When a fire destroyed a large portion of their Santa Barbara ranch house, the residents realized that they had the opportunity to create the modern spa bathroom they had long wished for. They commissioned AB Design, whose husband-and-wife team of Clay and Karmen Aurell spearheaded the project. "They wanted an Asian-inspired feeling, but we were working within a rather small footprint," says Clay, an architect. "The width of the space is very narrow, so we needed to focus on balance and functionality."

The Aurells conceived a plan that would capitalize on the home’s gardens; a custom glass shower enclosure and large windows capture verdant views of the outdoors. They then balanced the Zen aesthetic with quietly sophisticated oil-rubbed fixtures from Newport Brass. Teak is another dominant material, a choice dictated by its water-resistant nature and the natural, soft tone it provides. The use of teak is particularly striking in a niche with built-in shelving, a design that the Aurells created to cradle a gleaming white Wet Style tub. The overall look is distinctly nautical—an intentional reference since, as Clay puts it, "much like a boat, with a small space, each inch must be carefully considered."
AB Design Studio, 805.963.2100, www.aurellblumer.com