Kitchen & Bath Business - November/December 2020 - 30

LEARNING CORNER
ïEmphasize Certain Features. The most common
problem I see in designing a spa-like bathroom
is clients wanting more than the space will allow.
As designers, it's our job to problem solve and
analyze how we can create the perfect bathroom
that still functions well in the area. Before diving into the design process, an essential step I
take is to have a conversation with the client
to determine what aspect of the room they are
most excited about and what " spa-like " truly
means to them. If their vision of a spa-like bathroom is one with a large, freestanding tub or
one with lots of counter space, then I know that
the design needs to focus on that feature. From
that point, I can then design the bathroom with
those priorities in mind.

Serenity Now

ABOVE Emphasizing certain

Bringing the tranquil spa experience
to your clients

features like a freestanding
bathtub or extended shower
can help designers achieve the
perfect spa-like atmosphere in
any space. Photo courtesy of
ITALKRAFT

THE BATHROOM IS ONE OF the most important rooms in a home and also
one of the most complicated to design. Bathroom design is always a fun
challenge that presents several logistical considerations, including dimension
and plumbing, but it's exciting to see what can be created within the space.
A request I've received from clients over the years is to design the perfect
spa-like bathroom in their own home. From designing bathrooms in New
York apartments to sprawling estates in South Florida, I've learned a few
helpful tips from both my experiences and my team at ITALKRAFT that
I always keep in mind when trying to bring the serenity of the spa into my
clients' bathrooms.

ïHelp Clients Visualize the Space. The design process has definitely changed
during the pandemic, and we've had to transition our work to be primarily
virtual, but there are a few tactics I've implemented that really help clients
visualize the way their bathroom will look when completed. Regardless of
how tight a schedule we have, I always take the time to create a 3D model
of the space to best capture its energy, convey the bathroom's color scheme
and display how the room's elements will interact with each other. Floor
plans and 2D sketches are undoubtedly essential to determine the size
dimensions and construction aspects, but a 3D model has been my favorite
tool to help clients thoroughly understand their design and bring it to life.

By DIANA VIERA,
managing partner at
ITALKRAFT, an Italian
design firm that specializes in custom kitchens,
bathrooms, cabinetry
and closets

ïMinimalism Is Key. A common misconception in
creating a spa-like bathroom is that designers
have to work harder to bring in different components to achieve a look of luxury, but it's quite
the opposite. Minimalism is key to promoting a
calming atmosphere and when conceptualizing
a design, I try to fit in opportunities for storage
wherever possible to avoid creating a bathroom
that forces clients to store products on the countertop and create clutter.When integrating storage, I also recommend simple metal hardware
or even hidden cabinet and drawer handles to
create a seamless plane and minimalist look.
ïFocus on the Overall Mood. Many times, a client
will come to me with an album full of bathroom
inspiration photos found on social media, many
of which are impossible to pull off in the space
at hand. The extravagant bathrooms you'll find
on a Pinterest board often paint unrealistic images of what can be created and what actually
functions well in their space - and typically, clients want different elements from each photo
incorporated into their one design. Though I
personally love finding inspiration in beautiful
photos, the most helpful lesson I have learned
is that when the client presents photos for ideas,
the best thing to do is identify what feeling and
mood those photos create and how that same
feeling can be created in the bathroom I'm
designing. While we may be working with a
different-sized space or bathroom layout - and
mirroring an image from Pinterest may not be
feasible - if I focus on capturing the same mood
and design scheme as the photos, the project will
be successful.
ïIncorporate Natural Materials. The materials
and finishes used are key players in setting
the mood for the bathroom. I may be designing a bathroom with a gorgeous statement

/ NOV.-DEC. 2020 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of NKBA (NKBA.org) and KBIS (KBIS.com)

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Kitchen & Bath Business - November/December 2020

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