Most of us can only dream of having a bathroom this large, but that aside, there are some great décor touches in this room that can be translated into even the smallest bathroom.
In January 2008 AXORÆ by Hansgrohe unveiled its newest collection from Designer Jean-Marie Massaud. These are the items featured in this amazing bathroom. The Axor Massaud Collection encompasses the designer's organic approach to design.
"For Jean-Marie, the feelings and needs of the individual are always the focus in his work," observes Axor Brand Manager Philippe Grohe, who worked closely with Massaud on the new collection.
"His fascination with modern man's quest for an elemental connection to what is essential and natural is mirrored in Axor Massaud -- a symbiosis between nature, man and the space in which he lives."
The organic lines and earthy accessories in this room were inspired from natural elements like wood and stone. The exquisite tub and vessel sink in beautiful organic shapes, juxtapose the modern lines of the shelf-style chrome fixtures, balance natural and modern styles beautifully.
I'm always intrigued at the ideas designers have and use in their show rooms. Usually, it's the simple accessories that catch my eye, not only for their beauty but for their uniqueness and what I call the "doable" factor. Meaning, most people could afford to replicate a similar idea in their home.
That's doable
For example, I love all of the curvy and a-symmetrical shapes in the space including the tub, sink, candles holders, "boulders" and ceramic accessories. These shapes are the basis for an earthy, Zen space. While we may not be able to afford the designer sink and tub we can certainly make our rooms more organic in nature by adding accessories with symbiotic shapes with textural finishes. It's fairly easy to find similar items like the candle holders and ceramic containers but note how this designer has displayed them. In the background on the left there is a lima bean-shaped ceramic container that has been placed inside of a square glass terrarium-styled container. This is a very unique way to mix two design styles and to make an average accessory really unique. This is definitely a doable idea. You could even use a fish bowl and fill it with river stones, sand and candles or whatever suits your fancy. Even the bar soap is round rather than square; doable. The glass tumbler on the sink faucet "shelf" and the bud vase on the tub faucet "shelf" have curved lines. Another easy addition to any bathroom. Near the bathtub is a large, low dark wooden bowel filled with white sand. This is another Zen aspect that is easily replicated. Use a container that you have on hand. A wooden tray, a trio of small cube shelves (with a simple base glued to the bottom) or shadow box picture frame set on its back could be filled with sand and used for the same purpose.
Is that doable?
The interesting fabric covered "boulders" in the middle of the floor are a little harder to replicate. While visually interesting this idea would not be practical in a small space or in a household with children or pets. Let's face it; they'd be kicked around like soccer balls. However, you can replicate the essence of this idea by adding a similar sized garden stone (preferably with an inspiring word on it) to one corner of the room if space allows. An item like this adds to the natural feel of the space and the Zen-inspired spirit of the room. Another idea for a larger bathroom would be a collection of two or three small, round ottomans which would give a similar, more practical focal point. The tall wooden sculptural items in the background are probably not something you could easily find however they were used for their height as well as their form. An urn of tall, natural grasses or twigs would do the trick. Tall, slim wooden carvings could work as would a similar shaped plant like bamboo or cactus. It's really about the form in this case, not necessarily about the actual item.
Contrasting lines
This room has a sharp contract in lines. There are many square elements that are balanced with the soft curves of the accessories making for an interesting mix. The straight lines of the actual room, the horizontal blinds, the square shelving and platform and lines of the wooden floor could be seen as being 'cold' if not for the lovely round tub, sink, tubular lighting and organic accessories. The designer took this into consideration even when choosing the accessories. All of the curvy, natural items are balanced with the hard lines of the room but were further enhanced by adding square pictures, empty frames and a large, rectangular mirror which you can see on the left side of the photograph. The empty photo frames are great accessories that are easy to find and to paint or finish to your own taste.
Just because your dream room seems out of your reach, that doesn't mean you should scrap your entire dream. Take the elements from your inspiration room that speak to you and add them to your current space using items that are affordable and ideas that are doable.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
