6 Key Design Elements On The Road To Create An Award-Winning Bathroom! Featuring The Quadro!
SIDLER’S QUADRO COLLECTION IS FEATURED IN THE WINNING BATHROOM DESIGN FOR THE 2022 NATIONAL KITCHEN & BATH ASSOCIATION (NKBA) – WESTERN CANADA DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS!
Vancouver, BC Interior design and contracting firm, maison d’etre design-build inc. is the proud recipient of the 2022 National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) – Western Canada Design Excellence Awards for the “Best Cotemporary Medium Bathroom – Accessibility with Style”. The designer of this kitchen and bathroom design is Interior Designer, Stephen Lunney of maison d’etre design-build inc..
And SIDLER® International Ltd.. is honoured to have our Quadro mirrored cabinet collection as one of the key highlights and design features in this award-winning bathroom design.
We will explore the 6 key design elements implemented to create this award-winning bathroom design.
To help us on this journey, SIDLER has been honoured to have Robert Capar from maison d’etre design-build inc. who is the Founder and President of this award-winning interior design and contracting firm to provide his expertise and insight into the design elements used in creating an NKBA award-winning bathroom.
So, without further ado, let’s take a glance into the key design features of this 2022 NKBA award winner.
6 DESIGN IDEAS TO CREATE AN AWARD-WINNING BATHROOM SPACE!
In 2022, maison d’etre design-build inc. was contracted by a client to design and remodel their already architecturally stunning home, which included giving their kitchen a facelift and adding a second bathroom.
The homeowners wanted a second principal bathroom as a fully accessible ensuite. The focus of design for the ensuite was to incorporate design elements that would not only result in a luxurious, modern “eye candy” bathroom space, but would also address future mobility issues. They also wanted floor to ceiling opulent finishes to create a seamless continuity merging these finishes and fixtures congruently with the wall and floor tiles, and with the other design features in this bathroom space.
Let’s jump in and explore the 6 design elements of this accessible and luxurious bathroom space!
NEUTRAL TONES AND PATTERNS: WALL AND FLOOR TILES
The floor to ceiling large format porcelain tile slabs were book matched to create a striking wall design feature. The use of a neutral a pale taupe brown colour with a marble texture blends in these slabs creating an illusion of an even larger space for this medium sized bathroom.
The incorporation of tile walls throughout the entire bathroom design transforms the wall making it the main focal point of this space drawing the eye. And also, this large format tile design acts as a visual anchoring point for the rest of the design elements of this bathroom space to emerge in a happy cohesive marriage.
The addition of hexagonal floor tiles in the same neutral tone, pattern and texture as the wall tiles further enhance the harmonious design of this space. The floor tiles were selected to provide a slight anchoring colour to the dark veins in the wall tiles and create visual impact. As for accessibility, they were also chosen for their high anti-slip rating.
CONVENIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: CURBLESS SHOWER
A curbless shower is a must-have for the type of design and style for a bathroom shower. This will require some framing work and resetting of floor heights, but the result is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. And for adaptability, easy access shower controls are an added functional bonus, which enables the user to turn the shower off and on without having to be in the shower. No one wants to be blasted with cold water while waiting for it to warm up.
Another must-have feature within the shower is a hand-held shower wand to provide adaptable, mobility ease of use. This avoids the challenges of ensuring one has a proper spray of water while moving around under the showerhead, which can be challenging with the limited range of a fixed head. Also, for functional adaptability, a hand-held shower allows a caregiver to provide assistance in the bathing process.
In addition, integrated cubby storage is carved into the tiled shower wall for bathing toiletries and accessories. And decorative grab bars are added in the right size and positioned properly for safety and adaptability. In the current market there are finally nice grab bars available that can be matched with towel bars and other accessories for a unified design.
A TOUCH OF FRENCH DETAIL: TOILET AND BIDET
A wall mounted sleek toilet adds a clean and refined line. And incorporating a bidet toilet seat not only adds a ‘French luxury’ twist to your bathroom space, but for adaptability it can greatly increase independence if someone has issues with the use of their hands.
And with a hands-free remote control this is a function that can remain private. The Duravit has a wash-lit seat providing a discreet, streamlined design for the bidet, which is another adaptable feature in this bathroom space.
LIGHTING TO FIT ALL NEEDS: MULTI-TASK LIGHTING
Good and functional lighting with dimmers is crucial for visual acuity or ocular sensitivities. For convenience and accessibility, consider an automated system and a motion detector light. For task lighting and for general use, install recessed pot lights in specific locations such as, in the shower or near the sink.
Another great option for lighting can be found in a storage system such as, a mirrored cabinet with atmospheric general lighting, task lighting and a nightlight which can all be dimmed. SIDLER® Quadro’s integrated external 45⁰ LED light frames the mirrored cabinet creating a floating, glowing ambient light effect, which illuminates throughout the entire bathroom.
And the Quadro’s dimmable nightlight can be used to accommodate visual sensitivities or to provide lighting for any ‘middle of the night’ bathroom needs. The Quadro off-set double door 35” mirrored cabinet is incorporated into this bathroom design as an additional light source.
BOOST FUNCTIONAL STORAGE: MULTI-PURPOSE MIRROR
Add functional storage to optimize bathroom practicality. The SIDLER® Quadro mirrored cabinet serves a third purpose aside from its use as a mirror and as one of the light sources in this bathroom design. This mirrored cabinet provides functional storage for all of your bathroom toiletries and accessories. And when it is recessed into the wall above the sink, it blends in seamlessly with the tiled wall.
In addition to storage, the Quadro has a GFCI plug and a USB port located on the interior of the cabinet. Due to its multi-functionality, the Quadro is the perfect design option for this adaptable bathroom design.
By incorporating and installing this electrical mirrored cabinet into this bathroom space; there is an assurance you are making allowances for current or future needs. For example, the outlets and USB ports may some day be needed for specialized equipment.
In addition to the Quadro mirrored cabinet, other storage options have been incorporated into this bathroom design such as a deep, tall cupboard for housing towels or larger bathroom items.
PRACTICAL AND MINIMALIST: VANITY WITH ADDED TOUCHES
The addition of a floating vanity of minimalist, seamless design with drawers offers more storage on top of accessibility. The floating vanity with its marble vein pattern and rich, grey neutral tone is another design element that further anchors the space by playing off of the dark veins in the large porcelain slabs. And the chrome fixtures throughout this bathroom space provides a mirror-like surface to reflect and absorb the room’s finishes.
For future adaptability, clearance was considered and added under the floating vanity and near the adjacent storage cupboard to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs. As well, the drawers and shelves in the storage elements are also adaptable. All these design elements provide a variety of options to ensure practicality and accessibility for current needs or if needs change over time in the future.
CONCLUSION
maison d’etre design-build inc. is proud and honoured to be the recipient of this wonderful accolade and NKBA award for the creative work in designing and building this functional, accessible bathroom space.
All the key design elements incorporated into creating this bathroom space involved careful planning to ensure a perfect blend of materials, textures, finishes, colours and features amalgamate beautifully together into a harmonious symphony of design.