There’s nothing like a complete remodel to rejuvenate a room. “This Bethesda couple came in search of serenity,” says Jonas Carnemark, president of Carnemark Systems + Design. “They wanted more room, more luxury, more style. Our challenge was to transform [the master bathroom] into a spacious, spa-like retreat that reflected our clients’ modern sensibilities.”
Armed with a less-is-more approach to the project, Carnemark honed in on crisp hues and subtle texture. “A minimalist palette of creamy whites—set off by rich truffle-brown pine cabinets—sets the scene,” he says. “Rippled porcelain tiles almost undulate like water down the walls and across the floor.”
The homeowners wanted to make the floating tub the centerpiece of the room, so Carnemark chose a sexy, curvaceous model by Rapsel with a sleek floor-mounted Hansgrohe filler and integrated hand spray. The earth-toned river pebbles below the tub exude not only a Zen-like feel, but they also “make the tub pop in the room,” he explains.
To maintain a light and open ambience, Carnemark chose a frameless steam shower outfitted with thermostatically controlled valves and adjustable water tiles, both on the walls and the ceiling. “It almost disappears into the corner,” he says. “Inside, an ample bench and textured brown ceramic floor tile ensure secure footing.”
A floor-mounted filler with handspray pours water into
the curvaceous tub.
Light was also a crucial element in the room. “The combined lighting plan relies on a central skylight, recessed halogen ceiling fixtures and a pair of soft sconces at each sink,” says Carnemark. “The high punch along the tub wall adds light from the adjoining hallway and creates the illusion of depth.”
Carnemark’s signature touch, however, is reflected in the inclusion of the floating glass shelves in the corner of the room. “I design around art and I wanted to create spaces where the homeowners could celebrate their collection,” he says.
