One couple (who wish to stay humbly anonymous), whose travels have taken them throughout Europe, made Italy their inspiration for one of the most incredible bathroom remodels we’ve seen. Connie Hines, a very talented and sought-out local interior designer, was brought in to help the couple create a space so amazing it is what the couple regards as their dream bathroom.
It’s hard to believe, but the recreated space you see once looked very different. Old, peach-hued wallpaper covered the walls, red and black shag carpet was the flooring throughout and the previous ceiling sat several feet lower. The “before” bathroom didn’t even have a tub.
The transformation into a dream bathroom wasn’t something that simply came to be. It took almost three years to plan, construct and design. The initial plan for the remodel project only entailed gutting the existing bathroom, but as the couple and Connie discussed their ideas, Connie knew the original plan would need to be modified and a new direction would need to be taken. Connie began visualizing and conceptualizing every element of the space. Her ideas were then put into sketches, and once the couple saw her renderings they knew Connie had not only captured what they needed and wanted but had transformed the space into an elegant and luxurious retreat which was so much more than just a bathroom.
Because the couple wanted the bathroom to be reminiscent of the architecture they observed on their travels, Connie knew dome ceilings could create that European essence the couple was looking for. To accommodate the domed ceilings, she knew the existing structure would need to be reconfigured. They decided the current roof would need to be taken off and raised several feet, a daunting task since the roof was constructed of solid concrete. Once the roof was off, Connie was able to go in and design ribbed domed ceilings which have become one of the greatest focal points in the space. “Domed ceilings have been around forever,” says Connie. “You see a lot of it throughout Europe, especially in old Cathedrals. It’s proven to be a timeless architectural element. It’s been around for centuries and centuries, dating all the way back to 320 A.D.”
In addition to the roof coming off, the couple also elected to add some additional square footage, allowing room for everything they wanted, including an infra-red sauna, an extra large custom closet, a Japanese soaking tub, a state-of-the-art shower, the loo (a separate toilet area), a his and hers vanity area and an exercise room. Each element of the space was sketched by Connie. She used her ideas in collaboration with the wants and needs of the couple to create a final layout plan that awed them all.
Once the new foundation and structure was set, the vision of a dream bathroom really came to life. “The curvilinear appeal was really strong with the arches and the domed ceilings. I decided to draw the cabinetry with a high arch over it to continue with the theme,” says Connie as she talks me though the cabinetry design, one of the most customized and detailed elements in the space. The couple wanted cabinetry for everything from linens and towels to toiletries and jewelry. “I can’t find cabinetry like this. I can’t find things that are unique and individual. The only way to achieve the overall cabinetry presentation and function we were looking for was to design each and every piece,” says Connie as she explained the need to build custom cabinetry. “The cabinetry is made in Mexico by an artisan I’ve worked with for a very long time. Anything that I can draw, he can make.” Connie’s designs were carved out of beautiful pecan wood allowing for a warm richness to engulf the space.
As a way to tie the space together, Connie opted to faux finish all the interior walls. “We needed to enhance [the bathroom] with color to give it the depth and attention that it deserved, so the faux finishing became very important,” says Connie. Neutral tones were used throughout to add to the luxurious, spa-like atmosphere of the space while enhancing the warmth created by the extensive use of wood. Connie also provided the space with the final finishing touches such as unique accents like ManHandles by Soko, one-of-a-kind fixtures and accessories, and art pieces to highlight the individual style and character of the homeowners.
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