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Inspired Craftsmanship

Elevated Harmony in the Bath Space

Design experts share their time-honored principles for casting an inspired, yet cohesive vision.


Elevated Harmony

A tranquil oasis. An invigorating retreat. A place to unwind—or prepare for the day ahead. The ideal bath space is different for each of us. But no matter your aspirations, the key to creating a luxurious experience is a focused vision. 

From coordinated finishes and repeated motifs to the intangible nuances of harmonious design, design experts share their advice for creating a sense of unity throughout a space.

featuring Aimee Wertepny of PROjECT Interiors / Photographer: Aimée Mazzenga

Featuring Aimee Wertepny of PROjECT Interiors / Photographer: Aimée Mazzenga

Consider the Full Experience

A holistic space begins with a holistic approach. Considering the entire setting will ground the design, from the smallest details to the largest statements. Meditate not just on the individual elements but the overall experience and the mood you want to set.

“We approach it with just as much thought as the main living room because it’s a major living space,” says Aimee Wertepny, founder of PROjECT Interiors. “First and foremost, we’re considering the layout, the lighting, the way you experience the space. How does the client want it to feel: moody, smoky, dramatic—or bright, light and ethereal?”

The Brizo® team takes a similar approach to product design. “When we create coordinating suites, we’re not thinking about just the look of the faucet or the water delivery,” says Seth Fritz, Brizo® manager of design futures. “We’re imagining the entire room. How do we create a greater human connection to the setting?”

 

Think Small

Once you’ve cast a clear vision, meticulous attention brings it to life throughout the room. “I truly believe the marrow of life is in the details,” says Wertepny. “And when it comes to interior design, the details are what create the emotion—whether it’s a polished element like a sleek faucet or a piece of art that evokes a memory.”

“When it comes to interior design, 
the details are what create the emotion.” 

 

For the Brizo® design team, this means no nuance is too small to be obsessed over. “Our new decorative sink fittings are the perfect example,” says Fritz. “We believe those details should be as beautiful as the rest of the space, from the supply lines to the water stops.”

“Even something functional has to be designed to our standards,” he goes on. “Take the Litze® supply stop valve for example. The knurling is honed for the scale. The weight is precise. You may not interact with it often, but when you do, it will feel just as luxurious as every other touchpoint.”

Interior Designer: Project Interiors / chicago, il, 2019 / photographer: arturo yepez / featuring the litze® Single-Handle Lavatory Faucet in Brilliance® Luxe Gold®.

Interior Designer: Project Interiors / Chicago, IL, 2019 / photographer: Arturo Yepez / Featuring the Litze® Single-Handle Lavatory Faucet in Brilliance® Luxe Gold®.

Interior Designer: Project Interiors / Chicago, IL, 2019 / photographer: Arturo Yepez / featuring the the Litze® Single-Handle Freestanding Tub Filler in Brilliance® Polished Nickel.

“At PROjECT, we are all about creating a seamless look,” agrees Wertepny. “Matching sink fittings and drains to the towel bars and drawer pulls to the Brizo® bath fixtures is no exception. The system is totally turnkey now.”

 

Variations on a Theme

Of course, as Wertepny and Fritze point out, coordination doesn’t mean strict uniformity. “Think harmony, not melody,” says Fritz. “It’s not about matching every single detail, rather an overall sense of coordination and rhythm.”

“Activating contrast creates harmony,” agrees Wertepny. “There needs to be a tonality scale. We’re always looking for complementary textures that are contradicting at the same time. We’re not afraid of taking risks and flipping the script to create beautiful designs with variance and impact.”

To create a bath space that feels single-minded but not predictable, curate a sense of purposeful variety. Diverse textures and a multifaceted palette can still feel as though they are of one mind. Thoughtful mixed finishes—say, a Matte Black faucet and drawer pulls alongside a gold-framed mirror—can add complexity to the unified vision.

“If you want to create special moments throughout the room, you can’t just repeat the same design cues over and over,” says Fritz. “For our Frank Lloyd Wright™ Bath Collection, we were very intentional about approaching each product in a unique way. From single-handle faucets to the shower head to something as small as the robe hook, each has its own purposeful nuances.”

Authenticity Over Trend

Embodying a unified aesthetic isn’t as simple as narrowing oneself to a particular style category or trend. The best design is an act of personal expression, which is why Fritz says the bath space should reflect its inhabitants.

“No one identifies with a trend,” says Fritz. “What homeowners want is a space that feels like it’s truly theirs. When you emphasize their personality instead of what happens to be popular at the moment, the design is naturally cohesive—and naturally timeless.”

“In good design, everything is tailored to the client’s lifestyle and preferences—whatever sets them up for easy living and joy,” says Wertepny. “Make it personal. Make it feel good. Make it matter.”

“Make it personal. Make it feel good. Make it matter.” 

 

Truly personal design might even blend style categories—pairing traditional elements with contemporary ones. Even so, focused storytelling will create a sense of cohesion. “The Litze® collection is a modern Bauhaus-inspired suite,” says Fritz. “But we see it used from ultra-contemporary baths to ornate 1800s revivals. Because it contains nods to historical features, 
it transcends categories.”

Creating harmony in the bath is an exercise in blending and experimentation. Ultimately, there’s no precise recipe, rather a set of principles to follow as you make your own way. Each room is its own adventure.

“Clients don’t come to us for copy-and-paste trends,” says Wertepny. “We listen, interpret and create a one-of-a-kind vibe for each project. That’s the beauty of it.”