Splish, Splash

Pastel ceramic tiles and girly wallpaper? Not for everybody. These two spa-like havens profit from a far more stylish approach. An artist’s touch imbues the first with a serene Zen sensibility, while a cool industrial vocabulary draws attention to the second. Both are elegant, timeless and, best of all, functional. No clutter, no fussy accessories. Instead, it’s all about design and materials, old and new, and how when properly married they elevate the surroundings. Miniscule details make a paramount difference, and even the placement of a single chair becomes a beautiful statement.

MONAHASSET MILL, PROVIDENCE

DESIGNERS: David Stem; Eric Bright
CONTRACTOR: David Stem Contracting and Design
ARCHITECT: Peter Gill Case, Truth Box Architects, Providence

Steam engines were once manufactured (some for Thomas Edison) in this award-winning building. Cited for its adaptive reuse of materials, the mill incorporates a multitude of elements salvaged from other old city structures. Take those metal brackets upholding the granite countertop. One angle support is an antique; the others have been meticulously refabricated. Their no-frills flavor helps set the new bath’s slick tone.

And look at the stately door: crumbling remnants of paint hold decades of stories and preserve the past. The warmth and character of the wood along with original bricks temper the minimal room’s cool demeanor without diminishing its edgy vernacular. “We wanted to balance functionality with an industrial feel by adding modern amenities and offering high quality finishes,” says Bright.

Purposely kept as open as possible, the bath has no unwieldy cabinetry to get in the way and the shower is doorless. Soaking tub and shower share a grotto-like niche that also has its own window. The granite floor includes a drain so water can flow where it will.

Sly tricks embody the long ago factory-meets-today theme, too. The super-sized modern mirror, for example, echoes the brick arch and visually doubles the room’s size. Similarly, contemporary light fixtures are assets, illuminating without shouting “bath.” “As we see it, the whole building is really a museum of industrial heritage,” Bright says.

DAVIS RESIDENCE, NEWPORT

ARCHITECTS: Gail Goff, AIA; Peter Twombly, AIA, Estes/Twombly Architects, Newport
CONTRACTOR: Ted Croy, Croyworks, Newport

Murray Davis and his wife, Constance, have undertaken many a renovation. “We’ve rescued underloved buildings for decades, but this house is a home we can’t imagine leaving behind. It’s been a collaboration of many caring, inspired craftspeople,” Constance says. The couple took possession of the 1915 house two years ago. When a total gut appeared the best solution for its timeworn state, they enlisted architects Gail Goff and Peter Twombly for help. In awe of their client’s eye, these professionals are quick to credit Constance for the project’s attention to detail and for the inspired use of materials.

With a shower downstairs, the couple opted to install only a tub, freeing up space. But as walls began to grow, they realized water views visible during construction were disappearing. “When only the studs were in place, you could imagine relaxing in the tub and looking through the studio out to the harbor,” Constance says. “We had to reroute pipes. But we maintained the opening and that’s made a huge difference.” For privacy, Ted Croy cleverly retrofitted an antique shoji screen for the interior window. The screen slides open or shut, according to whim and time of day.

The fine craftsmanship continues with birch wainscoting and cabinetry. Yet, without a doubt, the highlight is the shingled wall flanking the tub. The sculptural presence of this unexpected element, triggered by thoughts of a Japanese jewelry box, transforms the quiet but personality-infused bath.

Styling by Nicole A. Hogarty