Who says designing with moody marble has to be dark and mysterious? While we adore the shadowy shades of the blackened beauty, this eye-catching material is perfect for creating fresh, relaxing spaces. For the newly purchased Pacific Heights Victorian home, designer Sherry Hope-Kennedy, Studio SHK, turned an outdated master bathroom into a light-filled, modern oasis. The design concept: stormy marble.
“My client needed a change. She was starting her life anew in San Francisco and wanted to layer her New York sensibility with California’s laid back style,” said Hope-Kennedy. “After talking with her about her current and future goals, I suggested using stormy marble as the foundation for her bathroom renovation. It captured her personality and mimicked her contemporary art collection”.
Once her client was convinced, Sherry drew up plans, balancing the bold and daring with the rustic and calming, devising a timeless design befitting of the heritage home. For the 140 square foot bath, she infused a monochromatic palette in shades of gray, black and white, updated the window trims, and installed a soaking tub.
“In order to create a big impact in this relatively small space, we used the marble liberally,” said Hope-Kennedy. “It was a bold move, but the way we laid out the pattern was not overpowering”.
Slabs of book-matched silver waves swathe the shower walls. For a cohesive look, marble is used as the sink backsplash and pulled out along the bathroom wall with the multi-hued black, grey, bronze and white veining, juxtaposed against crisp white detailing and natural wood elements. The double vanity is sleek yet refined with a mirrored medicine cabinet placed neatly above. Simple, geometric shapes balance the undulating marble pattern.
To create a rejuvenating space, the freestanding tub is nestled in the sun-drenched corner. Marble on one wall. White paint on the other. Opposite, a sliding charcoal barn door, a clever space saver, adds to the relaxed vibe, while classic millwork respects the Victorian architecture.
Pattern and texture collide, turning a dated bathroom into a functional, uplifting space with just enough mood needed for a good soak at the end of the day.
Photography by Bess Friday.
For more moody marble inspiration, read these insights from 4 experts on the future of stone in design.
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