Primary Bath as Private Retreat by Alaric Designs
Sometimes you need to start with a clean slate to get what you want. When a client approached, St. Charles, Illinois interior designer Kristie Sandoval of Alaric Designs with a full-gut project for her luxury home primary bath, Sandoval was beginning with a room that was down to the studs. Not intimidated by an empty canvas, she was able to bring her client’s vision into reality. That vision was of a private retreat, away from the stress of everyday life. It should be cozy, not minimalist and sterile.
To achieve this, Sandoval chose materials that could convey a sense of warmth. The deep wood tones of the double walnut vanity and custom walnut storage serve to ground the design. Quartzite countertops provide both elegance and connection to the natural world. A shower and stand-alone tub were central to the functionality of the space, but the stand-alone tub was also essential in providing the client with her desired sense of retreat and relaxation.
After spending days going with the client to every local showroom to try out tubs in person, Sandoval chose Hydro Systems’ Picasso Freestanding Bathtub for the project. “Every tub feels different when sitting inside,” she says. “Some looked beautiful on the outside but were too small on the inside. This client knew she wanted this tub as soon as she sat in it. The style, scale and ergonomic design of the tub were perfect for her.” Picasso’s gentle, contemporary curves fit into this sophisticated, but informal design that centers serenity and relaxation.
Sandoval designed the area around the tub to be highlighted for visual appeal and to align with the client’s preferences. The designer chose bright-colored teal tiles, arranged in a tiered pattern as the tub surround, achieving both the interest she was looking for and a sense of intimacy in the space. Behind the tub, a custom-built tiered storage piece in deep walnut tones both complements the other fixtures and adds needed functionality for storage and display. The whole design comes together as both a reflection of the client’s style and as a welcoming retreat within the home. “The client is very happy with the design of this bathroom and her bathtub and uses the tub frequently,” says Sandoval, demonstrating that there is truly a perfect tub for every person and every space, and that style and function can go hand in hand when design the perfect primary bath.
Photo credit: Ryan Ocasio Photography
