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When executed well, the all-white bathroom never seems to go out of style, making this aesthetic a particularly attractive option for clients investing in a bath remodel. As most architects and designers know, the key is in mingling a limited palette of timeless finishes with fixtures and fittings that sport pared-down forms so as to avoid being dated to a specific decade or era.
La SHED architecture–designed residence in Terrebonne (also shown at top)
La SHED architecture illustrated this perfectly in its renovation of a bungalow in Terrebonne, Canada. Here the architect covered floors and walls entirely in pearl-white glass mosaics to create a monolithic backdrop to minimalist white blocks that range from the alcove bathtub to a Corian sink that transitions into the countertop and vanity front. In a similar vein, Specht Architects imbued a modern monolithic aesthetic in a New Canaan, Connecticut, home’s bath by installing swaths of square mosaics — with a bit more translucence — from floor to walls, including the shower walls.
Specht Architects–designed home in New Canaan
While we’re looking to avoid “dating” the bath, it doesn’t mean that we’re limited to just modern and monolithic minimalism. By pairing streamlined fixtures with classic finishes such as marble, subway and penny-round tiles and even dimensional tiles and mosaics, one can still accomplish the timeless white bath while injecting a more traditional or transitional character. In one New York City loft, Robert Young Architects used a combination of these for a small guest bath, resulting in a sophisticated, clean and visually expanded space that balances minimalism with classicism.
New York City loft by Robert Young Architects
If you’re ready to get started on a sleek white minimal bath for yourself or a client, consider some of these product options:
ABC Stone: Statuary Marble
Statuary (aka statuario) marble is a gorgeous, elegant natural stone that’s defined by its pure white body and thin gray veins.
Duravit: Delos
This bath furniture collection designed by EOOS boasts clean lines and a weightless appearance in components ranging from LED mirrors, storage units and wall-mounted sink consoles, the latter two of which can be specified in several finishes including all white. The collection is also devoid of extraneous hardware to add to the minimalist aesthetic.
Hansgrohe: Axor ShowerCollection
If you’re seeking square corners, consider this shower series designed by the one and only Philippe Starck. It includes an overhead rainshower, wall-mount body spray modules, thermostats and diverters, accessory shelves and a handshower.
Kaldewei: Scona
Installed flush with the bathroom floor, the Scona shower tray is not only visually appealing, but can be ADA-friendly, as well. The tray is constructed of 3.5-millimeter-thick enameled steel and comes in nine different sizes. Anti-slip coating options are also available.
Moen: Align Bath Suite
Simple cylindrical forms sans ornamentation define Align faucets, from the neck to the spout and even the slim lever at the top. Meanwhile, coordinating towel hooks and bars, shower trims and grab bars ensure a cohesive look throughout the bath space.
Nemo Tile: Patchwork
Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni conceived these square tiles that offer subtle character through concentrated grid patterns cutting across the tiles’ glazing. Available in both matte and glossy finishes, the tiles can sport perpendicular or 45-degree-angle grids.
Sonneman: Stiletto Bath Bar
If a medicine cabinet or mirror with integrated LED lighting isn’t an option, the next best thing is to pair a non-illuminated cabinet with a slim wall-mountable light that’s rated for use in bathrooms. Stiletto is an excellent option and can be installed either as a horizontal bath bar above the mirror or as vertical sconces flanking the mirror sides. This LED fixture comes in satin white, satin black or bright satin aluminum with a crisp-edge frosted acrylic shade.
Villeroy & Boch: Architectural Collection
This line of porcelain sanitary-ware includes toilets, urinals and bidets as well as a selection of geometric washbasins that can be surface-, wall- or under-mounted. The basins are available in round, oblong or rectangular shapes.
Looking for more ideas? Click here to learn how Architizer Source can help you find the right material options.