Bathroom Design with Megan St. Denis
Designing high-end bathrooms requires a balance of technical precision, thoughtful planning, and a sensitivity to form, function, and space. To explore what defines a well-designed bathroom, we sat down with Megan St. Denis, Design Director at Pembrooke & Ives.
With over two decades of design experience, Megan brings architectural fluency and a refined design sensibility to every project. In this exclusive interview, she shares her perspective on luxury bathroom design, from layout and lighting to materials and amenities, revealing how timeless style and modern comfort come together in the most intimate of spaces.
How do you think about the ergonomics of the bathroom layout? Are there any ‘rules’ to follow?
Building code requires standard clearances around fixtures, and we always try to exceed those where we can to maximize comfort and ease of use. When laying out a bathroom, it’s important to consider the door location in the adjacent room and the view looking into the bathroom. The commode should be tucked away, out of sight from the adjacent room, and better yet, in its own water closet. Door swings are an important consideration in the layout. Pocket doors are a great option, but there are acoustical considerations to take into account for baths that are shared or in less private locations.
How do you decide between a bathtub and a shower if you have to choose one?
This is a very personal choice. In these fast-paced times, many of our clients feel too busy for a bath. On the other hand, others do their best thinking while taking a soak. Usually, we try to provide a separate shower and tub, but when size requires us to choose, 99% of the time our clients choose a shower. We do recommend having at least one bathtub in the residence for bathing children and washing pets.
What kind of lighting do you suggest in the bathroom?
We like a mix of architectural and decorative lighting. A splash of light on the sink, illumination at the mirror by way of sconces or lightboxes, a glow beneath the vanity, shower bench, and in the niche are great nightlights and provide drama and interest. It’s important not to have down lighting directly above one’s head when standing at the sink, as it can cast undesirable shadows. A decorative surface-mounted fixture in the center of the room provides soft, diffused lighting.
What are the most requested materials from clients?
The most universal request is for timeless, enduring, and durable materials that will not be worn or dated in 5 years. We love using natural materials — marbles and quartzites — and have had success with some man-made materials, such as nano glass.
Do you have any tips on choosing the right stone?
We like to follow the clients’ lead; there are so many wonderful options out there, from serene white marbles to rich and dynamic onyxes and quartzites—we love them all. What’s most important is that the client is obsessed with the finishes and fixtures they choose because they will be interacting with them multiple times a day.
What are the most requested amenities or features from clients?
Heated floors, heated shower benches, smart loos, steam showers, mirror TVs, stone sinks, concealed drains, magnifying mirrors, and body sprays are all pretty standard these days. Hand showers are essential for cleaning. Practical considerations, such as where the trash will be located, how linens are stored, whether hampers are needed, and where outlets should be placed, are important discussions to have.
Do you have trusted or favorite bath fixtures and appliances?
Waterworks, Lefroy Brooks, and Drummonds are some of our favorite and trusted go-tos for classically designed, well-proportioned fixtures and fittings. We recently used a burnished brass wall-mounted Keystone faucet from Sherle Wagner in a powder room, and it was gorgeous. One of my favorite companies for tubs right now is Penhaglion; they have beautiful burnished metal finishes and are priced well.
What is one element that you believe every well-designed bathroom should have?
In-floor heating is a must. It adds a lot of value and isn’t expensive.
What is the most unusual request you’ve received from a client for a bathroom?
A drink shelf and charging port next to the commode, which happened to have the best view in the house.
If you could design your dream bathroom, what would it look like?
My dream bathroom would look more like a sumptuous drawing room or cozy library than a bathroom. It would be gracious enough for entertaining, with tall ceilings and a big copper soaking tub at the center. The walls would have dark-painted paneling, and the floors would be weathered oak or a beautiful stone mosaic. The washstand would feature slender metal legs and an exotic marble countertop—Breccia Capraia, Pink Cristallo, or Quatre Saisons—and the mirror would reflect a pair of floor-to-ceiling French windows overlooking a verdant courtyard beyond. Towels and robes would be warmed, and toiletry storage would take place in a cabinet concealed behind the paneling and would be magically and automatically replenished.