I Design, You Decide – The Master Bathroom
Today is the day, and oh my gosh am I ready. It’s like I’ve been playing bingo for months and I have B. I. N. G. and the host keeps pulling the ball out but just holds it and says nothing…for what feels like an eternity. I want to scream with joy that I can finally share this post with you. The master bath is down to two design plans that Brian and I are BOTH EQUALLY happy with. You read that right. We don’t care which one you choose, because we both really, really like them (although we KNOW what you will choose). But wait, before going into that, I have a BIG announcement…I’m happy to finally tell you that I’m working with as a spokesperson for 2018 – turns out that being a fan of their products and generally charming ( the bonus that they like my work, too!) makes for a really great partnership. I’ll be using their product in both renovations (Portland and Mountain) showing a variety of styles, finishes and a lot of new product that you have NEVER SEEN BEFORE, including some ‘intelligent’ features that are going to blow you away. More on that below, but a big thank you to Kohler for partnering with me on these bathrooms…now I just need Kohler, Brian and all 5 million of you to like what I’ve put together. NO (water) PRESSURE.
I’m OBSESSED with this bathroom. As someone who has previously never had a ‘master’ bathroom, who doesn’t have time to go to the spa (super sad story, I know), has a demanding career and two little kids who are pretty much the best human beings on the planet but who drain me (have the bathroom puns started already?) I’m DYING for this spa bathroom. So when Kohler expressed a desire to show off a lot of their spa and intelligent features, I could have cried. Yes, I will do that for you, Kohler.
Let’s revisit the space.
As you may or may not remember, the ‘master bedroom’ was long and windowless, so that is becoming the kids/bunk room and we are stealing from it to create a proper master bathroom suite.
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The new master is a combination of the old jacuzzi room, the old powder room and some of the old master (the new bunk room).
The suite will be amazing, one day. But there are a lot of things that need to change first.
It may be hard to visualize and honestly, it was such a confusing space to even be inside.
Since we are working with Kohler on this, we spent a lot of time at their showroom testing out all the product – literally sitting in the tubs. The new in LA is legitimately BEAUTIFUL and lets you actually experience the pieces in every way, making bathroom design SO much easier. I didn’t personally take a bath, but I did put my hand under the ‘Real Rain’ shower head and immediately was convinced I needed it (it feels like warm rain on you and it’s magical). We chose to make the bathrooms as ‘intelligent’ as possible, which is a big leap for us. I’m secretly intimidated by tech in the home (What if it breaks? What if I lose the remote?) but the conveniences are just too good to deny (and there are no remotes to lose).
So first, let’s talk about the Kohler product that we chose as obviously the function of the bathrooms is pretty darn important. I’ve used Kohler for years – first drawn to the lines of the faucets, and then, of course, their function. But they have more than just faucets – their collections include vanities, sinks, mirrors and more. The quality is high and the customer service is GREAT. They are a lovely company, founded in the Midwest and still family owned – I like that sort of stuff, a lot.
They have both traditional, transitional and modern fixtures and finishes – and so many to choose from. For the Portland house, we chose product with more traditional lines, so for this room, I wanted to go more modern and streamlined.
First up: the vanity area.
- The is very simple and modern – totally streamlined and functional. The main reason we chose this one over some of the other vanities for this bathroom is that it’s going to look built-in. It’s flanked by two walls and will actually look more customized for the space than one with legs that sits on the floor. I had this vanity in our old master bathroom and it’s great – with lots of fun bells and whistles inside like roll out appliance storage, electrical outlets and more. It comes in a few different finishes, but we kept with the linen white. We’ll customize the hardware based on what happens with the lighting.
- The in polished brass is AMAZING. As part of my partnership with Kohler, I was really excited to preview their finish to order program. Here’s the deal: I’ll be able to personalize select faucets by choosing the style I love (Purist for the master) and then bringing it to life with the finish of my choice. The faucets are then made to order (you can visit your local to learn more about the program). I’ve had the deck mount in the brushed brass before which is also lovely, but I’ve made a turn back toward the polished (if it’s in a modern shape). Polished in a more decorative/traditional shape just didn’t fit into my dream for this space. In a simple modern shape, it’s so beautiful.
- We are doing the wall-mount faucet with undermount sink and chose the simple . (The vanity pictured shows their countertop but we will do stone with undermounts).
The bathtub was hard to choose, mostly due to a form versus function thing. I essentially had four different tubs to choose from:
- A drop-in tub (the ). It’s no secret that these can provide the most back support and can potentially have the most ‘features’ – like a bubble massage air bath (seriously, imagine swimming in champagne). But the space ached for a free-standing tub and a drop in, housed in a large rectangular home, would really cut off the flow of the room.
- The more ergonomic freestanding This is really beautiful and the shape of it fits the bay window, but as the ‘chalet’ moved more towards ‘cabin,’ I was afraid that it would be too much of a departure from everything else that is more minimal and classic.
- The unbelievably beautiful free-standing . This is what I had settled on. Its shape is stunning and it is so classic that I KNEW we couldn’t possibly regret it.
BUT THEN…
I realized that I was basically turning down the opportunity to have thousands of bubbles massage my body every second. I was choosing form over function – as a stylist typically would. I projected myself into the future, after a long day playing with the kids in the snow, super cold outside, a glass of red wine in my hand…would I rather have a heated tub with bubbles and back support or a beautiful classic tub in which to soak?
So I went back to Kohler’s site and found the – a freestanding tub that has the heated surface and the bubbles. I emailed Kohler faster than anyone has ever typed and said ‘HOLD THAT BATHTUB ORDER BECAUSE I JUST FOUND MY PERFECT TUB’. They made the switch and honestly, I’m so happy.
was the perfect mix of ‘modern freestanding’ with ‘intelligent spa.’ In the bath area, we have a floor-mount tub filler for my (much anticipated) long and luxurious soaking sessions. It was a very stressful decision…I need a bath with bubbles just thinking about it.
Of course, we have the – it’s stunning and in front of those windows this tub and faucet moment will be HOT.
Onto the shower room, which is 4’x5′ with a luxurious bench.
The shower is the real ‘spa moment.’ It’s a steam room, body hydrotherapy and shower all in one. I’m never going to leave and all future posts will be written from the shower.
- Here’s how we are going to accomplish my spa shower. We went SMART and thanks to Kohler’s water-saving faucets, our water bill won’t be insane.
- A . 2015 Emily would have been terrified by this, but 2018 Emily is EXTREMELY excited to set my water temperature and with the press of a button it will magically be that perfect 97 degrees. I tried it at the Kohler Experience Center and found it super intuitive and easy. There will be no manual controls inside – just the DTV inside and outside. I can set my temp and Brian can set his – multiple users, folks. You can switch from Real Rain to body spray to handshower with a push of the button. And if you don’t live in California, you can even have three showerheads that perform all these different spa-like therapies on your body at the same time. I was SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS. I know that I can’t have all three showerheads on at the same time since we live in a water-regulated state, but Kohler offers a DTV+ Eco system so even us Californians can enjoy a luxury shower while being mindful of our water use. 2018 Emily likes a little pampering now and again. You can choose the spa settings and they will automatically spray you in a symphony of cold and hot water from toes to head.
- . Do you like standing in warm rain whilst naked? ME TOO. It’s soft and relaxing and just magical. It varies in the water pressure, giving you the real feeling of soft, summer rain. It’s AMAZING. I’m putting it near the bench area because it may be the kind of thing you want to sit down for while shaving legs, etc.
- . At first, I didn’t understand what this would really do, but they sold me on hydrotherapy. Hell, if you put the word ‘therapy’ after anything I’ll sign up for it.
- . It’s the pot filler of bathrooms in that it’s not necessary but you get STRANGELY excited at the thought of it. And at a mountain house with cold snowy temps in the winter, you bet I’ll be sitting in (and letting off) a lot of steam this winter (and summer). It’s good for your body, brain and soul. I’ll call it ‘Steam Therapy’ and 2018 Emily is so excited to sign up and sit down.
- . A handshower was something we didn’t put in either of our bathrooms in LA to save money (we thought ‘why and when do you use these?’) Well, I really wished we had. The kids’ hair (for one) and my legs (for two) both wish that we had the convenience of a handshower.
- Obviously, we will be mindful of water waste (the drought is over, but we live in SoCal so it will likely come back). The has the air induction technology which delivers an ‘invigorating spray’ while reducing water by 20%.
For the toilet room (which no longer has a door on it since we had to reduce the size of the wall as it made the room so much smaller), we went with one of their intelligent toilets because our bums deserve it. That’s right. This basically sings to you. It opens when you walk toward it and closes when you leave (no more touching the seat, ladies or gents). A remote control (that is mounted to the wall) will determine your (ahem) personal hygiene cleaning level – and even dry it! It has dual flush capability and there is even a nightlight. Before we even thought of buying this house, my best friend bought this toilet, and I was convinced I wanted it one day in the future. Using her water closet was an absolute pleasure. You don’t even need toilet paper! It’s heated. It greets you by lifting up and does all (fine, most) of the work for you. I never thought that I would be a person who owned this toilet, and frankly unless this is easily within your budget, then I’d say of course you don’t need this intelligent of a toilet. I never regretted having a normal toilet and want to emphasize that this is not something you NEED. But if you have a budget for a smart toilet, I can recommend this one highly. If you want the experience at a lower price tag, Kohler has a great line of that you can just add to your regular toilet.
The Kohler products are pretty amazing – both in look and function. So the challenge is, how do you make those sleek and modern pieces work in a cabin?
That was probably my biggest challenge and why this took so long.
Dear ladies and gentlemen of the blog world, without further ado, I’d love to introduce you to the two design plans that we have finally, FINALLY, narrowed it down to. It’s like Miss America for bathrooms, with less bikinis and more faucets, yet full of intelligent statements.
It’s Modern Mountain, with a Contemporary Cabin bent. Both of these plans have elements of nature (wood and stone) but in finishes that feel more updated and less ‘rustic ’90s mountain house’ (no offense to those, because I’m sure that can be great, just not what we were going for here) and more airy, simple and Scandinavian. That first plan was easy to design and I didn’t really change it much. Some things might slightly change (I may put a 6″ marble backsplash behind the wall-mount faucet) and I might just do one wall of the toilet room instead of all four up to 50″ high. But the materials and general vibe won’t.
The whole space will be warmed up with wood on all three HUGE windows and a vaulted wood ceiling.
We have also intentionally left off the sconces, mirror and hardware as I really want to tell a whole story with those throughout the house and not just choose them per room. I had some on there and then took them off realizing that an overall plan was needed first, but this post couldn’t wait.
Let’s go through each element.
- The ceiling wood tone is TBD as we haven’t locked that down yet, but will likely be a medium tone. We exposed the ceiling and vaulted it and I’m very excited – but we have to put in insulation and there is ducting, so we will re-clad over that in new wood. The vaulting did create some awkward ceiling height issues in the shower, which we are troubleshooting but it’s worth the height we gained.
- The vanity backsplash is this new tile from that is handmade and SO PRETTY. It has so much movement and that color of blue is one that I will NEVER get sick of.
- We wanted a contrasting shape/scale for the shower surround so I chose this beautiful (also handmade) tile from . It’s STUNNING in person.
- The floor is a and yes I’m still nervous about it, but also excited. Brian has been pro-pebble since second one, so I love how much he will love it.
- The countertop, shower floor and WC floor will all be a natural stone that we source at a stone yard. I will likely go with a leather finish as opposed to honed or polished because it’s the most visually warm option.
- The faucets are all so beautiful in a polished brass and that bit of shine takes it to another level and gives it the EH stamp. I seriously debated the black finish, but when they confirmed I could get the Purist in polished brass with the new finish to order program, we committed.
On to the second option.
This second design is lighter, airier and plays more with texture than the first. It has less color, but a little more drama and warmth. You think on first glance that you like the first one more, right? Well, look at these textures…
For this one we have:
- The same wood ceiling – again TBD.
- The shower surround tile is this insane tiny Thassos mosaic from that bounces the light around in a stunning way. It’s slightly more glam than I thought we’d go but in person, it’s just beautiful.
- The flooring is a that I’m kinda more excited for than the white. With dark grout, I think it’s going to be really dramatic. If we don’t do it here we’ll likely do it in a guest bath because I really love it.
- The vanity backsplash is a STUNNING handmade white tile. It is not super rustic or farmhouse-y. It’s more refined, creamy and soft.
- The marble for the countertop and the shower bench are both TBD but they will likely be a stone that we source at a stone yard with warmer tones. Think Calacatta Gold versus Carrara (which has a lot more gray in it).
Am I tempted to mix both designs and have the tile surround from option #1 with the white tile of option #2(???) YES but I have to stop the decision-making at some point. I’m also super interested in using the dark pebble with the darker tile, but I MUST JUST STOP.
Once you choose between these then I’ll give you the hardware, lighting and mirror combo options (and by then we might know the wood on the ceiling).
I love them BOTH so much. And so does Brian. In neither of them do I have any MAJOR concerns, although both of them might be tweaked – I have to reserve the right to change things once in the field. But tile must be ordered. Stone must be sourced. It’s your turn to be the decider.
After all of that, it’s time for you vote: WHICH ONE DO YOU CHOOSE???????
I Design, You Decide
Master Bath: Overall Style
Option 1
Master Bath
Option 2
Master Bath
Thank you for doing your daily design duty.
Your vote has my vote 🙂
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I’m dying to know, although we both think there is a FOR SURE winner. In case you are wondering what this whole ‘I Design, You Decide’ thing is (and want to know what you can win by voting) go HERE.
If you need more information or want to watch the whole process, please enjoy this non-sponsored video. It was the first time that Brian and I did a video together just for fun, and not going to lie – it WAS.
***Thanks to Kohler for partnering with me on this post and these bathrooms. Obviously, we have a few more designs to do, but knowing what you choose here will definitely affect the direction of the rest of the bathrooms.
Number 1 is more bold
I think option 2 is bolder mostly due to the marble. It has more movement and color which can make it more challenging to work with, but ultimately provides more payoff.
Vote: Option 2!!!!
Tech problem: I’m on a cell and I have the Twitter and Pinterest apps and even though I shared on those platforms, I didn’t get more contest entries.
Lovely options as always! I really really liked the number 1, I felt it was a bit more of that light and airy Scandinavian design, especially the marble. But my functional side simply couldn’t push the button on a white floor. It would be an agony to clean. So number 2 it was for me.
Also as a Finnish (almost, kind of partly Scandinavian I think) designer it’s really fun to see how you interpret Scandinavian design style. A design which is an everyday and mundane thing in my life and a style I necessarily don’t even see clearly anymore. Of course your design is with an American (Californian?) flare, but still, so lovely.
I’ve learned a lot so thank you :).
Love them both, option 1 seems a bit more cabin fitting, what is the consensus on how the white stone will wear? Will it look dingy?
I agree–it will get dull if use light grout. I have a white floor with white grout and I have found it is major upkeep to keep it looking clean!!
I’m liking the dark floor on, I’ll be the first to say it, #2. (tee hee, i said number two!!!)
I would normally go for dark floor, white tile, but I totally agree: #1 is the bolder choice. Go bold!!
Option 1 all the way!
My vote was for number 1, but I’d sub the dark pebble floor for the white. The white flour is going to be a bear to keep clean, unless you are doing white pebbles with dark grout. I think the darker tile on the wall will be more fitting for a cabin.
Love elements of both, but the darker stone on the floor is just right. It won’t stain or show as much mountain dirt, sand. Totally go dark stone even if you end up marrying different elements together from both designs.
I voted for #2…but my favorite elements are the Ann Sacks triangle tile from #1 and the warmer creamy marble countertop in #2! The herringbone is beautiful for sure, but it feels a little too glam in a spa shower that is supposed to calm you, if that makes sense? What are you doing on the rest of the walls – just sheetrock painted white or another color? Any other texture like shiplap/board and batten/wainscoting? I also say you gotta keep the stone flooring the darker color.
I was loving all the inspiration when we thought we were buying a B&B in the catskills, but now we’ve pivoted and are buying an 80’s contemporary as just a regular house and keeping our day jobs (bummer) but it is still seriously and gloriously 80’s fixtures throughout and once again, I’m feeling like I can steal half of the ideas from the mountain house for the contemporary! (There is zero inspiration out there for update contemporaries other than the Lauren Leiss home, so thank you).
“I voted for #2…but my favorite elements are the Ann Sacks triangle tile from #1 and the warmer creamy marble countertop in #2!” I feel the same and voted the same. I would ultimately like to see a little mix of both versions.
I agree too, #2 but love the Ann sacks tile.
Agreed on this too! The darker flooring is an absolute must, but the triangles in #1 feel more fitting. I also love the warmer marble! In a world full or beautiful marble (which I’m a sucker for), it would be so fun to see something other than Carrara used.
GAH. if #2 gets chosen then I’m DEFINITELY going to use that white ann sacks tile somewhere in the house. I LOVE IT. heck, maybe I will use it in the shower. I can mix the two right? Or will people be so mad????!!!
I totally think you could do the Ann sacks tile in 2 because it is GORG, but I’m hoping 1 wins because I’m dying over that navy backsplash.
Not mad.
I would love if you’d mix. 🙂 The first option is great, but the white pebbles will be a pain.
And I wonder – isn’t it impractical to use a faucet with two handles?? I live in Europe and I don’t remember seeing one installed in my adult life. As beautiful as your faucet is, I can’t get over of the simplicity of a single handle – and there are many pretty ones too.
I also wondered what is the deal with built-in kitchen devices in USA, loved reading your post about possible changes in your house!
Also in Europe, but don’t dig the single-handle tap. I find two way easier to use! And prettier. Different strokes, I suppose. 🙂
Definitely down for mixing the two bathroom designs.
Emily, I don’t think you are giving as real two choices. For me both bathrooms look identical. From a distance the minor details such as shape of a tile or pattern in a marble are indistinguishable. It is more of a question: black wall vs black floor. Don’t you think? I predict 49% vs 51% for one or the other.
Totally agree! Right now it’s 48% to 52%, so your prediction isn’t far off at all!
Cracking up here; when I voted it was exactly 49/51. They are super-similar. Option 2 takes it for me because of the dark floor. Both for practicality and somehow it’s more aesthetically pleasing and feels more ‘cabin’, somehow. I think it’s the combo of dark floor/vaulted ceiling, which reminds me of a forest – all shade at ground level, then you look up, up, up to the treetops. But maybe that’s just fanciful!
Love option two, but that shower surround in option one has me heart!
I vote 1
The link to the “Underscore” tub takes you to the wrong tub. Do you mind fixing this – I would love to look at the Underscore you were talking about and there are A LOT of tubs called underscore on their site. Thanks!
Sorry about that! It’s been updated to the correct link in the post.
Will you link to the vanity backsplash tile for option 2 please? I love it!
In regard to cleaning, it’s not necessarily the white pebbles which need to be kept clean, but the grout…
Get down on your hands and knees with a brush… argghhhh
Otherwise, both designs are beautiful. Good luck.
There is a more expensive grout that I always use, (renovating 3 bathrooms and the whole house actually) that doesn’t stain . A little more wore evidently and expense but totally worth it . Obviously they have other colors. I am putting a Marine penny tile on a counter top so am using this particular color. If you don’t go with Custom Building Products brand I am sure other brands have a similar epoxy product.
So fancy! Enjoy
Option 2, because it ventures away from your normal style a bit more.
I voted for option #1, but I think the dark flooring in option #2 may be a better choice?!?
Ooh, great choices. And I LOVED the fun video you guys did, very reality flavored LOL. I picked choice 1 for two reasons – first, it seems like every bathroom reno lately out there is doing dark slatey floors and white everything else, so it doesn’t feel new, it feels farmhouse trend. The dark tile on the walls seems more mountainy and modern to me. I remember one of your bathroom inspo pics from way back had a dark gray tile on the vanity wall and I was so struck. Second, I really like the shapes of the tiles in choice one – may be a pictures vs real life effect but they do seem more interesting than the white oblongs of choice 2. As usual, either will be great in the end, I’m sure! Just put lots of protective clear coat on that wood ceiling, mkay?
Both are very nice and both seem like they would be difficult to clean. ridges in the first one, the sacks tiles, seem impossible.
The white pebbles a nightmare.
I also don’t understand the obsession today with putting a wall next to the toilet. Are people having parties in their bathrooms? doesn’t the bathroom already have a door for ‘privacy? tiny little spaces for toilets seem weird to me.
Hi Terry, I think when you are sharing a bathroom with your partner and you are both tryinh to get ready in the morning, it’s nice to have a little bit of privacy on the toilet. It keeps the mystery alive 😉
uh, not really.
Terri, totally! I can just about understand if it’s a small city space where you both might use the bathroom at the same time, but in a holiday home with an abundance of bathrooms and toilets, I’d prefer to avoid the claustrophobic feeling too. Gives it an almost cubicle feel, like a public loo.
Is it just me or are they virtually the same? Still not a fan of the pebble tile. Bummed that it’s in both options.
I sort of agree…we aren’t really deciding…which is fine as it’s not my house but…why the build up?
I agree – they are both lovely but very similar, so of course either way everyone wins. However, once again – I would love, love, love to have either, maybe number 2 slightly more.
I’m just loving how educational this blog is! So many design blogs post endless pretty pictures but when I read this one, I almost always learn something. I would never have dreamed about the smart technology available for today’s bathroom reno! I can’t wait to see how it all looks and love picturing your family enjoying all the spa-like benefits at your mountain retreat.
I am so into geometric shapes right now, so I LOVE the tile in option 1! Swoon city
The white backsplash & white vanity feel very contemporary, not sure I see that for this mountain home. And as much as I love the idea of the grey pebble floor, for some reason it feels very 90’s to me. I can understand everyone’s hesitation to do a white-ish pebble floor for cleaning reasons, but I feel you’d have a go around for that ;). Big votes for dark vanity backsplash from me!
I would be surprised if there were a “FOR SURE winner.” These two options are nearly identical in terms of overall vibe.
I love the continuity of option 2. The dark tile on the wall behind the sink and the light on others bothers me and feels less cohesive. Love both, but definitely option 2. Plus, dark floors feel more grounded and natural.
This was soooo hard to choose. I love them both. Seriously, Brian Henderson, that video is sooo amazing! You guys have really upped the game. What pros 💋❤️💯
I get why youre having the door from the master swing in and to the right (so it doesn’t bang up against the shower is my guess?) but thats going to be so awkward in real life. It’s begging for a pocket door or to swing out into the bedroom.
Agreed. It looks like the windows would prevent a pocket door. As much I dislike barn doors, maybe this is a solution on the side of the bedroom. It would serve a good function.
Right you are about the windows, Josh – I guess I’d just as rather swap the toilet and shower and swing the door inwards right to left. That way the toilet is tucked behind the door for privacy and that beautiful shower (instead of the toilet) is in your line of vision when you walk in.
Also, my vote is for option two!
Again so hard to choose! I thought I loved the shower tile in option #1, but then option #2 came along and charmed me away from #1. With the wood vaulted ceilings, this is going to be a bathroom I’ll want to live in! Except if the power goes out. What does happen then w/ the toilet and shower???
For option #2 (my personal fave), can you share this tile?: “The vanity backsplash is a STUNNING handmade white tile. It is not super rustic or farmhouse-y. It’s more refined, creamy and soft.”
Thank you! I’ve been looking for a handmade white subway/square tile, not quite as extreme as the cle zelig, somewhere halfway between that and a generic.
Also, the Kohler sink faucet is the exact one I’ve picked, but I never knew that polished brass was a finish option.
So that complicates things! 🙂
number 1 buuuut with the dark stone floor -partly for ease of use/keeping clean but also to bring balance to the ah-may-zing blue vanity backsplash tile : )
ME too! Exactly!
I am not feeling the Ann Sacks shower/WC surround in option one for some reason (I think the shape feels too trendy) and am loving the dark pebbles and warmer marble of option 2. So I vote option 2!
Number 1 is my fave! Except for the white floor. I have one in my kitchen and noooo thank you.
When will you post the bathroom rules? I NEED it in my life!!
I have to go with option 1! Feels warm and woodsy, while still being sophisticated
Option 2. Love the warmer marble countertops and the dark floor.
for aesthetics? option 1. HANDS DOWN. that’s what i voted for. BUT. if i was actually going to live in that bathroom, there is no way i’d do a white floor. LOL. even if they are pebbles, sounds like a huge pain in the ass to spend that much time cleaning in a vacation house. BUT, i’m hopeful for you that you have the budget to just have a cleaner take care of that nonsense 😉 SO, option 1 FTW
Option 1 hands down…the airiness of option 2 is beautiful, but I think people crave more colors and moodiness these days than airiness (especially in a mountain house).
Can always add color throw accessories and keep the versatility of the bathroom. 2 feels more timeless.
Both of these are nice, but neither one is thrilling me. They also read as basically interchangeable if the dark floor is flipped with the vanity backsplash. The one element that strikes me as a bit unusual and exciting is the Ann Sacks tile, but I wonder if it will show up well in photographs when so much of the room is white. That tile in grey throughout the bathroom could be striking.
I voted Option 2 but only because the white pebbles just seem like such a bad idea! Otherwise I like Option 1 better because I think that dark wall will look so lovely with all those windows.
Option 1 all. the. way!
I ALMOST pulled the trigger on a black tile bathroom backsplash and picked the safer option of white and still have regrets to this day. My next bathroom tile backsplash will definitely be black. It’s just SO GOOD. The white pebbles feel so modern-mountain spa and I’m obsessed. Do it, girl!
It is a toss-up for me. I love both designs. I ended up voting for option 2 solely because of the darker floor with dark grout. White pebble floor tile looks lovely, but scares me from a daily functional perspective. Love what you are doing with the mountain house. Thanks as always for sharing your process.
Because I’m insufferable, I feel the need to point out that a 97 degree shower would be COLD. Water needs to be hotter than body temp to feel warm. I think the average shower temp is like 105.
Also, my $0.02, a marble shower bench (if you actually plan to sit on it, as opposed to just prop your foot for shaving purposes) will be cold AF. If you intent to plop your (naked) butt on it, plz get a wood bench (teak or something water friendly).
Love both, but I’m super into black (or dark) floors and lighter walls in bathrooms right now, so option 2 is my fave!
Definitely agree about a teak butt friendly shower bench, much more comfortable in every way the teak would relate to the ceiling and other wood elements, more Mountain home.
One! So dramatic and pretty! It’s a win win decision for sure though
Both options are gorgeous. I have a preference for option 1, as I think that deep blue (?) vanity backsplash really pulls you in, but I seriously love the black pebble tile in option 2. You can’t do pebble tile everywhere, but I’m so glad you’re doing it here!
Emily, I am so bummed that I cannot tell you. We are getting ready to trigger a master bath remodel, and I LOVE the Purist faucets. But…NOW THEY HAVE DISCONTINUED THE POLISHED GOLD??? Why, if you can get them, nobody else can get them? It is a serious bummer when you show product that’s gorgeous and inspiring, but then….gone.
I believe Emily said she was able to get the Purist line in polished gold through Kohler’s new “finish to order” program, where the products are made to her specifications… So it sounds like that particular combo isn’t available on the shelf (at least not anymore), but made-to-order through that program.
The faucets I chose are in Vibrant Polished Brass, but Kohler just started a new finish program that can help you find the Polished Gold options – they recommend that you call your local Kohler Signature Store or Kohler Experience Center for more information on the program. They also have a fantastic Customer Service team if you need help finding a local store! 1-800-4-KOHLER
In #1, I don’t like the pebble flooring with the texture/shapes of the shower surround/WC walls. Also, I’m tortured (TORTURED) by some white bathroom floor tile and my big black dogs (and their hair) in a current rental bathroom, so maybe I’m also biased because of that. I’m a solid #2…
I like both options equally! Voted for #1 because I love the moody vanity tile and the white pebble floors feel fresher.
One question I have is the marble bench in the shower. Stunning, yes! I’ve never had marble in my home, but I hear so much about how fragile it is to stains. Would a shower that’s not used every day have problems with staining on a horizontal surface subject to water and soaps every day? Especially in an enclosed steam shower? In a home where the HVAC is turned way back while away? I’m just imagining nasty brown stains in the corners of the bench.. Hope you’ve considered all this and my worries aren’t valid!
I would worry about the same thing if it were my house! I’d want to set shampoo bottles and such on the bench, but be afraid they would leave a stain if I left them there too long. Maybe the marble in option 2 would be more forgiving since it has the warmer tones in it to start with?
Plus one. If you want to stick to natural stone for the bench, I’d strongly recommend quartzite over marble. It’s pricier but not porous with a similar look.
Also one more thing – option 1 has all of the tiles linked but option two doesn’t. Can you like to sources? I am loving the handmade tiles in option 2 but have no idea where you found them. FYI, option 2 is my fave…I am all about texture. Option one seems slightly more fussy to me. Thanks!!
I love #2 but please please please use that bluish tile for the vanity splash along with the dark stone floor. It’s so gorgeous! And it seems like it would balance the room more. Love all the other elements so much. Can hardly wait!
Both options are lovely, but I ended up going with #2 because I think the dark pebble tiles will wear better over time.
After I voted, I saw the prompt saying I could enter to win the vacation for four people; am I mistaken or was it originally for eight guests? Perhaps you have already addressed this, but in case it was a typo I thought I would flag it. Again, beautiful bathroom designs!
Kohler has a Finish to Order process?
I’m just completing 2 full bathroom renos…and agonized over the finish…couldn’t get the one really desired and had no information that made the possibility of waiting an option. Was considering the Purist in matte black after seeing suspicious now you see it/now you don’t images of the bathroom line in certain Google images, but when I called Customer Service then the Corporate office, …but they didn’t have a firm date making it available…nor did anyone at their corporate office mention the new Finish to Order possibility.
Ended up with the brushed gold which is fine. Once again: this blog provides the deets!
I think #1 feels more Scandinavian and is more interesting looking than #2.
Is there a directly to the Ann Sacks triangular tile or at least provide the name of it ? I think the link you’ve provided just goes to the Ann Sacks website but there’s no easy way to find the tiles with a name 🙂
Bathroom fixtures alone are probably close to 15-18,000? I am pretty curious about the total cost/budget of a lot of these spaces (what it would cost without sponsors)
Lots of inspiration to interpret something for your own house
“It looks like a restaurant.” You’re so lucky. My wife said, it looks like the bathroom in the DMV.
Not for your bathroom, Emily, but for ours 🙁
Two. I like my dark low and my light high. So dark floor vs. dark backsplash. Simple but deeply-felt;).
I strongly prefer option #2. It feels a little bit more calm and understated. To my eye the Ann Sacks tile shapes combined with the white pebble floors in #1 are just too much. I don’t think a bathroom need that much drama, especially if it’s supposed to feel like a relaxing, peaceful place.
Agreed. Option 2 is more serene and spa-like. The high contrast of Option 1 is not as relaxing.
Hi. Can you PLEASE link option #2 tile sources like you did for option #1? Speaking of…honestly love both options and you can’t go wrong but I think I love #2 BEST! xoxo
Sorry to say, but even in a modern, clean-lined shape, that shiny brass looks SO 80s to me! Especially the shower with all the blingy accessories – it looks like Donald Trump’s shower (not that anyone wants to picture that!)
I think it’s a personal preference, but yes, that shower will have a LOT of brass going on. I would choose matte black fixtures for this bathroom. Emily loves brass though, and she always makes it look fantastic.
Oh my gosh – I hadn’t thought of it that way, but in the wrong context it does look very “look at this rich person’s ridiculous shower made of gold!!!” Now I’m imagining this shower with all the polished brass on camera for an MTV Cribs style tour. With a bottle of Cristal in the corner, of course. If that show was still around I’d kill to have an episode where they toured the Mountain House post-reno and the EHD team is randomly in the rooms as Emily walks through. “Now let me take you to the part I know you’re all dying to see, the garage! In here I have a golf cart that’s been tricked out to look like a Ferrari!” Can Brian please make this happen?
I was going to comment on this as well. I think the fixtures should be either chrome or black. I’d prefer black for a bold accent in this room. Brass just doesn’t work for me here, especially since it’s supposed to be a mountain house. I like brass in many other homes Emily designed, but I just don’t think there should be any brass in the mountain home.
I prefer number one. I like the darker vanity backsplash. Adds some needed contrast.
But I don’t know if I’m an extreme tenderfoot, because I find those pebble floors painful on barefeet.
Just me?
The backsplash tile in #1 is fantastic!!!
Beautiful! I choose number 1, mostly because the flooring. But I wish there was a third option, all in number 1 but without the dark gray vanity backsplash. It kind of brings the whole thing down, in my opinion.
I like all of option 1 except the floor. Could you possibly use the darker flooring with option 1? It would look like the color was brought from the floor up the wall and the room needs some contrast from all the white.
The texture is great.
I would go with option two (which is what I voted for), but with option one’s blue blacksplash tile instead of the white one. I love the dark pebble floor (better for both form and function, I think), and the warmer whites and stone, but you just can’t beat the bold punch of the blue behind the backsplash. And this bathroom would still have enough white/neutral to pull off a darker floor and a dark backsplash.
Option 1 for sure, but switch the floor to the dark pebble from option 2!
Number 2! The black stone floor would look and feel so close to nature!
I ultimately had to vote #1. I couldn’t say no to that dark blue tile, and the white pebble won over the dark pebble for me. But my favorite element from #2 is the marble with warmer veining.. Would love to see that incorporated elsewhere!
I can’t wait to see the final ceiling tone, other wood elements, lighting and hardware alllll come together!
Dark floor all the way – so much easier to keep clean.
I voted for option 2 mainly because of the dark pebble floor tile. I think the white would be a huge pain in the a$$ to keep clean. Along the same vein, I’m very concerned about the amount of grout lines coupled with natural stone in the shower. Even if the grout is sealed, the mildew will eventually creep in and because it appears to be marble, harsh cleaners or bleach can’t be used. Could become a huge problem…
The new urethane grouts are mildew and stain resistant and don’t need sealing or harsh chemicals. Fun fact: bleaching grout breaks down the grout, making it more likely to stain in future. For my tile with urethane grout, every few months I give it a good soak with Charlie’s Soap and scrub with a nylon brush.
Did you use Quartzlock2? My GC suggested epoxy grout, but I never heard of urethane grout until now. It looks to be even more expensive than epoxy grout, but maybe labor isn’t so time consuming?
THX!
That Ann Sachs tile in #1 wins any and all future polls.
I voted for number two but I’d love to vote for an option 3 with the dark floors and that beautiful dark cle tile!
That was a hard one to decide. I loved both of them, but I think the navy tile and the cool Ann Saks tile got my vote, although I loved the marble you chose for option 2, also. Either one is going to be beautiful though.
We put the pebble floor in our shower and it’s sooooo wonderful -like a foot massage every time. If you have hard water, you may want to do with the darker stones & dark grout.
Both designs are beautiful. I went with #2 for the darker pebble floor, for the same reasons many have already mentioned. But, I must add that I LOVE the dramatic blue tile in #1!
I don’t think you can go wrong with either choice, but I do have one big suggestion- add heated floors/shower seat if you can at all possible.
I like a lot of individual elements here, but I’m not sure I love either option as whole in this particular house.
The shimmery white mosaic tile in particular is LOVELY, but paired with an all-white bathroom with white marble and polished gold fixtures? It’s edging toward “Liberace” and pretty far away from “cabin.”
I think what is really not working for me in this context is shininess. The gold fixtures in both options and the shimmery tile are shiny, and swapping those for something matte INSTANTLY makes the whole place feel more natural and cohesive with the woodsy view you’ll have.
Amen, Jill!
Though also…remember the pebble floor will be matte. But I agree that the polished brass would not be my first choice for the styles Emily is going for.
i agree
Option #2
Seems like people like #1 with a non-white floor and a warmer marble, so I’d go with that. 🙂
If you don’t want the grayish tones of the floor and the tile wall to be conflicting, what about that Cle tile in a lovely green?
I do think that dark tile behind the vanity would be such a moment in there though!
I know you didn’t mention them in the blog post/design, but I saw your Kohler mirrors/medicine cabinets in video and I just wanted to let you know that I have two (without the lights) and they are legitimately my favorite part of my master bath remodel, and I know how lame that sounds. They are just SO functional! I show them to everyone and try to convince everyone to get them when the remodel a bathroom. I just love having all my hair and makeup products in there and not cluttering up my vanity top or drawers, its the most organized I have ever felt.
I think #1 has the best wall tiles just switch the floors to the darker pebbles. Win win
Dark floor! Other than that I really like option 1 wall tile options. Voted 2, just for the floor, I get a bit sweaty just thinking about all that white grout with the white pebble floor tile option.
I voted 1, but i love the warm benchtops in #2. I couldn’t cope with the tiny tile in the shower for #2, not if you clean your own bathrooms, keeping all that grout clean would be an actual nightmare- so beautiful though!
wow, mind blown. i live in the mountains surrounded by pine trees. some rugged territory for sure, though this bathroom has me… a vision of spa day without leaving home. i love it, all. for me the 1st option appealed to me, the most. keep us going but not too long Emily. it’s exciting!!!
I was planning on commenting about how jetted tubs are the worst and you should avoid them at all cost (I have one and it’s a BITCH to clean and too loud to relax in with the jets on), but I just checked that one out on the Kohler site and it looks amazing! I love how everything is coming together and am so jealous of your fancy bathroom.
I voted #2 for the darker floor–and because it feels like it sticks more closely to the house’s overall vibe of “refined scandinavian chalet.” But the white subway tile-esque wall option in #2 doesn’t feel super special to me, whereas the Ann Sacks tile in #1 does. I think I’d move that tile over to #2 for the finished look.
And I have to admit that I’m a little disappointed that really all we get to vote for are tile finishes. I can’t even imagine how difficult it is to pull together two different designs that are within your framework, fit the space, you both like, etc… but I wish there was a little more for us to determine.
No matter what, it will look great! (And us readers will always find something to complain about!)
Where is the white tile you selected for option 2 from?
I like the shower tile in #1, but I think the darker floor of #2 is more practical. White grout on the floor seems problematic. Chevron seems like it is a bit dated and not as unique.
Love them both! I voted for one because two is all white and seems less ‘Emily’ :). I’m curious as to the practicality of using a stone for the shower floor – without grout lines from a tile, won’t that be super slippery?
Two stunning designs! You must do the shower speakers!! I just put them in my master shower and they are the best thing about the bathroom. It’s a perfect escape!
HATE the pebble floor option. With a passion. Can’t vote for either.
I voted #1 but would opt for a gray grout for easier upkeep. I don’t like the solid dark floor of #2, seems like it would bring down that totally lovely, light-filled white room. Love the blue tile of #1 and picturing beautiful blue accents around the room. So calming.
I think I may have voted for option 1, when I meant to vote for option 2. So if it comes down to one vote…you can decide how to play that one.😉
I love the drama of the dark floor and think the calmness of the palette will show off the outdoors. Plus you’ll be feeling all zen in the white, which is really how you should feel with a tub like that.
I loved Option 2 except I don’t like the white tile that makes me think bricks. I like the darker tile with the darker stones and then it all gets balanced with the gorgeous white shower surround tile!
Dying over Brian in this video. MORE BRIAN!!!!
Puleez, can you share the source for the vanity backsplash tile in option 2??? Looking for something very similar for our master bath reno. Desperate to know what that is!!!
Just google herringbone small marble tile or something similar. It will come up. Check images until you find it.
Can I ask a very silly question?
How does free standing tub install work w pebble flooring?
I assume the tub sits on a subfloor surface, and pebble floor is installed around it; up to tub edges and grouted to close (what I assume are) irregular and not super tiny gaps where organic/ rounded pebble edges don’t meet tub outer wall?
Just curious on how pebbled floor works, in practical terms.
Thank you for great info!
I like everything in Option 1 except the shower tile and WC walls. I just don’t think that modern tile works with everything else. If you subbed the herringbone to option 1 I would LOVE everything. But you’re right, they are both beautiful!
they both are gorgeous – I only wish you had gone with a different metal finish. I love gold (so much) but I really just see these as wanting black! It will give such an amazing pop off those gorgeous textures. It will look beautiful either way – but I would love to see more variety in the metal finishes. Black feels so much more mountain house to me personally.
Such a tough choice. I have to go with 1, though. I just love that darker backsplash.
I can’t choose one, I’d prefer a combo of the two. I prefer the black pebble floor, but I like the triangular tiles–I REALLY love those. I think I prefer a light back splash, but I’m not sure. I’d have to see the room itself to know for sure. Also, I don’t think you’ve given much love to the sink cabinet (yet?). It’s just a basic white box and I’d prefer something with more character. I don’t care much about which kind of marble is used…what will this bench look like, anyway? I’d just choose the marble that weathered the best. If it were me, I’d have a wooden bench. I’d steer away from anything glam because I am ZEN, not glam.
As much as I love the grey vanity backsplash in option #1, I couldn’t vote for a white floor. I fear it’d be a nightmare to keep looking clean!!
Option 2. I love the ultra fine herringbone in the shower surround.
Am I missing it? I can’t find where to cast your vote
Number 1!
How do you vote? There should be a button you hit to cast your vote, right?? Like on IG Stories?
I’d vote for option 1. I like the cooler grey tones.
How cute is that video! I vote for more Brian Henderson please!
I vote for number 1. The WC and backsplash tile is just too awesome to pass up. However I really prefer the pebbles floor in dark.
Option #1! I love that blue tile!!
Number 2. Love the dark floor.
I like #2 best. A dark backsplash right where you brush your teeth may get a lot of flecks of toothpaste on it and the dark floor will be sensible. Plus I think any rug will stand out more on it.
Option 2!
I really like the darker floor option as, white grout on floors tends to stain over time and you will constantly be scrubbing the floors. The darker river rock pairs nicely with the wood ceiling – feels more like a spa!
Number 2!!
Number 1. Fo Sho. Much more interesting.
I’m missing it – how do I vote?
I vote for option 1. Its rich color of the Cle blue tiles are so beautiful, and I would Love/can’t wait to see those Ann Sacks tiles in this design!! I also worry a bit about the light pebble stones, but they are the perfect tone foryour lake/mountain Scandi vibe!
However, I also am confused about how to vote. Usually, there’s an indicator that the poll is still open on the areas indicated on the Vacay Givaway page. This time there isn’t one, so I don’t know where to go to vote.
Totally opt. 1! Question though, what grout size do you do with the Cle tile? And are they hard to clean, being all uneven and all?
Option 1 but please please switch the brass to black matte and choose another compromise for the pebble floors!!!!! Maybe just use the same marble as the bench?
Option 2 — for the shower tile and the dark pebble floor. They’re both gorgeous though. And for what it’s worth I’m unable to vote by pushing a button (waiting for kiddo to fall asleep so on my iPhone).
#1 for sure. Those tiles are amazing. Be warned – that Kohler purist toilet paper holder always comes loose, unless they fixed it. I had two and they both had the same problem. Otherwise all things Kohler are excellent!
I vote for number two because I love calacatta gold marble. I also think that the grey pebbles with grey grout on the floor is more practical cleaning wise. I like how you are not putting it on the shower floors too. I might have scared you with how much I do to maintain my pebble floor in my shower to keep it from getting gross.
But–both of these options are great and thank you for sharing on the blog. I wish I was doing a bathroom right now because I would just pick one of your designs for me (or something similar if I didn’t have the budget).
Both are beautiful options. I voted #2 because I thought I would like that one more in 10 years. 😉
Option 2 is calmer, quieter, and richer in a way that aesthetically marries with those higher end fixtures. Use that beautiful blue tile and WC tile from Option 1 in another bath.
Wonderful blog i like that. Good work.
Wavepad Sound Editor Crack
I live in Marin with wood beaned ceilings and cream pebble tile in my master bath. Number 2 would fit perfectly in my home while number 1 seems to be trying too hard.
Emily, I love your bathroom ideas. My heart skipped a beat when i saw it as it is very similar to my own design for my master bathroom. I am going for Marble look for the main floor and wet area wall and floor, we have a freestanding bath tub and have chosen bass ware in atraditional old English style with a gold finish (we have a house on the outskirts of London so the style suited).
I considered a dark blue floor but I couldn’t find one that i liked enough with the wow factor, the ones i did like were mosaic styled and i was worried about cleaning and mould in the grout. I also considered a light mosaic but again stayed away due to the cleaning – can you see a pattern forming here. That is why I opted for large size tiles to minimise grout and mould buildup but i am wondering if i am lacking texture now that i have seen yours. (i voted for my fav.)
I love your tile choices and although i cant find the same here in the UK, i would be interested to hear any views you have on the cleaning side and your tile choices. some of these comments have already touched on the topic. Am i sacrificing style for practicality? should i inject more texture into the bathroom? where best to do it? floor, walls, splashback?
Also where to lay tiles, i was thinking floor only and the walls of the wet room area and paint the rest in special bathroom paint. (The vanity has a marble up stand so i thought that might be enough) Is that a good idea, is there a better option?
the traditional floor to ceiling,
wet area floor to ceiling or floor to shower door height?
toilet area
sink area
what combination of?
I chose Option Two but I’d still use the light flooring from option one – that dark floor will require constant cleaning.
Option #1 seems a little too mismatched for me. My main complaint is the Ann Sacks tile, which is coming off as too mid-century mod or too contemporary, and it doesn’t work with the pebble flooring……additionally, I think it will look dated in a few years. I love that dark tile though–it fits the cabin vibe very well.
Option #2 is more cohesive and timeless (and also soothing–I think the monochrome is more spa like), though it does skew a bit glam. I would tone down any brass in there, and add in more wood if possible to keep it cabin-y.
IDEA!!! I’d like the dark tile behind the sinks, with the herringbone tile in the shower and toilet room! Think of the Hewing Hotel where you just stayed (and where I’ve stayed before). They use that herringbone look in their symbol (because of pine trees) and they incorporate dark colors (like the dark tile) and lots of wood. To me, their decor is a revamped, northern, cabin-y look (albeit, less bright, airy, scandinavian).
I like #2 because of the shower tile but I’d swap the vanity backsplash for the dark stone in option 1. Don’t love the white on white vanity/backsplash. I’m probably in the minority here, but the thought of stepping on that pebble floor every morning makes me cringe. And cleaning it seems like a nightmare.
#2 🙂
I like option 2! I think the dark floors will give it some balance opposite the the wood ceiling.
I voted no. 2 because of how the shower bench and the fixtures match, and because of the darker floor. I love the tile from no. 1 but not together with the pebble floor. (Could be totally wonderful in person though! I’m just not feeling it in the photo).
I’m sorry, I voted for 1! I know you love 2, but I love the tile in 1! Maybe you can combine to include the dark floor?
#1. I don’t understand how this is even a question. So much more personality and interest
I kind of like 1 more, but ultimately voted for 2 because cleaning the rocky floor in Option 1 seems like it’d be a nightmare.
option 1!!!
Number 1 all the way!
🙂
Dark floor and Ann Sacks tile are both the big winners, but I love the Cle tile too. I think that the finishes in number two might be too glossy all together. Feels like it needs some texture or more matte finishes to balance out the brass and keep it from looking flashy. Am I the only one nervous about the warm tones in the marble? It’s channeling the 70’s for me (not in a good way), but I’d probably have to see the actual stone to make a call.
Wow! I love how nicely those pebbles have tied in! Option 2, baby!
I voted for #1 (that Ann Sacks tile did it for me!), but both are so beautiful. My only concern is the marble countertop. I have marble in my kitchen and love it – and I know you do, too. I don’t mind wiping down my countertops every night to make sure they’re dry (water stains marble, too!), but I’m not sure I would be as diligent in a bathroom.
I really like option 2. The dark pebble floors just speak to me for some reason over the white flooring.
Option 1!!
Option 2 feels very safe. Too safe. I think you are more excited about option 1 by the links provided. Interested to see the results!
I voted for option 1 because I think the floor will flow better with other wood floor in the house. Whatever the floor color, I’d chose a more seemless option.
But I don’t get why so many finishes? Shouldn’t you have a maximum of three types of tile in one bathroom. But you have 4 AND a wood ceiling? Too much! I wouldn’t do marble. It’s just too much. Marble is beautiful on its own. It doesn’t need accent walls made out of other tile shape or color. And I think it’s delicate ‘natural’ patterns would collide with the samll patterns in other tile and small patterns in stone floor.
I know that watever you do will look nice anyway, and that if you have everything in white it may not be overwhelming. But I think it’s too much anyway.
Love kohler, but hate the price. I have kohler (purist fixtures, tub, toilet, vanity) in my new bathroom, but it wasn’t a good investment (low return on investment considering our location). Are there any other companies that offer beautiful , modern fixtures at 1/2 or 2/3 of the cost? The American market unfortunately is flooded in traditional and heavy everything, and it seems there’s a huge price gap between kohler and low budget options. Is there anythig in bewtween? I’d love to see more options.
FYI, I had almost the same beach rock in 2 of the bathrooms in my old house. One whites and one in med grays. I voted option #2 because keeping that white rock and grout clean was a nightmare. I ended up buying a deck scrubbing brush just for those floors to get little crevices of the grout and rock. The grey one, cleaned up just fine……. Good luck!
Numero Uno for me!!!!!
Option 1
I don’t get the concept, I design you decide. Why not just design then tell us the reason for your choices.
It’s odd because I would choose #1 if it was my house (though I might come to regret the white floors when it came to cleaning). However I voted #2, because it personally never would have occurred to me to use a creamy marble, or that particular combination in #2, so I really really really want to see how that turns out!
Okay, I’m an actor so it would be inhumane to NOT honor my reply of, “Yes, and…” (That’s the title of an improvisation game for anyone I lost on that. So…
-#2 wins as long as the blue backsplash tile can make at least a cameo appearance AND the Ann Sacks tile goes anywhere the blue doesn’t. Dark pebbles underfoot, please, with dark grout. Love the warmer stone countertop and the glowing herringbone tile. Now let’s see it!
Option 1 for sure!!!
2 – my phone won’t let me tap to vote.
I like the first option slightly better. Looking forward to watching this project come together.
option 1 with option 2 flooring. Beautiful!
I second this! I like the dark floor in option 2 but the amount of white/light colored rectangle tile feels a bit too traditional (maybe more boring?). I actually think the dark flooring with the dark vanity backsplash would have an elongating and dramatic effect in that space. I love the white tiles I think I just love the triangles one most :).
I think what I’m saying is a mix of option #1 and #2…
Option 2 — warmer, bolder, and feels more cabin-ish. Both are gorgeous, though! Good luck, guys!
I voted for #2 because I think it’s actually warmer and surprisingly interesting due to all the different textures.
I voted #2 because I think the Calcutta marble will look awesome with the warm wood tones/brass AND because I think the dark floor is better AND because I love the shower tile.
Oh this one was SO HARD. I love the blue tile! But the dark pebble floor looks so cozy!
I voted two in the end, but I understand why you would be completely happy with either one!
Still dislike the pebble tile, and feel like options 1 and 2 are very similar, but if I have to pick it will be option 1 because that Ann Sacks tile is the best. If there is going to be pebble tile then please balance it out with that beautiful Ann Sacks tile. I agree with every other commentator who says dark pebble with dark grout is going to be better for cleaning purposes but Ann Sacks tile is > practical pebble tile (and if the white pebbles don’t wear well then maybe you can replace it with non-pebble tile down the road and the bathroom will then be perfect!).
Gosh I love both, but IMO Option 2 is more practical with the darker floor. This has probably been mentioned before, but if not- I would combine the two options: mostly Option 2, but bring in the triangular tile from Option 1 for the WC since it is GORGEOUS and really unique; and use the grey toned countertop (for some reason the gold toned one is not doing it for me) for the bench and vanity. Overall both options are beautiful and I am positive that you will do a wonderful job! I also really love the intelligent options that Kohler offers- oh the joy of never having to lift the toilet seat again!
I love everything about #1 (that tile!!!) but chose #2 because I imagine that white pebble flooring will be impossible to keep clean in a cabin! Take it from me, I got a 3D hand-tufted rug, and no vacuum cleaner has ever been able to touch it. Learn from my mistakes!!!
Option 1
I chose #2 as it all works more cohesively for me; the various tiles complement vs compete for attention and the marble subtly plays off the brass. The labels on the shower tiles say “shower surround and floor” – if that is the case, the Anne Sacks tile would be (1) horrible underfoot and (2) is not intended/suitable for floors (per the link). At any rate, I feel it is too busy against the pebble floor. Speaking of the pebble floor both versions appear to be natural rather than sliced – wouldn’t that be difficult to walk on? Some other thoughts. Similar to other commenters, I think a marble bench sounds better than it is (cold to sit on, needs regular sealing, etc.) – teak would be a good alternative and would look good with the wood ceiling. I can see the bathroom/shower door configuration being a problem. We have something similar in our bathroom and it is surprising how often they crash into each other. An alternative could be a bifold door to the bathroom, you wouldn’t have conflicting door swings and there are some nice versions out there with single frosted panels that are simple and elegant. Looks like this will be a gorgeous space!
I vote for #1, I am just not a fan of the marble in the second option, I prefer how the ‘cooler’ marble in the first option contrasts the gold hardware. But I do prefer the darker pebble flooring in option #2. I hope if not in the master that you definitely use those dark pebble tiles somewhere else in the house like you mentioned. Can’t wait to see the finished bathroom, it is going to be beautiful either way!
Option dos…..dark pebble =perfection