Clean Slate
Streamlined silhouettes and sleek materials pave the way in this bath renovation by Meg Herlihy
With its sleek lines and modern materials, you’d never know that this fresh, remodeled bath was once dated, cramped and jam-packed with 1990s design trends.
“The aim of this space was to create a bathroom that reflected the client’s simple aesthetic but in a way that was not too austere,” says designer Meg Herlihy, who reconfigured and refreshed the space with spa-like elements that felt minimalist and modern, yet comfortable.
To achieve this streamlined look, Herlihy worked with Southern Plaster to install Moroccan tadelakt plaster—a water-resistant and mildew-resistant material—in the shower. “It’s the ideal material for a space where the look of plaster is desired, but water resistance is needed,” notes Herlihy. “Using tadelakt in the shower also eliminates the need for grout lines, which creates a seamless aesthetic—and makes cleaning a breeze.”
To add a sense of movement to the monochromatic palette, the designer paired floating, slab-door cabinetry with brushed gold hardware and Calacatta gold marble countertops. Likewise, she added a book-matched marble accent wall behind the tub, which is positioned to take advantage of the skylight window overhead.
Also adding warmth is a recessed electric fireplace opposite the main shower. “This wall is the first thing you see when you walk into the main bathroom space,” says Herlihy. “The fireplace serves as both a focal point—creating subtle ambiance when lit—and as a heat source, which is a particularly nice touch after stepping out of the shower.”
INTERIOR DESIGN Meg Herlihy, (678) 357-5179; megherlihy.com BUILDER Matt Johnson, Artisans of Atlanta, (404) 856-0741; artisansofatlanta.com PLASTER Will Lawless of Southern Plaster CABINETRY Nelson’s Cabinet Solutions CABINETRY PAINT Benjamin Moore BATHTUB Porcelanosa PLUMBING Kohler COUNTERTOPS UMI Stone fabricated and installed by Top Shop Stone ARTWORK Laura Powell Smith SCONCES and CABINET HARDWARE RH