On the Surface

Traditional Elegance
General Contractor: Bill Pierce, Colby Construction
Designer: John Fernandez for Hurwitz Mintz Interiors
Tub, toilet and shower supplier/installer: Bienvenu Brothers Plumbing
Marble supplier and installer: Pieri Tile & Marble
This custom-designed bathroom by Hurwitz Mintz has a stately, traditional elegance reminiscent of something you might see in a plush Park Avenue hotel. In choosing the materials and woodwork, designer John Fernandez let the word “formal” set the stage. To get the desired look, he says, nothing short of “beautiful emerald-green marble and red mahogany raised-panel wains-coting” were needed. The result is an opulent oasis fit for a king and queen.
Because this was a renovation, Fernandez had a specific size and space with which to work. He designed a vanity with cabinets that resembles a furniture piece, but connected it seamlessly to flow along the lines of the mahogany wainscoting.
The darkly romantic color scheme also necessitated the right lighting, a challenge all in itself: the bath had no windows or natural light. “The tricky part about lighting in bathrooms is that you want to achieve mood but still have plenty of task lighting,” Fernandez says. He managed to preserve the mood by using small recessed can lights throughout. In addition, mirroring the entire span of wall space above the wainscoting added a sense of space, Fernandez says.
It is a renovation theory that proves the continuity of just a few materials—marble, glass and wood—creates harmony in a smaller space.
Spacious Sanctuary
General Contractor: Frank Morse
Designer: Cynthia Whittington of Interior Motives Design & Décor
Tub, toilet and shower supplier/installer:
Southland Plumbing Supply and Ray Falcon
Homeowners: Dr. C.J. and Michelle Landry
When building their home in an upscale Marerro suburb, Dr. C.J. and Michelle Landry decided to create a master bath that was as durable as it was big and beautiful.To achieve the ultimate tranquil setting, a warm blend of neutral, cream and silver color schemes was just the ticket, while lots of marble and stone surfaces bathed the retreat in luxury.
For Michelle, having a first-class dressing area in addition to a full spa treatment was also a priority. “Women spend a lot of time getting ready, so I wanted a nice, big space,” she says. She employed the talents of Cynthia Whittington of Interior Motives to thoughtfully execute the design and details.
The architecture is enticing, while plenty of mirrors give the illusion of even more space. His-and-hers marble multi-level vanities run the length of each wall, and are accented with large beveled-glass mirrors and wall sconces overhead, while above each sink is an ornate antiqued-silver framed mirror.
The raised whirlpool tub is situated in a large, wide marble-topped decking flanked by white columns, creating a romantic, airy retreat. Recessed built-ins on either side hold silver-finished decorative urns and flower arrangements, while the window provides plenty of natural light. The result? A romantic hideaway so inviting that only a few aromatherapeutic candles and soft music are all that’s needed to wile away a sensational afternoon. •

On the Surface

Dr. C.J. and Michelle Landry bathroom

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