Beautiful Baths

Four show-stopping retreats give bath time new meaning

By Sharon Jaffe Dan

A Modern Mix


When architect Robert M. Gurney gutted his clients’ 1876 Washington, DC, row house, his intent was to create a clean, minimalist aesthetic while respecting the property’s historic lineage. Its master bath is a case in point. From the bedroom, a crisply detailed bank of oak cabinetry leads into the space. The architect juxtaposed floors and walls in white Calcutta Gold marble—which plays to a historical context—with a long L-shaped stainless-steel sink. Transparent glass tiles echo the simple color scheme. “We wanted to keep the overall palette light,” says Gurney, “and the design timeless but modern.” The sculptural tub, stainless-steel sconces, contemporary faucets and fixtures and sandblasted glass tile in the toilet area—all from Waterworks in Georgetown—reinforce the architect’s vision. These amenities have transformed the once-outdated bath into a veritable home spa. “The shower is basically a water park,” says Gurney, “with a bench, a hand-held shower, two rain showers and a standard shower. You can spend a lot of time in there.”