When designer Caitlin Murray’s clients, a husband-and-wife duo that run a notable commercial production company,found a vast empty lot overlooking the ocean, they knew it was the perfect site to build the family home where they could see themselves growing old. “They commissioned us along with a local architect to conceive of a fully-customized new construction that blended their love for contemporary and mid-century design,” Caitlin tells us. The couple splits their time between Los Angeles and another major international city, so Caitlin wanted the home to reflect the California coastline. 

“Because of the proximity to the sea and the striking views throughout the home, we wanted to highlight the inherent beauty of water and sky,” Caitlin tells us. “These two foundational requirements led us to choose a palette and materials that felt in harmony with the surroundings, keeping with an overall fresh and light vibe inspired by nature that would also serve as the perfect canvas over which to layer in the client’s eclectic artwork and furniture. That serene, airy feel naturally carries into the primary bathroom, where the client’s top functional requirements were having his and her sinks, a freestanding tub, and ample shower space.”

Though he’s in love with all things mid-century and her preference is for clean and serene, Caitlin and the team at her firm, Black Lacquer Design, were able to find the perfect balance and check off all of their must-haves. “The bathroom, like the rest of the home, marries these two styles to create a bright, relaxed, and elevated California casual feel that isn’t afraid to sit shotgun to the natural beauty outside.”

Though we’re not all lucky enough to have a bathroom quite like this one, Caitlin has a few tips, specifically sharing what she thinks every bathroom needs: “Timeless tile and stone that you feel absolutely gaga over,” she laughs. “I kick off every bathroom (and kitchen!) design by specifying the stone first and shaping other elements around it. The choice is so central to the whole design concept and can really make or break things.”  She concludes, “Generally, I feel like every primary bathroom should feel luxe, so even when I’m executing something more pared down, I add plenty of tonal layers and visual texture to keep things from feeling flat.”