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Project Case Study { Spotlight on creative, problem-solving kitchens and baths } By Kim Berndtson 'Alley' Style Master Bath Becomes Sleek Retreat This Pennsylvania remodeled home focuses on clean lines in the master bathroom, as well as in the kitchen. T he former life of this master bath space was more representative of a bowling alley than a welcoming retreat, which was the preferred look for its Fox Chapel, PA, homeowner. Its long, narrow footprint was further challenged by two deep, unutilized dormers and awkward, inefective spaces at each end of the 'alley.' But April Spagnolo, CKD, and Thomas D. Trzcinski, CMKBD, owner, Kitchen & Bath Concepts of Pittsburgh, in Pittsburgh, PA, saw the potential to create a transitionally-styled, clean/sleek retreat where this busy entrepreneur who frequently travels could relax when he spends time at home. The foundation of the 'alley' remained the same since it couldn't be widened due to a master closet area the homeowner wanted to maintain. Dual vanities – which are separated by a dormer the designers turned into a toilet room, now line one wall of the 'alley.' Quartersawn ⬅ In the kitchen, side-by-side Wolf ovens are recessed into the pantry, which is located on the back side of the wall. The furniture-style walnut cabinetry from Quality Custom Cabinetry features wire mesh/ bronze mirror accents. "It gives a bit of refectivity, but not to the extent of a standard mirror," says Spagnolo. "It's a great look… without being distracting." STAINLESS STEEL VENTILATION HOOD Serves as a focal point, set of by a slate backsplash oak cabinetry from Quality Custom Cabinetry provides texture and contrast to Imperial Danby vanity tops and Calacutta marble shower tiles and fooring. "He wanted a lot of marble," says Spagnolo. "So, to create warmth in the space, we pulled in wood fnishes. The combination of multiple wood fnishes – including the black walnut mid-height cabinets in the tub area – really makes the design stand out." A makeup vanity, sheathed in contrasting white paint with pewter glazing and egg and dart moulding, accents the opposing side. DRAMATIC TUB AREA Spagnolo reconfgured each end of the 'alley,' ftting one end with a breakfast/beverage area and the other end with a tub/shower. To enhance functionality in the breakfast/beverage area, the designer added undercounter KitchenAid refrigerator drawers. Mirrors on each side of MAKEUP VANITY White paint with pewter glazing complements the marble, juxtaposes the quartersawn oak the fxed center mirror open via touch latches to reveal a cofee pot and storage. "This area was important for him so he doesn't have to run up and down the stairs in the morning," she says. The focal point of the space is the tub/shower area. "It's a dramatic point at the end of the room," she says. An air tub sits beneath a varied-height ceiling and in front of the master shower. "The ceiling in this space isn't particularly high," notes Spagnolo, "so stepping it up adds some height. Also, be- IN THE DETAILS ⬅ A leaded, seeded glass cabinet provides display-type storage while it helps to conceal a freplace chimney, which is located behind the cooktop. The black walnut end grain countertop ties into the fooring and additional CUSTOM ISLAND walnut accents throughout the kitchen. Outlets are also recessed to maintain a Provides seating for quick meals clean look. ➡ Doublestacked Costa Smeralda granite slabs add dimension BLACK WALNUT FLOORING to the island. Full bullnose edging on the Ties together the Sub-Zero armoire refrigerator, side-by-side Wolf ovens and end grain corner countertop lower slab combined with cove bullnose edging on the upper slab give the illusion of a 2.5" thick top. Photos: Craig Thompson Photography 20 | Kitchen & Bath Design News December 2013