Natural Elements
Photos by Paul LinnebachBathroom at a GlanceWho lives here: A single woman who loves traveling and Asian styleLocation: Minneapolis Size: 125 square feet (11.6 square meters)Designer and builder: Paul Linnebach of Mantis Design + BuildScope of work. A full, down-to-the studs renovation that included the removal of a large bathtub and a partial wall. The shower was relocated to directly beneath a skylight, and a small space that previously housed a shower became a linen closet. A new vanity features a built-in hamper and accessory drawers for maximum efficiency of space. Style influence. The homeowner, whom designer and builder Paul Linnebach describes as “bright, warm and full of life,” loves traveling and Asian style. For the design, Linnebach took inspiration from his own travels to Bali, Indonesia, “where the showers and bathrooms are so connected and a part of the surrounding nature,” he says. George Kovacs Hidden Gems flush-mount light in chrome: Minka Aire via Houzz; custom-built mirror and vanity; Italian Design Collection center pulls in matte black: Schaub; 1446-CWH sinks: Decolav; Metris 260 faucets: Hansgrohe; concrete-effect floor tile in matte beige: Fioranese
Shower. A 16-inch rain shower extends from inside the skylight well, reminiscent of a natural outdoor shower. “The crazy, beautiful idea of setting a large rain shower up into the skylight made this bathroom playful and luxurious,” Linnebach says. “It was one of those ‘Can we really do that?’ moments that really excited everyone. We took a risk, and now it’s the homeowner’s favorite feature.”Linnebach added a concealed vent in the skylight well to make sure moisture didn’t get trapped up there.Faux-wood tiles on the shower floor, walls and ceiling create a rich, organic feel without the hassle of maintaining real wood in a wet area. Linnebach meticulously placed each faux-wood tile so it would be almost impossible to spot individual tiles. The slender slat-like tiles on the floor mimic the look of a tatami mat. The other tiles are concrete.Large-format reuse concrete wall tile: Provenza Floors; Etic in Ulivo faux-wood tiles: Atlas Concorde; shower fixtures, Raindance wall bar and C-Therm trim: Hansgrohe
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