A Perfect Pairing: Bathroom Transformation

Woodwork: Mahogany No.36 in Modern Eggshell, Wall Tile: Maven by Kelly Wearstler Canyon Design in Palm. Credit: Katie Charlotte Lybrand.

If you’re a keen follower of The Chromologist, you’ll have read all about our partnership with renowned tile brand, Ann Sacks. Over the next few months, we’re showcasing a series of designer transformations to celebrate the perfect pairing of paint and tile. But don’t worry if you missed our launch post featuring a modern take on a historic kitchen by Molly Singer, you can catch up here.

For the second transformation in our series, pack your picnic because we’re heading to the beach. Talented designer Cortney Bishop has created a dreamy coastal retreat in the form of Sandbox Rules, a vacation home in South Carolina. And naturally, she used Ann Sacks tile and Farrow & Ball paint to do so. Specifically, in this spacious, spa-like bathroom, Cortney used the Maven wall tile in Palm and Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell in deep, decadent Mahogany. Made to create beautiful spaces that stay beautiful, our Modern range is washable, wipeable and protected against mould — perfect for steamy bathrooms.

Meet Cortney Bishop

How would you describe your design style?

I would describe my style as thoughtful, bold and refined. Through exploring material, colour and form, I design environments that feel effortless and layered. I want spaces to feel architectural and organic, all while balancing my clients’ own lifestyles and aesthetics.

We are passionate about how interior design can impact wellbeing, what effect did you want this space to have?

We wanted this bathroom to evoke emotion and be a joyful place to wake up to in the morning. We intentionally chose a more moody wall colour to give this space its own vibe.

What was your process when designing the space?

Our process was to first create a mood board for the full home to ensure all the colours, patterns and textures would blend together. After approving the overall look, we selected the specific Maven tiles from Ann Sacks and then layered on Farrow & Ball paint colour to both complement and add a bit of contrast in the space.

What made you choose this colour?

I chose Mahogany because of the versatility: it really tied so many of the elements together.

How do you feel about the final space?

We love that this bathroom represents our clients so effortlessly. The end result really tells a story and blends colour, sophistication and spontaneity. The space also ended up reflecting and complementing the natural beauty of the surrounding coastal environment, Sullivan’s Island.

Why have you chosen to use Farrow & Ball in this project?

The quality of the paint, as well as the versatile colour range, makes Farrow & Ball our go-to and an easy choice for this project. We knew we wanted a colour with depth and Mahogany is full of curiosity. The Farrow & Ball colour palette allows us to take risks and bring in a touch of the unexpected. 

What is your go-to Farrow & Ball colour to use in projects and why?

School House White or Mahogany - these shades blend really well with a variety of colours and textures.

According to our Brand Ambassador, Patrick O’Donnell, Cortney isn’t the only person showing green tiles a little love at the moment:

“As with paint, dark greens are deeply popular at the moment and make a rather elegant statement for an enclosed shower cubicle. The soft, rose pinks that are popular paint choices are also popular tiles colours too. So, one could assume paint colour trends are alive in tile colour choices too.”

And when it comes to Cortney’s use of Mahogany in this space, Patrick adds:

“While some people feel intimidated by using brown, it really is one of the most flexible shades and teams effortlessly with most colours, from gentle earth pinks to greens, either bright or dappled forest in tone. The latter makes a sophisticated and unexpected choice for a bathroom scheme where the oh-so-chic Mahogany, with its gentle eggplant note, acts as a wonderful counterpoint to the darkly verdant wall tile in the shower enclosure, creating a deeply elegant and modern look.”