Asian-style interiors evoke an image of serenity and tranquil calm. This style is a popular choice in bathroom design as the desire to escape hectic, urban lifestyle in a peaceful spa-like oasis is growing increasingly popular. Creating an Asian-inspired bathroom takes an understanding of several different cultural styles and their distinct characteristics to achieve the result you want, according the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
There are many elements that can be added to a bathroom remodel to create an Asian-style environment, said Sol Quintana Wagoner, senior interior designer for Jackson Design and Remodeling in San Diego. One award-winning project featured a wall of tile in deep hues of ebony, gold and dark brown to create an earthy backdrop illuminated by gold leaf lighting. A curved mirror framed in a rustic wood hung above an arced onyx sink that glows on top of the free-standing vanity with Shoji-style doors. A fixed window with obscure glass as well as a simple black entry pocket door fitted with Shoji-style panels brought in natural light.
“We find that clients requesting Asian-inspired designs for their remodel often have acquired an affinity for Asian aesthetics during their travels or while building their collections of art and objects. They want to live with a visual expression of that affinity in their daily lives, surrounded by beautiful design in their homes” Wagoner explained.
With interiors, harmonizing colors, textures, and materials provides balance, a crucial aspect of Asian design. Light and water features are prominent in a Japanese-style master bath suite created by Foxcraft Design Group in Falls Church, Va. The project has a curbless shower that lets light flood in from the window and skylight. The cross-cut pattern on the porcelain tiles, reminiscent of tree bark, is accentuated by the wood cabinetry. Shoji-style screens allow natural light to filter through and provide the ability to open and close access to the dressing room area and commode.
Renovating bathrooms to bring in light and using nature-inspired design elements such as river pebble showering floors is a trend noted by DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen in Colorado Springs, Colo. “People want a warm, spa-like abode that is welcoming,” owner Mark Witte said. Of household renovations, a bathroom remodel provides one of the best returns on investment with homeowners reaping about 65% payback on a bathroom remodel, according to experts.
Costs can vary, depending on whether the footprint of the original bathroom is maintained. “What we’re seeing in our market is a range of bathroom remodeling projects with master suites ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 that involve a complete tear-out of everything, rearranging of fixtures, new double vanities, tub, shower and commode,” Witte noted. “Hall bathrooms and powder rooms are usually about $15,000, when the footprint of the existing space is used. What drives the cost is how much you move around, the size of the bathroom, upscale fixtures, and plumbing,” Witte continued.
Homeowners who want to incorporate unique cultural themes and other designs into their home remodel can find help through NARI.
