Home & Design

A soaking tub tucks in below a skylight and beside the metal-framed shower enclosure.

A walnut vanity is complemented by marble-look quartz and black metal accents.

Fresh Flair

Kate Abt and Chris Snowber create a spa-like oasis while revamping a vintage DC gem

During their complete overhaul of a 1912 Mount Pleasant row house, architect Christopher Snowber and interior designer Kate Abt bridged old and new in its reimagined primary bath.

They gutted and slightly expanded the cramped existing lavatory (which had a combination bathtub/shower), making way for a more efficient layout that includes a soaking tub, a walk-in shower and a water closet opposite the vanity. Dual skylights more than compensate for the room’s lack of windows. “The goal was to create a bright and clean oasis, accentuated by a carefully detailed mix of modern components,” says Snowber.

Walnut millwork and Dolomite marble on the floor and tub surround nod to tradition but are applied in a modern way. “It’s very much streamlined, without a lot of fuss,” says Abt. “And the wood vanity warms up the marble.”

A countertop in stain-resistant quartz was selected as a matching but practical alternative to stone. Black metal accents in the form of Visual Comfort sconces, a heated towel warmer and the steel frame of the custom shower enclosure convey a crisp, industrial edge. “The steel-framed partition became a driver of the design,” explains Snowber. “It serves as a way to separate the spaces while bringing a surprisingly sensuous feel to the room.”

CREDITS + DETAILS—Renovation Architecture: Christopher R. Snowber, AIA, Hamilton Snowber Architects. Interior Design: Kate Abt, Kate Abt Design. Renovation Contractor: AllenBuilt, Inc. Dolomite Marble Tile: architessa.com. Tub: ferguson.com. Plumbing Fixtures: brizo.com. Shower Door Fabrication: wellbornwright.com. Sconces: visualcomfort lightinglights.com. Quartz Countertop: rbratti.com.

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