A Tale of Two Baths

In the second installment of a "Tale of Two..." we're featuring two bath designs we recently completed for a client new build.  Unlike our last client in the "tale of two kitchens," this family was able to nail down a favorite.  But in the interest of showing you a bit more of our process and this gorgeous bath (if we do say so ourselves), we thought we'd share the two options with you.    

boothbay gray bathroom edesign mood board 3a design studio

Option A features cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore's Boothbay Gray (HC-165) with matte black hardware and porcelain floors that mimic marble without all of the upkeep.  Two different light fixture options with natural wood accents were given for hanging above the fabulous soaking tub.

lamp room gray farrow and ball bathroom edesign mood board 3a design studio

Option B had the same tile but a different vanity color (Lamp Room Gray by Farrow & Ball) with a lighter option of wood mirrors with satin nickel hardware.  As with Option A, two different ceiling lights were given to leave the client with the final decision. 

Many times, we supply our clients with a couple of perfectly great options and give them the freedom to "pull the trigger" so to speak on the option they gravitate toward the most.  We've found that while most clients come to us feeling lost or overwhelmed with a space, they still want to feel a part of the process in the end.  Narrowing down some choices but leaving the final decision with them, is a great way to not only give them confidence but to also help them feel invested in the space---after all, it is their home.  We love that part of our job!

With these baths, we didn't think the client could go wrong with either option (obviously we had a hard time picking a favorite ourselves), but which one would you choose for your home?  Comment below and tell us which one "speaks" to you. 

We'll have more designs from this beautiful home coming up soon.  Stayed tuned!

Vanity Lighting...That Doesn't Make You Run

I'm currently looking to update the lights in my master bathroom.  They aren't horrible.  In fact, they are far cry from the standard builder grade light bar.  Y'all know what I'm talking about... This guy.  

builder light bar

We've all seen him and hopefully have all ran from him and to the nearest lighting store for a replacement.  Too harsh?  Perhaps.  But honestly, why is it so hard to find a great looking over-the-sink light fixture?  Personally, I'm a sconce on each side of the mirror gal but that doesn't always easily work if your bathroom isn't already wired for it and you don't feel like forking out some money for an electrician.  So what if you have an existing light box over the mirror?  How can you make that work in a design-worthy way?  Believe it or not, there are other alternatives to the mass-produced mediocrity out there.  Here's a few examples that I love.  

The swing arm

The swing arm

Gooseneck sconce with shade

Gooseneck sconce with shade

Picture light in a powder room.

Picture light in a powder room.

Picture lights in a full bath

Picture lights in a full bath

Swing arms again...

Swing arms again...

And another gooseneck for a powder room.

And another gooseneck for a powder room.

Isn't it so refreshing to see something a little different?  I think so.  One thing you must consider when thinking about these single bulb options is the other lighting in the room.  If you're updating a powder room, you are good to go (it's not usually a space where bright light is needed), but if it's in a main bath, make sure you have ample amount of windows or can use high wattage in each fixture.  

Okay, now let's all go eliminate those ugly builder grade lights, shall we? :)

For image sources please click here.