Project Spotlight: A Raleigh Primary Bath Retreat Designed to ‘Slow Everything Down’
For some, the home is simply a landing pad. But for a busy downtown Raleigh couple juggling ownership of their own business, heavy civic involvement, and the beautiful chaos of raising two young boys, home had to be a sanctuary. Specifically, they needed a primary bath that could, quite literally, slow the world down.
To bring this vision to life, they turned to North Carolina native Hannah Koontz, founder of Curated Home Staging & Design. Known for her collaborative, ground-up approach to custom builds, the seven-time Parade of Homes award winner was involved from the initial floor plans to the final installation of furnishings, drapery, artwork, and textiles.
Located in Raleigh’s historic and beloved Mordecai neighborhood, the project’s guiding thesis was authenticity. The homeowners “wanted the home to have quality items and materials versus a large square footage, and to incorporate local trade partners and artists into their home’s interior,” explains Koontz. For the primary bath, It needed to be “serene” and “functional” with “natural materials where they can unwind after their typical day,” she adds.
The primary bath leans heavily on Koontz’ talent for layering colors, patterns and textiles. While the surface showcases a soft, organic palette of natural stone and custom tilework, the serenity is felt rather than seen. Underfoot, a quietly humming floor heating system keeps the space warm year-round, easing the transition from a hot shower or bath back into the real world.
To anchor the room’s design and meet the client’s desire for a true wellness retreat, Koontz placed a sculptural freestanding tub by Hydro Systems directly beneath a picture window that frames views of the neighborhood’s mature trees.
Choosing the bathtub wasn’t just a matter of flipping through a catalog. True to her background in textile manufacturing and custom processes, Koontz actually visited the Hydro Systems manufacturing plant in McDonough, Georgia to witness firsthand how the company’s custom vessels are engineered and hand-finished. Seeing how many artists are involved in the process of each individual tub inspired Koontz. “Sharing that level of detail with the client when reviewing tub options was a game changer,” she recounts. “I knew this client is always inclined to purchase products knowing a backstory, specific materials used and the people involved versus something mass produced or inexpensive.”
In the end, she landed on the Picasso freestanding tub, a perfect aesthetic and functional match for the space. Beyond its artistic namesake—which also struck a chord with her art-loving client—the Picasso stood out for its fluid, bow-shaped silhouette and ergonomic design with tall supportive walls and a generous interior to support a deep, full-body soak. Because Hydro Systems allows designers to customize the wellness features of each build, Koontz was able to tailor the tub to the client’s exact specifications, ultimately upgrading the bath with the soothing warmth of Thermal Air. It is the perfect marriage of craftsmanship and sensory wellness. As Koontz summed up on Instagram: “Comfort you can see—and comfort you can feel.”
Design: Curated Home
Build: Armature Design + Build
Showroom: Splash Galleries
Photography: Jessica Shaffer, Chromahaus
