"I want a comfortable and relaxing master bath. A special retreat designed to hide clutter, but still have interest."

For this rich and inviting 200 square foot mater bath, located in a 5 million dollar Boise, Idaho home, the designers used colors and materials found in nature to evoke a sense of tranquility. Sophisticated materials and specialty millwork create a bold yet uncomplicated bath design than perfectly executed the clients' key objectives. The clients' dep interest in botany, plant materials, and naturally sourced materials was a key consideration in the design throughout, emphasized with the use of walnut veneer and horizontal inlays of rosewood lining the walls.

Emphasis was on sweeping, almost playful curves and softness in the design of the room itself and the cabinetry to make the space even more inviting and soothing. The radiused wall and the custom cabinet created for storage in the toilet room were designed to nestle perfectly into the wall's curve and continue the theme.

A key focal point was the distinctive, custom-designed, oval suspended soffit made of honey-colored onyx, which was used to house the lighting as well as the water spout. The water spout itself provides a gentle cascade of water that falls from the ceiling to fill the overflow bath below, adding an unexpected element of nature -- even conjuring up memories of the couple's international travels to lush, tropical locales.

The warm ambiance was further enhanced by providing the client with a diverse array of lighting combinations to suit or set the mood -- including soft lights located under the onyx vanity and its translucent, smoke-colored glass bowl as well as the suspended soffit to create an exquisite glow. When brighter light is needed, it is available, but the almost-nocturnal glow was an unusual touch that captivated the client. Satin-finish nickel was selected for the towel warmer and other metal goods in keeping with the softer theme while still providing visual interest and contrast.

The windows and vanity mirrors are framed with onyx mosaic, and onyx tile surrounds the overflow bath and shower. Touch-release vanity cabinets provide not only convenient access, but they were designed into the walls for function, yet almost melting into the design with no exposed hardware. The cabinets feature upper and lower sections customized for specific types of storage appropriate for the room. Grand 20 x 20 tiles of travertine marble were employed to cover the floor and walls in the toilet room lending warmth and a rich, yet subtle elegance.