Bathrooms
Designer Vanessa Stark Tells Us How She Transformed This Light-Filled Bathroom
Updated on November 28, 2023
It has a casual effortless feel that brings calm to a morning routine or nighttime bath,” says designer Vanessa Stark of her clients’ new ensuite in West Vancouver. The bathroom overhaul took five months and was part of a whole-home project completed with Twin Lions Contracting, a local renovation company and custom-home builder. The homeowners raised their sons, now college-aged, in the home, and while they considered moving, they loved the location, so they decided to renovate instead.
One thing the couple was ready to say goodbye to was the dark feeling in their old ensuite, brought about by grey walls and tile, unnecessary blinds and a shower with solid walls instead of glass. “Light,” “bright” and “warm” were the buzzwords for this 153-square-foot makeover, so Vanessa started with a palette of whites and wood. Large porcelain tile with marble-like veining feels luxe on the floors. Removing the old corner tub and installing a freestanding version alongside the window capitalizes on the view. “I love that they get to take fabulous soaks staring out into their private yard,” says Vanessa. “It’s honestly the most beautiful backyard I’ve seen, with tall evergreen trees, a creek and a waterfall.”
When they’re not taking in the vista, the double vanity — which was custom-made with quartersawn white oak and stained to match the hardwood on the main floor of the home — is another eye-catching focal point. But perhaps the most alluring feature of this bathroom is the feeling of space. “I love rooms where you can let your mind wander and not be distracted by things that aren’t functioning,” says Vanessa. “This space delivers that in spades. Daydream away!”
Keep scrolling for Vanessa’s best tips for transforming a bathroom!
Prioritize Function
In order to accommodate a rain showerhead, the plumbing had to be raised slightly. The shower controls were also moved, so the homeowners can turn on the shower without getting wet.
Save Where You Can
Matte ceramic tile was a budget-friendly purchase for the shower walls. “Sticking with white tile was very important, since brightening the space was the first priority for my clients,” says Vanessa. (Styled with Aesop cleanser)
Optimize the View
“I love how breezy and open this bathroom feels,” says Vanessa, who improved the layout by removing a built-in corner tub in favor of a freestanding model overlooking the leafy private backyard. This also made room for a large double vanity. (Styled with Mystic Hallway runner by EQ3)
Centre the Tub Filler
With the tub situated in the middle of the window and a double vanity taking up room at one end, it made sense to move the plumbing to the centre. The classic chrome fixture comes with a handheld shower.
Tuck in a Stool
“Don’t forget to have a little fun and add contrast with the accents,” says Vanessa. The appropriately named West Coast stool is a handsome perch beside the tub. (Styled with vase from Simons)
Choose Sleek Lines for a Minimalist Look
“This bathroom isn’t fussy, so we intentionally kept the vanity design simple,” says Vanessa, who chose to float it off the floor with two large drawers for storage and no decorative hardware.
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Janis Nicolay
House & Home
Vanessa Stark