A Dream His and Hers Primary Bathroom Adorned with Calacatta Marble and Crystal Accents

Photography Credit: Peter Rymwid

Transitional Contemporary Primary Bathroom Design Process: An Inside Look

Designing a primary bathroom that combines luxury with functionality requires a careful balance of aesthetics and practicality. In this project, Principal Designer Rina Capodieci-Quinn approached the creation of a transitional contemporary bathroom with a detailed, step-by-step process, transforming a blank canvas into a luxurious, inviting retreat.

Project Goals and Vision

The clients envisioned a spacious primary bathroom that felt both luxurious and comfortable. They desired a room that not only incorporated all essential elements but also radiated elegance and cheerfulness, with ample natural light to enhance the uplifting ambiance.

Scope and Design Aesthetic

This bathroom was part of a new construction, providing the freedom to design without pre-existing constraints. Rina’s team could craft a custom layout specifically tailored to meet the unique needs and style preferences of the homeowners. With an emphasis on elegance and warmth, the aesthetic goal was to create a refined yet inviting space that balanced sophistication with a welcoming feel.

Phases of the Design Process

The design process followed a structured approach to ensure each detail was thoughtfully executed:

  1. Client Consultation

  2. Developing the Floor Plan

  3. Floor Plan Approval and Custom Design Details

Phase 1: Client Consultation

The design journey began with an in-depth consultation. Rina gathered essential insights into the clients' preferences, covering specific needs like double vanities, private water closets, and preferences for soaking tubs or jets. These details laid the groundwork for a tailored layout that would perfectly suit the clients' lifestyle and design aspirations.

Phase 2: Developing the Floor Plan

Using the information from the consultation, the design team created a personalized floor plan. This stage involved more than just spatial arrangement; it required consideration of elevations, ceiling design, and various aesthetic elements. The goal was to incorporate the clients' vision while adding custom touches like millwork and ceiling accents, ensuring the space was not only functional but visually striking.

Phase 3: Floor Plan Approval & Custom Design Details

After finalizing the floor plan, the team moved on to material and fixture selection. A standout element was the calacatta gold marble, carefully chosen to enhance the bathroom's luxurious feel. Hardware, plumbing fixtures, and custom window treatments were selected to harmonize with the marble and enhance the overall aesthetic. Each piece was meticulously picked to ensure the bathroom embodied both beauty and functionality.

Design Highlights and Unique Elements

Creating the floor plan was a highlight of the project. The spacious layout allowed for imaginative, functional features like intricate millwork and a vaulted groin ceiling, which introduced a sense of grandeur without wasting square footage. Full-size mirrors and custom hand-painted canvases were seamlessly integrated within the millwork, adding depth and personality to the space.

Unique Challenges and Creative Solutions

One of the defining features of this bathroom was the intricate tile design. Working closely with the tile installer, Rina created a striking visual contrast by using dark charcoal grout for the mosaic marble "area rug" and white grout for the main floor tiles. This subtle yet impactful choice allowed the natural stone area rug to stand out, adding a focal point that enhances the room's luxurious appeal.

Final Reflections

Rina Capodieci-Quinn’s approach to designing this transitional contemporary bathroom exemplifies how careful planning, an eye for detail, and thoughtful customization can transform a space. From the custom layout to the choice of materials and finishes, each element was selected to create a balanced blend of elegance and functionality. The result is a primary bathroom that feels like a personal oasis—a perfect retreat that embodies both luxury and comfort.