Looking to emulate a five-star hotel ambiance for a client’s bath, designer Lori Carroll sought elements that would elevate the space. To that end, she commissioned a one-of-a-kind epoxy resin wall panel for the vanity area. Handmade in Italy, the piece had a significant lead time. Also, to guarantee the fit would be precise, production could not begin until the drywall was done. It was worth the wait.
“By working closely with all trades, we ensured that the panel was done to perfection,” said the designer, who singles out the custom artwork as her favorite part of the project.
For lighting, Carroll wanted something that would allow the panel to “sing in the space.” Sinuous pendants of borosilicate glass and dark brass caught her eye, and she consulted with the manufacturer on details such as pendant drop, lighting temperature and lamping were correctly specified. However, the experience at the vanity – intended to be luxurious – took a bad turn when the pendants began to hum when they were dimmed.
“While we had done projects with European-made fixtures before, the delicate nature of these lights meant install was challenging,” said Carroll.
For help, she turned to her electrician, who tested wiring connections, examined the compatibility of the dimmer and bulb and analyzed voltage fluctuations to determine the root of the problem. The combination of the tradesman’s expertise and the designer’s trust led to a resolution of the issue and a restoration of the serene atmosphere in the bath.
Sources
Design: Lori Carroll, Lori Carroll & Associates Photography: Dino Tonn GC: Mellgren Homes Electrician: Fiesta Electric Tile Installer: Pima Tile and Stone Art Panel: Alex Turco/Cactus Stone and Tile Cabinets: Sage Creek Furniture Faucets & Fittings: Brizo Glass: Hartman Glass Lighting: Riloh (toilet room), Usona Home (vanity pendants) Metal Shelving: AIS Industries Plaster: Hopper Finishes Sink: Tucson Stoneworks & Daltile Stone Shelving & Shower Bench: Tucson Stoneworks/Galleria of Stone Tile: Artesana Tile (floor), Mosa Tile/Surface Resources (wall) Toilet: Duravit Tub: Aquatica/MTI Wallcovering: Carlisle and Co.
