The design brief for this ensuite project was to use natural materials to create a warm, luxurious, contemporary space that is both sociable and intimate. To create a continuous flow from the master bedroom into the ensuite, wood-effect porcelain tiles run throughout the lower level and then are echoed on the base of the shower. On the walls and floors of the wet areas, the Ripples designer specified natural stone tiles to reflect the client’s love of natural materials. The clients requested a seating area in the bathroom which resulted in a clever floating bench that wraps around the central dividing wall. In the spacious shower, a large showerhead is angled to spray water straight down into the sunken floor, ensuring splashes are kept to a minimum and eliminating the need for a glass screen. To maximise storage, meanwhile, there are mirrored cabinets recessed into the wall above the basin, complete with LED lights inside, with a bespoke vanity drawer unit underneath, and a wall-mounted tall cupboard located at the end of the bench, opposite the wet area. The contemporary lines of the freestanding bath make for a real feature in the corner of this ensuite. The results are a beautiful ensuite which the homeowners were thrilled with and an award-winning design for Ripples.

Фотограф : Светлана Игнатенко http://www.houzz.ru/pro/ignatenkosveta/ignatenko-svetlana

Stephani Buchman

clear and simple forms. The simplicity and architectural dialogue between form and function are the theme for inside and outside. Walnut bench that stretches under the wide windows along the entire length of the bath a, the window continues as a narrow band. The white high gloss acrylic surface of the Vanity. Leicht Program Luna-AG, with electrical drawers SensoMatic, Find a Leicht Showroom http://www.leicht.com/en-us/find-a-showroom/

Beach house master bath

Jillian Glaser Photography http://www.jillianglaserphotography.com/

Karen Melvin Photography

Peaceful, seaside neutrals define the mood of this custom home in Bethesda. Mixing modern lines with classic style, this home boasts timeless elegance. Photos by Angie Seckinger.

Established in 1895 as a warehouse for the spice trade, 481 Washington was built to last. With its 25-inch-thick base and enchanting Beaux Arts facade, this regal structure later housed a thriving Hudson Square printing company. After an impeccable renovation, the magnificent loft building’s original arched windows and exquisite cornice remain a testament to the grandeur of days past. Perfectly anchored between Soho and Tribeca, Spice Warehouse has been converted into 12 spacious full-floor lofts that seamlessly fuse Old World character with modern convenience. Steps from the Hudson River, Spice Warehouse is within walking distance of renowned restaurants, famed art galleries, specialty shops and boutiques. With its golden sunsets and outstanding facilities, this is the ideal destination for those seeking the tranquil pleasures of the Hudson River waterfront. Expansive private floor residences were designed to be both versatile and functional, each with 3 to 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and a home office. Several residences enjoy dramatic Hudson River views. This open space has been designed to accommodate a perfect Tribeca city lifestyle for entertaining, relaxing and working. This living room design reflects a tailored “old world” look, respecting the original features of the Spice Warehouse. With its high ceilings, arched windows, original brick wall and iron columns, this space is a testament of ancient time and old world elegance. The master bathroom was designed with tradition in mind and a taste for old elegance. it is fitted with a fabulous walk in glass shower and a deep soaking tub. The pedestal soaking tub and Italian carrera marble metal legs, double custom sinks balance classic style and modern flair. The chosen tiles are a combination of carrera marble subway tiles and hexagonal floor tiles to create a simple yet luxurious look. Photography: Francis Augustine

2011 EcoHome Design Award Winner Key to the successful design were the homeowner priorities of family health, energy performance, and optimizing the walk-to-town construction site. To maintain health and air quality, the home features a fresh air ventilation system with energy recovery, a whole house HEPA filtration system, radiant & radiator heating distribution, and low/no VOC materials. The home’s energy performance focuses on passive heating/cooling techniques, natural daylighting, an improved building envelope, and efficient mechanical systems, collectively achieving overall energy performance of 50% better than code. To address the site opportunities, the home utilizes a footprint that maximizes southern exposure in the rear while still capturing the park view in the front. ZeroEnergy Design Green Architecture and Mechanical Design www.ZeroEnergy.com Kauffman Tharp Design Interior Design www.ktharpdesign.com Photos by Eric Roth

Photo by Randy O'Rourke

Ron Rosenzweig