Bathrooms
August 5, 2021
Tour A New-Build Bathroom & Dressing Room With Old-School Touches
Designer Rhiannon Hageman had an idea of who would be using the principal bathroom in the new home she and her builder husband, Travis Hageman, were creating in Oakville, Ontario, even though it was a spec project. She envisioned an empty-nester like her own mother at the dressing room mirror, dabbing on perfume and affixing earrings — getting ready for a night out.
But Rhiannon and Travis went beyond surface details with old-school, gracious touches they felt were missing in many newly built homes. “We wanted to build a home that felt timeless and approachable, that was different from what everyone was building in our area, which was modern farmhouses with lots of grays and neutrals,” says Rhiannon.
She was inspired by the gracious Cape Cod styles of Boston architect Patrick Ahearn, bringing in pieces like the walnut vanity that has the look of a treasured heirloom antique. Pale blue floral wallpaper adds a wash of color in the dressing room, situated between the principal bedroom and bath. Graceful panel molding adds interest to the warm white bathroom walls and makes the space feel formal and elegant. This is balanced out by simple light fixtures and clean-lined marble floors.
Elements such as the antiqued mirror panels and botanical wallpaper in the dressing room provide plenty of pretty, but the couple added practical touches that any homeowner would covet, including a contemporary stand-alone tub and a shower lined in subway tile and outfitted with a generous rain showerhead. “This house isn’t massive or ostentatious, but every detail has been thought out. We wanted a house that would look timeless for generations,” says Rhiannon.
Scroll down to tour this elegant bathroom and dressing room!
Why We Love It
- Antique Glass. Adds an instant layer of patina to new cabinets.
- Furniture-Like Vanity. Has the look of a fine antique with maxed-out storage.
- Floral Wallpaper. Mimics the heritage look of hand-painted scenic murals.
- Handheld Sprays. Bring a period touch to the sculptural contemporary tub.
- Subtly Veined Marble Flooring. Helps create a clean, bright envelope.
Establish An Antique Vibe
“I had seen an image of a similar vanity that resembled an antique piece, and we collaborated with our cabinetmaker to get the most from the space under the vanity,” says Rhiannon. Travis adds, “The top two drawers are U–shaped to accommodate plumbing, so they’re all fully functioning.” Mirrors are inset into the panelling (there are no medicine cabinets), so the long vanity works extra hard, and crystal knobs underscore the period feel.
Max Out Space
“We were able to punch out the window under the gambrel roofline to allow for a larger area for the tub,” says Travis. “Before, it would’ve been a very tight bathroom, so the roofline allowed us to maximize square footage on the second floor.” Rhiannon adds, “The offset handheld spray is classic, but the modern chandelier balances it out really nicely. And I love baskets; the natural texture feels really approachable.”
Plan Thoughtful Organization
“We really thought about how a couple would live here and how they’d store everything they needed,” says Rhiannon. “The wardrobes are covered in antiqued mirror and feature flexible storage. The top drawer is equipped with an insert for jewelry, and there’s a built-in dresser in one of the closets, with double rods in the other for shirts and blouses.
Supply Graceful Transitions
“I find that blue is so calming and wonderful, and Sanderson always does beautiful botanicals,” says Rhiannon of the wallpaper that lines the dressing room adjacent to the bathroom. “The space needed some color; it was way too white for me. The inspiration was the Gracie wallpaper in Aerin Lauder’s New York bedroom. This is quite feminine, but the dark walnut vanity is a masculine counterpoint.” Bonus: the mirror tilts to accommodate different heights.
Will Reid
House & Home Kitchens + Baths 2021
Rhiannon Hageman; Architecture by John Willmott Architects