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In the spring of 2008, I was invited, by the Merchandise Mart, to participate in their annual Dream House event.
I was asked to design the Bathroom, and I was really quite thrilled to do so; although I have designed, and seen to fruition, several wonderful
bathrooms for my clients, it is always exciting to possess virtual carte-blanche!
The theme for the 2008 Dream House was "Fashion For The Home", which immediately suggested to me that some sort of homage to and
reflection of the life and oeuvre of Coco Chanel seemed appropriate. The name Chanel is, for me, and others, synonymous with fashion.
Inspired by the 1925 Exposition des Art Décoratifs in Paris,which gave us the term "Art Deco", the design for this space was created to reflect
the mood of the French capital between the two world wars: a time of unbridled optimism, limitless creativity and an apogee of design which still
influences us today.
This lovely "salle de bains" reflects the many transitional, and, in some instances, contradictory, design foci of the early twentieth century,
showcasing here the remarkable influence and freshness of the Art Deco period, or, as it was then know, the Machine Age or the Jazz Age.
An additional & important influence was, of course, the enigmatic and dynamic Mademoiselle Chanel herself, whose own tastes and fashion
sense are still very much felt in the world today.
I was asked to design the Bathroom, and I was really quite thrilled to do so; although I have designed, and seen to fruition, several wonderful
bathrooms for my clients, it is always exciting to possess virtual carte-blanche!
The theme for the 2008 Dream House was "Fashion For The Home", which immediately suggested to me that some sort of homage to and
reflection of the life and oeuvre of Coco Chanel seemed appropriate. The name Chanel is, for me, and others, synonymous with fashion.
Inspired by the 1925 Exposition des Art Décoratifs in Paris,which gave us the term "Art Deco", the design for this space was created to reflect
the mood of the French capital between the two world wars: a time of unbridled optimism, limitless creativity and an apogee of design which still
influences us today.
This lovely "salle de bains" reflects the many transitional, and, in some instances, contradictory, design foci of the early twentieth century,
showcasing here the remarkable influence and freshness of the Art Deco period, or, as it was then know, the Machine Age or the Jazz Age.
An additional & important influence was, of course, the enigmatic and dynamic Mademoiselle Chanel herself, whose own tastes and fashion
sense are still very much felt in the world today.
Une Salle de Bains pour Mademoiselle Chanel
The wallpaper, in deep Pompeian red featuring classical swags, fruits
and birds, recalls the gaiety and spirit of the Belle Epoque, yet
provides a rich, layered background to the impact of the fresh, new
bath fittings and fixtures.
Matching portières enhance the walls and remind us that this is, after
all, a proper room and not, merely, a decorated closet (as so many
bathrooms, regrettably, are).
Black & beige marble floor tiles provide a crisp, contemporary accent,
pairing well with the satin-nickel wall sconces and chandelier.
An English Chippendale console in deeply carved mahoghany is
transformed, via the addition of a sparkling white lavatory basin and
gleaming chrome fittings.
Luxurious velvets add richness, depth and colour to a pair of Irish
Regency benches; a large, footed ottoman in black worsted wool is
contrasted with a deep moss-green throw and comfortable, floor-size
pillows in pale straw and red silk.
As a finishing note, a weathered marble statue of classical design
contemplates the bathing beauties for which it, perhaps, has drawn its
own water from the well.
and birds, recalls the gaiety and spirit of the Belle Epoque, yet
provides a rich, layered background to the impact of the fresh, new
bath fittings and fixtures.
Matching portières enhance the walls and remind us that this is, after
all, a proper room and not, merely, a decorated closet (as so many
bathrooms, regrettably, are).
Black & beige marble floor tiles provide a crisp, contemporary accent,
pairing well with the satin-nickel wall sconces and chandelier.
An English Chippendale console in deeply carved mahoghany is
transformed, via the addition of a sparkling white lavatory basin and
gleaming chrome fittings.
Luxurious velvets add richness, depth and colour to a pair of Irish
Regency benches; a large, footed ottoman in black worsted wool is
contrasted with a deep moss-green throw and comfortable, floor-size
pillows in pale straw and red silk.
As a finishing note, a weathered marble statue of classical design
contemplates the bathing beauties for which it, perhaps, has drawn its
own water from the well.
I am deeply grateful for the support of the following companies,
without whom this design would not have been possible:
Baker, Knapp & Tubbs
Brunschwig & Fils
Chanel
Duravit
Finnegan Galleries
KWC America
Maxx Tubs
Primitive Artworks
The Merchandise Mart of Chicago
Tufenkian Carpets
Waterworks
without whom this design would not have been possible:
Baker, Knapp & Tubbs
Brunschwig & Fils
Chanel
Duravit
Finnegan Galleries
KWC America
Maxx Tubs
Primitive Artworks
The Merchandise Mart of Chicago
Tufenkian Carpets
Waterworks
At the grand opening party with
Chris Snider, showroom
manager at Brunschwig & Fils;
a glorious night to remember!
Chris Snider, showroom
manager at Brunschwig & Fils;
a glorious night to remember!
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