The Suburban Bath features earth tones and fixtures by Brizo . THREE BATHS A DESIGNER TAKES MULTIPLE PATHS.
The golden tones of this Watermark floor-mount tub filler bring a sunny glow to anyone taking a dip in the City Bath.
A s the principal at Dan Rak Designs, Dan Rak does a great deal of think- ing about giving clients both what they want and need—especially in the bath. “Our philosophy is that a bathroom should be both beautiful and functional—a serene, spa-like retreat tailored to the client’s lifestyle,” says Rak. “Beyond the client’s requests, we always prior- itize optimal space planning, durable yet luxurious materials, and timeless design that won’t feel dated over time.” Rak understands that his role may involve guiding even the most inde- cisive clients to choices with which they will love living. “Clients often T E X T PAUL HAGEN
struggle with selecting tile—whether it’s choosing between bold or neutral, large or small format, or deciding on grout color,” he offers. So how does he get them from overwhelmed to overjoyed? “To guide them, we present mood boards with different combina- tions and encourage them to consider longevity and practicality.” Sometimes the solution is finding a compromise between safe choices and big swings. “We also remind them that a state- ment tile can be balanced with more understated selections elsewhere in the space.” Once he’s pleased the people, Rak still needs to address the practicali- ties. “Space constraints and plumbing
configurations often require creative problem-solving,” he notes. He recalls one project he worked on where a cli- ent desperately wanted a freestanding tub in a space that wasn’t designed to accommodate it. “We reconfigured the layout and selected a more compact, sculptural tub that delivered the aes- thetic without compromising usability.” When clients are interested, Rak is ready to help them make daring choices—up to a point. “Fixtures are a great place to take a calculated risk— whether it’s an unexpected finish or a sculptural shape,” he says. “That said, we tend to advise our clients to select simple, timeless plumbing fixtures— particularly in bathrooms. Other
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