Project Highlight: Modern Master Bedroom and Bathroom Design
Successfully implementing a sleek yet soothing design to this modern master bedroom and bathroom was all in the details. Our client came to us with specific ideas about what she wanted for the spaces, including concept photos. It was our job to emulate that look without matching it exactly, since the elements of a concept photo have been created for the specifications of that room, not the space we were actually working in. Also, we are not in the business of copying another designer’s work! We were able to customize and scale the design for her master bedroom and bathroom, bringing her vision to fruition.
Modern Master Bedroom Design
With the color and style set by our client, we set to work to source the pieces that would support the look. Both the hard and soft finishes needed to complement the goal, including finding just the right color white – not too creamy, not too bright. Our client found the bedding, which set the tone for the space, and we created custom throw pillows, bed skirt and drapery to work with that fabric. We also had the headboard custom made to our shape, fabric and finish specifications, balancing the white-on-white tone without looking contrived.
The nightstands mimicked those in the concept photo, but were crafted at the height and width necessitated by the scale of the room. We created drawings with detail specifications, including the door molding design, color and the hardware. A custom woodworker in Ohio built the pieces to our specifications giving our client exactly what she wanted. A lot of research went behind creating those perfect pieces; although there are a lot of “personalize it” furniture lines that allow you to choose door styles and finishes, none of them fulfilled our client’s needs. Access to quality custom options is a benefit of having an interior designer on your team!
The challenge of custom design is that using “matching sets” is not the goal. Furniture pieces should look as if they have evolved together, rather than having been selected all at once. Individual pieces that serve specific needs for the client must complement each other in the overall design. Each item cannot be chosen in a vacuum; they must also fit together perfectly with every other element in the room. For example, with all of the custom pieces in this space, it proved to be a particular challenge to find the right color and texture for the floor covering. We ended up placing a custom-cut and bound wool carpet over the hardwood that perfectly suited the rest of the design elements. Having access to “to the trade” resources can be very helpful in finding those hard to find pieces and finishes.
Modern Master Bathroom Design
Adjacent to the bedroom, the master bathroom design plan continued the white-on-white color scheme. The catch was that it had to be accomplished by using marble in many different places. Sourcing bathroom floor, countertop and shower floor tile that all work together is not an easy task. Countertops are made from marble slabs, regular flooring is made from large tiles, and shower flooring is made from smaller tiles. Fortunately, we were able to locate materials that all worked together and a skilled contractor to install the materials. Tremain Tile, Marble & Granite is a local tile expert skilled at the artistry necessary when working with the characteristics of natural products. None of the marbles matched, yet by paying attention to the details, we were able to create a lovely and cohesive look in the space.
We worked with Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery for the grey cabinetry. The thick countertops with a mitered edge complemented the surfaces throughout the rest of the home. The soft white color on the walls was illuminated by can lights, wall sconces and a chandelier. Again, finding the right lighting options that fit the style of the space and the metal finish we needed proved time consuming. Polished nickel had been chosen for the plumbing fixtures, and the lighting needed to suit. While both polished nickel and chrome may look alike, the former has a warmer tone than that latter. Mixing the two is a mistake many homeowners make, leaving their space looking “not quite right”. In this case, the lighting was a special finish that complemented, but did not match the polished nickel.
If you are like our client and have specific ideas of how you want each element of your space to look, you may want to do what they did and hire an experienced interior designer to help. They have resources not available to the consumer, as well as the knowledge to ensure each element works with each other. Running from store to store or clicking from website to website looking for an off-the-floor solution can be very frustrating. An interior designer has access to resources that help ensure that the all important factors to successfully crafting a room –style, details, scale, color, texture – are brought together to create the space you are envisioning.
Project Highlight: Indianapolis Modern Condo Remodel
Downtown Indianapolis is experiencing a rebirth, with people of all ages buying properties with the goal of creating a comfortable living space in an urban setting. Our clients are empty nesters who wanted to downsize into an Indianapolis condo. Once they found their home, they contracted with Steve Gray Renovations, who then introduced us to the couple. The goal was to remodel the traditional-styled space into a more modern condo that reflected our clients’ new lifestyle. The existing interior was gutted to the studs, allowing the homeowners to change the flow and functionality as needed. While our clients were very detail-oriented and clear about their style, they wanted our expertise in guiding them through the wide array of decisions to achieve their vision, as well as access to materials and pieces not directly available to the consumer.
Modern Design Scheme
Clean lines, a white-on-white color palette, lots of texture, modern styling and subtle personality underlie the design scheme for this modern condo remodel. Instead of using rich colors, all of the architectural detailing is over-scaled to add heft to the open concept floor plan. Furniture and accessories are also scaled to complement the chunky details. Since one can see much of the main level from each room, the design scheme flows throughout the space.
Great Room Design
Asymmetrical Fireplace Design:
The fireplace is the focal point of the main living space, so our design began here. The location of a new staircase meant furniture placement options were limited. We developed an asymmetrical design for the fireplace that would allow the furniture to wrap around the focal point. The balance of the shelving moved to the right and a thick stone mantle was continued as a countertop in the shelving area. The hefty nature of the mantle meant the rest of the shelving had to match that weight, as did the accessories. A linear fireplace design allowed us to hang the television at a comfortable viewing angle while also protecting the components from heat damage. A grey, stacked stone fireplace surround completed the modern look.
Design Details:
The thick architectural details are also seen in the ceiling beams, which were painted white to blend with the ceiling while adding interest. Our client’s existing sectional worked perfectly in the space, and was complemented with a new chair, coffee and side tables, and floor covering. White and soft-toned natural accessories complete the sleek look.
Modern White Kitchen Design
Kitchen Design Challenges:
We collaborated with Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery on the kitchen design. As experts in cabinetry and appliances, they were valuable partners in implementing the style of this project. The chunky architectural detailing from the great room needed to flow into the adjacent kitchen area. Designing a kitchen with a thick countertop adds a layer of complexity to the process. Special accommodations need to be made, particularly with cabinet design and appliance installation. Bringing in a knowledgeable partner ensured our clients would end up with the look and functionality they wanted.
Our client was set on a white-on-white kitchen, which can be tricky to implement due to the many variations of white. Many different materials need to complement each other without matching. The key to the success of this type of color scheme is evaluating the undertones of each material to ensure your choices coordinate with each other and the overall design.
Design Details:
We used quartzite for the countertop, a natural material that has the look of marble without the durability issues. Our client chose white, flat-panel cabinetry with a full overlay to support the clean lines of the design scheme. Oversized pulls on the drawers continue the thick scale of the home. Our clients shared our love of impactful lighting, so we sourced gorgeous imported pendants that project light patterns onto the ceiling—one of the highlights of the kitchen.
Dining Space Design
The design of the dining space adjacent to the kitchen was crafted around how our clients planned to live in their smaller home. They rarely sit at a dining table; however, they wanted the option for seating while entertaining guests. Multi-purpose furniture is useful in smaller spaces, where pieces can be moved around based on daily needs. We ended up designing a custom piece that would serve as a sofa table when closed down, and a flip-top dining table when they needed it for that purpose. We also had two light-weight ottomans customized to sit in front of the fireplace but could also become two additional seats for the dining area. Finally, we designed a built-in bench for the dining area that suited the table when it was there, and could be flanked by the small side tables that sat in the living room when it was not.
Modern Master Bedroom Design
Describing a design with words is difficult, so we love when our clients come to us with pictures of the look they are going for. Our client had found a concept photo for her master bedroom, which we emulated as much as possible. Soft off-white walls and white bedding support the modern styling and are complemented by warm colors to create a serene vibe without looking contrived. Custom nightstands were built to support the height, width and style our client desired. The hardwood flooring was covered with a wool carpet custom-cut and bound.
Modern Master Bathroom Design
Working with Marble:
A thick marble countertop continues the detailing from the main level into the master bathroom design. Marble was used throughout the space, and the installation process highlighted the need for a qualified installer. Natural products have their own characteristics, and attention must be paid to how each tile adds to the final design. There is an artistry that comes with this type of installation, and fortunately we worked with Tremain Tile, Marble & Granite, a local tile expert. From the bathroom and shower floor, to the details of the shower niche, they were able to place each piece of marble to create a cohesive and beautiful look.
Design Details:
Our client was quite involved in choosing lighting and fixtures. We landed on a polished nickel finish, which has a warmer cast than chrome.
Modern white-on-white design schemes do not have to be boring. Adding architectural elements, texture and soft analogous colors can offer quite a bit of personality and interest to a space. Our clients were clear they wanted a soft, downtown modern condo. By bringing in thick, textural elements and custom-design pieces, we were able to give them the look and functionality they wanted without compromising style.
Our Interior Design Inspiration: Not Your Every Day Leather
At Hoskins Interior Design, we love adding animal hides in our interior designs, as they usually bring a bit of the unexpected to a space. One of our clients is having us redesign her master bedroom into a sophisticated yet light-hearted space. She loves bling, so when we discovered this Italian metallic “hair on/off cowhide” leather from Kaleen Leathers, Inc, we knew she would be thrilled. The manufacturer has applied a special technique to the natural material to add a metallic element. The end result is a uniquely luxurious look and feel to the leather. We are using it on a bench with Lucite legs that will be placed at the end of the bed. The bench perfectly compliments the pale grey walls and light, transitional look of the space.
Interested in learning more about this design project? Send us an email or give us a call at 317.253.8986.
