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The Dramatic Impact of Black Bathtubs

Emerald green accent tile wall in a black bathroomFreestanding bathtub with underside painted black

Black bathtubs can create a striking tone for any bathroom design.  “A black bathtub is all about drama, bringing a unique contrast and mood to many different bathroom styles,” Normandy Designer Ashley Noethe says. “In many bathrooms, the tub already serves as a focal point, so leaning into that presence with a darker finish can elevate the entire space.”

Despite their boldness, black tubs are surprisingly flexible when it comes to the palette of your bathroom design. “Black essentially is a neutral, it goes with many different styles,” Ashley says. “While black vanities have dominated in recent years, the rise of black tubs feels like a natural evolution of black’s long-standing role as a design staple.”

According to Ashley, black bathtubs can act as a statement piece, so there’s no need to coordinate with matching black sinks or toilets, a trend reminiscent of the ‘80s. “Black is back, but the tub can be the only black thing in the room and perhaps have an even stronger visual effect,” Ashley says. “Depending on your vision, you can go for an overall moody effect, or just a touch of black to add a sophisticated edge.”

This versatility allows you to experiment without fully committing to an all-black bathroom, which aligns with today’s mix-and-match approach to interiors.

Freestanding tub with black exterior, white interior, polished nickel floor mounted faucet, towel warmer, white and black floor tile

This emphasis on variation of colors shows up within the tub itself, since many black bathtubs are not black throughout. “A popular choice is a black exterior paired with a white interior,” Ashley says. “This combination can soften the look and even skew more traditional.”

Of course, there are practical considerations. Freestanding black tubs typically come at a higher cost. Black bathtubs also require more upkeep. “Any dark color definitely shows more, from dust to hard water stains and soap residue,” Ashley says. “For people who prefer lower maintenance, a white interior can be a smart choice for that reason as well.”

Ultimately, black bathtubs are less about trend-chasing and more about making an intentional design choice that embraces contrast, personality, and just the right amount of drama. “A black bathtub is both an eye catcher and a fun accent, it all depends on how you integrate it into your bathroom design,” Ashley says.

Helping create the perfect combination of finishes for your bathroom vision is what we do best. Set up a time to talk with Ashley or one of the Normandy Designers about your new kitchen. You can also find inspiration in our photo gallery, or on our Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or TikTok. Or sign up for our newsletter for an occasional dose of inspiration in your inbox.

 

 

Making Room for Life with a Growing Family

White kitchen with wood ceiling beams, exposed brick wallThis Wilmette family of four was simply running out of room. With two young kids and a work-from-home routine, they needed a larger kitchen, clearer sightlines between the kitchen and family room, and a dedicated office that wouldn’t get displaced every time guests came to stay.

To make that happen within tight zoning restrictions, Normandy Designer Jeremy Paris came up with a solution: They carved out a section of the existing family room to create a room for a dedicated office, added a small bump-out addition in the back of the home, and shifted the family room into that new space.

“This plan subtly transformed the first-floor layout without relocating major elements like the fireplace,” Jeremy says. “The fireplace never moved, but it went from the left-hand side of the room to the right in the new configuration.”

BEFORE: A WALL BLOCKS SIGHT LINE FROM KITCHEN TO FAMILY ROOM
Before kitchen, peninsula
BEFORE: CRAMPED & OUTDATED KITCHEN, BRICK WALL REMAINED

The kitchen redesign played an equally pivotal role. Previously closed off and constrained by a peninsula, the space lacked both function and visibility. “There weren’t any sightlines from the kitchen to the family room,” Jeremy says.

White kitchen with wood ceiling beams, POV into family room additionThey removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room, combining the two spaces to create a larger kitchen, anchored by a new island. “This layout is not only a more open and connected layout, but now they can see where the kids are playing and what’s going on in the family room from the kitchen,” Jeremy adds.

Storage and usability were also top priorities. The updated kitchen includes an appliance garage and all-drawer lower cabinets, maximizing efficiency for a busy household. A designated “command center” for calendars and family organization was incorporated as well, a request by the homeowner to help keep track of activities and schedules.

Architectural constraints presented challenges, but also opportunities. The home, originally a one-story structure with a second-floor addition, had limited outward expansion potential. White addition family room with fireplace and TVHowever, the team was able to locate and reclaim ceiling height from when the second-floor addition was added — raising it by eight inches. “Recapturing that ceiling height made a big difference,” Jeremy explains. “It helped the space feel more open and improved sightlines throughout the first floor.”

Visually, the home transitioned from a dated, late-80s aesthetic to a more refined, modern classic look. Shaker cabinetry, applied molding, and a softened white palette is combined with exposed beams and the original brick wall that add a cozy warmth and contrast. “We also added a window, so now two windows flank the range, which brings in more natural light and nice sense of symmetry,” Jeremy says. “This was a very rewarding project, as the transformation is not only visual, but helps ease the stress of everyday family life.”

Could your family home benefit from more space and details that make each day easier? Set up a time to talk with a designer about the possibilities an addition can bring to life. Visit our photo galleries for more ideas. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to get regular design ideas and tips delivered right to your inbox, or follow us on your favorite social platforms such as Facebook, InstagramLinkedIn or Pinterest.

Before photo, family room addition
BEFORE: WALL WAS REMOVED, FIREPLACE KEPT IN SAME SPOT, FAMILY ROOM EXTENDED

White family room addition

 

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