Relax, unwind and wash away your worries – the bathroom is more of an experience than simply a room.
Story by Ann Butenas | Photos by Matt Kocourek
Like it or not there’s a lot of time spent in the bathroom, much of it in the shower or in front of the mirror. So it’s no wonder design has worked its way into this room, making bathrooms a place where we can relax or invigorate ourselves. They’ve taken on a personality all of their own with the endless options for lighting, sinks, tubs, showers, cabinets and vanities. Colorful, contemporary, elegant or bold, the style is up to you. Turn the pages and become motivated and inspired – you might just find the perspective you need to create what could potentially be the best seat in the house!
Project Designer: Schloegel Design Remodel
At first glance, it’s tough to know whether this is a bathroom or a work of art. Although designed and installed by Schloegel Design Remodel, and overseen by designer Megan Bringman, the bathroom’s primary occupant, a 14-year-old boy in the family, had his say in the final product.
“He definitely had a vision for everything in this space,” expressed Bringman, who, together with the client, produced a winner, artfully incorporating into this full bath an espresso-colored vanity with side pullout storage; a Corastone countertop with matte finish; pendant lighting and round mirror partnered with blue linear tile that adds a decided layer of personality.
Project Designer: Noble Designs
A decided layer of warmth and comfort is written all over this master bathroom. The long and narrow space provides so much in terms of form and function. The large slate, charcoal-colored tile wall behind the mirrors – definitely a visual treat – stands in stark contrast to the linear light fixtures and vessel sinks set atop a floating walnut vanity.
“The clients were looking for a more modern look to the space,” noted designer Sara Noble of Noble Designs, who worked with Melissa Thiede and Roy Cashman on the design of their bathroom. Complete Renovations was the contractor responsible for the installation of this project. Even though there was not a significant amount of space with which to work in this bathroom, Noble Designs comfortably and stylishly brought it all together.
“By changing out the fixtures to a beautiful and timely brass finish, all from Kitchens and Baths by Briggs, the bathroom was brought up to date,” Noble said of this older, yet classic home in Fairway, Kansas.
Large windows at the rear embrace the free-standing soaker tub. The all-glass enclosed shower enjoys a porcelain tile finish, working in tandem with the porcelain tile flooring. The long runner rug adds a bit of warm color to the room.
Project Designer: Ramsey Interiors
When the homeowners of this Shawnee beauty wanted to take their outdated, floral-inspired bathroom and transform it to something new, Kathleen Ramsey of Ramsey Interiors knew exactly what to do.
“The clients have very contemporary tastes, which are reflected in this design,” expressed Ramsey, referring to the sleek color scheme joining a deep charcoal gray with white and hints of black. “The clients favor masculine textures and this color palette caters to that while still feeling light.”
Replacing the old shower that used to be open to the ceiling is a closed-in feature now, accented by strong linear lines in the tile that show through the glass door. This zero-entry shower is glass enclosed with a partial wall for privacy, and stands adjacent to a large glass window that allows extra lighting into the space. The same decorative tile was used behind the large soaker tub, which replaced the old Jacuzzi tub.
All of the tile accents in the bathroom were custom designed, including the herringbone pattern in the floor, that lends a subtle hint of texture.
Additionally, the existing cabinets were painted black and a tower was added to one of the vanity areas. The contrasting torque vanity countertops by Cambria continue to support the contemporary feel of the space. A paisley wall paper decorates the toilet room and all plumbing fixtures were supplied by Kitchens and Baths by Briggs.
Project Designer: Classic Kitchens Design Studio
This 20-year-old Overland Park residence has good reason to smile. With a recent master bathroom makeover, it is probably one of the most inviting rooms in the house!
Homeowner Susan Winterman was fully engaged in the remodeling process, choosing all of the finishes and working side-by-side with designer Pam Vernon of Classic Kitchens Design Studio.
“I wanted to update the bathroom and add clean lines in a classic, yet not overly-done, way,” expressed Winterman. “It’s now a very pretty and soothing room. I really love it.”
Vernon confidently took to the task of making this a very elegant and entirely usable space. The former L-shaped vanities were removed and replaced with separate his and hers vanities. An oval-shaped window was added to invite more light into the area and to add style while a new window over the tub replaced the original window. Additionally, the ceiling was raised in the center to house a beautiful chandelier and to uniquely synchronize with the sophisticated feeling of the room.
Project Designer: Custom Renovations
When the owners of this Leawood residence wanted to put their love of modern, contemporary styles to work, they definitely let it show in this stunning master bathroom. After employing the custom design expertise of Custom Renovations by Kenny Choikhit, the highlights of the room speak for themselves.
Taking center stage is the Bain Ultra tub, an air tub that, unlike one outfitted with water jets, blows air through tiny holes. Accent colored lights within the tub offer relaxing light therapy. Floating walnut shelves above the tub give a strong nod to the homeowners’ tastes, providing a feeling of simplicity while simultaneously making a bold statement.
The curbless walk-in shower adheres to the clean lines appeal, set atop a porcelain tile flooring that takes your gaze to the walnut vanity, adorned with a Caesarstone quartz counter top and accented by two separate mirrors framed in the same walnut material.
Even though the overall lighting in the room is perfect for evening, the owners still wanted the daylight to shine through.
“We put a window above the vanity to allow some natural light to flow into the room,” noted Choikhit. The vanity also has a great inset shelf or niche area, perfect for storing a few extra towels.
Project Designer: Architectural Craftsmen
This stunningly sleek master bathroom with a decided monolithic presence has class and style written all over it. Design and installed by Architectural Craftsmen, this bathroom is a show-stopper with its harmonious color palette of gray, taupe and tan all complementing the clean lines that always give your eyes something unique and appealing to see without overwhelming them. Completed as a dramatic makeover for a formerly darker and outdated bathroom, the owners wanted to create a more uniform and solid look, which was accomplished by an appreciable number of breath-taking changes.
“Where the large shower is now was formerly where the oversized, built-in tub used to be,” noted Mary Thompson, of Architectural Craftsmen. “The old shower was clear at the back of the bathroom and was much smaller and darker.”
The new shower is truly a dream, its solid form coupled with enough aesthetic appeal to add a layer of fun without distracting from the consistency of style. The spacious vanity with vessel sinks atop an impressive piece of quartz, coupled with the artistic tile throughout bathroom (those effervescent bubbles made of marble, porcelain and glass tiles on the shower floor won’t go unnoticed!) speak to an element of fun while pulling all of the pieces together.
The former high ceiling was brought down on the vanity side with the clever incorporation of a soffit, accented by linear pendant lights. The personality of the chandelier above and the dark tower storage cabinet complete the look.
