A leap into the contrast of dark and light is what we focused our design on for this custom home. A monochromatic color scheme consisting of black, white and organic textures is what created a dramatic and high contrast impression. We used heavy texture mixing in with glossy surfaces throughout the home, creating depth and mystery. Added elements like oxidized metals, modern fabrics, and edgy furniture are all eye catching to create this powerful perception.
Image Credit: Andrew Sherman
Throughout each room, the bold tile selections and countertops set the mood, with heavy organic movement and an exotic look that creates a permanent statement in each bathroom.
I believe that bathrooms should never feel cold. As an interior designer, my goal in designing a bathroom is to infuse as much texture and warmth into the cold materials such as countertops, tile and walls. Bathrooms should never feel flat, but they should read as dynamic, with a combination of pattern and colors, using the natural stone countertops to hold significant importance in warming these rooms.
Image Credit: Andrew Sherman
Unique layers of colors with chunks of Micah and quartz illuminate with texture, even though the surface is polished smooth. These master bathroom countertops introduce pattern into the room, making using the sink an experience surrounded by beauty. With ample natural daylight, white walls and lighter floors, the counters needed to go on the darker side of contrast, playing off of the black geometric tile on the curved shower wall, which flows all eyesight straight back to the vanities and bathtub. With a black beaded chandelier hanging above the white bathtub, that combination of high contrast is repeated in each area of this bathroom: the shower, vanities and bathtub.
I love to use the countertops as an element of high contrast. In high contrast, there is no wash out of materials, but the perfect complimentary blend of finishes. The metal finish of the plumbing fixtures, wood finish of the cabinetry, accented hardware and lighting fixtures above, all work together in the sandwich of materials, with the countertops being the meat of the sandwich.
Image Credit: Andrew Sherman
In the power of high contrast, countertops can often used as a neutral, where they are surrounded by high contrast. Wallcoverings, mirrors and lighting are adding jewelry to each room, so when the countertops are paired with bold selections in these categories, there are other ways to give them design power. For instance, this powder room shows a double thickness Carrara marble edge detail hanging above a black cabinet, surrounded by a metallic wallcovering and matte black fixtures. Although the Carrara is viewed as a soft neural on its own, here it is seen as a focal point, being on the lighter side of contrast.
Guest bathrooms should never be ignored! Instead of letting your guests take a back seat, create something for all of you to enjoy. Although most of your day is not spent in the bathroom, you have an opportunity to make each room special, no matter what space it is.
Image Credit: Andrew Sherman
In this custom home, we applied the same level of high contrast. The sconces and mirrors pop off the abstract wallcovering, and the countertops still play an important role, as they are a compromising piece layered between the dark vanity cabinetry and the patterned walls above.
Countertops have the opportunity to contribute to your home, fueled by the power of high contrast. They hold an important role in kitchens, wetbars, fireplaces and bathrooms. Instead of leaving your home for a unique design experience, go bold to stay home!
Danielle Saintard Valiente
Owner and Lead Designer of Port City Design Group
Danielle is an energetic entrepreneur with a passion for design, public speaking, writing and philanthropy. Deciding that she wanted to be an interior designer at the age of 13, Danielle has not strayed from the path she knew she was destined to pursue. Upon graduating in 2010 with a CIDA accreditation and a Bachelors of Science in interior design from Endicott College, Danielle drove from Beverly, Massachusetts down to Wilmington, North Carolina, a sight unseen. In 2014, Danielle founded Port City Design Group, where she began collaborating with residential and commercial clients in new construction, remodels and project management. Her favorite aspect of being in the design business is the strong relationships she has built with her team, PCDG clients, builders and subcontractors, in addition to implementing strong communication and organization into every project.
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Image Credit: Andrew Sherman
Builder Credit: Schiano Development