Ethereal Elegance

The luster of marble serves as the luxurious conduit for a serene space by designer Karen Ferguson

Karen Ferguson of Harrison Design has long loved marble and used the classic material as a catalyst for her work. It was no different in this bathroom renovation, but it finally was the right time to use a blue celeste marble that she had adored for years. The designer was thrilled when her client took the plunge with her and the marble’s icy sheen. “She just trusted me,” says Ferguson. “She liked the sparkle, so we jumped in and let it dictate the whole bathroom.”

Ferguson embraced the baby blues, greens and whites in the marble to design a spa environment. The space shimmers from the marble slabs on the vanity countertop, tub backdrop and floating shower bench, as well as the micromosaic heated floors, white marble in the curbless his-and-her steam shower and the antique-style tub. 

Working on a renovation in 2020 provided obstacles, including material shortages. For example, the mini mosaic floors, which even sparkle at night, came from four locations. “Working on something beautiful that’s going to elevate someone’s life just a little bit made it a rewarding escape during a pandemic,” she says. “Creating beautiful things is what every designer lives for.”

The formerly dark and awkward space felt larger with the combination of color, light and reflective materials. A modern twist was to use custom painted glass panels in the white wood cabinetry by Block & Chisel with crystal drawer pulls. 

Ferguson incorporated the glass and marble while staying true to the traditional architecture of the home. Existing archways with their gentle curves were retained, and the style of the cabinetry, sconces and chandelier further softened the modern leanings. “Clients who take a risk with you are the most rewarding,” she says. “It’s scary, but it’s so gratifying when it comes together.”

INTERIOR DESIGN Karen Ferguson, Harrison Design, (404) 365-7760; harrisondesign.com CONTRACTOR/BUILDER North Atlanta Properties CABINETRY Block & Chisel MARBLE SLABS Azul Celeste by Marmi Natural Stone FLOORING and SHOWER WALL TILE Renaissance Tile & Bath TUB Paris Nickel through Penhaglion PLUMBING Samuel Heath, DXV, Steamist Steam Shower HIS SCONCE Circa Lighting HER SCONCES Waterworks CABINET HARDWARE RH WINDOW TREATMENT 3W Design WALL PAINT Benjamin Moore Moonshine with White Dove trim