At the Intersection of Art, Architecture & Design

High celings — welcome throughout the house — can feel awkward in a bath.  The design of the alcove in this elegant master bath solves not only the problem of the high ceiling but several problems as well. The large crown molding was set at 83″ to create a uniform horizon above eye level but substantially below the 10′ ceilings. The bath is narrow and the 10′ ceilings felt too high in the small space. The horizon line created by the bed molding, the top of the cabinet (to the right) and the shower glass (not shown) is continuous around the room. Now the room feels in proportion.

The alcove itself solves several other problems. The cabinet to the right of the vanity defines both the vanity alcove and a separate toilet alcove. See
Floor Plan, below. The arrow represents the location of the camera.

Using the cabinet as a divider creates a more open feel than would a walled-off water closet. The custom stained glass doors further helps open the space. The cabinet also provides ample storage space for the vanity area where a recessed medicine cabinet could not be installed (the drywall is just firred off the chimney behind the mirror).

Adding, of course, to the elegance is the juxtaposition of contrasting materials: the black stained wood of the vanity & mirror frames contrasting with the white of the moldings; the hardness of the stone countertop and backsplash contrasting with the fragility of the custom glass sink; the angularity of the lines contrasting with the softness of the curtains (seen in the mirror), the gentle curves of the faucet and sconces. The richness of the moldings, the color scheme, and the general restraint ensure that the room feels rich and timeless instead of busy.

All images courtesy of Braitman Design/Build

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