Diary by ASID Professional Denise Homme
A 1915 Craftsman Style Home
Ever since hearing that I was one of the finalists in the Designed for Life competition, I had been looking forward to making that initial telephone call to introduce myself to these new clients and to begin planning together what I hoped would be a winning bathroom design solution.
Then the call came! Well, the email actually but I was excited. Bill and Cyndi were busy until the weekend so it was decided we’d meet on Saturday late afternoon.
Over the ensuing days, I read and re-read their essay and examined the photographs of their existing bathroom. It wasn’t all bad really: two entrances, some lovely natural light from a large window, original casework and hardware…this bathroom had a lot of character.
Looking over all these materials, I felt like I already knew these new clients before I’d even had the pleasure of meeting them.
Bill and Cyndi were well familiar with the concept of Universal Design. I was impressed with how carefully they had considered the architecture of their 1915 Craftsman style home when they’d added a ramp to access their front porch. Barely visible, the ramp was expertly placed, blending very comfortably into the façade of the house.
Just looking at their attention to detail, I knew I was going to like these new clients. They seemed to understand and respect the character of their lovely little house. I could hardly wait to meet them and get started!
Saturday, after the requisite introductions, we settled ourselves around the wooden dining table. We were surrounded by many exquisite examples of traditional Craftsman finishing details– casings, cabinetry and moldings – each glowing with the patina that only wood, time and a fine finish can bring to an interior space.
As the meeting unfolded and we got to know one another better, I realized that my initial impression of my new clients was accurate. Bill and Cyndi wanted and needed a new bathroom that would better serve their specific needs. There was no question about that. It was also very clear they were very connected to this charming house and, after thirty-five years of living within its walls wanted to make sure that the integrity of its architecture would not be compromised.
By the conclusion of the meeting my notebook was filled with on-site dimensions; my camera brimmed with photographs of every detail and angle; and my thoughts were bursting with percolating ideas. It was time to get to work developing a preliminary bathroom concept!