A Wellness-Inspired Sanctuary in a 1920s Home

Designers Sumner Starling and Anne Hurley, with architect Paul Bates, expand and refine a shared bath in a 1920s home, striking a balance between historic character and understated elegance.

By
BHG Staff
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Wellness-focused bathroom renovation in a 1920s home
An all-white room can still feel full of warmth and texture. Reeded wood cabinets and gold hardware add depth beside a sleek white vanity framed by a trefoil arch. A tall mirror reflects light and space, making this tucked-away spot feel open and inviting. Photography: Jean Allsopp

When designing a new space in a 1920s home, it’s imperative to look to classic materials and enduring style for a successful, integrated design.

The first step was finding a way to gain more square feet and create a plan. Architect Paul Bates evaluated the existing floorplan and was quick to find space that they could take in from adjacent rooms. This allowed for a larger bath, with freestanding tub, separate shower, a pair of custom vanities, and a generously-sized closet.

“This is a beautiful estate. Our goal was to make the renovations seamless and timeless.”

—Designer Sumner Starling

Wellness-focused bathroom renovation in a 1920s home,
The client, a wellness spa owner with a dedicated skincare routine, needed ample space to house her collection of beauty essentials.
Wellness-focused bathroom renovation in a 1920s home,
Custom storage was thoughtfully integrated throughout, including discreet flush cabinets flanking the dressing table for seamless, built-in organization. “Paul designed the pair of white oak vanities which are pieces of art in themselves,” Sumner says.

Even with floorplan changes, Sumner says, “The master bath and closet needed to feel like they had always been part of this house.” To accomplish that goal, Paul and Sumner, along with her co-designer, Anne Hurley, chose finishes in white oak, unlacquered brass, marble, and polished nickel to achieve that unfailing stance. It’s a shared space that’s not too masculine and not too feminine, striking a just-right balance for this couple and their historic home.

Wellness-focused bathroom renovation in a 1920s home,
Sheer white curtains allow soft, diffused light to fill the room, highlighting the honey-toned hardwood floors. The lush greenery outside serves as the primary “wallpaper.” The addition of an antique rug and a ceramic garden stool provides an earthy, grounded feel.
The designers created a well organized space for this fashion-minded homeowner and her husband. A center island topped in white oak separates her side from his.
Photo: Becky Stayner

Resources

Interior design: Sumner Starling and Anne Hurley, Starling Interiors Builder: Mimikakis Construction; Cabinets: Custom design by Paul Bates Architects, constructed by Alabama Woodworks; Cabinet color: White Dove, Benjamin Moore; Rug: Paige Albright Orientals; Lighting: Visual Comfort; Hardware: Brandino Brass; Shower tile, fixtures, bathtub: Fixtures & Finishes; Countertops: Alabama Stone Works

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