This 60-year-old bachelor and physician commissioned me to completely renovate his Highland Park, Illinois, kitchen, adjacent eating area and master bath. He wanted a clean-lined style with geometric patterns that would be as appealing to women as men. He also craved a luxurious feeling throughout his home that is conducive to entertaining and consistent with his lifestyle.
The kitchen needed much more than a facelift. It needed well-designed storage and more of it, plus improved lighting, including under-counter lighting throughout and better organization. Among my client’s must-haves were walnut wood elements, seating for four at the island and a TV in the eating area. My overall goals were to encourage this busy 60-year-old bachelor to cook and entertain more and eat a healthier diet, so I focused on providing a functional space that is attractive and equipped with the best in appliances, including a Wolf range, and organizational solutions.
For the master bath transformation, safety was as important as aesthetics and function. As a 60-year-old looking to the future, my client wanted me to minimize slip-and-falls and make the shower easily accessible because he has difficulty with steps.
The master bathroom design presented a number of challenges. The walls flanking the tub were not symmetrical, the shower room was too small and the commode room was too large. One of the windows in this first-floor bathroom faced the street, compromising privacy, and lighting was inadequate. I addressed all of that and more as I created an updated, transitional master bath in a gender-neutral gray, cream and taupe color palette. Up-to-date amenities were a must, too, including heated floors, a steam shower and a high-tech Toto toilet.