Doubly convenient

For the couple who own this home, most days are busy, so a smooth, well-organized start to the day makes all the difference. Architect Greg Palmer was asked to design a master suite where both partners could get ready for the day without disturbing each other when schedules differed or tripping over each other when they clashed.

"However, they also like to see each other and be able to talk in the morning, so they didn't want bathrooms and dressing rooms that were completely separate," he says.

To achieve this, Palmer designed a wing of the house that incorporates a master bedroom with a large bathroom that opens directly off it. The space includes a soaking tub, shower and his-and-hers vanities. The area also contains a breakfast bar with an under-counter refrigerator and facilities for making coffee and tea.

Opening off the main bathroom are two toilets and two closets his is adjacent to his vanity and hers to her vanity. Both have a large cupboard that opens up to become a mirror. Hers contains a sink and dressing table, too. Both closets have access to a central dressing area where there's an island for laying out clothes, space for storage of luggage and a washing machine and dryer.

"The bathroom goes beyond the normal scope of such a space. For this couple, it is the centerpiece of their morning routine and in the evening it is a refuge in which to unwind," says Palmer.

While the house is traditional in style, the owners wanted this retreat to be more modern, with a sleek, tailored look and plenty of storage, so that surfaces would be uncluttered. A few traditional touches, however, reinforce the connection.

For details contact Harrison Design Associates, 3198 Cains Hill Place NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30305, phone (404) 365 7760, tollfree (866) 688 3988. Website: www.harrisondesignassociates.com.

Story by: Trendsideas