Stacy and I both seem to take great pleasure in finding obscure (often times inexpensive) materials that can work in a non-traditional way, to provide a really cool “modest modern” look. Often times these ideas are the kind of the thing that generate some very interesting looks, as people struggle to visualize it out of context. A single item like fiber cement board as a wall covering can seem crude and unrefined but put it into the context of a beautiful custom cabinet, the sleek clean lines of a TOTO faucet and sink or a George Kovacs light and it suddenly takes on a wonderfully sophisticated feel.
When it comes to bathrooms I think this is going to be one of the areas where we hope to bring to life some “modest modern” design, with a mix of common or unconventional materials alongside highly refined ones. In the boys bathrooms we are looking at utilizing a rubber coin flooring most often used as for garage floors. The material is slip resistant and additionally helps us carry the sub-design theme of circles, subtly into the room. As well we’re looking at utilizing inexpensive galvanized metal to cover the walls of the tub and shower surround. These materials will be contrasted with ultra refined materials like the George Kovacs wall sconces, the TOTO Aquia toilet, the Po wall mounted faucet, the “bubble”shaped sinks and custom cabinets by Eastvold Custom Woodwork. Being able to see these images outside of their traditional use allows us to create some very unique and cool design elements, that I think most people will find surprisingly likable.

Industrial rubber coin flooring

The very hip and refined “bubble” shaped sink

The George Kovacs Wall sconces.

Having the tools to play with the design is certainly helpful.