Artistically inclined homeowners envisioned a primary bathroom that honored the architectural heritage of their Tower Grove East home, while embracing bold choices in material and color. Staying true to the home’s early 1900s roots, modern elements are layered with industrial brass plumbing fixtures set against dramatic Viola marble countertops and carved Carrara wall tile. Pressed glass lighting, a new clawfoot tub, rich stained wood paneling and a carefully sourced vintage chandelier add period-appropriate charm and texture, striking a thoughtful balance between old and new.

Dark glazed maple cabinetry features doors with square molding applied for a tailored, crisp look. Matte black fixtures and pendants with offset ribbed glass shades balance, brighten and add sophistication to the room. Leathered Taj Mahal countertops echo the soft creaminess of the tile floor. A green textured wallcovering broadens the room visually, and enlivens the room with a natural color in an otherwise neutral space.

Why the judges love it:

This main floor bathroom renovation is soft, subtle and strong with its blend of both style and function. A porcelain octagon mosaic floor with a soft taupe accent welcomes the original reglazed cast iron tub and provides a durable foundation for the room while remembering its origins. The brass console, with a deep integrated sink and its coordinating faucet, opens the space in the room to give it an airy and classic feel and serves as a towel bar when needed.

The designers chose Verde Calacatta marble with its strong color and veining as the star of this powder room. Extra attention was given to ensuring that both the walls and fixtures were kept simple, yet complementary in order to add texture and lightness to the room. The room was finished with a playful circle and diamond marble floor with marble base molding in a similar tone to the wallpaper, giving the floor personality without overpowering the vanity marble. Decorative light fixtures perfectly mirror the stone pattern and keep with the modern theme of the room.

The renovation of this elegant powder room, guided by the clients’ refined palette and the design team’s exceptional creativity, sought to refresh the first-floor home’s interiors while leaning on its existing bones to create an elevated, timeless and functional home. The design team worked thoughtfully to create a dramatic, custom-built vanity, with a deep red high gloss finish that anchors the space and provides a rich grounding element for the wallpaper and the detailed marble countertop.

Thomas A. Edison once said that good fortune often happens when opportunity meets with preparation. The prolific inventor wasn’t writing about building a custom home, but the missive would nonetheless resonate with the team responsible for designing and constructing this new home in Frontenac.