Zen enSuite Bath + Steam Shower Portland, OR type: remodel credits design: Matthew O. Daby - m.o.daby design interior design: Angela Mechaley - m.o.daby design construction: Hayes Brothers Construction photography: Kenton Waltz - KLIK Concepts While the floorplan of their primary bath en-suite functioned well, the clients desired a private, spa-like retreat & finishes that better reflected their taste. Guided by existing Japanese & mid-century elements of their home, the materials and rhythm were chosen to contribute to a contemplative and relaxing environment. One of the major upgrades was incorporating a steam shower to lend to their spa experience. Existing dark, drab cabinets that protruded into the room too deep, were replaced with a custom, white oak slatted vanity & matching linen cabinet. The lighter wood & the additional few inches gained in the walkway opened the space up visually & physically. The slatted rhythm provided visual interest through texture & depth. Custom concrete countertops with integrated, ramp sinks were selected for their wabi-sabi, textural quality & ability to have a single-material, seamless transition from countertop to sink basin with no presence of a traditional drain. The darker grey color was chosen to contrast with the cabinets but also to recede from the darker patination of the backsplash tile & matched to the grout. A pop of color highlights the backsplash pulling green from the canopy of trees seen out the window. The tile offers subtle texture & pattern reminiscent of a raked, zen, sand garden (karesansui gardens). XL format tile in a warm, sandy tone with stone effect was selected for all floor & shower wall tiles, minimizing grout lines. A deeper, textured tile accents the back shower wall, highlighted with wall-wash recessed lighting.