Spa-like Master Suite THE CLIENTS: A very active retired couple for whom we had previously done a kitchen project. THE SPACE: An addition to a 50 year old, 2-story, traditional suburban home which incorporated a first floor Master Suite, a Laundry Area, and a Nursery for a brand new grandson. The space is approximately 200sf with a fairly complicated peaked ceiling. CLIENT REQUIREMENTS: Separate seated vanity area with good storage for make-up and hair products Good storage and counter space at sink area Color scheme of White with Black accents Incorporating curved cabinets if possible Furniture detailing in the cabinet trim and mouldings A good size television that could be hidden when not in use. Toilet-paper and towel storage A room that would be so beautiful they wouldn't miss all of the luxury that hotels had provided, now that they were staying closer to home to be with their new grandson. SOLUTIONS: The vanity area was relocated from the sink wall, where the architectural plans originally had it, and placed under the window. The wife preferred to use a lighted make-up mirror and liked the idea of being near the natural light for applying makeup. We mirrored the tall storage cabinets and hinged them so she could see the back of her hair. These storage cabinets are shallow so everything is easy to find. Drawers provide convenient storage for larger items. Moving the makeup area to the other side of the room opened up the sink area. To provide easily accessible storage and a place to hide the TV, we included counter wall cabinets for each client. These had electrical outlets in them so electric toothbrushes and his shaver could be plugged in. We also raised these cabinets off of the counter so they would be protected from splashes and spills. These 11" deep units also provide towel storage. The client chose a mitered raised panel door style with a "pillowed" frame and liked the idea of inset styling. The finish is a soft white paint. We didn't want a lot of seams to spoil the clean look of the paint so we used a pretty leg detail to cover the seams between cabinets. We also suggested curving the tub skirt. A dark stain there provides contrast and visually warms the room up a bit. There is quite a bit of moulding and trim used on these cabinets but the overall look is still light and fresh, not heavy. Some white and black rooms look cold and severe but I think the texture of the mouldings works in our favor here to add interest and softness to the room. During the mechanical installation the contractor realized that the soffits had to be made taller. Everything had already been ordered so we reconfigured the mouldings on site to accommodate the shorter height available. That was definitely a challenge. When we mocked up the toilet area as originally drawn it was difficult to include storage for toilet paper. We ended up recessing an over-john cabinet into the wall behind the toilet. To keep this area interesting we added some carved supports and a wainscot. These "toilet rooms" sometimes feel like cells but this one is very pleasant. Pretty pictures are one thing but a satisfied customer is the real test of success. When we went out to take the photos of this space I asked the client if she had any trips planned. She said that between her beautiful grandson and her beautiful new Master Suite they had no reason to leave home. Back to other rooms...