Kitchen & Bath Business - May/June 2017 - 26

Solutions
CHALLENGE #1: UPDATING THE STORAGE

Alterman tackled a vanity with dated cabinetry that had simply been painted
over by the previous designer. Even with new countertops installed, the vanity
had not improved much from the original design.
After removing a linen closet to create more space, the design team needed
to ensure that the new vanity had enough storage.They needed to accomplish
this and gain the contemporary design the clients wanted.
"Six flat-panel, identical drawers with extra deep dimensions make up
the storage.
"A square sink and a streamlined faucet play up the modern style.
"Fresh mint green painted wood and polished white quartz countertops give
the vanity a luxurious vibe.
"The original designer gave the homeowners a coastal vibe with seashells
and coral," said Alterman, adding that the homeowners wanted more of
a California vibe but with a modern slant. "The homeowners didn't feel
comfortable with that choice. When they called my studio, they asked for an
upscale, contemporary design with earthy touches.That's what we gave them."

Contemporary Cali

"We really appreciate the sexy and sculptural feel of this
modern spa oasis. We love the natural light flooding the
space, the modern plumbing fixtures and fittings and
the subtle integration of the delicate glass penny rounds
backing the niche against the large-format Carrara
marble tiles. Overall, this luxurious bathroom exudes a
chicly European appeal."
-Guest editors Lori Gilder and Rebecca Reynolds
CHALLENGE #2: OPENING UP

A previous redesign is redone with
a n e a r t h y, W e s t C o a s t t o u c h
WHEN CLIENTS FOCUS MORE ON BUDGET THAN

THE END GOAL, the design can often fail to meet

their expectations.This was the case for one master
bathroom in northern Florida, which had already
been redesigned before the homeowners decided
it needed another redo.
"The previous designer had used a technique I
call, 'put some lipstick on a pig and hope for the
best,'"said designer Krista Watterworth Alterman
of the Palm Beach Gardens,Fla.-based Krista Watterworth Design Studio. "It is a common mistake
for a novice to take unproductive shortcuts when
clients are asking for budget-friendly options."

26
26-27_KBB_0517_Solutions.indd 26

ABOVE "Flow is key in an

open-concept floor plan," said
Alterman. "Materials should
complement each other from
room to room without getting
overly repetitive."

BY ERINN LOUCKS

A contemporary design also calls for more open space. A larger, modern window would have been preferred to accomplish this, but the local homeowner's
association barred the design team from installing one.
"I was concerned when we were banned from removing the glass block
window," said Alterman, "but it fits perfectly in the final design."
Using AutoCad, the designer laid out the bathroom so the freestanding
tub lies directly beneath the block window.The block glass now offers privacy
and adds a retro touch to the space.
She also opened up the bath by simplifying, removing and streamlining:
"Body sprays, the old jet bathtub, a ceiling-mount rain showerhead and a
television were removed.
"Large, white Carrara marble tiles cover the bathroom from floor to ceiling.
"Seamless glass walls enclose the shower.
"I wanted the shower to feel as if it were part of the open space, so when
one is showering they sense they are part of the entire room," said Alterman,
adding that continuing the marble tile around the entire room also contributes to the feeling of open space.

Kitchen & Bath Business / MAY-JUNE 2017 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of KBIS (KBIS.com)

5/10/17 1:23 PM

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Kitchen & Bath Business - May/June 2017

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