ASHBOURNE
The vision for this primary bathroom was to create a deeply restorative retreat for busy homeowners—a space that feels decidedly modern, yet never cold. Architectural rigor, custom millwork, expressive natural materials, concealed technology and carefully controlled contrast come together to create an environment that is both serene and visually powerful.
The room is organized around a dramatic central axis. A sculptural asymmetrical soaking tub sits beneath an expansive arched window, transforming the view outdoors into part of the bathing experience. Behind it, matte black Kit Kat tile with warm off-white grout extends into the vaulted gable, emphasizing the architecture while providing a graphic counterpoint to the room’s quieter surfaces. Privacy is handled almost invisibly: a concealed motorized black shade emerges from a narrow slot in the ceiling and automatically retracts or lowers according to programmed day and evening settings.
Custom cabinetry defines the room’s architectural language. Two tones of stained maple—a softly grey-washed wood paired with deep black-stained cabinetry—create dimension without interrupting the restrained palette. Reeded fronts, radiused corners and carefully layered moldings soften the cabinetry’s geometry and lend it a furniture-like quality. Black crown and base moldings outline the lighter wall panels, creating a tailored framework around integrated mirrors. Tall cabinetry positioned at the far ends of both vanity elevations functions as generous bathroom pantries, allowing extensive everyday storage to remain completely integrated into the architecture.
Long vertical alabaster sconces accented in brass flank the mirrors symmetrically, introducing a warm translucent glow against the wood paneling. Above, an oversized reeded-oak chandelier responds to the scale of the vaulted ceiling and becomes a sculptural focal point in its own right.
Natural Viola stone provides the room’s most expressive material moment. Its dramatic burgundy and charcoal veining carries across the vanity countertops and backsplashes and continues into the shower, where it envelops the walls, architectural niches and substantial integrated bench. Polished-nickel Waterworks plumbing adds another layer of refinement, including wall-mounted vanity faucets and an elegantly articulated freestanding tub filler.
Black stone vessel sinks introduce bold, monolithic forms against the movement of the Viola stone, while oversized pale floor tiles create a luminous, jewel-like foundation. Their watery translucency quiets the stronger architectural gestures above and reinforces the room’s sense of calm.
CREDITS
Custom cabinetry design: Murphy and Moore Design
Interior design: ?
Prop styling and florals: ?
Photography: ?
The result is an oasis built through precision rather than excess: dramatic yet serene, highly functional yet luxurious. Every material, line and detail was considered to give the homeowners a space that feels removed from the demands of daily life—a modern sanctuary designed for restoration.
