The curved vanity edges were part of a careful balance. “I think carefully about balance in every design — shapes, temperature and color,” Dai says. “In here, it was a balance of straight lines and curves, a balance of cold terrazzo and warm wood and a balance of a soft concrete floor tile and glossy glass wall tiles.”

The globe sconces also add round shapes to this wall, playing off the strong rectilinear grid of glass tiles behind them. Instead of using mirrored medicine cabinets, Dai designed recessed oak shelving for storage. “This comes back to balance,” she says. “The wood adds warmth to balance out the coolness of the glass tiles.”

The balance also lets certain elements play leading roles while others are supporting players. Here, the terrazzo countertop and patterned floor are the stars. “I went with matte white faucets because I thought a metal finish would be a distraction,” Dai says. “These are quiet and they add a very cute pop of modern-day design.”

Shop for a bathroom mirror