This incredible bed and bath transformation is all about texture. Designer, Sarah Ruth, incorporated vintage terra cotta tiles, Venetian plaster and lustrous marble (just to name a few) for a spa quality retreat that is just as pleasing on the hands as it is the eyes. Inspired by the homeowners’ travels, she utilized luxurious finishes throughout the space to create the boutique hotel ensuite of their dreams. Grab a fluffy towel and take a peek at the gorgeous photos by Theresa Wooner.

From the designer… At the start of the project, the primary bath and bedroom space was very small. Between the bedroom and backyard was a long, dark, narrow, and unusable living area. Moving the entire length of the bedroom and bathroom wall allowed space for the open shower concept that inspired me from the client’s European travels. While the original bath area only had space for a single person enclosed stand-in shower, the structure change allowed for both a spacious walk-in two person shower with a feature tub. Extra seating in the bedroom was also gained and we were able to create a walk-in closet. I added a set of beautiful antique doors to the bedroom; thus transforming the awkward adjoining space into a serene ensuite office. A custom, reeded, white oak pocket door was made by our cabinet builder for the bedroom and bath.

My aesthetic design inspiration all started with the clay terracotta flooring. They’re antique, sourced from a barn in Europe and some of them even have original stamps in them. I knew I wanted to make everything else simple and let the antique tile be the showstopper. For the walls I didn’t want a busy tile look. Floor and wall tile would have been too much so I decided on a waterproof, lime-wash, plaster application throughout the space; making it feel really special. The vanity was made from a trade sourced console table from our studio. We removed the original top and had an extra thick marble slab and sinks fabricated to fit perfectly. The wall-mounted faucets are in a modern, brass finish. The light, warm, grey veining of the marble vanity paired with the warm terracotta allowed me to balance various shades of warm and cool throughout the space. Because of the open vanity, I designed a hidden cabinet into the wall to house all the clients’ toiletries. The plaster finish blends right into the space like there’s nothing there.

The modern Spanish vibe of the house and the client’s desire to have something unique also drove my inspiration. A hardworking couple in the medical field, they wanted to feel like they were on vacation every day and come home to a retreat. Initially, the bath concept included a shower glass enclosure but the clients didn’t want to hassle with the maintenance of the glass cleaning. That’s when we decided it was best to have a completely open shower. I’m so happy they were willing to think out of the box and trust me one-hundred percent throughout my vision. This all led to the standout moment of the beautiful arch. When I finally saw it framed out I knew it was going to be amazing. One of the greatest challenges of the project was making sure the water in the shower drained properly. The shower was designed meticulously to incorporate the long linear drain with the angle of showerheads to allow for proper water flow. The tub, made of real stone, is the perfect place to soak and unwind at the end of the day.

The modern plumbings, wall application, and tile installation are all special elements. The mixed metals, the pairing of the terracotta with marble and rustic wood are all elements I love. The unexpected pairing of formal and rustic features makes the space feel cool, interesting, and captivating. The bedroom was styled for casual elegance. Mixing old with new, simple textured linens, and a soft color palette make for a beautifully curated feel. The upholstered bed is anchored by a softly colored vintage Turkish rug. The space feels casual and lived in. The clients love the finished space. They have the spa retreat they wished for. It’s so rewarding to have been able to make it happen for them.

• 

• 

Like what you see? Take a peek at the talent behind the story… Interior Designer: Sarah Ruth Interiors · Photography: Theresa Wooner Photography · Flooring: Cle Tile · Wall Stone: Bedrosians · Vanity Marble: Pacific Shores