Blending unexpected designs to create a harmonious and unique environment is what sets our designer of the month, Michael Barnum, apart. In addition to interior design, Michael is also a talented photographer. His photography both influences and inspires his vibrant and dynamic design aesthetic, evident in the Elegant and Transitional Guest Bathroom he created for us in our Splash showroom.

To start things off, Michael chose Kallista’s Counterpoint sink faucet with white statuary marble to pair with Kohler ’s white undermount Ladena sink. The Ladena is a go-to for Michael, “I like the shape and depth, [it’s] modern and functional.” To coordinate the shower with the sink fixtures, Michael selected the hand shower, two lever handles, and showerhead, also from Kallista’s Counterpoint collection.
Michael is constantly playing with distinctive design aesthetics to create unforgettable spaces. The Counterpoint collection, which encapsulates contemporary with a nod to mid-century design, was the obvious choice for him for this space.
To add pattern and depth to the bathroom, Michael selected Mosaique Surface’s Sorrenti Grande tile for the floor. This intricate cloud grey and white marble mosaic highlights the custom white statuary marble countertop on the lit LED Robern vanity. The vanity’s countertop ties in the faucet’s beautiful marble accents.

No luxurious bathroom would be complete without a towel warmer. Warmup’s TW080 Square Towel Warmer is both eye-catching and mimics the angular design of the floor tile. The design is truly inspired, but looks alone aren’t enough for Michael – he only selects products that perform properly, and Warmup’s products have a stellar reputation. Michael vehemently believes that “form follows function.”
Sitting atop the linear floor tile pattern is WETSTYLE’s Wave Bathtub. The tub, inspired by a gently rolling ocean, was the perfect juxtaposition to the pointed tile. Since the floor tile is commanding, the walls must be open and clean. The floor contrasts beautifully against Stone Peak’s porcelain Statuarietto tile. The scale of the tile’s veins visually expands the room and coordinates perfectly with the marble on the sink fixtures and vanity’s countertop. This created “a neutral elegant palette with personality for years to come.”
The pristine wall has a Duravit toilet with a bidet seat mounted to it for convenience and aesthetic. The modern toilet, another favorite of Michael’s, isn’t the only piece adorning the porcelain wall tiles. Vintage 1970’s textured glass double light wall sconces with gold plated hardware from Kalmar introduces a glam element to the space. The sconces look especially groovy next to the wavy bathtub.
Utilizing colors, patterns, symmetry and contrast, Michael’s bathroom embodies a transitional approach to design, resulting in a stunning, highly functional and idiosyncratic design.
A huge thank you to Michael for a wonderful Inspiration Board. You can check out more of Michael’s amazing work on Instagram at @MichaelBarnum and at Houzz, and be on the lookout for more Designer Inspiration Boards!