Wilmington designers Ellen Cheever and husband, Pete Giorgi, sit on a Toto tub that’s framed with a man-made composite material that looks like wood but is appropriate for a water area. The tub enclosure is the same as the floor, which is oversized Italian tile with a linen feel in chocolate brown. The latest trend for flooring is large tile. Bigger tiles make small rooms appear wider, and there’s less grout to spread. This Asian-inspired room was designed with a sitting area, but “being realists,” says Cheever, “it was also designed to close off the bath and the extra room, which could become a closet or an office.” The subdued white Hunter Douglas shades add to the clean lines and tranquil feel. They emit natural light from the large windows, but also provide privacy. Cheever purchased the artwork at a Jesuit auction in California 20 years ago. Photograph by Jared Castaldi
The combination of mahogany-stained cherry wood and antique glass mirrors with webbing creates serious drama for this functional yet elegant Wilmington bath by Pete Giorgi of Giorgi Kitchens & Designs. The vanity offers a pull-up top with ample storage underneath. The Pearl tub is ergonomically shaped to offer bathers two sitting positions for relaxing or reading.
This Rehoboth Beach bath by Dewson Construction and designer Bruce Palmer features an ebony wood floor, marble countertops and Kallista sinks. The Brown diamond tiles around the window are made of mesquite walnut and were installed one tile at a time. The floating tub sits on a 6-inch slab of walnut.
This sunny bath by Dewson Construction exists within what builder Tim Dewson calls “a timeless Greenville estate.” Its cohesive look was created by using the same marble for the floor, walk-in shower and counters. Two white undermounted Kallista sinks blend nicely with the white- and black-hued marble. The drop-in tub sits in a raised panel that matches the vanity. The radiator is cleverly hidden in the wall under the window. The wide window ledge offers space for plants or art pieces.
This Lewes bath is drenched in cheery yellow, one of the year’s hottest colors. The most eye-catching piece in this room by Elegant Designs in Rehoboth Beach is the Victoria & Albert Napoli freestanding contemporary tub. The luxury soaker is made from Englishcast, a casting of rare volcanic limestone and resin that’s more durable than standard acrylic.
The Pietra Imperiale granite with ogee edge in this Wilmington bath by Giorgi Kitchens & Designs complements its plain and fancy custom cabinetry. The Vesale stone floor blends different sized tiles, a modern effect designers use to make rooms appear larger or wider. Lead designer Joe Giorgi Sr. purchased the floral light fixture above the sink while traveling in Italy last summer.
This Wawaset Park bath by Ellen Cheever & Associates features His and Hers maple vanities reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright-style design.
Elegant Designs in Rehoboth Beach and designer Muffy Marvel created this retro bath for homeowner Jenkie Lingo. Highlights include Kohler Caxton sinks and Bancroft monoblock faucets with porcelain handles.
It would be difficult to miss the most spectacular element in this Rehoboth Beach bath by Dewson Construction and designer Bruce Palmer. It’s the sink base, which was made from an old cypress tree root that was conditioned, reformed and fitted to create a foundation for the corner vanity. A handmade vessel sink bowl sits on a limestone top with cobbled edge. The custom faucets were mounted on the limestone backsplash that matches the countertop. The look was completed by using grasscloth wallpaper and painting baseboard molding glossy white.
