Expert Talk: Freestanding Bathtubs Make a Splash
Professional designers explain why they chose freestanding tubs and how the style can enhance the design of any bathroom
Lawrence Karol
May 11, 2012
Houzz Contributor. After graduating from UC Berkeley, I found myself utterly unprepared for the real world and at a loss as to what I should do next. Luckily, one day I stumbled through the doors of Architectural Digest and was taken under the wing of legendary editor Paige Rense. She had the vision to look past my uninspiring sociology degree and my general lack of experience—an unlikely journalism career was born. After AD, with my magazine karma still intact, I was hired by yet another publishing legend, the food critic and writer Ruth Reichl. I currently ply my trade as a freelance writer and editor and live in stylish Mid-Century-Modern comfort with my dog, Mike.
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I’ve always wanted a freestanding bathtub. I'm not really sure why. There's just something so appealing about all the different sizes and shapes and how they sit so independently in a room and seem to virtually say, "Look at me." And now these designers have given me 16 more reasons why I need to get one.
Take advantage of the view. "I must admit that the homeowners drove the decisions for these tubs," says James Crisp of Crisp Architects (see next photo also). "The real inspiration is the view. If a master bath has a separate shower and room for a freestanding tub strategically positioned to enjoy a great view, the big question is why not?" This tub is from Waterworks.
Soak in the sunset. For this bathroom, Crisp chose a vintage black claw-foot tub. "Who wouldn't want to relax in a hot bath while gazing into the sunset across the rolling hills?" he asks.
Highlight the positive. "Prior to its remodel, this master bathroom had a built-in vanity and tub surround that started at the entry door by the sinks and was carried all the way around to the shower," says Susan Brown of Susan E. Brown Interior Design. "By using a freestanding bathtub and separate vanities, I knew the space would be opened up yet still feel cohesive with the integration of similar colors and finishes."
She adds that "having negative space surrounding the tub gives more emphasis to it as the pièce de résistance of the room. I continued to emphasize that aspect with hidden accent lighting that shines through the onyx tub deck and down onto the iridescent turquoise glass tiles, creating an 'incredible soft glow,' as my client put it."
She adds that "having negative space surrounding the tub gives more emphasis to it as the pièce de résistance of the room. I continued to emphasize that aspect with hidden accent lighting that shines through the onyx tub deck and down onto the iridescent turquoise glass tiles, creating an 'incredible soft glow,' as my client put it."
Be inspired by your travels. "The perfect way to incorporate my client’s love of his Hawaiian travels into his traditional Craftsman bungalow master bath was to create a spalike focal point with this freestanding nickel-lined copper tub," says Emily Gibson of Gibson Gimpel Interior Design. "Although the style is completely different from the Polynesian bungalows he enjoys on his vacations, the tub evokes the unique and relaxing atmosphere of the luxury hotel that he experiences every day in his Dallas home."
Take an artistic approach. "I think to really make a freestanding tub work, you need space, which is often not available in a standard bathroom, says Jim Zack of Zack/deVito Architecture + Construction. "These clients were very hands on and selected this tub themselves, but we were also thinking about the other materials in the bathroom. The sculptural quality of the stone and the craftsmanship of the stonework is amazing, and this tub has a very sculptural quality to it which is enhanced by placing it on a plinth."
Zack elaborates: "Many of the design decisions in other areas of the apartment were made to showcase the clients' collection of art and sculpture, and the master bathroom was no different, as you can see from the shelves we added to display part of their collection."
Zack elaborates: "Many of the design decisions in other areas of the apartment were made to showcase the clients' collection of art and sculpture, and the master bathroom was no different, as you can see from the shelves we added to display part of their collection."
Create a wet room. This bathroom had a starring role on HGTV’s Bang for Your Buck. "The bathroom was completely reconfigured and shuffled around," says Emily Mackie of Inspired Interiors. "The room has 14-foot ceilings, and there’s a huge skylight overhead."
She explains that "the idea was really to place the soaking tub in an environment under the skylight, and have it share the area with the shower instead of dedicating space to each of them. It made more sense to allow the shower water to hit the tub and be part of an integrated area."
Glass mosaic tile "was used throughout the open air shower and the tub area," Mackie notes. "The MTI whirlpool tub has jetted features and remote controls, while the shower has a Grohe fixture with an adjustable arm. There's also a heated towel bar."
She explains that "the idea was really to place the soaking tub in an environment under the skylight, and have it share the area with the shower instead of dedicating space to each of them. It made more sense to allow the shower water to hit the tub and be part of an integrated area."
Glass mosaic tile "was used throughout the open air shower and the tub area," Mackie notes. "The MTI whirlpool tub has jetted features and remote controls, while the shower has a Grohe fixture with an adjustable arm. There's also a heated towel bar."
Go with stone. "I rarely use anything but freestanding tubs. I love them!" says Cheryl Kees Clendenon of In Detail Interiors. "This one is from Turkey and is solid marble. The owners are from Louisiana and like darker colors and rich texture. We wanted to showcase the space, and placing the tub in front of these windows was perfect — it really became the centerpiece."
Try a modern take on traditional. "The owner likes traditional claw-foot tubs, but the house called for a more modern fixture," says Randall Mars of Randall Mars Architects. "This tub by Wetstyle has modern lines with that same feeling. In addition, it floats nicely in the space and enjoys great views. The pocket shutters offer privacy while flooding the room with light."
Think green. "This bathroom was an ecochic project where we used several natural or recycled/reclaimed products," says Kerrie L. Kelly of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. "The clients fell in love with the hammered-copper tub when they saw it. Luckily the entire bathroom was demoed, so we had the opportunity to take an existing tub/shower and covert the space to accommodate a large shower and separate freestanding tub. It now serves as the centerpiece to the master suite renovation."
Do it for Mom. "The idea for this beautiful tub really came from my client Susan," says Colleen Mahoney of Mahoney Architects. "She wanted her master bathroom to include a freestanding tub where she could feel that she was getting away from all of the demands of her daily life — a place with a sense of sanctuary and quiet. The tall ceilings and suspended chandelier contribute to the sense of luxury. In a busy mom's life it's good to have a place to escape."
Give your guests the best. "This bathroom is situated within a dormer gable on the top floor of a large house, and it receives infrequent use," says Dennis Budd of Gast Architects. "When the bathroom door is open, the room’s position adjacent the open central stair’s upper hall landing allows occupants to view the tub, dormer windows and decorative full-height tile wainscoting as they ascend to the roof level."
He adds, "The tub is reserved for guests staying on this level, but we chose to use this particular freestanding slipper tub with a reflective, burnished cast iron finish primarily because it is sculptural and decorative in nature."
He adds, "The tub is reserved for guests staying on this level, but we chose to use this particular freestanding slipper tub with a reflective, burnished cast iron finish primarily because it is sculptural and decorative in nature."
Treat the tub like furniture. "The owner just fell in love with this tub and had to have it," says Colleen Knowles of knowles ps. "It worked perfectly in this older home, where we transformed an extra bedroom into a fabulous master bathroom. The vanities and tub look like furniture items set around the room in an interesting way, and the layout leaves the large, original windows unobstructed."
Add curves to a rectangle. "For this bathroom we wanted a way to maintain as much floor space as possible and create an 'unfitted' look at the same time," says Lance Stratton of Stratton Studio. The tub we selected has a small footprint but still looks substantial. Its slipper shape provides some relief to what is an otherwise rectilinear room."
Celebrate luxury. "My inspiration for this bathroom was modern elegance," says Jamie Herzlinger of Jamie Herzlinger Interior Design. "Modern can sometimes get very cold, but freestanding tubs celebrate luxury and sensuality. So I personally always feel that if you have the time to enjoy a bath, whether alone or with someone else, it’s an occasion that needs to be celebrated. Nothing beats taking a bath in a freestanding tub for a sensual experience."
Try this in a smaller bathroom. "Freestanding tubs, or claw-foots for that matter, have an essence about them," says Sophia Cok of Design Associates. "They have the ability to turn bathing into a luxurious experience."
She adds that "freestanding tubs also tend to be less cumbersome or bulky. They work better in smaller bathrooms that might not have room for a large whirlpool tub, which also tend to look dated over time. This tub was selected to maximize the amazing Montana views."
She adds that "freestanding tubs also tend to be less cumbersome or bulky. They work better in smaller bathrooms that might not have room for a large whirlpool tub, which also tend to look dated over time. This tub was selected to maximize the amazing Montana views."
Build a spiritual oasis. "The master bathroom in this project was part of a second floor remodel," says Anat Shmariahu of ANAV Design. "The clients wanted their bathroom to be their 'living room.' They are very busy people, and the bathroom is a relaxing space for them, a time for being together."
"For me, freestanding tubs represent luxury, calm and a spalike environment, which is exactly what my clients were looking for. We wanted to make this a spiritual environment so that when you enter you are immediately transported. The tub was actually purchased before we even finished the design. My clients just fell in love with it, and it became the main focal point in this master bath."
"For me, freestanding tubs represent luxury, calm and a spalike environment, which is exactly what my clients were looking for. We wanted to make this a spiritual environment so that when you enter you are immediately transported. The tub was actually purchased before we even finished the design. My clients just fell in love with it, and it became the main focal point in this master bath."
Scott Davidson founded Davidson Builders in 1998. Scott graduated from Michigan State with a BS in Construction... Read More
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We were initially thinking drop in bc the geometry will compliment the shower connection but now have fallen in love w a freestanding.
So now the question: will the freestanding look awkward in such a small space? Is it a waste of money ($1500 vs $800) for the aesthetic
Great article! Read more here in my complete freestanding tubs buying guide: http://walkinshowers.org/best-free-standing-tub-reviews.html