Retail Observer

MAY 2022 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 39 Thunderstruck The overall project's primary design objective was to design and build a sustainable, yet stunning escape from the daily stresses, utilizing sustainable materials while maintaining a higher-end design impact. The project's primary objective was to create an energetic jolt of passion, emphasizing the heart of the home – the kitchen We wanted the contemporary twist of black cabinets, concrete floors and rock-like features without it feeling cold. Geothermal heating and cooling with hydronic radiant tubing in the concrete floors keeps the kitchen and the rest of the house comfortable and environmentally friendly. The glass "rock crystals" cascading down from the island pendant and the luxury Dacor appliances with Smart Integration as well as open shelving were all engaging higher-end impacts for this kitchen. The Patagonia quartzite slab was one of the highlights of the project. The light shining through the quartz deposits when lit creates true kitchen energy and warmth. I designed a space that brings in our love of nature, incorporating rocks, stone and warm wood tones. All smart switches, speakers, blinds and appliances as well as light fixtures are pre-wired to connect to the home's smart hub. Sweet Bungalow Main Bath A dated 70's bungalow gets a bathroom makeover long overdue. The design client wanted a bright and fresh-looking space to replace the existing peach and brown patterned tile. Tiling the face of the bulkhead to the ceiling created an illusion of height. The oversized subway tile was continued around the bathroom at chair-rail-height to add continuity, thereby eliminating the need for baseboards and again creating the illusion of a larger space. It was also important for the renovated bathroom to remain in character with the rest of the home. The inspiration for the color palette came from the patterned accent flooring tile which added an unexpected, fun twist in the space, and with a timeless black and white scheme softened by grey accents pulled from the tile, this small bathroom has maximum style. As it is the main bathroom in the home, the bathtub was replaced with a sleeker and deeper tub. A custom glass shower screen, framed in matte black to match the plumbing fixtures and hardware, allows natural light into the space Gold accents in the mirror and floating shelves add warmth to the otherwise cool tones used in the bathroom. An attractive floor paper holder was found in matte black, in keeping with the flavor of the overall design aesthetic. THIRD PLACE / SMALL TRADITIONAL BATH Wanda Weston, CKBD, Principal Designer WW Design Studio Photo: Florios Demosten CLAY LYON BUILDER/REMODELER AWARD RO Megan Jean Tennant, Owner and Lead Designer Forte Design Studios Photo: Chris Reilmann

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