KBB

KBB

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November 22, 2019

Most consumers today are looking for the at-home spa – a space they can retreat to daily to relax and revitalize in their master suite. This was designer Kristen Hennie of Cleveland, Ohio-based Payne and Payne’s goal for a client who wanted spa-like amenities in a durable, luxurious and easy-to-clean space.

Achieving the Open Floor Plan
This project was in definite need of an update. The water closet was situated too close to one of the windows and was blocking half the natural light into the bathroom. There was a massive drop-in jetted tub – which was rarely used – and a very small shower.

Instead the clients wanted a steam shower, a full-size sauna, a private water closet, a double vanity and a small tub – all in the same footprint. It was also important to the clients to maximize the size of the shower and sauna, while making these two components look seamless and not too bulky in the room.

“The hard thing was getting in all the features and not making the bathroom feel compartmentalized,” said Hennie, who added that an open and airy feel is an essential part of today’s spa-like trend.

Using Chief Architect for the 3D renderings and construction documentation, Hennie was able to switch around the layout to open up the space. For that spacious look, the existing windows needed to let in as much light as possible without being blocked by any of the bath components, including the water closet.

“We had to move the toilet plumbing to the opposite side of the room to achieve the ideal finished floor plan,” said the designer. “Fortunately, with access from the basement, we were able to move the major plumbing to accommodate the most ideal layout.”

This plan included a smaller, sculptural, freestanding tub and a side-by-side shower and sauna. A double vanity is across from the shower/sauna, with a small water closet off on the side – resulting in the open feel the design team was aiming for.

Durable but Luxurious Materials

While the layout achieved the open floor plan, the team was again challenged by what the client wanted in terms of aesthetics.

“It was important that the materials used were durable and easy to take care of, but at the same time the client loves the look of marble and organic materials,” said Hennie, acknowledging that these tend to require a lot of maintenance.

The best solution for a resilient, marble-like surface material was quartz, which was chosen for the waterfall countertop on the vanity and the shower surrounds. Large porcelain tiles were used on the floor of both the shower and main bath.

“The larger-format 24-in. by 48-in. straight-set tiles give the space a more modern feel,” said Hennie, adding that the porcelain tile floors mimic concrete and are set in a brick pattern.

Meanwhile, the sauna next to the shower features a wooden interior – which automatically adds the touch of organic that the client wanted. A wood plank runs across the top of the entire length of the shower and sauna to help connect the two.

“The wood wrap makes both these features appear to be continuous,” she said. “Creating the side and front of shower out of glass and extending that all the way over to the sauna helps keep the bathroom feeling spacious, while allowing the natural light to enter all areas.”

The custom-made, double floating vanity echoes this area because of its rift white, quarter-sawn oak cabinetry, which was stained to complement the cedar wood in the sauna. Above-counter sinks and ceiling-hung mirrors add modernity to the space.

“They wanted a modern Zen-feeling bathroom with clean lines and great texture, and I feel like the clients truly got that retreat in their own home,” said Hennie.

Source List

Designer: Kristen Hennie, Payne & Payne
Photographer: Don Philips

Bathroom Sink: PROFLO
Floor & Shower Tile: Virginia Tile
Sink Faucet, Shower Faucet & Body Spray: Delta
Shower Arm: Brizo
Steam Control: ThermoSol
Tub Faucet: Knox

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