Degrees of Green

Interior designer Kelly Schellert, ASID, and owner of Sedoria, transforms a basic hall bath in the charming Webster Groves community of Webster Park, into a relaxing, eco-minded oasis that incorporates repurposed and recycled materials with a soothing, natural palette. The artistically and naturally inspired space blends the homeowners’ love of the earth and sustainable, natural design with energy-efficient and environmentally friendly features.

Text: Vicki Pickle
Photos: Michael Jacob

one. Double pocket doors were sourced from a salvage company to match the repurposed doors throughout the rest of the home’s remodel and allow for aging in place, with an ample turning radius.

two. A repurposed cabinet (from a previous kitchen cabinet), over the Kohler high-efficiency toilet, takes on a new life by adding whimsical pewter lily pad and frog hardware from an old wet bar cabinet.

three. The slate tile wraps the room as a wainscot and embraces the tub. The tile can be recycled at the end of its purpose.

four. A hand shower in lieu of wall-mounted showerhead reduces gallons per minute (water usage) when compared to a typical shower arrangement and eliminates the need for a shower curtain or door. And a therapeutic “Airbath” system has an inner heater and LED digital display/remote.

five. A mirrored medicine cabinet with an integral faucet allows for multi-purpose use. Storage is maximized by use of a double towel bar, robe hook, and recessed niches for function and display.

six. A natural river rock floor with radiant heat flooring provides energy conservation and reduces year-round energy costs.

seven. A custom-designed, eco-friendly stainless steel and glass vanity showcases the homeowners’ rock collection, with rocks collected from around the world. A sconce light fixture to the left of the sink is made from recycled metal and glass.

eight. Glass transom windows use borrowed light from another area of the home’s remodel. A skylight was added for passive solar energy/lighting and to maximize light and heat gain in the winter with the southern exposure.

nine. Insulated/sound proofed walls provide energy-efficiency. Low-VOC paint was used for ceiling and skylight area.

ten. The space includes decorative items that are in keeping with the family’s love of nature: A carved rock candleholder; a driftwood soap holder; and a bronze ballet dancer sculpture out of leftover material from another of the homeowner’s projects.

BEHIND THE SCENES…
The eco-conscious bath connects to a newly constructed addition to the home with a minimized footprint, and utilizes durable materials selected for maximum sustainability.