Q&A with Designer Casey Howard about the Process of Designing a Dream Bathroom

A Patagonia quartzite sets the tone for a spa-like experience, with all the other elements selected by interior designer Casey Howard allowing the sublime stone to be the star of the room.

Can you describe the “before” space—and any aspects of it that you wanted to retain?

The home’s architecture provided a simple foundation—a blank canvas. This allowed us to create a thoughtfully layered, modern luxe aesthetic that added warmth and depth to the home. Functionally and aesthetically, what was on the client’s wish list?Our clients envisioned a space that evoked the tranquility of a high-end resort spa. With demanding schedules and full lives, they craved a serene escape where everything had its place—a clutter-free environment that would feel restorative and effortlessly chic.

How did you go about delivering their dream bathroom?

We began with the vision of a spa in mind, and then found the exquisite Patagonia quartzite, which instantly became the anchor for the entire design. From there, every detail was intentionally subdued to let the organic beauty of the natural stone shine. We eliminated visual distractions, focused on clean lines, and designed the vanity interiors with meticulous organization—every item has a designated place.

Any quirks in the space that you had to contend with?

The primary bathroom isn’t large, so we needed to be very thoughtful with every design choice in order to create a luxurious, peaceful retreat and maximize function and flow.

With the Patagonia quartzite’s beautiful veining, Howard was intent on a seamless, uninterrupted look; thus the bench, niches and shelving are fabricated from the same stone, and there are no grout lines. Meanwhile, the frameless glass helps to visually expand the room, which is not particularly large

The shower makes quite an impression! What is the stone and why was it the ideal choice for this space?

The stone is Patagonia quartzite—a true showstopper. The moment we saw it, we knew it was the one. Its striking pattern and organic beauty became the focal point, and we’re still absolutely captivated by it.

Was it a challenge to get the stone’s pattern in the recessed niches to line up just right with the slab on the wall? And why did you decide to fabricate the bench from the same stone?

With an expert fabricator, those challenges are lessened. We were committed to achieving a seamless, uninterrupted look—and our fabricator delivered. Using the same stone on the bench allowed us to avoid grout lines and fully showcase the stone’s incredible veining, especially on the side wall where it really makes an impact.

The linear drain, curbless shower, and glass barriers rather than a hinged door—were these details meant to eliminate visual dividers? And why was that important?

These minimal, integrated features were designed to preserve the visual flow of the space and draw the eye directly to the quartzite. Frameless glass and mirrored surfaces also help to visually expand the room, which was key in a smaller footprint.

The clean-lined floating vanity averts visual clutter (for example, there is no hardware) as well as helps prevent physical clutter (Howard custom designed it for the clients to maximum storage and organization).

How did the shower inform the rest of the design? Was the goal to complement rather than compete?

The shower was always intended to be the jewel of the space—a calming yet bold focal point. Everything else was curated to support that vision. Materials, tones, and lines were chosen to harmonize with the quartzite, so the entire room feels cohesive, balanced, and tranquil.

What was the thinking behind the floating vanity and the substantial countertop? What are the materials?

The floating vanity allows for visual flow, which contributes to the overall feeling of expansiveness. We chose a soft, neutral wood tone to complement the quartzite without competing with it. By omitting hardware, we kept the sight lines clean and uninterrupted. The countertop, like the shower wall, is crafted from the same Patagonia quartzite—repeating the material adds both continuity and calm.

Is there a feature—perhaps not visible in the photos—that exemplifies your firm’s attention to detail?

We’re particularly proud of the stone wrapping seamlessly into the shampoo niche, complete with integrated shelving—a small moment that speaks volumes.And the brushed brass fixtures? They gently echo the quartzite’s golden veins—subtle, yet considered

Brass fixtures from Phylrich echo the golden veins in the countertop composed of Patagonia quartzite, while the expanse of mirror gives the impression of a larger space.

Any details that especially cater to the client?

Every element was tailored for our clients’ lifestyle, but perhaps the most personal touch is inside the vanity drawers. We spent time learning exactly howthey use their products and tools, then custom-designed the drawer interiors soevery item fits beautifully and intuitively.

Is there anything in the room that turned out even better than you anticipated?

Design only comes to life through execution, and we were incredibly fortunate to collaborate with artisans and tradespeople who brought our vision to life with care and precision. The result exceeded our expectations—not just visually, but in how the space feels.

Anything that represented a first for you or your firm?

While not a first, we’re always honored when clients entrust us fully with their vision. That level of trustopens the door to our most inspired work, and wenever take it for granted. With that freedom, the designprocess becomes a joy—and the end result reflects that energy

Photography by Thomas Kuoh
Styling by Allegra Hsaio