High style meets high-tech pampering in this bathroom redo.
By Jennifer Sperry | Photos by Dan Cutrona
When Jacquelyn and John Santini decided to renovate their home’s primary bathroom, their contractor recommended the Kohler Signature Store by Supply New England in Burlington, Massachusetts, as a resource. Upon visiting the expansive showroom, they began working with design consultant Stephen Puopolo: “Our team methodology
just clicked right away,” says Jacquelyn.
Puopolo helped the couple navigate the myriad choices involved in a successful renovation while staying true to their minimalist vision. “I wanted the room to feel
modern and sleek,” describes Jacquelyn, who gravitates toward clean lines, quiet luxury, and contemporary chic.
“We focused on a triad of white, gray, and black,” says Puopolo of the color palette, anchored by tile in varying shades of gray. Context Field Tile by Ann Sacks in a silvery “Frost” tone covers the vanity wall and continues into the shower. Matte black fixtures—including the Honesty faucet, Statement showerhead, and Shift hand shower, all by Kohler—draw the eye. A warm wood grain in a driftwood finish on the Bertch vanity contrasts with the polished tile.
But this bathroom’s standout feature is its glassed-in steam shower, powered by a Kohler 9kW Invigoration steam generator. The Santinis can start a rejuvenating steam
session on their phones via the Konnect app; meanwhile, the wall-mounted controller inside the shower adjusts the temperature to between 90 and 125 degrees. The steam
head itself is topped by a small well for aromatherapy.
Yet another high-tech feature is Kohler’s Maxstow lighted medicine cabinet. “It’s designed to be wall-mounted for less intrusive installation in apartments and condos,” says Puopolo, “but we chose it for its length and style.”
Puopolo paid careful attention to even the smallest of details, ensuring a luxe, finished look. Wall-mounting both the Veil toilet and semi-custom vanity saved space and ensured easy cleaning. He also executed a custom sink drain in white— “It was worth the effort for a seamless look,” he explains. Above the toilet paper holder, which
doubles as a handy shelf, is an extra remote start for the shower heads.
“This room is contemporary in style but still has great warmth and is very livable,” says Puopolo. “We pinch ourselves every day,” adds Jacquelyn. “We feel very fortunate; it’s an unbelievable transformation.”
