2008 Baths of the Year

High-Rise Renovation

More than 300 sq. ft.
Function was paramount to homeowners Susie and Rick Knopf when they contacted brooksBerry Kitchens & Baths to transform four small rooms in their 1950s high-rise to create a structural master bath suite with an open loft-like feel and copious storage space.

High-Rise Renovation

More than 300 sq. ft.
Function was paramount to homeowners Susie and Rick Knopf when they contacted brooksBerry Kitchens & Baths to transform four small rooms in their 1950s high-rise to create a structural master bath suite with an open loft-like feel and copious storage space.

“The juxtaposition of earthy, rugged components and sophisticated casework, a sleek ebonized island and raised-paneled wardrobes work together to push beyond an updated 1950s modern look using graphic elements that provide a beautiful repetition of shape and scale,” says bath designer Chris Berry of brooksBerry Kitchens & Baths.

The focal point of the master bath suite is the double-sided ebonized Wenge wood island with a limestone top that combines both beauty and function. Built upon legs, the island makes the floor and room appear larger, and square glass drawer pulls contribute to the architectural look of room. The impressive space includes a custom-designed, deep aromatherapy tub placed on a wood pedestal and variegated cleft slate tile flooring and shower walls.

 Judges' Comments
“The superb integration of storage into the bathroom and the impressive tile feature on the ceiling above the shower inventively define the space. The optimal positioning of the innovative trough sink and the vanity/dressing table between two windows creates the perfect spot for the homeowner to apply her make-up by natural light. The elements of this bathroom evoke a traditional yet eclectic feel.”

Beauty Surrounds

100-300 sq. ft.
As part of an addition on an historic Central West End house, this master bath was designed by brooksBerry in a semicircular shape to minimize the structure's visual impact on the small lot and backyard. Striking black walnut cabinetry paired with limestone flooring works to create a charming master bath retreat.

“Our part of the bath addition was to work within the outline provided by the architect and finesse the space based on the clients' needs. We used unique materials and fixtures, and a pedestal tub with a back-surround deck to create a softer, curvaceous look, allowing for the room to feel larger, yet intimate at the same time,” says Chris Berry of brooksBerry Kitchens & Baths.

The custom back-surround deck is the ideal place for candles and plants, and a string of windows around the back of the bath floods the room with light and features concealed shades for privacy. The shower, sized for two people, includes a bench, multiple body sprays  and a steam generator. Verde Fire polished granite countertops add a rich element to the his-and-hers vanity areas, with hers featuring a dressing table with moveable tri-view mirrors and linear incandescent lighting.

Judges' Comments
“The designer uses creative storage in the room. The curved shelf between the bath and the window, left open at the front, creates a softer, intimate feel in the space. In the shower, the transom interior window is a good way to incorporate light into the space. With the exceptional use of lighting and mirrors, the details have been carefully thought out.”

Polished Design

Less than 100 sq. ft.
As a result of the creative and inspired  design plan by Marc Christian Fine Cabinetry, the second-floor bathroom in this beautiful vintage house was enlarged and remodeled without altering the home's footprint. The homeowners wanted an updated bathroom with a Waterworks claw foot soaking tub, a full walk-in shower with body sprays, decorative mosaic tile and original-style nickel fixtures.

“These elements worked in combination within the re-modeled space in keeping with the vintage look of their 1920s era University City home.  Fortunately, additional space was discovered to create the wonderful walk-in shower behind the linen closet within the dormer area of the attic,” says Bob Burmeister of Marc Christian Fine Cabinetry.

The space-saving vintage-style pedestal sink and claw foot tub are highlighted by an Anne Sacks White Thassos brick pattern tile highlighted by a Ming Green circle border. The tile flooring is a basket-weave White Thassos pattern using the same Ming Green in the border and accents. Polished nickel details from Water-works and antique waterline milk glass fixtures over the sink add to the bathroom's nostalgic character.

Judges' Comments
“A hint of ‘bright and cheery' is present in this bathroom. The placement of the full-size window is excellent, as it doesn't present any privacy dilemmas. The big, modern shower was an unexpected surprise and a great use of space. The bathroom keeps aesthetically with the period of the house, and the use of products makes it stunning.”

Naturally Elegant

powder room
Interior designer Caryn Burstein used a natural palette in keeping with the symmetry and flow of a contemporary home to create a powder room that makes a statement.

“When designing the powder room for this Frank-Lloyd-Wright-style home, Feng Shui principles were accounted for, as the toilet is hidden when the door is ajar. The paint color and variety of natural materials such as the slate countertop and copper bowl and faucet add warmth and interest to the room, while still allowing the small space to appear uncluttered. Custom copper decorative hardware was created to match the feel of the faucet. The hanging pendant is reminiscent of paper lanterns that are so prevalent in the East. The homeowners' own pieces of art provided the perfect accent to this Asian-inspired space,” says Caryn Burstein of CLB Interiors.

Judges' Comments
“This powder room was well-planned for privacy. Because the toilet is recessed, it is out of view when the door is open. The space includes several out-of-the-box fixtures, such as the soft, glowing Flux pendant lighting. The glass, faucet and mirror make the space appear larger, and the counter space has an elegant feel.”

Luxury Defined

more than 300 sq. ft.
In this lavish all-marble master bath suite, a fleur-de-lis leaded glass window draws you in with its dazzling luminescence and European charm. A Bain Ultra air tub features chromotherapy, using color and light for soothing relaxation. Double vanities on either side of an inlaid marble medallion illuminated by a crystal chandelier flank the beautiful tub and window.

“The master suite, which includes the well-appointed morning kitchen and all-marble master bath, exudes the opulence of a bygone era. The subtle detailing of the fleur-de-lis in windows, inlaid marble floors and lighting emphasizes the home's French heritage. From the beautiful chandelier to the kidney-shaped ladies' dressing table, this bath says, ‘glamour,'” says Davey Mayer of R. J. Mayer Development Corporation.

Judges' Comments
“Well-balanced in its design, this bathroom has an extremely elegant feel. The exceptionally designed shower behind the dressing table features a step at each entrance that keeps the water from flowing onto the bathroom floor. The softly curved shape of the beautifully finished dressing vanity is a nice touch.”

Soothing Suite

100-300 sq. ft.
Furniture-like cabinetry and a selection of neutral-but-elegant materials were implemented to achieve the formal look of this master bath. The space was transformed from separate his-and-hers baths using rich Brafferton-finished cabinetry softened by a honed travertine countertop and pillow-edged floor tiles. A bow-front vanity is among one of the crowning accents of this striking bath. Clear glass expands the shower and serves as a nice complement to the bathroom's open feel.

“The concept behind the room is elegance and tranquil-ity.  Sophistication is conveyed through the use of rich tones, natural materials and elegant details.  Warm neutrals support a calming atmosphere very suitable for a bathroom,” says Ken Henry of Glen Alspaugh Kitchens and Baths.

Judges' Comments
“It is clear that all the details were considered in this extraordinarily well-thought-out floor plan. The sizeable, comfortable glass shower is easily accessible and makes the bathroom feel larger. Together with the privacy and use of light in this bath, the clean lines and simplicity of design contribute to its traditional, timeless feel.”

Brilliant Bath

Less than 100 sq. ft.
As one step in the transformation and expansion of a 1954 suburban ranch-style house, the homeowners hired MetropolitanWorks architecture to challenge the perceptual limits of their bathroom's assigned space. The room's impressive design was inspired by Adolf Loos' American Bar in Vienna. A custom fir-and-glass entry door initiates an immediate feeling of translucency and expanse.

“Our intention was to stay within the existing footprint of the complete bathroom renovation commissioned by Martin Hahn and Joy Marcus in their 1950s home. The use of polished tiles, mirrors and glass were all chosen for their qualities of reflectivity, transparency, translucency and opacity in order to create spatial ambiguities that would magnify the room's actual size,” say Ida Siegfried and William Bricken of MetropolitanWorks architecture.

Judges' Comments
“Making a small space look big is well-accomplished in this room. Not only is it architecturally interesting, but the room also incorporates a bold use of color and tile, in addition to numerous elements that contribute to its overall reflective feeling. The shower is seamless, mimicking the translucent feel of the space.”

Baths of the Year Judges

This year's judging panel includes local professionals with varying backgrounds and specialties in the field of design.

Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

Anne Kelleher Anne has been a designer at Cutter's Custom Kitchens & Baths for over 22 years. Her kitchen and bath designs have been honored in past St. Louis area magazine competitions. Anne is extremely active in raising a daughter, and she is a founding board member of Our Little Haven children's charity in St. Louis.

Louis Rybacki Louis manages Thompson Price Kitchens, Baths & Home.  He has been in the industry for 20 years and specializes in high-end decorative plumbing, which enables him to excel at bathrooms. Whether a bathroom, kitchen, office or laundry room, his designs are known to encompass the entire mood of the space.

Keith Gegg Keith started Gegg Design & Cabinetry over 12 years ago, and since 2004 has been a 12-time winner of SLHL's kitchen design awards. His firm specializes in truly unique cabinetry that reflects each client's individual style. Creativity and his engineering background have proven to be a successful combination for his designs.