Bold Design for a Big Bath

Southern Living, Nov 2004 by Hamilton, Majella Chube

Whimsical folk art and fun checked flooring fill this master bath.

What's black and white with touches of red all over? The festive master bath of Eddie and Susan DeGarmo. In their Brentwood, Tennessee, home, the couple wanted a fresh design approach, natural light, and vintage flair. Blending a farmhouse feel with a bright, modern twist, the result is more than just a bath-it's a livable, playful space.

Rooms Within a Room

The bath is designed as one large room with smaller spaces within. Susan and her sister, residential designer Leigh Price, created separate areas for the shower stall, linen closets, and water closet.

It's a design that permits more windows and results in a more interesting configuration. "I prefer natural light, so we designed a space filled with nooks and coves that was accessible to the sun's rays," Susan says. To open the space, Leigh incorporated a series of clear transom windows high above the vanity area; the other windows are filled with stained glass.

The prominent niche at the center of the bath's back wall showcases a 1930s-era freestanding birdhouse Susan found at a folk art gallery.

Contrasting Styles That Work

Susan selected white tile in a brick design to cover a portion of the walls. A thin black-tile strip gives the effect of wainscot.

Two white porcelain pedestal sinks serve both fashionable and functional purposes. "We've always loved this style sink because it's higher than your typical bath countertops, and, therefore, it's better on the back," Susan explains. "The design also has a lip around the wide perimeter to prevent spills."

Fabulous Floor

The DeGarmos selected black-andwhite checked ceramic tile for the bath's floor. Surprisingly, its bold, contrasting pattern ties in with the other elements. "I've always liked black and white flooring," Susan explains. "Because of my graphic design background, I know that it goes with everything."

Susan injected red throughout the room with funky artwork and bath towels. Referring to the big red fish hanging over the tub, she says, "I thought it was appropriate to put a fish around water."

MAJELLA CHUBE HAMILTON

Page 104: Residential designer was Leigh A. Price, Residential Designer, Memphis, (901) 381-1248; wall color is White Umber from Porter Paint; tile by Kepor; tub is Vintage by Kohler, www.kohler.com; tub faucet is Antique by Kohler; pedestal sinks are Revival by Kohler; sink faucets are Vintage by Kohler; ceiling lights are Asheville, Continental Collection, from Brass Light Gallery, www.brass light.com; wall-mounted lights are Shoreland, Continental Collection, from Brass Light Gallery; antique doors from Hood's Retreat Antiques, Franklin, Tennessee, (615) 591-7819; stained glass from Long Hollow Stained Glass, Franklin; Big Red Fish painting by Bebo, www.bebofolkart.com; birdhouse from Rosehips Folk Art Gallery, www.rosehipsart.com; wall-mounted adjustable mirrors from Restoration Hardware, www.restorationhardware.com (O, R).