Subject: Kitchen and Bath Design News Placement
From: "Merilee Kern" <[email-masked]>
To: "Elaine Williamson" <[email-masked]>, <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2011 10:01:30 -0800

http://www.kitchenbathdesign.com/print/Kitchen-and-Bath-Design-News/Southern-Inspired-Bath-Exudes-Everyday-Luxury/2$5701

Southern-Inspired Bath Exudes Everyday Luxury
 By Andrea Girolamo

January 2011

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Elaine Williamson, principal of Elaine Williamson Design, created this lavish master bath to be functional for everyday use.
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Frisco, TX- True luxury is often seen as being at odds with the idea of a functional space that facilitates everyday use. However, the owners of this palatial home in Texas were committed to enjoying luxury surroundings that would also function well in "real time." 

The homeowners wanted a space that would reflect elegance and Old World charm while still incorporating a warm and welcoming design.

They chose designer Elaine Williamson, principal of Elaine Williamson Design, in part because of her extensive experience creating elegant spaces with Southern flair.

The couple wanted each space in their home to exude elegance, but also desired well-balanced, efficient rooms suitable for everyday use. Williamson's team set about creating a game plan for doing just that in the new space.

"We were responsible for every room in this luxury home, as well as all of the outdoor respite retreats and entertaining areas, including all balconies," says Williamson of the 5,600-sq.-ft. home. 

"An important focus for the couple was the master bath area, as the configuration set by the builder was not conducive to the couple's desires for a quiet, intimate space," she continues. 

The original design of the 450-sq.-ft. master bath was box-like and cavernous; the homeowners felt that much of the room would be wasted space. In conjunction with the builder, Hensley Premier Builders of Frisco, TX, Williamson completely reconfigured the plans.

Williamson notes: "This was no easy task, as it meant moving several rooms throughout the home to accommodate the new layout. 

"We had the benefit of working directly with the builder from this project's inception to ensure cohesiveness of the overall design," she continues. "Every element of the room - from floor plan to furniture - was designed for livable elegance."

Every Luxury

After reworking the layout, Williamson was challenged with making the shotgun-style bathroom function and flow with elegance to meet the clients' needs.

The centerpiece of the space is an oversized Jacuzzi tub positioned before a series of large windows. Williamson added a touch of grandeur to the tub surround by adding four Doric columns. Glass Cristallo tiles from Dal-Tile line the step-up to the tub.

A shower area with a dual-head steam shower for two sits to the left of the tub, separated from the rest of the bath by a glass door enclosure. An arched doorway into the shower mimics the archways used throughout the space.

The faucets and hardware used throughout the space are more traditional yet streamlined in style. Finished in a warm bronze tone, the elements add a timeless appeal and coordinate with the light fixtures and accessories chosen for the room.

Elegant Details

Custom details add personality to the space. Using the skills of Dallas-based cabinetmaker Douglas Cabinetry, Williamson designed a French linen cabinet for the couple. The freestanding piece is a mix of closed, open and see-through storage. 

A custom armoire nearby serves as a small kitchenette in the master bath, housing a coffee maker, sink and undercounter refrigerator. "Aside from the luxury of sleeping in and enjoying breakfast in bed, the full-service custom bar blends in seamlessly with the other custom cabinetry in the space," Williamson notes.

In addition to the specialty storage within the bath itself, Williamson also designed a number of custom storage solutions in other parts of the master suite, including a dressing/closet area with open storage for shoes and accessories.

Material Wealth

Durable natural materials, along with a largely neutral, cream-heavy palette, help suggest the feeling of serenity and intimacy the couple had hoped to create.

"I incorporated a two-tone Italian hand-cut tile from Dal-Tile on the wainscoting and chair rail using a harlequin pattern as a central decorative feature - a nod to the couple's New Orleanian background," says the designer. 

Heated travertine flooring was also installed - a feature the couple desired despite the mild Dallas winters. 

To give a textural dimension to the walls, Williamson selected handcrafted sandstone mica metallic wallpaper by Ronald Redding for York. This "gives the room a soft, reflective glow when the room is lit at night," she notes.

The bath contains several distinct work stations, including a makeup area with a vanity and seating. Two cream-toned Botticino marble countertops from Dal-Tile sit atop the vanity area. A mix of stained glass pendants and recessed light fixtures illuminates that space. Three antique chandeliers run the length of the master bath, adding a touch of formal elegance. 

"In all, this lavish bathroom is a place where the homeowners come to relax, unwind and let the cares of the day fade away," states Williamson.

Project Highlights

  a.. Elaine Williamson, principal of Dallas, TX-based Elaine Williamson Designs was responsible for every room in this Dallas new construction, including outdoor retreats, balconies and this 450-sq.-ft. bath. Unhappy with the builder's layout, the clients had Williamson rework the existing footprint to create a shotgun-style format.

  b.. Custom elements create the "everyday elegance" the homeowners desired. This includes a custom French linen cabinet and an armoire that holds a small kitchenette where a coffeemaker, sink and undercounter refrigerator are housed.

  c.. Natural details add to a serene, spa-like atmosphere. In addition to the specialized handmade mica wallpaper from Ronald Redding for York, Williamson selected 18"x18" antique honed travertine tiles and Botticino marble countertops, both from Dal-Tile. A number of glass accents, including glass Cristallo tiles, are used in the risers on the stairs.

  d.. The bath contains a number of special areas, including dressing areas with specialty cabinetwork such as closets, shoe displays and custom linen storage.