Bathroom Design Tip 6: Preserve Warmth (and Your Hardwood) with a Landing Pad

Incorporating natural materials—such as hardwood—in a bathroom creates a warm and inviting space, but there’s one potential drawback: hardwood doesn’t play well with constant moisture. “Hardwood in bathrooms is becoming trendy,” says Edmonton interior designer Shannon McClelland, principal of Studio Enda. (The project initially began under her former firm, Ministry of Interiors, but was completed by Studio Enda.) “But it’s something that needs to be taken into consideration because hardwood can’t withstand soaking wet feet all the time.” She tackled the challenge in a novel way: an integrated Rosa Alicante marble “landing pad” between the tub and the warm oak hardwood floor is both luxurious and practical. The marble pad acts as both a moisture barrier and a design statement, blending seamlessly with the bathroom’s earthy palette and Moroccan-inspired details. The subtle curve of the pad transitions into the hardwood, removing the need for bathmats (which can often feel out of place) and allowing for a clean, minimalist look that’s more spa-like than your typical guest bathroom.

A Moroccan-Inspired Retreat

Elements like warm natural oak cabinetry and creamy zellige tiles evoke a subtle Moroccan feel, creating a spa-like retreat that still feels connected to the Alberta landscape. The custom iron shower door, crafted with Moorish-inspired arches, is cohesive with the house’s overall design, bringing both elegance and functionality to the bathroom.

Outside-In Design

Southwest-facing, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the bathroom with natural light, showcasing earthy greens and rusty reds that nod to the surrounding landscape and seamlessly connect the interior to the ravine views outside.