Dark Necessities Master Bathroom

An inky black master bath integrates an enigmatic mix of interesting textures, surfaces and patterns in a Malibu luxury estate, offering a dramatic contrast to the Golden State’s bright sunshine.

Interior designer Colleen Torres of IDC Designs in Laguna Beach cooked up some dark magic when creating this unique space. “The master bathroom includes an etched black glass freestanding bathtub and matching vessel sinks from Blu Bathworks,” she said. “The vanities were custom-made for the space. The unique matte black faucets and shower fixtures are made by Brizo. The lighting fixtures are vintage and there’s a Toto private commode.”

The entire bath is clad in visually striking tones of rich ebony, charcoal and jet, Torres says. “The walls and ceiling are finished in a hand-waxed plaster, while the wood flooring is a dark chocolate-colored scraped oak.” It was important to both the homeowner and architect to bring the outdoors into the space, she adds. “The large picture window over the tub faces the front of the property and looks out on this massive, very old tree. It’s very architectural and was preserved during the landscaping process.”

“When designing the house we were very aware of the surrounding area, which is the reason for the big window in the master bath,” notes Doug Burdge of Burdge & Associates Architects in Malibu. “Along with the great natural light it brings into the space, it offers unparalleled views.”

Equal emphasis was put on the other design elements in the room, including the massive walk-in shower. “We wanted the master shower to feel like it was part of the romance of the room,” Torres says. “We found a unique porcelain tile with rubbed edges to mimic the tone and feel of the plaster in the rest of the space.”

The homeowner’s wish list was ably completed by Torres and Burdge. He sought a warm, romantic, all-encompassing suite that could be closed off from the rest of the home. Indulgent options include relaxing in the infrared sauna room, detoxing in the steam room, or enjoying a long soak in the tub overlooking the amazing resort-caliber backyard. The result is a spa day every day in this sleek and cool bat cave of a bath.


Colleen Torres established IDC Designs in 2002 within Laguna Beach’s world famous artist colony. She is known for creating environments that are clean and modern with traditional elements, striving for timeless yet unexpected interiors. 

Doug Burdge leads Burdge & Associates Architects, Inc., an architectural, planning and consulting firm based in Malibu. BAA specializes in the design of distinguished residential and commercial projects throughout North America.

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