When Beverly Hills, CA-based interior designer Christopher Grubb of Arch-Interiors Design Group first visited the master bath of a 1959 home in the Hollywood Hills, he noticed it was very compartmentalized with an old-fashioned design. At the entrance, two closets on either side created a small hallway into an open area with a vanity, then a tub shower and toilet in an adjacent enclosed space. His goal was to remove all of the walls and open up the space, and then add large windows for an abundance of natural light and a sense of connection to the outdoors.

“In reviewing inspiration images, the clients were very much drawn to a crisp, elegant white look, but did not want pure white,” explained Grubb. “Many stones were reviewed, including Cararra marble, two grades of Statuary and Venatino Gioia, and Bianco. The softness of the grays and hints of beige in the Calacatta marble resonated most with the client.”

Southland Stone, located in North Hollywood, CA, supplied the marble used for the renovation. “The stone creates a true statement of elegance,” said Grubb. “It is crisp and classically timeless. It was very interesting to use in such a contemporary design, especially with its subtle veining.”

In the bathroom, 24- x 24-inch tiles were employed as flooring and 12- x 24-inch tiles were chosen for the wall. The stone was finished in polished “honeymoon.” Additionally, a key element in the room is the wall-mounted his-and-hers vanity, which is topped with oversized Calacatta slab countertops.

One challenge the designer faced was fitting in all of the elements the client requested into the 131-square-foot area. They wanted two vanity areas, a whirlpool tub, a shower with a bench and a water closet. In addition, Grubb wanted to add windows for a view of the green area outside. “After opening up the entire space, the area was a reasonable size, but required consideration of fractional inches in planning to make it function and feel symmetrical,” he explained. “Centering the whirlpool tub under a very large window, with dramatic deck mounted tub filler, creates a true ‘wow’ effect. The glass shower and water closet surrounds complete the feeling of symmetry. A film with a sandblast look provides a sense of privacy in the water closet.”  

Another challenge was to avoid the room feeling too stark. “The oversized windows were an opportunity to bring in the greenery of nature,” said Grubb. “The floating vanities (that have drawers within drawers) are finished in a rich walnut stain. They provide a sense of warmth to the room.”

Upon completion, the homeowners were nothing short of delighted with the results. 

“The clients are thrilled that their master bathroom is sexy with a timeless contemporary look,” said Grubb. “They are excited that the project has started to win awards for its design.”