EISENMENGER
This is a style I like. Ken also really likes the whole look of this - the minimalism, materials, etc. The shape of the tub is nice, and the window over the tub is the statement. I also like the chandelier. One thing we definitely find important is having enough towel racks. Ken really likes to be able to place his towel unfolded on a rack so it dries appropriately. (Maybe a heated towel rack?) I think we also need hand towels by each sink. Also need to discuss the length of the vanity. In our Houston apartment, the vanity (with double sinks) is a little tight. Some of that feeling comes from the fact that we really don't have enough storage (our master closet is a little small, and extra bathroom stuff is in there). Honestly, I would have said the vanity is big enough, but for some reason it feels tight. We will measure.
I like that the horizontal portion extends well past the fire box. You spoke of eliminating the railing and balusters to the right of the fireplace, so what about filling it in with a half wall instead of a full height wall. The mantle can extend horizontally past the fire box and act as the wall cap. N - I do like the horizontal portion extending to the right. Would be interesting with a half height wall.
I like this as an option because of the wood shop you have at your lake house. When at the lake house, we spoke about having to [possibly have to cut down the tree in the large garden, and you doing something with the wood. Perhaps you can fashion your own mantle from the wood. Or we could find some drift wood to use. Definitely, like the idea of the natural wood mantel. I don't think Ken wants to be the one to make the mantel immediately upon moving in.
I like the idea of raising the hearth a bit and extending it to the right. You would like the railing and balusters eliminated and replaced with a wall, so by extending the hearth, you will have a ledge for sculptural artwork N - We definitely like the idea of raising the hearth, and a concrete ledge. Ken and I have talked about it a lot. But N would still like a mantel. And the concrete ledge can go to the right, with the half wall, and some shelving. Possibly like this example with staggered or interesting shelving.
We could raise the hearth the height of one brick and have the hearth to the right of the fireplace. I like the contrast in materials (wood flooring and painted white brick. We both really like this look. Thinking it could still have a natural wood mantel with this look. As we are sitting in the house this morning (on our way to Louisville) we really like the idea of the raised hearth with bricks. And whatever the ledge should be - travertine? concrete? other material?
I like the stone wall, modern staircase and stamped concrete floor. All has the look I like.
Q