Bathing in Blue & Brass: An Elegant Bathroom Transformation

Designer Heather Rowland transforms a limited bathroom into an upscale sanctuary of classic elegance. Through a skillful play on scale and symmetry, the designer creates a cohesive, tailored look throughout the space, adding a unique charm and intricacy.

Q: What were the goals for this project?

A: The client on this project came to me with a specific vision to marry her closet and bathroom into one cohesive dressing space. We were working with a very limited amount of square footage along with a conservative ceiling height for what we were trying to achieve. We were challenged to think outside the box and critically analyze the space to create a multifunctional design. I was hesitant at first until we discussed concealing the clients’ clothing behind beautiful cabinetry that would surround the perimeter of the room. Once I realized that the closet would inherently become the “walls” of this space, I knew we needed striking cabinetry detail and oversized hardware to give it some emphasis.

All photography by Heather Rowland

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Q: How would you describe the style of the new space?

A: The style of the new room is clean and classic, with an upscale modern vibe. We mixed traditional elements like bordered marble floors, a tailored Roman shade, and gold-leaf detailing throughout the space, paired with more contemporary touches like the large Allen Semi-Circle Set from Modern Matter. The bathroom has limited natural light and is quite small, so we opted to use light & airy features to visually open the space.

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Q: How did you work with your client to achieve what they sought?

A: This project was fun because the client and I had a very similar vision for the end result, so we were able to collaborate really well during the remodel. It’s always fun to work with someone who appreciates the intricate layering pieces & details that bring a space together cohesively.

Q: Why did you select the Washington Knob, D Pull, and Allen Semi-Circle Set?

A: I loved the blend of the small Washington Knobs and various sizes of the D Pulls with the oversized Allen Semi-Circle. The texture of the Allen Semi-Circle allowed for an unexpected layer for the large smooth cabinet doors around the perimeter of the space. Meanwhile, we put the Washington Collection on the vanity wall to accent the smaller drawers without overpowering them.

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Q: What are your favorite aspects of this space?

A: My favorite part of the space is the whimsical blue paint paired with the marble floors. We used a Viviano Thassos Blue Celeste basketweave marble mosaic and incorporated it with a Blue Celeste marble border. This custom design element really brought a classic and tailored look to this impactful space.

Q: How do you go about selecting the hardware for this project?

A: I knew early on throughout the design phase that the perimeter cabinetry would need something dramatic to break up the span of the tall cabinet doors. I didn’t want the millwork to become monotonous, so we opted for a beautiful gold leaf-bordered detail to create a cohesive rhythm throughout the closet cabinets to add interest along with the Allen Semi-Circle Pulls.

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Q: What advice would you give someone thinking about redoing their bathroom?

A: My advice to anyone doing an upscale bathroom remodel is to make sure you have a clear understanding of the scale of the project and a realistic quote outlining the timeline & budget before construction begins. Bathroom remodels are very costly, especially when moving plumbing, adding walls, and investing in new fixtures. Tilework can be very costly, and adding unique patterns and borders requires a seasoned professional and often adds to the timeline and overall cost of the remodel. Bathrooms are typically smaller spaces, so be mindful that the construction process might take slightly longer to avoid subcontractors being crowded into the space simultaneously.

Q: Where can we keep up with your work?

A: We’ve been admittedly slow to photograph completed jobs, but you can get little peeks of our daily grind on my personal Instagram @heatherrowland. I plan to add more of our projects to my website soon, but for now, feel free to visit https://www.heatherrowland.com/designservices for a glance at what we have to offer.