Bathrooms
Erin Feasby Designs A Couple’s Dream Ensuite With French Flair
Updated on July 12, 2024
Everyone has a different take on luxury. For one couple in Burlington, it’s a Parisian hotel. With images of grand, spacious bathrooms in mind, principal designer Erin Feasby of Feasby & Bleeks Design got to work designing this 200-square-foot French-inspired bathroom and closet. The homeowners gave Erin free rein during the design process. “The ensuite wasn’t offensive, but it was obviously dated,” says Erin. “It had Hollywood lighting, drop-in sinks and a typical walk-in closet.” It also had a wonky floor plan: one door next to the bed opened to a bland walk-in closet, and a stark and empty hallway led to the ensuite bathroom.
To enhance flow from bedroom to ensuite, Erin tweaked the floor plan. “We see it as taking the puzzle pieces out and rethinking them,” she says. Luckily, the walls weren’t structural, which made the process easier and more budget-friendly. Then, to connect the ensuite and closet, she swapped out the bathroom’s single vanity for two stand-alone models with grey marble tops, and the space between them was turned into a doorway. “We made the closet more of a pass-through,” she says. “Now, there are two entrances to the ensuite.”
Filled with thoughtful touches like this, the ensuite is a resounding success. “I love all of the pieces and elements we chose,” says Erin. “It feels like you’re going to the Ritz in Paris.” C’est magnifique.
Scroll down for Erin’s expert advice on designing a French-inspired bathroom below!
Design Vanities Like Furniture
Tapered legs and brass pulls make the cabinets look more like freestanding chest of drawers: shapely backsplashes enhance the look. Erin used natural materials including stone and marble to achieve a high-end effect. “We try to layer whites, creams and greyish whites so a space doesn’t feel too stark or clinical,” she says. Brass sconces, hardware and towel rods are an elegant pop of color.
Invest In Stone Counters
For the counters, Erin chose a marble that has a slight blue hue.
Swap Out A Double Vanity
Dividing the vanity in two allowed Erin to create a pass-through to the walk-in closet. “It’s nice to have a seamless flow.”
Ditch The Tub
One request from the homeowners was to ditch the tub in favor of a walk-in shower. For a unified look, hexagonal flooring flows into the shower, where classic subway tile spans the walls from floor to ceiling. To amp up the opulence, a floating bench made of Statuario Venato marble was installed. “We brought the glass on the front of the shower right down, so you can see the bench,” says Erin. “It just keeps everything open.”
Add A Shower Bench
This floating bench boosts function and looks great.
Install Floor-To-Ceiling Mirrors
One of the renovation’s key moves was more controversial than others — downsizing the closet. Stealing space from the walk-in closet allowed Erin to make the bathroom bigger and better. “We built high storage, added a dressing table and included floor-length mirrors that bounce around light,” she says.
Stick With The Floor Plan Where Possible
Leaving plumbing — like the toilet here — in the same location helps keep reno costs down. Erin had wainscotting installed for timeless appeal.
Go Bold With Wallpaper
While the bathroom was kept serene with neutrals, Erin went all in on drama in the closet. The floral wallpaper was one of the first finishes chosen for the project, and it’s one of Erin’s favorite features. “I knew this client was open to color and pattern,” she says. The cabinets have a linen-like finish for a hint of softness and durability. The dresser top and extended marble window ledge keep essentials such as perfume and everyday jewelry close at hand.
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Donna Griffith
Kitchens & Baths
Feasby & Bleeks Design