Major Makeover: Bland to Evocative Asian-Style Bath

At first glance, I found the Asian theme only in the accents: a pot of orchids on the countertop, a few ceramic rice bowls and bamboo reeds collected in a vase. But Danenberg points out that the whole point of the remodel was to reinterpret the Asian motif — and specifically, a Japanese aesthetic — which meant doing away with expected decor additions like chinoiserie, shoji screens and calligraphy art.

Look up at the ceiling and you'll notice how Danenberg reenvisioned the typical bamboo reed shade trellis into a stainless steel tube and steel mesh, custom made and designed as an art piece. A stainless steel, stone-surround tub made of recycled steel sheet metal complements the ceiling materials; the tub also reinterprets the Japanese ofuro (soaking tub). The oval shape reimagines the typical simple rectangular wood tub.

A closer look at the image reveals an open toilet area, anchored by a black freestanding toilet (slightly obscured by the tub stand and ceramic bowls in this picture). The toilet can be enclosed by a glass entry later, should the client desire more privacy.

Hat box toilet, Kohler; tub: custom, Diamond Spas; cabinets, closet doors: custom, Irpinia

The entry into the bathroom from the master bedroom is marked by tone-on-tone yellow and a splash of deep purple on the entryway wall. "My clients collect art from artists in Kansas, so the displayed artwork influenced all the interior color decisions," says Danenberg.