Large, vast walls of beautiful onyx in rich honey tones fill a stunning master bathroom in Desert Mountain, Arizona. This interior masterpiece lures you in and reminds you of what luxury should really feel like. As you walk into this private space, the looming onyx door draws your eyes up to take in the full scope of this beautiful bath. Rich and translucent, this gemstone is the best choice to create an oasis in Desert Mountain.

The Onyx Legend

Onyx is a gemstone that has been sought after for centuries. Onyx is a Greek word meaning “fingernail.” It’s said that the Roman goddess, Venus fell asleep and Cupid, her son, cut her fingernails. When the pieces of her nails hit the ground, they were turned into beautiful rocks because it was said that no part of a heavenly body could die. This stone that the gods turned to rock became known as onyx.

Onyx is a metamorphic rock. This is a rare material as it is created from granite rocks going through forces and factors of nature. Through heat, water, salt, pressure and other minerals, granite will slowly form into onyx. Over millions of years, these fine layered deposits in warm springs and limestone caves build to create a smooth, translucent layer.

Onyx in Modern Design

Onyx today is preferred for use in homes because it is soft enough to be carved and offers a striking appearance especially when backlit to show off the unique veining and colors. Because of the translucent quality and layers within the stone, onyx is a perfect decorative element with a stunning effect. Using onyx will give your design visual diversity and make your home truly very unique.

Onyx Master Bathroom

Large slabs of onyx and high ceilings characterize this master bathroom. The design of the bathroom makes the most of the transparency of the stone and allows natural light to flood in and highlight the large walls. A total of twenty-one onyx slabs make up the bathroom. A welcoming gold color warms the space and keeps it from feeling too hard or cold. Layers of brown and red hues characterize the veining found in the stone. A rare characteristic of onyx is the ability to be backlit. The combination of translucent and opaque stone creates a wall of art when lit from behind.

Secret hidden openings and drawers surround the two trough sinks which are also made of onyx. Out of sight to create a sleek look, these compartments can be opened with a touch to reveal trash, a place for towels and other storage. Attached to the home’s rose garden, an eighteen foot door leads you out into the green space. This creative feature of the home allows light into the bathroom because of the translucence of the massive door. Doubling as a shower wall, this slab of onyx represents the progressive thought placed behind the project.

If the translucent glow from the connecting door wasn't enough, there is a skylight to wash the bathroom with natural light. Centered in the master bathroom is a block of onyx that can be used as a shower seat. You would assume this beautiful piece of stone would be hard or cold but it is very comfortable and even ideal for sitting on undressed. A key piece to the room, this onyx block reflects the natural beauty of the stone and the intricate layers that are created in nature.

Picasso Tile & Stonework specializes in taking elements like onyx and creating a space that you can truly enjoy. Warm and inviting, this master bathroom is no small feat with careful consideration of design and function worked in to incorporate modern luxury with the antiquity of the stone. Venus may have lost her nails but the gods rejoiced when they saw there would be work such as this master bathroom in Desert Mountain created with onyx.