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Deep Dive

A Spa-Like Bathroom That Feels Like Staring Up at a Spring Afternoon Sky

Words by Gabrielle Savoie
a white bath tub sitting next to a blue tiled wall

Photo by Hommeboys Interiors

As their business expanded in 2019, Austin Carrier and Alex Mutter-Rottmayer, the duo behind Hommeboys, decided it was high time to move their design office out of the house.

This meant 400 square feet of blank slate space to turn into their new calming primary suite. After carving out an eight by eight foot area for their ensuite bathroom, they got to work, and fast: the project had to be completed in just four weeks (and they were doing it all themselves).

Their main non-negotiable was a large soaking tub to really give the space a soothing spa-like feel. The soft blue Zellige tile—which grounds the lower half of the space—also contributes to the calming energy of the room. “It’s like staring up at a blue sky on a spring afternoon,” says Austin. Instead of a door, a thick striped velvet curtain separates the walk-in closet. Get the scoop on how the couple transformed the space into their own private sanctuary.

The project: A calming owners’ suite

The location: Sonoma, CA

The room: A primary bathroom

The client: Ourselves!

a bath room with a bath tub a sink and a mirror

Photo by Hommeboys Interiors

Why do you think this space works so well?

When creating this space we really wanted it to feel like an in-house spa, a place you could step away from normal day life and just be immersed in an extremely calming presence. All of the colors meld so well together to really create this harmonious experience. 

What was the brief for this room? 

We wanted to completely transform our primary suite (bedroom, bathroom, and closet) which used to be a powder room, printing room, and our previous home office. We needed the extra full bath and really wanted a soaking tub and a spot for each of us at the sink. We did all the work ourselves, including the drywall and tile, and completed it in just under four weeks. It was a mad dash to the end. 

a bathroom with a double sink and a large mirror

Photo by Hommeboys Interiors

What was your inspiration jumping-off point?

We were inspired from a recent trip to Morocco and the beautiful mosaic tile work we saw there. We wanted the space to have a bit of that southern Mediterranean feel while still feeling modern. 

What piece do you think anchors this space?

The grounding force throughout the whole room is the sky blue Zellige tile. It created the softest color palette that is beyond calming. The use of white ash throughout really complimented the color.

a bathroom with a bathtub and a rug on the floor

Photo by Hommeboys Interiors

Biggest splurge and steal in the room: 

The biggest splurge was the soaking tub and it was worth every penny. We got it discounted because there was a tiny chip in the bottom and it was a total steal! 

Biggest challenge you had when designing this space:

Getting it done in four weeks! This was really unrealistic and took countless hours and long nights to get it accomplished. Not to mention, we custom designed and built the arched rattan door which was no small feat. 

How would you describe the vibe of this space?

Earthy, organic, and calming.

The Goods

a group of square tiles sitting on top of each other
Zia Tile's Skylight Zellige TileINQUIRE
a gold faucet with two handles and two handles
Rejuvenation's West Slope Bathroom FaucetINQUIRE
a white vase with a hand sticking out of it
Carmen Ellis' Studio Hand VesselINQUIRE
a close up of a striped rug with different colors
Vervain's Napa Velvet StripeINQUIRE
a picture of a white wall with a black border
Portola's ParliamentINQUIRE
a white light hanging from a ceiling fixture
Rejuvenation's Dekum Alabaster Dome PendantINQUIRE
a white bowl is shown on a white background
MTI's Elise TubINQUIRE
a stack of towels sitting on top of each other
Kassatex New York's Mateo Ribbed TowelsINQUIRE

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