Bathroom of the Week: Finding Warm, Rustic Lodge Style — and Love

The owner of this rustic Coupeville, Washington, log house with water views bought the home as an investment property and weekend getaway. Looking to infuse the aging home with a modern lodge look and feel, she first turned her attention to updating the 1980s en suite primary bath before addressing other spaces. Problems included a cramped layout with a bulky built-in corner tub squeezed between a small shower stall and basic vanity. A lack of style was also evident in the dated materials.

For help, she hired designer Kristine Tyler. Tyler eliminated the corner tub, making space for a large curbless shower. River rock tile spans the entire floor, playing off the knotty cedar ceiling and wall portions to create a rustic look. A custom alder floating vanity complements the knotty cedar and includes a handcrafted bronze sink with a layered design. Ribbed copper-tone tiles on the side walls add texture and warmth. And in a twist of fate, an inspirational tile design led the homeowner to reconnect with a high school boyfriend, who’s the brother of the owner of the tile company. The couple married soon after the bathroom project was completed.