Room Swoon: Shop My Brooklyn Bathroom

If like us, you’re driven by an insanely curious nature, then you also jump at the chance to peek inside other people’s homes, explore their creative process, and interpret their visual language into your own spaces. Unlocking the kernel of inspiration that gave rise to a design idea or interior vision has always been what fascinates us more than the finished look. It’s this preoccupation for the behind-the-scenes that gave birth to our Room Swoon series. So join us as we tap into our inner voyeur for a captivating glimpse into spaces we love and the design spark that inspired it—then shop the look to bring it home. Up next, Athena Calderone’s Brooklyn Bathroom.

On the second floor of my Brooklyn townhouse, I let the architecture inform the space. Grand double doors from my bedroom lead to my bathroom, boasting an old-world-style bathtub, plaster walls, and marble fireplace, but the hallway in between the closet and bathroom served no purpose. 

This demanded a statement. I explored wallpaper, a mural, decorative hooks—nothing felt right. 

Obsessed with collecting plinths and pillars for the home, I was attracted to ancient Greek marble columns, but it wasn’t until I saw a detailed wood-paneled room at the University of Padua, designed by Gio Ponti, that I felt inspired to unite these two ideas. This is what I love so much about the alchemy of design and two disparate references! I worked with Kamp Studios to wrap fluted plaster up the walls and over the ceiling, drawing the eye to the room’s focal point: the bathtub. I wrote all about the fluted portal process here.

There is friction to be found in playing with extremes. Our bathroom, boasting old European charm, took on a decidedly feminine identity with its pink-veined marble, 1930s Murano chandelier resembling a flower’s stamen, and romantic freestanding bathtub. I intentionally contrasted the daintiness by injecting harsh black elements—window frames, vanity mirrors (which I painted myself), and a range of vessels. I also introduced strong sculptural forms, like a nude male torso and strident sconces.

Never would I have imagined bathing daily in a pink shower. It was not my intention but rather I was led to it at the stone yard. A, because of its beauty. B, because of its price. Initially my budget did not allow for a slab shower, or so I thought. Turned out this slab was not much more than the marble tile I had budgeted for. I share this because I find it imperative to remain open, malleable, when it comes to the materials and finishes in your home. Take a visit to your local stone yard and explore, dig through the various natural stones and ask questions. You might be surprised where your eye leads you—I know I was!

Over the years I have amassed a slew of design tricks—this one just might be my favorite. Most of the lighting in my homes is vintage, like this 1950’s French sconce. 

NOW HERE’S THE HACK—a solution of water and salt applied directly to the unlacquered brass will accelerate the oxidation process and deliver a perfectly weathered “vintage” look. This is also a wonderful reminder to get crafty and creative—there is always a clever problem-solving solution to be found.