HOME: The master bath

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Vanity Fair

A Tiverton condo’s master bathroom goes from sterile to stunning

About 10 years ago, Brendalee and Michael O’Hara decided to downsize from their large home with acreage in south Tiverton to a nearby 55+ community. “Once the last child graduated high school, we began looking for something a little smaller,” says Brendalee. Originally Michael was not big on his wife’s plan of moving into a condominium, but everything from the unexpected tranquility to the water views on that first visit quickly won him over. “We love it,” says Brendalee. “One-level living to age in place with no yard to take care of nor outside maintenance to tend to!”

One thing that wasn’t so perfect was the master bathroom: an oversized space outfitted in beige that leaned toward looking institutional. Who better to infuse a bit of color and warmth than Johnston-based interior designer Michelle Lee Parenteau?

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Parenteau’s first impression was that the bathroom looked sterile. “Their shower was 36 by 36 inches and they had a huge built-in jacuzzi tub taking up a lot of space,” she says. “My clients really wanted a free-standing soaker tub and a makeup area.” To accommodate the wish list, Parenteau completely demoed the room to reconfigure the area in a more useful way; she was also sure to infuse touches that connected with the coastal location and her clients’ adoration of the seaside and color blue.

With a blank slate, Parenteau brought in the freestanding tub, along with a large shower with a built-in bench. For the makeup area, an elegant wraparound vanity was installed with a matching linen cabinet. Parenteau painted wide “nickel gap” shiplapped walls a bright cobalt blue, and for flooring, selected wood plank tile in a natural tone to keep things user-friendly. Accents like mango woodwrapped frames on the mirrors over each sink and a wood drum light fixture above the tub serve to soften hard lines and add texture. “Every bathroom needs a little bling, so a round crystal LED mirror, which reflects the water view, was hung at the makeup area,” says Parenteau with a smile.

“Carrying the blue of the gorgeous Sakonnet River and Mount Hope Bay into our home has been a dream come true!” says Brendalee. “I grew up in a Victorian-style home and that influence from my mom, coupled with my love of traditional style and desire for a beachy retreat, is incorporated throughout our home. The view makes me smile every single morning when I open my eyes.”

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LOCATION CUES “Hues of blues, artifacts purchased from local artists like wall decor and beachy tchotchkes, our Munroe milk cooler on the front step and the biggest giveaway that we live in Rhode Island,” says Brendalee. “Open my fridge and there is always ‘cawfee’ milk from Munroe Dairy.”

TIVERTON LOVE “We love our locally owned restaurants. The Red Dory, Evelyn’s Drive-In, The Boat House, Sakonnet River Grill, and The Black Goose are our favorites. We love The Cheese Wheel Village Market and Groundswell at Tiverton Four Corners where Gray’s Ice Cream is along with other local shops and a great antique store. Coastal Roasters is not only a great co ee shop, but the spot and the view are worth the price of admission.”

RHODY RESOURCES Parenteau has a solid rep for using local talent. Here are some vendors used for this project: EastCoast Countertops; Jason Thomas Construction, LLC; Lighting & Design by J&K Electric; Lubrano Electric; Rhode Island Tile; San Bento Painting; Supply New England; and Towne Glass and Aluminum. “I strive to use the best quality of materials. I listen to my client’s needs and wants and try to bring that vision to life.” Learn more at MichelleLeeDesigns.com