Kitchen & Bath Design News

JAN 2014

Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.

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Photos: Wendy Johnson Photos: Jamie Gold Designer: JAMIE GOLD, CKD, CAPS; Jamie Gold Kitchen and Bath Design LLC; San Diego, CA Storage challenges: This couple was challenged in their master closet and wanted to move some storage into the bath area, which remained within the same footprint. Storage solutions: Storage space was increased signifcantly by adding vertical storage in the form of two towers, one at each vanity. The designer also added a pull-out hamper to her vanity, thereby removing it from the closet. "He's a police ofcer, and with the clothing tower, he now has space for his uniforms," she says. "These towers are one storage solution she just loved about this design." Gold also added a pocket door for easy access between the bedroom and bathroom, while shower niches corral shampoos, body washes, etc. Most diffcult items to store: Electronics and bulk-purchased items really challenge a bathroom space. "People are very attached to their smart phones and tablets and often bring them into the bathroom, which is a wet environment that electronics don't like," she says. "They have fully penetrated the kitchen and are now making their way into the bath. As designers, we need to be ahead of the curve and have solutions for our clients." To address this challenge, Gold often recommends medicine cabinets with built-in chargers to maintain a dry environment. "People are also price sensitive, and they want value," she continues. "They'll buy mega bottles of vitamins, etc., and will need to fnd space for these bulky items that no longer ft into a medicine cabinet." Gold suggests clients keep smaller containers in the bathroom and store the remaining products in less-accessible places, such as the corner of a closet or on a decorative shelf above the door. "It's like special kitchen dishes…you don't need them right next to the dishwasher because you only use them once a year," she explains. Storage trends: Overall, Gold sees clean lines infuencing storage. As such, foating vanities and high-tech/sophisticated/ stylish medicine cabinets accommodate that sleek look. "I'm also seeing built-in LED lighting and new wood-alternative surfaces, like glass and porcelain, becoming popular," she notes. Storage tips: Adding a tall, recessed wall cabinet behind a swinging door can increase storage space, as can a decorative shelf above the door or high on an unused wall with decorative bins and baskets to store items people don't use on a daily basis. "Be creative and strategic, and prioritize," she says. "Think about bathroom work zones the same way you think about kitchen work zones. All zones, including the hygiene/bathing/ shower zone, the commode zone and the clean-up zone, can be maximized with storage." Designer: WENDY JOHNSON, CMKBD; Designs for Living; Manchester Village, VT Storage challenges: This master bath isn't particularly large to begin with, and storage was further challenged when Johnson eliminated a closet to make room for a soaking tub and large shower. "There were a lot of elements these clients requested," notes the designer, "in addition to keeping the room simple, yet peaceful and elegant." Storage solutions: Built-in medicine cabinets above each sink feature interior electrical outlets, magnifying mirror and lighting. In between them, a shallow-depth, divided cabinet – with touch latches and hinged doors that swing in opposite directions – stores bottles and medications, which can be kept out of reach of children. "It also serves as a psychological defnition between his/her spaces," she explains. Vanity storage includes u-shaped center drawers under each sink, which clear the plumbing. Two additional drawers on each side provide deep storage, while a center hamper serves as a home for dirty laundry. On the opposite side of the room, Johnson added a bench that provides architectural defnition, as well as much-needed storage. "I love adding benches because they provide great storage, as well as a place to sit and have a cup of cofee, or put on socks and shoes," she says. A shallow cabinet above the toilet stores paper products. Most diffcult items to store: Johnson indicates one of the greatest challenges is fnding room for towel bars. "A lot of times there just isn't enough wall space after adding all of the other elements [the clients desire]," she says. Storage trends: In general, people are giving more careful thought to storage needs, in particular fnding ways to keep medicines and electrical items safe with convenient access, as well as paying more attention to storing personal items…all without wasting space. Storage tips: For a high ceiling, or if you can sacrifce some ceiling height, Johnson suggests building cabinets above the vanity. "It's a great place to store sheets and blankets," she says. Grabbing space between the wall studs can be bonus storage, as well. Consider adding warming drawers for towels, especially in cold climates. When space allows, Johnson also likes to include beverage centers, lounge chairs and even exercise equipment. January 2014 ForResidentialPros.com | 47

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