On the drive home, Kellye (the interior designer) and I discussed the space and I began sketching ideas. I proposed a low wall on either side of the bathtub, over which the viewer would look to an Italian countryside of vineyards and mountains in the distance. In front of the mural we would hang real drapery held by gold medallions. The front columns would be faux finished in green marble with gold caps and we would add a second set of half columns against the wall framing the window. The addition of plants, a bowl of grapes on the tub and a Roman bench would complete the illusion, tying together visually the real and the painted elements.
I proposed faux finishing all the walls in white marble to match the floors and to paint a balcony above the entrance doors. On the balcony would be another door appearing to come from a third floor (the bath being on the second floor). Into the dressing room we intended to continue with the low wall effect, but looking out to the Mediterranean sea with distant islands. The side walls would be hung with more drapery held by medallions. The furniture would include a lounging couch and pillows.
After more complete measurements were taken, the entry mural was simplified
to fit within the given space and perspective requirements.