Retail Observer

MARCH 2024 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 37 Brentari Bath — The design goals for this bathroom were to create a luxurious, well-lit, safe retreat for an updated retirement home, replace uninspired materials (oak and white tile) with luxury finishes that will age elegantly with the homeowner, and to build upon and emphasize unique architectural features of the room – soaring ceilings, abundant windows, large space – while maintaining privacy and an intimate feeling for the bath. Maximizing accessibility for client to age in place by removing potential barriers was achieved with a curbless entry shower, shower bench and combination stabilization bar/ shelf, high-quality luxury vinyl plank flooring with non-slip textured wood graining, under- vanity lighting controlled by motion sensor for safe nighttime use, grab bars at free-standing tub to facilitate safe entry/egress, washlet toilet seat for enhanced personal hygiene, and special rocker volume/temp controls at vanity faucets for ease of use. Special features include: edge-lit mirrors at vanity for soft, flattering light; dimmable LED sconces for side-to-side task lighting; U-shaped drawer storage around plumbing at vanity sinks; a special hair dryer/outlet pullout drawer; an oversized 3" mitered self-edge detail at counter to mimic thick stone slab; tile wrapped windows for uninterrupted marble tile walls. Treetop Spa — The goals for this bath were to design a minimalist, modern design featuring natural materials, create views to the wooded surroundings and river outside, integrate unique and abundant natural light, install a sculptural tub and create ample storage space. To create storage, the entrance to the bathroom was reconfigured and now includes a large linen closet featuring custom, adjustable, roll-out trays, and two full-height recessed medicine cabinets in the main space. Only natural wood tones, and a color palette of whites and blues were introduced to create a relaxing, spa-like feel. A natural walnut floating vanity offers an organic texture, while steel-blue porcelain tile was selected for the floors to evoke the look of natural volcanic stone. Brushed brass fixtures and hardware elevate the tone but are used sparingly in design to avoid competing with the scenic view of the treetops and river. A floor-to-ceiling window creates a picturesque focal point at the freestanding sculpture stone bathtub, with a floor-standing filler, and uninterrupted views to the treetops outside. The natural aesthetic is carried into the shower with the veining in the full-height porcelain slab walls, taking advantage of the tall ceilings and unique shape of the space. SECOND PLACE / PRIMARY BATH THIRD PLACE / PRIMARY BATH Melissa Sakell, CKBD Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc. Photo: John Cole Photography Kathleen Donohue, CMKBD Neil Kelly Co. Photo: Tim Cotter Photography

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