Bathroom makeovers: Reimagined ensuites showcase stunning design

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Best of both worlds

Kalu Interiors’ Aleem Kassam, along with business partner Phyllis Lui, has been revamping and designing stunning Metro Vancouver spaces for nearly 19 years.

Design Report: After their big leap from a contemporary Vancouver condo into a sprawling Southlands property, Kalu Interiors’ clients decided to approach their home renovation in stages.

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For the primary ensuite, the couple yearned for a fresh take with the look and feel of a luxury spa. However, when the conversation turned to esthetics, it was a case of opposites attract. He was partial to dark, earthy and natural. She desired light, bright and elegant.

Kalu harmonized their wishes by marrying big, natural stone slabs for the countertop, backsplash, shower bench and wall feature with large-format, matte-finish, porcelain tile for the floor and walls. A stand-alone BainUltra’s Scala spa tub adorned in Kallista brushed gold hardware is perfectly positioned beneath a Moooi chandelier. An oversized fireplace gives spa vibes alongside an intelligent Kohler steam system shower with body jets. Much-needed storage was integrated with additional drawers in the custom-designed vanity, a large, full-height linen wall next to the tub and recessed mirrored medicine cabinets above the vanity.

The result is a light and refined retreat that gives an earthy, warm mood inspired by nature.

Whatever you fancy

Home design comes naturally to Ashley de Boer, whose mother and grandparents were contractors. The team of four at Ashley de Boer Interiors is based in Squamish and services the Lower Mainland and Sea to Sky area.

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Design Report: For this Yaletown townhouse renovation, de Boer’s clients were looking for their forever home.

It needed to be organized, bright and easy to clean—with “pockets of fancy.” For their primary ensuite, de Boer combined a warm, neutral palette, brass hardware and classic materials like white, glossy ceramic tile and stacked brick tiles with a marble pencil trim. The Shaker-style vanity is custom made of rift-cut white oak with a ribbed wood inlay for texture. A small kick detail elevates the vanity from builder basic to a beautiful furniture piece. The subtle gold-veined countertop mimics natural stone, but is durable and easy to maintain.

Dramatic biophilic-inspired flourishes like formosa plant cuttings in the shower and abstract art in a decorative brass frame complete the look—and add just enough fancy.

All about après ski

“Design with you in mind.” This mantra guides interior designers Josephina Serra and Lauren Webb, who’ve partnered since 2015 as Form Collective.

Design Report: The clients’ wishes for the primary ensuite in their Whistler townhouse were crystal clear: Incorporate unique design elements to modernize and simplify the space, keep accessibility in mind and steer clear of the typical Whistler chateau vibe.

Serra and Webb used a warm, grey, Japanese stoneware mosaic tile to form a dramatic backdrop. It elongates the wall mirror framed in the same light wood as the vanity with an added layer of pendant lights. It’s a shared bathroom, so wall-mounted faucets over undermount sinks create more countertop space.

A curbless walk-in shower provides easy access in case of potential sports injuries—a thoughtful touch, given the recreation aspect of this vacation home.

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