Laurie Ylvisaker, CWB

Before this bathroom was built we did a lot of remodel work in order to create the space required for all of the features wanted by our customer. All original work was removed. The remodeling included, removing a closet from the bedroom in order to open up more space, building a half-wall for the shower, removing previous exterior window, and reinstalling exterior window to a different position within the bathroom. As a result of the window repositioning, there was also exterior work done, which included siding. Additionally, new plumbing was put in, the electrical was updated, and an exhaust fan was installed. Once the space was ready we painted, installed new crown moulding, porcelain tile floor, bathroom vanity counter with undermount sink, pendant light fixtures, and toto toilet. For the shower, we designed the plan together with our customer and decided on porcelain tile with a mosaic border, and glass half-wall with glass hinged shower door. A floating corner seat was built, along with a malibu shelf. The shower fixtures are from the Moen Dryden Shower collection. The on/off shower knob was custom-installed with plumbing on the half-wall to ensure easy functional access while entering and leaving the shower.

Pinwheel Floor Pattern cut from Marble. Granite Shower walls, Tumbled Stone Arch, Handsgrohe Fixtures

Project by Wiles Design Group. Their Cedar Rapids-based design studio serves the entire Midwest, including Iowa City, Dubuque, Davenport, and Waterloo, as well as North Missouri and St. Louis. For more about Wiles Design Group, see here: https://wilesdesigngroup.com/

We love the sparkle from our glitter mosaic tile! Shades of pink, fuchsia, white and silver sparkles make this girly bathroom tons of fun!

Modern Powder Room. Photo by Zeke Ruelas.

Adam Latham - Bel Air Photography

A serenity room, tucked away next to the shower, is a warm, comfortable space for kicking your feet up and getting away from the stresses of the day. A heated lounger, provided by Bradford Products, adds a spa-like feel. Comfortable and classy, this lounge chair was inspired by the client's recent trip on a cruise. A Montigo L-series fireplace sits at the foot of the lounger, supplying ambient light and just the right amount of comfortable heat. A heated floor is the cherry on top of this serenity room sundae. Designer: Debra Owens Photographer: Michael Hunter

Poulin Design Center

In the upstairs half-bath, a new Douglas-Fir countertop is topped by a Scarabeo Geo vessel sink with a Grohe faucet. searanchimages.com

An arched soffit was added to the vanity side of the room to mimic the arch over the sliding doors that lead to the shower. Natural maple cabinets pair with a dark gray quartz countertops.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com