An architectural barrel arch frames this focal point bath tub that features cutting-edge technology despite its Old-world appearance.
Interior designer Daniel Liggon had no problem being brutally honest about the state of the bathroom in Dr. Eric and Pamela Suan’s Homeland house. “It was like cheap, motel-quality work,” he says. “It was tragic.” The room was originally a bedroom that was converted into a bath by previous owners. Wall-to-wall carpeting hid wood floors, and awkwardly-placed functional items detracted from the architectural integrity of the home’s Tudor style. So Liggon and architect Vincent Greene worked together to gut the 14-foot by 16-foot room and renovate it to fit the homeowners’ needs.
The Suans wanted a bath that incorporated modern luxuries with the Old World charm evoked by the home’s architecture. “Primarily, we wanted to take out what was done previously and give the room the grace and charm an old room should have but with the amenities a modern bath needs,” says Pamela.She adds that creating a private toilet area was essential. “The toilet was basically in the middle of the room, so no matter where you were, there it was. There was no privacy.” The Suans also required two separate vanities, so both husband and wife could prepare for their days at their own pace, and separate tub and shower areas. The plumbing plan needed to be redirected to accommodate these changes before Liggon could begin creating the classically elegant space his clients desired.
She adds that creating a private toilet area was essential. “The toilet was basically in the middle of the room, so no matter where you were, there it was. There was no privacy.” The Suans also required two separate vanities, so both husband and wife could prepare for their days at their own pace, and separate tub and shower areas. The plumbing plan needed to be redirected to accommodate these changes before Liggon could begin creating the classically elegant space his clients desired.
“This being an original bedroom, it had a wonderful barrel arch looking out the front of the house, so we knew we had to keep that,” says Liggon. “It was fun to have a big empty room to work in with this arch as the keystone.” Liggon explains that the arch naturally marked placement for the tub, a beautifully sculpted bath that became the centerpiece of the room.
Symmetrical his and hers vanities abut glass-enclosed shower and toilet areas on either side of the room.
Liggon was also cognizant of symmetry in the room. The his and hers vanities created a balance that he carried over to the placement of the large, glass-ensconced shower and the private toilet area, which is hidden behind frosted glass on one side of the room. “When you come in, it’s like you walk through a glass antechamber,” he explains. Liggon chose shades of taupe, beige, and gray, neutral tones that brought warmth to the room and reflected the house’s 1920s origins. For the same reason, he selected satin nickel finishes for all of the hardware in the room. In the shower stall, the harlequin-patterned mosaic from Charles Tiles also dictated the colors.
The Valley Craftsman, Ltd. glazed all of the woodwork in the room to give it subtle interest. “These old houses have amazing detail, but when you paint them all white, you lose it,” Liggon explains. “You need shadow lines to accentuate the detail. ”The limestone floors, which feature a subtle mosaic, are, according to Liggon, “in keeping with the house but with a modern flair.” Liggon created his own lighting plan that combined recessed lighting with decorative sconces and a large, alabaster bowl-shaped chandelier that works in conjunction with the tub as a focal point in the room.
The final bathroom is a mix of charming interior design updated from a bygone era and the best new technologies.For example, while the bathtub may look like it’s been in the house for years, it features the latest in gadgetry, including a heated back and a color therapy option. The mirrors above the custom vanities feature an automatic defogging mechanism for after a steamy shower. “We wanted to make a room that was a wonderful statement, that was beautiful and functional,” says Liggon.
Christianna McCausland is a Contributing Editor to ChesapeakeHome.
Contacts:
Daniel F. Liggon Associates: 410-484-2992
Charles Tiles: 410-332-1500
The Valley Craftsmen, Ltd.:valleycraftsmen.com or 410-366-7077
Vincent Greene Architects: 410-366-9982
