travertine marble countertop and overmount sink offer a masculine contrast to the room's more feminine aspects. "A tiny sink wouldn't have worked," Cheryl says. "We didn't want anything delicate." AMY BICKERS MERCER

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2004
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