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Rachelle Lazzaro and Kevin Bennert collaborate as The Oak Design Project, which brings unique designs to its residential, commercial, and media clientele. We had a chance to catch up with them following one of their recent projects in Joshua Tree, California, where their client wanted an outdoor bathroom as an extension of their luxurious yurt, all situated on a piece of their desert acreage.
A yurt is a portable, tent-like dwelling traditionally used by nomads in Central Asia as their home. Easily recognized by their round shape and conical roof, they were built using wood frames covered by large sheets of felt or animal skin.
Today, yurts are constructed of modern materials such as metal and vinyl, and often nestled in seclusion to be used as a peaceful getaway.
How did the Oak Design Project begin?
We met behind the scenes working on a home renovation television show and continued to work as a team throughout multiple seasons of multiple shows over the past few years. Now, we offer the same type of experience to our clients nationwide.
What’s unique about the Oak Design Project is that we can’t claim a specific style! Although we usually have a fresh and modern approach, each project is stylistically suited to the client but entirely guided by their creative perspective—with a thoughtful blend of custom millwork and textiles, heritage furnishings, and eclectic art and decor.
Whether we’re designing a new kitchen, a tiny home, or a luxurious outdoor bathroom, it’s safe to say that our common theme is to mix the old with the new, modernizing the space while adding elements to blend with its surroundings.
What inspires your designs?
Rachelle: Auctions and antique shops! We travel to many of our clients’ destinations and peeking into the local shops is like a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. I love to incorporate a bit of the past into each project.
Kevin: I first ask myself, “What’s the story we’re trying to tell?” Once I’ve got that, I go to work on sourcing all kinds of inspiration: pictures, articles, textiles, organic elements. This is always the fun part of design!
Joshua Tree is such a low-key town in which people visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. On this project, our clients didn’t want to distract from the open feel of their acreage in the desert so it was crucial that we design the bathroom in a way that would bring it in from all directions.
The views from the bath, shower, and vanity areas are open to the desert. The horizontal slats on the structure blend with its surroundings to create more of a work of art than an outhouse.
Was this your first yurt design experience?
Yes, it was our first yurt! However, we have designed many tiny homes for similar off-grid living.
The yurt itself is a very simple structure. However, the whole idea behind it—the oasis in this beautiful landscape—makes it very easy to be inspired! We worked with The Beautiful Bed Company for the interior furniture, because the quality craftsmanship elevated the space, while not detracting from the surroundings.
How did you add plumbing and electricity to the yurt and outdoor bathroom?
The yurt was completely off-grid and the exterior walkways and bathroom had solar LED lighting. The bathroom was connected to a water line, but we used an on-demand propane water heater for the sinks, tub, and shower. We had a gray water tank for any water waste and the toilet was compostable. It was very important to the owners that we created the smallest possible footprint on the environment.
Any particularly valuable bathroom design tips for our readers?
There is a real dance between form and function when designing a bathroom, especially one that is outdoors in the desert! It’s important to start with what you have (in this case we had water and the sun) and then layer on what the client is asking for (a freestanding tub, views, and privacy) and design from there.
There are so many factors to consider when designing a bathroom but when you start from scratch you have the luxury of placing the essentials where they are most visually pleasing. Choosing the fixtures and hardware is a major element in the overall design. In this case, we wanted a minimal design that wouldn’t distract but rather blend with the structure.
Any words of wisdom for someone interested in renovating?
You’re in this for the long haul, so take your time. Do your research and save the images that really make you feel good and revisit them often. Use this as a road map for your renovation ahead and don’t stray when you find something on sale from a big box store.
If you’re not in love with it, then keep looking! This is your chance to make a space that is truly yours, so enjoy the process.
Busy-busy! In addition to some productions slated for the year, we have some new clients—and some favorite repeat clients—with projects this year. It’s a safe bet there will be many kitchens and bathrooms with Signature Hardware fixtures!
Let’s take a closer look at the Signature Hardware products thoughtfully incorporated into Oak Design Project’s outdoor bathroom:
Setting a sleek foundation among organic surroundings, the Hibiscus offers luxury wherever it’s placed.* Composed of clean lines, we love how the tub’s silhouette beautifully mimics the infinite desert landscape that lies behind. For added convenience, the Hibiscus features a flat deck along the back for keeping tub essentials within reach—perfect for this minimalist setup.
*Disclaimer: Our Hibiscus Tub has been rated for indoor use only.
What better way to complete a true escape than the sounds and sights of a waterfall? Not your average water source, the Lavelle delivers modern convenience to this outdoor bathroom with a horizontal waterfall spout. Its unique functionality promises spa-like tranquility every soak while its sleek lines seamlessly complement the tub it accompanies.