Dale and Sam Bowers bought their turn of the century farm house for many reasons; the beautiful expanse of countryside surrounding it that would be utilized by their many horses and a menagerie of other animals and the charming wrap around covered porch to name a few, but the interior of the master suite was definitely not a selling point.Believers of working with what you've got, the Bowers hired Panoply Interior Designer, Christi M. Estes to help them with the renovations in their new home. Having enjoyed a long standing relationship with Estes, they knew that she would be able to rise to the challenging project. These challenges included a brick chimney chase coming up the middle of the master bedroom and a windowless bathroom, to name a few.Then, just as Estes finished implementing the final design elements of the existing space, fate intervened. An electrical fire destroyed the entire upstairs of the home.Devastating as it seemed, it gave the Bowers and Estes just the opportunity they needed to make the space the haven that they desired.By completely re-working the space plan of the upstairs, Estes was able to create a spacious master bedroom with vaulted and beamed ceilings, an intimate sitting area and a wall full of windows that washed the entire space with sunlight. She was also able to create a luxurious spa-like bathroom in a challenging attic space. When designing the new master bath, Estes took the long narrow space and divided it into functional zones. A 4'X4' shower with spa quality fixtures was designed, a 4'X4' private toilet room that retains an original brick chimney chase, and a built-in linen cupboard with the look of a furniture piece were incorporated. A double vanity was designed to run the length of the bathroom. A claw foot tub and picture window complete the bathroom. These elements create a wonderful focal point when looking into the room and are situated on a beautiful old-fashioned looking marble floor.In keeping with the character of the old farmhouse, design elements utilized include vintage looking stained ceiling beams, marble countertops and flooring and furniture-look built in cabinetry pieces. An antique inspired crystal chandelier was also installed.But modern amenities and elements were not forgotten. The couple desired a jetted tub, towel warmer and a blue and white color scheme. To accommodate these wishes, Estes designed a focal wall of floor to ceiling mosaic glass tile in varying tones of blue that serves as the backdrop for the picture window and jetted claw foot tub. An electric towel warmer provides the couple with warm linens after each shower and bath. Glass tile is also applied in intricate patterns in the shower. Vanity sinks are hand made glass vessels finished in an opalescent blue/green finish. And as a nod to their love of animals, the clients chose a charming pewter turtle drain for each sink. Crisp stainless steel and chrome fixtures reflect the gemstone looking tile, broaden the room with their mirror-like quality and give an overall jewelry box feel. Lastly, the shower was custom designed with body sprays strategically placed to hit the lower back and ceiling rain tiles to provide a soothing shower experience.The results are breathtaking. And the homeowners, as they sit in the claw footed tub and look out the picture window at the beautiful surrounding countryside, couldn't agree more.
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