Space of the Week: This Historic Bathroom Was Upgraded With a Jaw-Dropping Archway, Patterned Tiles, and Paint
Landed Interiors and Homes
If the design team at Landed Interiors & Homes had an unofficial motto, it would be this: the details make the project. When artist Michelle Morby contacted them to overhaul her San Francisco bathroom, it was clear that whoever reimagined the space years before wasn't as concerned about making the specifics fit into a wider story.
"The bathroom had been remodeled in the 1990s, and its contemporary style was incongruent with this Arts & Crafts home," says designer Lynn Kloythanomsup. "We aimed to bring back the traditional touches that were consistent with the original architecture, but included modern updates."
Set in the Richmond District of the city, where streets are often filled with fog billowing in from the nearby Pacific Ocean, the property was built in 1914 as a typical two-story row house. At first, Morby was only interested in reconfiguring its main bathroom, which had an open layout united by a brown-and-beige palette and the need for more light. She and the team envisioned a brighter and bolder retreat that would honor the home's history by its classic build and sturdy furnishings. They looked to English country homes for inspiration, but still wanted to capitalize on as much California sunshine as possible.
Landed Interiors and Homes
"We combined a tub and shower area beneath a beautiful arched niche, created a separate toilet room, and built a custom vanity and medicine cabinet," Kloythanomsup says. "We also added more skylights, as the bathroom remained in the center of the house and does not have any exterior windows."
With the new layout in place, the team set about embracing its fine-tuned motto. "All of the finishes were designed specifically for this renovation, from the custom tiles, to the marble slab counter, to the boxed-wall paneling," she adds. Considering how many intricate aspects there are in this bathroom—like the curved entrance to the shower, the flourishes on the floor, and even the double-sided medicine cabinet that can also be accessed from the hall—tracking every itch was no small feat. "A renovation and project with this amount of detail is not for the faint of heart," Kloythanomsup says. "We were fortunate to align with a client who valued artistic expression and detail as much as we do."
After many careful drawings and visits to the construction site, the team was able to present a finished bathroom that spoke to its motto and the century-old home as a whole. In fact, this undertaking was so successful that Morby asked to keep the renovations going. "This eventually turned into a project that covered most of the home," Kloythanomsup says. "We shared many of the same references for her dream house. It was natural for us to take it further."
RELATED: A Quick Guide to Tile Patterns, According to an Interior Designer
Landed Interiors and Homes
Get the Look:
Otomi Tiles
With an Otomi-inspired pattern of rabbits, deer, and herbs, each cement tile is handmade and the color can be customized to suit your space. In the San Francisco bathroom, navy and clam tiles complement and provide contrast to the blush pink walls.
Brass Sconces
Antique brass fixtures, including the wall sconces, add to the history of the space. The white glass shade emits a soft, romantic light.
A Sophisticated Shade of Pink
The trick to finding an elegant shade of pink? Look for one with yellow undertones, like Benjamin Moore's Bridal Pink. This hue appears on the paneled walls in the bathroom, while Summer Peach was brushes on the exposed sheetrock.
Don't Forget Flowers
Keeping a small, rounded bud vase on the bathroom vanity serves as a reminder to add simple, fresh florals to the room. Even a couple grocery store blooms or greenery cut from the backyard will work.
