| Bathroom Mirror Reflects True Self |
| By Cedar Burnett |
Published
05/2/2007
|
Project Archives
|
|
|
|
|
The Challenge
Style is subjective. One person's minimalist vision of uncluttered, clean lines is another's version of cold, unwelcoming austerity. Over-stuffed, comfy armchairs beckon to some camps while spindly-legged, antique settees make the grade for others. And while wall-to-wall white decorating smacks of modern glamour to some, still others chalk up the aesthetic to nothing more than insane-asylum chic. For all our ranging tastes, however, the one thing that unites us is our generally unabashed outspokenness on the matter of style. We know what we like, and often more importantly, what we don't like.
 Since many people view their homes as natural reflections of who they are and the image they would like to project, complex emotions can get wrapped up in the most seemingly insignificant elements of design. Some homeowners might simply view their homes as utilitarian shelters, but for many, an ugly countertop or garishly wallpapered room might be a source of great annoyance, embarrassment or even obsession. It is from this deep-seated set of opinions, whether on aesthetics or functionality, that one is often inspired to remodel. And it is because of this underlying passion that one should take the time to find a remodelor they can truly trust and connect with. One style-minded Sammamish family did just that when selecting Revisioneers, a local design/build firm specializing in remodels on the Eastside. The young family had lived in the home for 12 years and loved their neighborhood, but had finally decided the traditional plateau development spec home didn't reflect their jazzy, art-forward style. The father worked as an advertising executive, paid to both scrutinize and dictate images and colors, and the beige-driven, early 90s look of his home was a constant source of visual frustration. The bathrooms particularly annoyed the family, especially the master bathroom. The floors were carpeted, virtually everything was white, brass fixtures reigned supreme and the room felt tiny and cramped, with excessive partitions separating each functional element of the bathroom, a platform tub taking more than its fair share of floor space and the floor-to-ceiling cabinets jutting out intrusively.  In the fifteen years since the house had been built lifestyles had changed, and with them, perceptions and expectations regarding a home's innate function. Unused formal living rooms had given way to the great room concept, galley kitchens had been dismissed in favor of open, inviting culinary entertaining suites, and bathrooms had lost their utilitarian hygiene reputation, and were now expected to be spa-like retreats where one could while away the cares of an ever sped-up world. This family, like many others, had evolved in the way they lived. Unfortunately, their bathrooms hadn't evolved with them. |
|
|
