Form Meets Function in this Artistic Primary Bath
1930s European Modernism meets Asian motifs in this luxe primary bathroom update.
Freestanding Tub The freestanding tub and chrome plumbing fixtures are by House of Rohl. A chandelier from the Seguso Murano glass factory hangs over the tub. Floor-to-ceiling wool draperies are by Dedar. Calacatta Bluette honed marble flooring. | Photo: Ron Ruscio
Just like any other room in the house, the bathroom presents a unique opportunity to express personal style. When it came time for the homeowners to update their primary bath suite, they turned to Jeff Elliott, principal of Denver-based Jeffrey P. Elliott Interior Design, who designed the residence (a new construction) 16 years ago. Elliott agrees: “I was thrilled to have the opportunity of making the primary bath as fantastic as the rest of the house,” he says. As Elliott presented ideas, possibilities and options, the homeowners’ excitement grew.
“Jeff’s vision brought us along and showed us ‘what it could be,’” says the homeowner, adding, “He and my wife share a design passion.” Elliott was inspired by 1930s Modernism—simplicity, minimal ornamentation and the integration of form with function—but he reinterpreted these concepts in luxurious materials and textures, creating a space that is sophisticated and comfortable. In addition, he used the whole house as a reference. “In 2006 the home won an ASID Crystal Award for Residential Design (over 3,500 square feet) and was featured in Colorado Homes & Lifestyles,” he notes.
Glass Shower The surround is by Starphire Glass; handmade crackle tile by Encore Ceramics. A Robert Kuo Peking Cocoon vase sits atop the rope-wrapped table by Christian Astuguevieille for Holly Hunt. | Photo: Ron Ruscio
An oval freestanding tub—big enough for two people—takes center stage, against the serene yet dramatic background of tightly woven wool draperies that let in light while providing privacy. Above, a Seguso Murano art glass chandelier—ivory with gold flecks—references both the clients’ Asian art collection and their Italian heritage. The walls are painted in a pale gray-green that Elliott calls “Korean celadon”—a color that’s featured in the adjoining main bedroom and flows through the residence.
For the floor, Elliott chose beautiful, durable and deeply veined Calacatta Bluette honed marble laid in a brick pattern. The carefully matched veining creates an optical illusion, making it look as if it is positioned on the diagonal.
Vanity Area Suspended vanity engineered by RLK Management; floating glass pier mirrors created by Standard Metal Works. Under-counter stool from Mark Albrecht Studio’s woven leather series. Artwork by Heidi Jung. | Photo: Ron Ruscio
A rope-wrapped table by legendary sculptor and designer Christian Astuguevieille provides a tactile (and whimsical) touch. It is the vanity, however, that is the undisputed star of the entire room. As he sketched it out, Elliott was asking himself: How can we make a vanity that is a little more feminine , a little more poetic? “I wanted to combine beauty and function in a design that’s useful as well as interesting,” he says.
The result is an elegant illusion. The vanity appears to float while it is securely mounted to the metalwork and the wall behind. Says the homeowner, “When we started on this project, I didn’t have a definite vision in my mind, but we trusted Jeff’s design sense and were completely open to his suggestions.” The resulting bathroom suite is beautiful and something that the couple loves.
Interior Design: Jeffrey P. Elliott Interior Design
