Combining an everyday hallway bathroom with the main guest bath/powder room is not an easy task. The hallway bath needs to have a lot of utility with durable materials and functional storage. It also wants to be a bit “dressy” to make house guests feel special. This bathroom needed to do both. We first addressed its utility with bathroom necessities including the tub/shower. The recessed medicine cabinet in combination with an elongated vanity tackles all the storage needs including a concealed waste bin. Thoughtfully placed towel hooks are mostly out of sight behind the door while the half-wall hides the paper holder and a niche for other toilet necessities. It’s the materials that elevate this bathroom to powder room status. The tri-color marble penny tile sets the scene for the color palette. Carved black marble wall tile adds the necessary drama flowing along two walls. The remaining two walls of tile keep the room durable while softening the effects of the black walls and vanity. Rounded elements such as the light fixtures and the apron sink punctuate and carry the theme of the floor tile throughout the bathroom. Polished chrome fixtures along with the beefy frameless glass shower enclosure add just enough sparkle and contrast.

Austin Victorian by Chango & Co. Architectural Advisement & Interior Design by Chango & Co. Architecture by William Hablinski Construction by J Pinnelli Co. Photography by Sarah Elliott

Design Charlotte Féquet Photos Laura Jacques

Randi Sokoloff

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This unit, located in a 4-flat owned by TKS Owners Jeff and Susan Klimala, was remodeled as their personal pied-à-terre, and doubles as an Airbnb property when they are not using it. Jeff and Susan were drawn to the location of the building, a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, 4 blocks from Wrigley Field, as well as to the vintage charm of the 1890’s building. The entire 2 bed, 2 bath unit was renovated and furnished, including the kitchen, with a specific Parisian vibe in mind. Although the location and vintage charm were all there, the building was not in ideal shape -- the mechanicals -- from HVAC, to electrical, plumbing, to needed structural updates, peeling plaster, out of level floors, the list was long. Susan and Jeff drew on their expertise to update the issues behind the walls while also preserving much of the original charm that attracted them to the building in the first place -- heart pine floors, vintage mouldings, pocket doors and transoms. Because this unit was going to be primarily used as an Airbnb, the Klimalas wanted to make it beautiful, maintain the character of the building, while also specifying materials that would last and wouldn’t break the budget. Susan enjoyed the hunt of specifying these items and still coming up with a cohesive creative space that feels a bit French in flavor. Parisian style décor is all about casual elegance and an eclectic mix of old and new. Susan had fun sourcing some more personal pieces of artwork for the space, creating a dramatic black, white and moody green color scheme for the kitchen and highlighting the living room with pieces to showcase the vintage fireplace and pocket doors. Photographer: @MargaretRajic Photo stylist: @Brandidevers Do you have a new home that has great bones but just doesn’t feel comfortable and you can’t quite figure out why? Contact us here to see how we can help!

The shower back accent tile is from Arizona tile Reverie Series complimented with Arizona Tile Shibusa on the side walls.

These wall mounted faucets look amazing sitting above the drop in sink on this quartz stone countertop

A third time client, these empty nesters wanted to modernize an outdated bathroom with bold features and a masculine look. Ann Sacks cement tile complements the floor in a vivid pattern and matte black and brass features give the look a handsome appeal. Other features in this room: Kelly Wearstler wall sconces, Erica Wakerly wallpaper in the WC, Black, iron shower doors, and Ann Sacks shower tile.

Photo Credit: Aimée Mazzenga

We paired rich marble countertops, warm brushed brass and dynamic porcelain tile flooring to bring this primary bath to life. We balanced soft curves of the arched mirrors and freestanding tub with sharper lines on the floor tile and light fixtures to add an interest to the space.

Interior: Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn Photography: Michael Alan Kaskel Vanity: Woodland Cabinetry

A custom arched built-in, gilded light fixtures, serene blue walls, and Arabian-style tile. These subtle yet impactful details combine to transform this classic powder room into a jewel-box space.