Lifestyle

Best of both worlds: Going modern - and traditional - in dream renovation

Posted April 21, 2022 6:00 am

By Kay Long Daily Herald Niche Editor

Architect and builder Michael Menn says this is one of his favorite bathroom renovations. "The materials and products came off spectacular," he said, adding that the custom glass tile company even featured it in their marketing materials. Courtesy of Bruce Starrenberg/Lightbox Digital Studio

Homeowners embarking on a renovation hope to create the room of their dreams. This primary bedroom and bath remodel went beyond that - it turned into a dream project for the architect/remodeler.

"For us it was having the dream client that trusted your design and judgment," said architect and builder Michael Menn of Michael Menn Ltd. in Northbrook.

It all started when the clients, who live in Wheaton, wanted to modernize their main bedroom suite while keeping a traditional look in the bedroom area.

After talking with the clients, Menn discovered an oversized bathtub (60-by-48 inches) was a sore point because it wasn't used and the client was looking for more of a spa experience with the originally too-small shower area.

"They wanted a large walk-in shower/steam shower and a large toilet compartment," Menn said. "We talked about juxtaposing a more traditional master bedroom with a very modern bathroom. We took the challenge and started to create something very special and unique for this client."

The materials used made the project stand out, he said.

"The final bedroom design was more formal and the bathroom is one of my favorites we have completed. The materials and products came off spectacular and the tile company has featured the tile in their product material brochures," he said.

The tile came from Oceanside Glass & Tile (www.glasstile.com), which specializes in custom glass tiles. "My trade partners worked very hard to complete the project on-time and on-budget without disrupting the homeowners' daily routine."

The traditional bedroom features custom millwork in the crown molding and a custom-designed fireplace surround and mantel. The custom plaster medallion on the ceiling comes from Decorator Supply (www.decoratorsupply.com).

"The juxtaposition of a more formal bedroom to the very modern bathroom is very unusual, but comes off very well. Maybe not most people's taste but the clients love it," Menn said. "Being able to create a very unusual space is every architect's, designer's and contractor's dream and we were able to fulfill that dream in this home."

Menn created a modern style main bathroom with a walk-in shower stall and custom glass tile. Courtesy of Bruce Starrenberg/Lightbox Digital Studio

The primary bedroom features custom crown molding, fireplace surround and mantel. Courtesy of Bruce Starrenberg/Lightbox Digital Studio

The main bedroom maintains a cozy feel with a more formal, traditional style. Courtesy of Bruce Starrenberg/Lightbox Digital Studio

BEFORE: The homeowners were looking to update their bathroom to a more modern style and make it more usable by getting rid of a large, and largely unused tub, and enlarging the shower area. Courtesy of Michael Menn

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