Outstanding in its Field

Photo by Kevin Meechan
Photo by Kevin Meechan

In this charismatic guest bathroom, part of a picturesque farm property in Henderson County, homeowners Jose and Kathee Fernandez decided to keep the original tongue-and-groove yellow pine on the walls, slanted ceiling, and even the tub. Painted white, all that wood freshens the aesthetic while also hearkening back to a vintage era (think milk delivered in glass bottles with the cream on top).

Working around an unforeseen structural embellishment in the quirky room — the bath is positioned a half-flight up from the kitchen and often used by guests and the couple’s many grandkids — Traci Kearns of Alchemy Design Studio envisioned a mirror that would “float” above the transom window. This negated the need for a flat surface above the sink, and imparted a serious artisan touch via the finished product, crafted by local Matrix Designs.

Skylights let the natural light pour in, and are met by red cabinetry, sustainable bamboo countertops, and one particularly vivid bovine accessory. “Traci secured the painting,” says Kathee. Inspired by the rural heritage landscape where the home sits — “we’re in apple country,” the homeowner notes — the artwork is the kind of touch that embeds a room into future family narratives. Pastel prints or seascapes are still common in bathrooms, but so tired. A photo-realistic portrait of a dairy cow, on the other hand, will be milked for memories in decades to come.

“I love the painting,” says Kathee. “And so do the grandchildren!”

RESOURCES
Architect Platt Architecture, PA
Interior Designer Traci Kearns, Alchemy Design Studio
Cabinetry Thom Kline, Kline Designs
Mirrors Matrix Metalwork & Designs

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