Article by Michelle Heslop. Photos by Lance Sullivan.
When a semi-retired couple wanted to transform their master ensuite in their South Oak Bay home, they turned toMac Renovations to convert the dark and dated bathroom to a zen-like retreat that would blend with the home’s traditional feel. Armed with an inspiration photo of an airy bathroom in fresh neutrals, the couple knew exactly what they wanted — a classic redesign with a twist. At the top of their wishlist was Carrara marble flooring, a free-standing soaker tub and custom white cabinetry — a bathroom that “doesn’t look like all the others.” Interior Designer for Mac Renovations, Alexis Solomon set to work to create 120 square feet of functionality where contemporary materials converge with classic design.
The primary intent of the design was to create a space where the owners could age in place while preserving the home’s traditional aesthetic. “The couple had a realistic budget but they didn’t want to exclusively use high-end materials and finishes, so even though the space has a luxurious spa-like feel, it is a creative exercise in ‘high and low’ design,” says Solomon.
For instance, the homeowners splurged on in-floor heating under budget friendly, ‘marble replica’ porcelain tile. “We installed oversized tile in a diamond pattern to keep with the traditional feel of the room and to visually create movement in the space.”
The custom-built dual sink vanity with white quartz countertop boosts the ensuite’s functionality with ten drawers.
One of the most significant modifications Mac Renovations made to the room’s orientation was moving the fir door and adjacent wall by a foot to resolve the awkwardly angled vanity that was originally designed to accommodate the door trim. The vanity’s bevelled marble backsplash echoes the shower tile detail.
A free-standing Maax soaker tub boasts a smaller footprint than the original built-in tub and is still roomy enough for two. “I chose an oval shaped tub that would soften all of the right angles in the space,” adds Solomon.
Significantly reducing the shower size allowed Solomon to shift the toilet from its original front and centre position to a more concealed locale behind a pony-wall. Wainscoting showcases the millwork detail and brings interest to a utilitarian area of the bathroom. Solomon notes that “a hit of black perimeter tile in the shower feature wall gives the bathroom a dramatic focal point when you walk into the room. I wanted to get creative with a pinstripe effect, like a gentlemen’s suit detail or a lick of black eyeliner.”
A spa-like shower system and bench offer a restful space to de-stress and rejuvenate. The shower tile is a mixture of 5×7 bevelled ceramic, Calacatta marble herringbone tile and black ceramic high gloss pencil tile for the border. “The mix of high and low materials along with the porcelain flooring allowed us to create a dramatic focal point without blowing the budget on tile.”
