Haute Baths

Bath of the Year: Contemporary Classic

Design goal: Before the home’s construction, the owners were clear: They wanted a contemporary but comfortable vibe throughout the house, and the master bathroom was no exception. “They wanted lots of natural light, even though the bathroom faces the street,” says John Knudson, AIA, of Knudson Gloss Architects (Kgarch.com) in Boulder. Ceiling-high rectangular windows solved that problem. How did Knudson keep the space contemporary and warm? “Carrera marble, which is cool but not cold, is the predominant material,” Knudson says. And mixing such classic elements as marble, wainscoting and a neutral palette with minimalist lines keeps the room inviting. The homeowner, an artist and an art dealer, wanted a place to display modern art (note the Robert Rauschenberg above the soaking tub), making this bath simple yet elegant, classic yet contemporary.

Defining detail: The Dornbracht fixtures on the sinks, shower and tub. “These are like tiny pieces of jewelry,” says Kristina Baker, designer and partner in 3BY Architecture + Interiors (3-by.com). “They are clean, strong and square—the embodiment of everything we tried to achieve in the home.”

Why it works: A contemporary bathroom must work hard not to feel cold and uninviting, but the expanse of large Carrera marble tiles (16x16) lit by the sun makes the owners feel like they’re walking on a bank of clouds, Baker says.

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