April 20, 2010

When the owners of this bath shared their wish list with designer David Schneider, of Schneider Kennedy Design, it was evident that they wanted
a complete departure from their existing space. Despite retaining the bath’s original footprint, they requested a “larger” room with a less linear feel—a sophisticated, timeless and upscale space with some curves.

Inspired by his clients’ love for New York and France, Schneider picked a classic palette of black and white, grounding the design with Carrara marble and absolute black granite. By removing a closet between the original vanity and toilet, he was able to include two demilune vanities in black and silver, complete with matching round mirrors. A freestanding black and white airbath stands where there was once a bulky built-in tub with an oversized deck, “adding much needed sensuality to the space,” noted Schneider.

In the shower, where the color palette continues with a fleur-de-lis mosaic, a multifunctional showerhead is joined by body sprays and a handshower for luxury and convenience. In addition, “given the classic nature of the design,” said Schneider, a chrome finish was selected for
all of the bathroom’s plumbing fittings and accessories.

In order to keep the room bright, and thus make it feel larger, the wall, trim and ceiling colors were selected from the lightest shades of gray
and white found in the Carrara marble, creating a soft and seamless environment. Lighting also plays an important role. In addition to recessed downlights, a trio of decorative glass sconces provides “frontal lighting” and repeats the circular design element, as well as imparts an “elegant and unusual flair,” noted Schneider. By covering the windows with stained-glass overlays, which diffuse the light and further soften the room, the design gains both natural light and desired privacy. Additionally, Schneider was able to incorporate the graphic element of the fleur-de-lis.

This comfortable environment—made even more luxurious thanks to a bidet seat, lighting controls and near-invisible speakers for listening to
music—exemplifies timeless elegance and delivers a look that’s larger than life.

SOURCES
Designer: David Schneider—Schneider Kennedy Design, Wildwood, MO; www.schneiderkennedy.com
Manufacturers: Toilet: Kohler; Faucets and shower fittings: Newport Brass; Tub: Aquatic; Vanities: Ambella; Bidet seat: Brondell; Mosaics: Jeffrey Court; Lighting: Minka (sconces); Ventilation: Panasonic; Controls: Lutron; Hardware: Hardware Resources
Photography: © David Kreutz