Home & Design
Single porcelain slabs on the shower and window walls.
Single porcelain slabs on the shower and window walls.

Single porcelain slabs add drama on the shower and window walls.

Surf’s Up

A couple enjoys sea vistas in a Bethany Beach bath designed by Marnie Oursler

Surf’s Up - The owners’ suite perched atop a custom Bethany Beach getaway built by Marnie Oursler has it all.

A dedicated staircase leads to the private, fourth-floor lair, which boasts a bedroom, sitting room, sun deck and glass-enclosed luxury bath. “The rooms have the feel of a really nice hotel suite or penthouse,” says Oursler, who runs Bethany-based Marnie Custom Homes and hosts her own show, “Big Beach Builds” on the DIY Network.

She also designed the beach house interiors for her clients, whose primary home is in Jessup, Maryland. “In the bath, we tried to create a vibe that is very calm and relaxing,” she explains. Ocean views take center stage in the space, whether the owners are in the sculptural tub, the shower or the glass-enclosed WC. “You can even see the ocean reflected in the mirror,” she adds. Thick quartz countertops add a modern edge to the white double vanity. Automated shades drop from the ceiling for privacy.

Twenty-four-inch porcelain tiles resembling classic marble clad the bathroom floor, while single porcelain slabs add drama on the shower and window walls. In the shower, Oursler covered a steel support with the same material, creating a clever seating ledge.

“Getting the vein pattern right on the focal wall was a challenge,” she recalls. “Our goal was for the tile to serve as a work of art that makes a statement when you walk in.”

Bath Design & Contracting: Marnie Oursler, Marnie Custom Homes, Bethany Beach, Delaware. Styling: Kristi Hunter.

Surf’s Up - THE DETAILS

Floor Tile: gstile.com. Wall Tile: atlasplan.com through gramaco.com. Countertop: corian.com through gramaco.com. Vanity: decorcabinets.com. Tub & Sinks: mtibaths.com. Bath, Sink & Shower Faucets: us.kohler.com. Showerhead: deltafaucet.com. Sconce: rh.com.

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