Project in Brief: Retreat to Nature
A serene and balanced bathroom is at the core of this contemporary yet rustic lakeside cottage designed by Nathan Kyle, B.A.A.I.D., of Astro Design Centre in Ottawa.
On and off season, the goal of this project was to offer a respite in nature to recharge, relax and rejuvenate. A complete renovation was mindful of surrounding beauty and views to create a peaceful and refreshing oasis.
The project offered a clean slate, an opportunity to bring the outdoors in.
“The home was a complete gut job. It is a cottage property situated on a lake. Creating a focal point through the hallway and looking down through the dormer window in the shower to the water was an important factor here. The goal was to create a vibe that felt rustic but contemporary at the same time.”
– Nathan Kyle
Fixtures, faucets, cabinetry, and flooring were carefully chosen to lend an organic feel and tactile benefit. Open grain vanity surfaces, millwork, matte metals, smooth surfaces and river rock underfoot work together to achieve the desired aesthetic of the entire home. To further the rustic feel, the use of white in the bathroom was limited.
“The home borders on rustic and contemporary. We pull true rustic elements through textures and finishes of metals and woods and stone while the contemporary aspect is played out in the floorplan, lighting and furniture throughout the house.”
– Nathan Kyle
Crosswater London products fit the specifications of the project, working seamlessly with all elements in the space to achieve the overall design aesthetic. Hand made in Italy from solid brass, the artisanal quality of the UNION bath fittings offers state-of-the-art engineering, industrial-edge styling and precision knurling to fit right in with the contemporary yet rustic aesthetic. The innovative Brushed Black Chrome finish of UNION offers subtle layers of depth and lustre for a bold, rich detail.
“The UNION line particularly was attractive in its details and met the criteria in terms of finishing and product selection -- creating a Zen using elements that feel a part of nature; metals that feel like they have been there for ages.”
– Nathan Kyle
Each component in the UNION collection is precision machined, cast, polished and perfected to provide unparalleled functionality that stands the test of time. Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel, and Unlacquered Brass add to Brushed Black Chrome for a selection of distinctly luxurious finishes.
Exposing structural elegance, the UNION Tub Filler beckons renewal alongside the iconic Crosswater London Balthazar Bathtub with Black Exterior, answering the design criteria of this bathroom for beauty and function.
“We have limited the use of white in the bathroom whether in the sink, toilet, or tub. Being able to select a bathtub option with a matte black exterior was crucial. Furthermore, the lines of the tub transition from a classic traditional tub to something that could crossover into the contemporary realm – especially with the black.”
– Nathan Kyle
Adding ease to beauty, the Balthazar is made from high-performing ClearStone material -- an innovative natural stone compound that ensures brilliant white color and a hardwearing, high-gloss surface. ClearStone resists stain, retains heat, and minimizes maintenance. Hand-polished for over ten hours, the lustrous sheen of the tub is complemented by its metal exterior in five distinctive finishes including Stainless, Polished Nickel, White, Black, or Gold Exterior. Balthazar sets a new rule for luxury in any environment.
Step in for a sense of calm and well-being.
Kyle has created a bathroom where rustic meets contemporary… naturally.
Nathan Kyle, Designer, B.A.A.I.D.
“My design philosophy is to inspire others and create spaces without losing the grace of history. Aesthetics of classic old world and new age modern can and should co-exist. The blended outcome of the plural is more interesting than that of its singular.”
More inspirational projects this way! With a design brief to create a uniquely British hotel combining character and comfort, Crosswater London’s Belgravia collection offered the perfect fit for The Laslett Hotel.
