Kitchen & Bath Business - September 2017 - 42

BATHROOM
THE
OF THE
YEAR

ART OF

LUXURY

A bathroom suite spares
no indulgence in a
simple, spa-like design

OFTEN IT IS THE SIMPLEST DESIGNS THAT ARE

THE MOST LUXURIOUS; without all the complications of extra detailing and intricate textures, one
can feel more relaxed. Designer Elma Gardner of
Davis, Calif.-based By Design Studio took this
outlook in a new-build bathroom meant to serve
as a retreat.
"A sense of spa-like luxury with a minimalistic
design aesthetic was the goal for this master bath
suite,"said Gardner, explaining that the design reflects the desert landscaping outside of the home.

MULTI-TASKING BATH

This home is built on a steep lot on a rocky ridge.
To express the rugged nature of its setting, the
master suite features rustic custom brick walls and
soffits.These appear to have been carved from the
side of the ridge, and they are used seamlessly from
an exterior courtyard into the interior of the space.
Inside, the clients asked for a luxurious bathing
and showering experience with dual vanities and
expansive storage along with a number of less
common requests.
"The clients'wish list included a large, zoned closet open to the bathroom,
laundry facilities within the space and a retreat area for meditation and yoga,"
said Gardner, who hand drew all of her plans for this project.
Her first challenge was in the closet, where she needed to find a way to
protect the clothing and include a laundry room. To do this, she vented the
closet to keep moisture from seeping in and hid a stacked washer and dryer
inside a tall cabinet with double doors.
"The machines are placed so that it is easy to load them,"said the designer.
"Even when the doors are open they are not in view from either the bedroom
or the bathroom."
The closet itself is zoned with custom-designed storage cabinetry for hanging items, a wall of drawer banks and wall storage with adjustable shelving
for folded items. Adjacent to this is a shoe storage cabinet that doubles as a
folding counter.

ABOVE This bathroom suite
was a favorite of the judges
because of its exceptionally
well-designed details.
RIGHT & BOTTOM The closet
features custom-designed
storage cabinetry along with
a stacked washer and dryer,
which can be hidden behind
double doors.

The feeling of openness in this closet continues to the main bath, which
has glass doors leading out to a private courtyard. With an artistic linear fire
feature, this courtyard can be used for the clients' yoga practice year round.
Finally, Gardner also included a morning kitchen, complete with a built-in
coffee system and undercounter refrigeration, which is ideal for temperaturesensitive medications or cosmetics.
"Now there's no need to leave the suite for that glass of wine to enjoy in
front of the evening fire or that first cup of morning coffee,"said the designer.
SUBTLE TECHNOLOGY

Another client request was for a showering experience with universal design
considerations. However, this did not mean that a high-tech, luxurious
shower could not also be part of the package.
"My solution included a digital showering platform with the capacity to control sound,water flow,steam and light,which creates a true sensory experience,"
said Gardner, adding that the system is also customizable for multiple users.

Kitchen & Bath Business / SEPTEMBER 2017 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of KBIS (KBIS.com)

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Kitchen & Bath Business - September 2017

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