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Issue link: http://kitchenbathdesign.epubxp.com/i/239138
Bath Storage Designer: LAURIE LOEB; Loeb Design Group; Libertyville, IL Storage solutions: Loeb gave this client a tower with a stacked storage system located between his and her vanities. "They can easily see what they have…eye level," she says. Drawer inserts, such as those for jewelry and makeup, keep small items organized. Loeb also included wire roll-outs underneath each sink for managing cleansers, toilet paper and tall items that don't ft in drawers. Most diffcult items to store: The biggest challenges typically occur with the sheer volume of products purchased, then stored. "Instead of having one toothpaste, many families will have multiple brands," she says. "Husbands often take diferent vitamins than their wives, and many baby boomers will have multiple medications. "Our lives are more complicated because there is simply more available," she continues. "People are purchasing more and need somewhere to store it…in a place where they know where to fnd it. The complexity of our lifestyles really lends itself to the fact that we need more organizational tools." Storage trends: "People want a place for everything," Loeb says. "Life is busy and they don't want to take the time to fgure out where they put that new tube of toothpaste." Storage tips: Purge, then organize. "If you're organized, it's amazing how much more space you have," she says. "We give our clients the tools they need to get – and stay – organized." Include tilt-outs in front of the sink for toothbrushes and toothpaste. Use roll-out trays under the sink so users don't have to bend down to see what's in the back. Consider shallow drawers instead of deeper ones so small items don't get lost, and add towers with roll-out trays or stacking systems. 48 | Kitchen & Bath Design News January 2014 Designer: SCOTT DRESNER, designer/president/owner; Dresner Design; Chicago, IL Storage challenges: This bathroom is part of a minimalist-style home where Dresner was challenged to create storage that is not seen. The vanity also serves as the bathroom's only storage unit (some extra storage is gained in a nearby laundry room). "This client isn't into excessive storage with cabinets everywhere," he says. "They didn't want cabinets running to the ceiling. This is a European-style bathroom for a European client who lives like a European in America." Storage solutions: It's all about drawers, deep drawers…even under the sinks – which are housed entirely in the 8"-thick countertop – where Dresner made cutouts to accommodate plumbing pipes. Dresner also recessed the medicine cabinet, creating storage that is 8" deep. He added outlets for toothbrushes and other electrical items, as well as the foor heating element, "so it doesn't become an eyesore on the wall." Outlets are also concealed behind the drawers to accommodate items such as hair dryers. He included two toilet paper holders – one to hold a spare – and towel warmers. Most diffcult items to store: Fortunately for Dresner, this client purchases items in relatively small volumes, on an as-needed basis. "They don't buy the one-gallon container of shampoo and conditioner," he says. "If you purchase big items, you'll need to have big storage." Storage trends: Many medium- to high-end homes Dresner designs include a laundry room near the bathroom where additional storage can be gained. He also often grabs extra storage above the toilet when it's part of its own room. "With high ceilings, you can really gain a lot of storage," he says. Storage tips: Use drawers instead of doors. "I believe that drawers are more useful for storage in a bathroom," he says. "The vanity tends to become a catch-all, where stored items can touch and even loosen pipes, creating leaks that the homeowner may never know about. I design my drawers so they're easy to clean and so my clients can see everything that is stored inside of them." Photos: Scott Dresner Storage challenges: This client has a lot of bathroom items, especially small items, to store. "She used to store her nail polish in a basket, along with nail clippers, nail fles, etc.," says Loeb. "Everything was tossed together." Like she does for all of her clients, Loeb assessed the previous space. "We look at what clients have in their existing spaces," she explains. "We look at how they live and then design around their lifestyle. That's how we determine drawer height, number of drawers, whether or not to include towers, etc. We give them the tools to help them organize so they can better fnd things."