Two different accent tiles make a statement and add a pop of color against the large white wall tiles in the custom shower. Frameless glass creates a custom and modern feel to the space. This small powder bath lacked interest and was quite dark despite having a window. We added white horizontal tongue & groove on the lower portion of the room with a warm graphic wallpaper above. A custom white cabinet with a waterfall grey and white granite counter gave the vanity some personality. New crown molding, window casings, taller baseboards and white wood blinds made impact to the small room. We also installed a modern pendant light and a rustic oval mirror which adds character to the space. BEFORE Though this bathroom had a good layout, everything was just really outdated. We added tile from floor to ceiling for a spa like feel. We kept the color palette neutral and timeless. The dark cheery cabinet was elegantly finished with crystal knobs and a cararra marble countertop. AFTER AFTER BEFORE There was an underutilized corner between the vanity and the shower that was basically wasted space. To give the corner a purpose, we added a make-up vanity in white with a custom made stool. Oversized subway tiles were added to the shower, along with a rain shower head, for a clean and timeless look. We also added a new frosted glass door to the walk-in closet to let the light in. BEFORE These beautiful oval pivot mirrors are not only functional but also showcase the cararra marble on the wall. Unique glass pendants are a dramatic addition to the space as is the ikat wallpaper in the WC. To finish out the vanity space we added a shallow white upper cabinet for additional storage. BEFORE AFTER AFTER The best part of this remodel? Tearing out the awful, dated carpet! We chose porcelain tile with the look of hardwoods for a more functional and modern space. Curtains soften the corner while creating privacy and framing the soaking tub. Photo Credit: Holland Photography - Cory Holland - HollandPhotography.biz

Rob Karosis

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This stunning Gainesville bathroom design is a spa style retreat with a large vanity, freestanding tub, and spacious open shower. The Shiloh Cabinetry vanity with a Windsor door style in a Stonehenge finish on Alder gives the space a warm, luxurious feel, accessorized with Top Knobs honey bronze finish hardware. The large L-shaped vanity space has ample storage including tower cabinets with a make up vanity in the center. Large beveled framed mirrors to match the vanity fit neatly between each tower cabinet and Savoy House light fixtures are a practical addition that also enhances the style of the space. An engineered quartz countertop, plus Kohler Archer sinks and Kohler Purist faucets complete the vanity area. A gorgeous Strom freestanding tub add an architectural appeal to the room, paired with a Kohler bath faucet, and set against the backdrop of a Stone Impressions Lotus Shadow Thassos Marble tiled accent wall with a chandelier overhead. Adjacent to the tub is the spacious open shower style featuring Soci 3x12 textured white tile, gold finish Kohler showerheads, and recessed storage niches. A large, arched window offers natural light to the space, and towel hooks plus a radiator towel warmer sit just outside the shower. Happy Floors Northwind white 6 x 36 wood look porcelain floor tile in a herringbone pattern complete the look of this space.

Full renovation of master bath. Removed linen closet and added mirrored linen cabinet to have create a more seamless feel.

Master bathroom gets major modern update. Built in vanity with natural wood stained panels, quartz countertop and undermount sink. New walk in tile shower with large format tile, hex tile floor, shower bench, multiple niches for storage, and dual shower head. New tile flooring and lighting throughout. Small second vanity sink.

We undertook a full house renovation of a historic stone mansion that serves as home to DC based diplomats. One of the most immediate challenges was addressing a particularly problematic bathroom located in a guest wing of the house. The miniscule bathroom had such steeply pitched ceilings that showering was nearly impossible and it was difficult to move around without risk of bumping your head. Our solution was to relocate the bathroom to an adjacent sitting room that had 8’ ceilings and was flooded with natural light. At twice the size of the old bathroom, the new location had ample space to create a true second master bathroom complete with soaking tub, walk-in shower and 5’ vanity. We used the same classic marble finishes throughout which provides continuity and maintains the elegant and timeless look befitting this historic mansion. The old bathroom was removed entirely and replaced with a cozy reading nook ready to welcome the most discerning of houseguests.

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows a complete Master Bathroom remodel with before, during and after pictures. Master Bathroom features a Japanese soaker tub, enlarged shower with 4 1/2" x 12" white subway tile on walls, niche and celling., dark gray 2" x 2" shower floor tile with Schluter tiled drain, floor to ceiling shower glass, and quartz waterfall knee wall cap with integrated seat and curb cap. Floor has dark gray 12" x 24" tile on Schluter heated floor and same tile on tub wall surround with wall niche. Shower, tub and vanity plumbing fixtures and accessories are Delta Champagne Bronze. Vanity is custom built with quartz countertop and backsplash, undermount oval sinks, wall mounted faucets, wood framed mirrors and open wall medicine cabinet.

This stunning master bathroom features a walk-in shower with mosaic wall tile and a built-in shower bench, custom brass bathroom hardware and marble floors, which we can't get enough of!

Eric Roth Photography

Stoffer Photography

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Building Architecture: Charlie & Co. Design | Interiors: Martha O'Hara Interiors | Photography: Landmark Photography

Stephani Buchman