Desert Reclamation
Geberit Supports Sustainable, Reclaimed Wood Design in Desert Remodel 1980s Desert Contemporary Home - Tucson, Arizona
Project Background & Goal
In Tucson, Arizona, a homeowner sought to remodel the powder room in her 1980s Desert Contemporary-style home with a deeply personal design vision: to incorporate reclaimed wood from her childhood home in the Midwest. She partnered with award-winning designer Lori Carroll of Lori Carroll & Associates, who was tasked with blending rustic warmth and natural texture with modern efficiency and clean lines. The goal was to create a powder room that felt both emotionally resonant and functionally elevated—an intentional mix of past and present.
Challenges
The powder room, only 29 square feet, presented a tight footprint and outdated layout. The reclaimed wood—aged, irregular, and full of character—would serve as a focal design feature, meaning every design decision had to support its visibility and integrity. “Anything unnecessary that blocked the overall pattern of the wood—like tanks or floor-mounted toilets—had to be eliminated,” said Carroll. Additionally, Tucson’s increasing water costs and conservation regulations required a more efficient toilet system to replace the existing 3.5 GPF fixture. The final solution had to meet modern plumbing codes, optimize space, and complement the wood’s natural beauty.
Key Solution
To achieve a cleaner look and save valuable floor space, Carroll specified a Geberit in-wall tank system paired with a white Lacava Suave wall-hung toilet featuring built-in LED lighting. The wall-hung installation not only enhanced the room’s open feel but also improved hygiene and accessibility. “As a designer, Geberit gave me the flexibility of being able to specify a compatible toilet from a wide range of manufacturers, allowing me to select the best toilet for the overall design aesthetic,” Carroll noted.
She finished the look with a Geberit Sigma50 Square in polished chrome and brushed stainless-steel buttons, which popped against the dark reclaimed wood backdrop. The dual-flush system offered both 1.6 and 0.8 gallon options—ensuring compliance with water-saving goals and contributing to long-term utility cost savings. Professional refinishing of the reclaimed wood—including stripping lead paint, cleaning, drying, and sealing—allowed it to function beautifully in a wet zone without losing its authenticity. In total, 78 square feet of reclaimed wood were used.
Results & Impact
The finished powder room is a striking expression of contrast—sleek, minimalistic fixtures nestled against richly textured, hand-sawn wood. The in-wall system helped remove visual clutter and eliminated the need for access panels, letting the reclaimed wood take center stage. “Our client was extremely excited that we were able to transform her ordinary powder room with the reclaimed wood that helped evoke memories of her childhood. Thankfully, with the help of Geberit we were able to,” said Carroll.
The project not only delivered on aesthetics and function, but also earned industry recognition: Lori Carroll won the Silver Award from Kitchen & Bath Design News in the Best Powder Room category. By combining heartfelt materials with smart plumbing innovation, the project turned a small space into a meaningful, award-winning design story.
Design Firm: Lori Carroll & Associates
Interior Designer: Lori Carroll
Powder Room Photo: Jon Mancuso Photography