Kitchen & Bath Design News

FEB 2015

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40 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | February 2015 Creative Bath Storage DESIGNER'S CHOICE At this year's Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, the integration of technology into storage was a grow- ing trend, with USB ports concealed in drawers and cabinets alongside electric plugs. And, why not? Haig relates that, in his market, he's see- ing requests for tech-heavy bath products growing, so it's only natural that seeking to integrate soft-touch- open cabinetry, and furniture with integral power sources, would be the next step. Working closely to gauge the cli- ent's needs from the beginning of the design process is key, according to Haig. He encourages clients to think carefully about how they plan to use the space most often, so that he can more accurately design the space around those activities. Often times, he says, they bring their best ideas to the table. "I had a client request brighter lighting directly over the best seat in the house – better for reading the newspaper. I've also had a client who not only requested, but required, a power outlet to plug in a phone that was easily accessible from the toilet and the shower," according to Haig. Ell notes that her favorite product selections hide these elements. "I am really excited by some of the newer de- signs for modern bathroom furniture and cabinets that are multifunctioning and have integrated technology like lighting, electrical outlets and even mirror defoggers built in." Haig says some of his favorite stor- age options maximize efciency in the smallest footprints. "Vertical storage packs a lot into a small footprint; over the toilet is an area that can be utilized in a tight bathroom; a hotel shelf (fat storage and a towel bar) does double duty," he says. "Another strategy I like to use: Pull the vanity of the wall and incor- porate a shelf behind the vanity for lighting or horizontal storage space." "Wall-mounted vanities are a great way to free up foor space and allow even small bathrooms to be vi- sually open and uncluttered, and they are easily maintained," says Ell. Allard muses that perhaps what we need is not always more storage, but fewer things. Once she has a cli- ent really thinking about what they need to use and store, she has a few reliable go-tos. "I like using roll-out shelves at the bottom of sink base cabinets to make accessing the cleaning prod- ucts at the very back much easier," she says. "I also like drawers – lots and lots of drawers. Most bathroom items are small, so having well-orga- nized drawers with metal or plastic inserts that can be easily removed and cleaned is a great way to man- age clutter." Contain the clutter, all three de- signers agree, and the keep the client satisfed. DESIGNER: Erica Ell FIRM: HAVEN design+building LOCATION: Colchester, VT PRODUCTS USED: Wall-mounted vanity, tub surround panels, linen storage cabinet by Easton St. Cabinets; Aquatic jetted tub; Kohler Verdera mirrored medicine cabinet with built-in magnifying mirror DESIGN CHALLENGES: "Finding space for storage and keeping an open feel in a very compact master bathroom." DESIGNER: Erica Ell FIRM: HAVEN design+building LOCATION: Burlington, VT PRODUCTS USED: Custom cabinetry by local artisan; BainUltra Chromatherapy jetted tub DESIGN CHALLENGES: "Incorporating modern functionality into a historic style, and creating enough storage elsewhere to be able to use a vintage-style console sink and mirror (neither of which has any storage capacity, but had the look we wanted). We borrowed space from a hallway closet to accommodate a custom built-in, period-style, full-height storage cabinet. We carved out a wall niche for bath supplies. The double shower is located in a former closet area."

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