While springtime typically conjures up a palette of crisp white paired with vibrant florals or seaside blues, there’s something far more romantic about tapping into the moodier, rainy day side of the season. As the sun’s rays stay out longer each day, I start to crave a bit of a reprieve. The dreamy ambiance in this washroom by the design team at the House of Rohl is just the ticket. A bathroom that delivers a darker, more mysterious vibe invites you to linger and truly relax, hammam style.
In the image above, a rich, dark green palette sets a mysterious tone that is offset by the white freestanding bathtub and sleek fixtures. There is a wonderful mix of organic textures, rustic accents and soft, filtered light through the dramatic industrial window. The designer has artfully captured the romance of a warm rainstorm on a summer evening — proof positive that the most memorable spaces are the ones that dare to be different.
(Above) Bathtub, IOS matt white tub by Victoria + Albert, Parabola wall mount tub filler and lavatory faucet from Riobel, through House of Rohl.
If you are looking for a way to add instant character to a washroom, wrap the walls in crackle finished subway tiles for patina and texture. Bradbury Farrar tile by Waterworks. Available at Ginger’s, gingers.com.
The Antipode fixture (from the Dot collection) by Lambert & Fils is a sleek, elegant take on linear lighting and has become my go-to for adding subtle visual interest and soft ambiance overhead. Sometimes the bigger impact comes from keeping things quiet. Antipode fixture, available through Klaus at klausn.com.
A mottled grey porcelain tile floor creates a wonderful organic feel underfoot and looks so much like natural stone, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference. Selection of porcelain tile in several sizes at Stone Tile, stone-tile.com.
Restoration Hardware’s Printmaker’s Double Washstand in antique pine offers a rustic counterpoint to refined fixtures and brass fittings. I love that it combines open and closed storage for a relaxed, unfitted feel. Printmaker’s Double Washstand available through restorationhardware.com.
This matte black freestanding vessel sink features a sweeping form that’s reminiscent of hand-thrown pottery. Made from reconstituted stone and reclaimed marble, it’s also hard wearing and easy to care for. Claybrook Soho T basin (22” x 15” x 5”) from Ginger’s, gingers.com.
When it comes to staying organized, I say you can never have enough great-looking baskets at hand. This lidded bamboo basket from Ikea has a quiet, exotic appeal that’s perfect for an open-style vanity. TJILLEVIPS Bamboo baskets from Ikea, ikea.ca
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Riobel has created its award-winning Parabola collection that features an inviting geometric design. Available in wall mount as well as deck mount and in several finishes, the matte black brass option has a wonderful tactile sensibility. Parabola faucet designed by Eveline Simard, through House of Rohl, houseofrohl.com.
This made-to-measure mural (from the Random Papers 2 collection) brings the magic of the garden indoors and, because the pattern never repeats, it is truly a work of art. The vinyl option is ideal for handling bathroom humidity. Chinoiserie 2.0 mural by Coordonné, available through Newwall, newwall.com.