Tile, Tub, and a Trophy
Every designer has that one bathroom that just hits differently. Mine features pale blue cabinets, a stone vanity, and marble mosaic floors. I obsessed over every last detail — even the grout color. The result feels calm, classic, and, as it turns out, award-winning. My professional photos of this Milton primary bathroom capture every polished surface and layered texture. The lighting is perfect, the finishes are elegant, and not a single {messy} shampoo bottle is in sight.
The bathroom earned me the IFDA New England Award for Traditional Bath Design. The best lighting that night, however, wasn’t in the bathroom — it was on stage. Scroll down for event photos and behind-the-scenes moments from a night celebrating design, community, and the occasional designer in heels instead of steel-toed boots.
Where Scale Meets Soak
The challenge was transforming a large “over the garage” space into a primary bathroom that felt refined and architecturally intentional. Expansive square footage and a trio of existing windows set the stage for a room that’s grand without feeling cold. Custom cabinetry, polished nickel fittings, and layered materials bring warmth and balance to the design.
A freestanding tub anchors the room on a marble mosaic floor of petal-like tiles, framed by embroidered drapery and a gilded butterfly chandelier. The custom drapery was crafted by Makkas Workroom, who also took home an IFDA Award this year for their craftsmanship. On one side, patterned wallpaper defines the water closet; on the other, a pale-blue cabinet conceals the steam shower components. Every element — from the Christopher Farr floral slipper chair to the marble-clad vanity with glass knobs and gilded legs — creates a cohesive, tailored space rooted in craftsmanship and detail.
A Night Among Designers
The IFDA New England Awards ceremony took place at the Boston Park Plaza, where chandeliers sparkled almost as brightly as the crowd’s collective love of great lighting. Designers from across the region gathered to celebrate standout projects, sip champagne, and quietly admire each other’s outfits. The evening was filled with excitement, conversation, and appreciation — a reminder that design thrives not just on creativity but also on community.
Years in the Making
Winning in the Traditional Bath category was both an honor and a full-circle moment. This bathroom was a labor of precision — a project that combined scale, proportion, and just the right amount of stubborn perfectionism. Seeing it recognized among so many talented peers felt like the perfect finale to a year of hard work. Thanks to IFDA New England for hosting such a beautiful event and for celebrating craftsmanship at every level. Tile, teamwork, and a touch of stage lighting turned out to be a winning combination.
