Bathing Beauties: 2009 Baths of the Year

Heavenly Haven

platinum winner – 150 sq. ft. and above

above photo by Jeff Borts, Denash Photography

THE VISION
With a restful retreat in mind for her master suite renovation, homeowner Nancy Fox imagined a dressing room with a wet bar, walk-in closet, and a large air tub and shower. She called Jenny and Todd Rausch of Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath to create a place that felt feminine and comfortable – a space with a sense of history that echoed the style of the 80-year-old English Tudor-style home.

WINNING DETAILS
A collection of the homeowner's antique furniture lends a history-rich feel to the suite. Wood-paneled walls create a built-in appearance, polished by touches of granite throughout. Antique light fixtures and a cherished hall mirror enrich the comfortable ambience. Instead of doors, arched doorways with closeable drapes divide each area, creating a peaceful flow from one space to the next.

JUDGES' COMMENTS
The homeowner's exquisite antique furniture complements the era of the home. Layering elements – cabinet finishes, wainscoting and a beautiful use of trims – create a historic feel in keeping with the home. Eliminating doors within the space allows for an open design to prevail. The combination of arches and geometric shapes in the cabinetry adds another layer of texture and interest to the space.

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Classic Elegance

gold winner – 150 sq. ft. and above

photo by Anne Matheis

THE VISION
When the homeowners called on Joyce Bishop of Cutter's Custom Kitchens & Baths to create their new master bath, they asked that they design around the custom fabric in the master bedroom draperies, bed covers and accent furniture pieces. Their ultimate goal was an elegant retreat – softened by a strategic use of lighting throughout – to create an overall feeling of warmth and relaxation.

WINNING DETAILS
Cutter's incorporated curved soffits over a storage-filled dual sink vanity and makeup area into the design, highlighted by elegant sconces and a matching chandelier. Costa Esmeralda granite in the countertops, backsplashes and tub deck unites the space and is echoed in the floor's diagonal pattern. A custom-designed shower system with a luxurious rain showerhead completes this bath's graceful appeal.

JUDGES' COMMENTS
A combination of good task lighting and soft sconce lighting creates a space with a wonderful ambience and classic elegance. Beautiful arched soffits were incorporated into the cabinetry, and functional built-in hampers and mirrors that follow the curve of the soffits are nice touches, as is the extension of the under-mounted massage tub deck into the shower (forming the shower seat).

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Soothing Suite

platinum winner – 101 to 149 sq. ft.

photo by Anne Matheis

THE VISION
As part of a master suite addition on a Victorian home located in a National Register Historic District, this 126-square-foot bath was designed by Chris Berry of brooksBerry Kitchens & Baths and built to allow homeowners Sue and Mark Nitchman to live on one floor. They envisioned a space that “lives big” and included a doorless shower, soaking tub, large vanity, walk-in closet and abundant storage.

WINNING DETAILS
Reclaimed materials – including a 100-year-old claw-foot tub, a Venetian-style mirror and antique glass doors on the over-tub cabinet – create an environmentally friendly ambience. The designer brought in naturally distressed elements to bridge the bath's new design and the home's historical background. Stunning variegated Carrera marble tile in several sizes and shapes give the space a luxurious appeal.

JUDGES' COMMENTS
The design of the bath fits the Victorian era of the home in an updated, modern and fresh way. A reclaimed claw-foot tub displays a slant toward repurposing, and an oversized shower with a modern appeal provides good balance in the space.  Modern amenities and abundant storage are impressive features, as is the inlaid tile runner and the attractive use of a variety of tile styles and colors within the room.

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Spa-cious

gold winner – 101 to 149 sq. ft.

photo by Alise O'Brien

THE VISION
Spa-like amenities define this modern master bath, designed by Kelly Schellert, ASID, of Sedoria for a young couple with eclectic taste who envisioned a brilliant transformation. Their wish list included a soothing spa-like environment with luxe, modern materials, separate vanities, an air bath, and a deluxe steam shower to transform the tiny master bath into a spacious, open retreat.

WINNING DETAILS
Glass mosaic tiles in calming shades of azure punctuate the walls and ceiling of the luxury-size steam shower. An angled tub incorporated into the shower receives abundant natural light, creating a serene, relaxed space. His-and-hers vanities feature a linen cabinet, pull-out hamper and ample drawer storage. A subtle, continuous border of glass mosaic tiles brings a sense of cohesiveness to the tranquil space.

JUDGES' COMMENTS
We loved the glass tiles and the serene, sea-inspired color palette in a combination of patterns; it jumps out from across the room. Most impressive is the placement of a tub within the steam shower; it makes for a true spa experience. There was clearly a well-thought-out redesign of space, as they went from one to two spacious vanities. The bath is a modern twist on nostalgia.

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Subtly Stunning

platinum winner – 100 sq. ft. and under

photo by Alise O'Brien

THE VISION
Sustainability, aging in place and modern technology that would include an air tub were key elements for the homeowners. Kelly Schellert, ASID, of Sedoria, in collaboration with Jean Merson, ASID, of E. Jeannie Merson Interiors, were called to transform two equally sized “rooms” into one cozy yet functional space that did not disrupt the simple, traditional warmth of its Williamsburg architecture.

WINNING DETAILS
His-and-hers sinks are highlighted by Robern medicine cabinets, offsetting the vessel bowls and wood vanity tops. Eco-friendly elements include hydronic heat tubing on an exterior wall – warming the tile and minimizing heating costs – as well as energy-conserving zone lighting. Wood planking, crown molding and stone tiles texturally define this tiny space, and repeated patterns create symmetry and order.

JUDGES' COMMENTS
The redesign of space is very well planned with an attractive, subdued color palette. The separation of his-and-hers vanities at opposite ends of the bath is great, and a recessed medicine cabinet over one creates the look of a hutch. The room exudes a blend of detail and thought, with hydronic tubing on the exterior wall of the house, floor and tile – keeping the tile warm. The room feels fresh and crisp.

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Natural Tranquility

gold winner – 100 sq. ft. and under

photo by Jackie Wagner, Columbia, IL

THE VISION
Interior designers Connie Novotny and Marcia Herrmann of The Final Touch chose a natural palette with textural layers to transform this bath into a spa-like retreat that evokes a feeling of warmth and comfort. The owners envisioned a bump-out area specifically for the shower and commode, as well as the addition of a Jacuzzi tub. This would complement the look of a newly remodeled master suite.

WINNING DETAILS
The bath's arched entrance, in keeping with the home's architecture, is echoed throughout the space. An antique sideboard, having once belonged to the homeowner's grandmother, serves as a functional vanity in the alcove. Uncut Wisconsin and Missouri natural flagstone inlaid on the floor and on the tub's surrounding walls lends organic texture, and subtle touches of candlelight cast a tranquil, romantic glow.

JUDGES' COMMENTS
We like the variety of natural materials and the  creative incorporation of so many elements into a small space. Flagstone provides contrasting color and is a unique interior application.  Using an heirloom sideboard for a vanity fills the space with a touch of personal history and creates a “green” appeal. Much attention was devoted to lighting to create a peaceful environment that blends a Southwest/Colorado mountain feel.

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Meet the Judges

Meet our distinguished panel of judges for our '09 Baths of the Year contest.

Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton  

Megan Bittle is the owner of RSI Kitchen & Bath, the largest kitchen and bath design center in St. Louis. Megan is also the current president of the local National Kitchen & Bath Association chapter, and she sits on the advisory board of the SLCC Interior Design Program. She lives in Webster Groves with her husband, Joel, and three daughters. 

Fred Bueler, Jr. CKD, CGR, CAPS began his business, Bueler, Inc., with a civil engineering degree from the University of Missouri-Rolla. He is a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), Graduate Remodeler (CGR) and Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). He is also a past president of the local chapters of NKBA and NARI and a winner of the Remodelers Magazine BIG 50 Award, as well as eight Homer Awards. 

Kenneth Henry, CKD, CBD has been a premier designer for the Glen Alspaugh Company since 1986. His art and architecture education coupled with his work experience have allowed Ken to express his creativity through his high-end kitchen and bath designs. Attention to detail and exceptional organizational qualities are Ken's leading attributes to the Glen Alspaugh Company and the many clients who he has served.