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familiar with the flair and décor of these stylish urban dwellings — and even more importantly, how to make the most of small spaces. Photos: Normandy Remodeling/ Kristina Ferrigan REPURPOSING SPACE The most significant design change was adding a washer and dryer without expanding the bathroom's 175-sq.-ft. footprint. Ebert was intrigued by the challenge of adding a laundry room for the family of six where there had not been laundry service, and still creating a comfortable space. The plan required moving the washer and dryer from a firstfloor mudroom, which Ebert also redesigned to become a more efficient space for the family. The bathroom had to meet code requirements for drainage and potential overflow issues. The room's location posed a challenge, as the best option was the corner with the bathroom's only windows. Adding a skylight was not possible, because the home has a third story. Instead, French doors with frosted glass panels enclose the room while allowing natural light to shine through into the bathroom. The double doors also allow the family to open up the small room as needed. "Most of the time, at least one of the doors will likely be closed," he says, "but I wanted them to have the flexibility of using more of the room for laundry." In addition to being in a more convenient location, he notes, the new laundry room creates the feel of a luxurious private retreat. ELEMENTS OF LUXURY Ebert outfitted the rest of the bathroom with European inspired elements from manufacturers that specialize in Old World designs. At the clients' request, he installed a Classic French free-standing tub, which, placed by the room's only angled wall, became the room's focal point. Two console sinks with polished nickel legs sit on either side of the tub, accompanied by mirrored medicine cabinets — another unique and creative solution. "Since the pedestal sinks don't provide storage, I wanted to go deep with the cabinets," Ebert says. He chose 6-in. cabinets that would help eliminate clutter and even contain outlets for electric toothbrushes. The cabinets, however, would not sit flush within the walls, so Ebert built them out with two-step Carrara marble frames. In addition to providing more storage space, the frames coordinate with the trim work around the shower door and French doors to create a rich, uniform look. Ebert also used the marble — his clients' stone of choice — to tile the floor and walls. He chose multiple sizes and shapes to keep the design interesting. A taupe, French limestone carpet molding draws the eye around The washer and dryer were moved from a first-floor mudroom to the upstairs master bath. the room and varies from "the typical gray/black/white bathroom." Ebert designed the wall tile into a large subway shape and capped it with a 2-in.thick chair molding that bisects the mirror frames. The project was completed on time, and without complications (with the exception of a minor annoyance involving a cabinet that arrived with the wrong finish). In six months, the family's generic bathroom was transformed into an elegant and accessible hub of activity. "It was a tall order," admits Ebert, "but definitely a challenge worth accepting." Ebert says he relies on exacting attention to detail to meet customers' expectations. Apparently, the homeowners are happy with the results; they have already asked him to redesign their kitchen in 2014. QR Shelby O. Mitchell writes about remodeling and design from Berwyn, Ill. ForResidentialPros.com QR December 2013 21