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APRIL SHARLOW, REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNER, ASID KITCHEN & BATH COTTAGE • SHREVEPORT, LA How can creative storage make a master bath unique and special? "Open shelving can be a great way to display items such as a towels, baskets or candles. It also gives people a way to display beautiful things they don't always display in a bath, such as family pictures, which can add a personal touch to make the space feel special. "A lot of people also do vanities that look like furniture, with open shelves at the bottom. In the shower, niches – set of with beautiful accent tile – can store shampoo and shower accessories. In our under-the-sink cabinets, we have roll-out drawers with cutouts for the drain and full-extension glides to provide access to all of the items." a very big impact on the overall impression of the room. Spending a little money on it makes a huge statement and really elevates the space. And, since you only have to buy one or two, splurging is worth it. "I also like to add cool hardware. Again, it isn't super expensive. If you are tight on space, you can add a drawer at the bottom of a sink base cabinet. It also raises the foor of the cabinet so when you open the door section, the foor is higher and makes everything easier to reach." What current trends are you incorporating into your master bath designs? "Until now, the master bath has been the 'orphan' of the house. It didn't get much attention and was strictly functional. Now people realize this is the place that sets the tone for the entire day. Their lives are busier than ever and they want things to be easy, calm and convenient. "We're seeing that a lot of what has evolved in the kitchen and other rooms in the home has moved into the bathroom. People are making their master bath as special as the rest of the house, elevating it with elements such as furniture details in cabinetry, 'rug' details in foor tile, state- ment lighting, wallpaper, etc. Showers are still huge and we're also seeing more skirted toilets. "There is also a trend toward true customization. In the master bath, it's all about the homeowner's specifc needs and desires. It can be anything they want because no one else sees it." Storage was important in this design by Rebecca Ryan, so cabine- try was designed with a lot of point-of-use features, while the original soaking tub and small shower were replaced with a large his/her shower with multiple rainheads and handhelds. Large-format tile with a soft, watery and linear pattern gives the space an organic feel while a foor-to-ceiling mirror visually expands the space. This award-winning master bath by April Sharlow includes a curb- less shower with a rainhead and body sprays, tub, open shelving and lots of glass. Other special elements include three niches, set of by ac- cent tile, and two steps, which can serve as a bench as well as provide access to the tub. The vanity features a drawer system with cutouts and electrical outlets for a hair dryer and curling iron. Photo: 360-Vip Photography Photo: 360-Vip Photography Photo: Eric Elberson March 2016 • KitchenBathDesign.com 41 SPRING BATH REMODELING REPORT