Home & Design

A Modern Escape

A sumptuous bathroom evokes the spa experience at home

 
A Modern Escape

Painted-glass counters top red birch cabinetry, while two small niches showcase the couple’s pottery collection, in this bathroom by Ben Osborne.When a McLean-area couple purchased a traditional colonial house several years ago, they knew at some point they would want to update the home’s master bathroom. “The bath reflected the materials and tastes from the 1980s,” says Lisa Banks. “The cabinets were dark, and the counters were made from Corian. My husband and I really like a more contemporary look, in both furnishings and design.” For help creating a more modern bath retreat, the couple turned to designer Ben Osborne.
“My clients had pulled some ideas from books and magazines, but it wasn’t until I sent them to some of my supplier showrooms that the space really started to come together,” says Osborne.

“We looked at so many samples—finding materials that are just right is like the process of finding a great wine,” says Lisa Banks. The major part of the renovation consisted of removing a closet to increase the square footage, and relocating the toilet. The now Zen-like space features a neutral palette—ivory-colored travertine covers the glassed-in shower stall and the double sink wall. Natural light from two large windows surrounding the new whirlpool tub plays off aqua-tinted painted glass countertops that top red birch cabinetry. In keeping with the spare design, accessories are minimal with the exception of small niches carved out to showcase the couple’s art pottery collected during their frequent travels. “This is now my favorite room in the house,” says Lisa of the serene, spa-like space.

DESIGN/BUILD: Ben Osborne, Osborne Company, Inc., Springfield, Virginia
Photography: Greg Hadley, Fairfax, Virginia

RESOURCES: Cabinetry: Quaker Maid Euro Cabinetry through Harvey’s Kitchens & Baths. Shower Door: Custom through Del-Ray. Windows: Great Lakes. Basins: Kohler. Vanity Tops & Shelves: Hutchison Glass & Mirror, Inc.


Two large windows bathe the whirlpool tub in natural light.

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