Blue on Blue

Influenced by the Mediterranean-style architecture of the home and the waters of Lake Michigan, interior designer Karen Kempf created a peaceful sanctuary in the master bathroom of the Fox Point home of Jeff Yabuki and Cathie Madden. "She wanted to create an environment that was very peaceful and spa-like," Kempf says of Madden. Beyond the arched entry, his-and-hers vanities flank a wall of windows that offer views of the sunrise over Lake Michigan. Kempf says walls were painted three times to get just the right color, which turned out to be Benjamin Moore’s Silver Sage. A floor of tumbled limestone with warm beige tones unites the three zones of the master bathroom. On other surfaces, such as countertops, subtle greens and beiges further carry out the spa feel. Lighting the space was critical, Kempf says, because each space has a different mood and function. The solution was to use multiple light fixtures and dimmer switches. The home’s design/build team included Kempf, Port City Studio Ltd. and Silvercryst Ltd. Inc.

Metro Chic

Gone are the pink bathtub and gray glass walls of Chris and Barbara Steinmetz’s 1950s master bath in Fox Point. In place of the formerly dark, narrow and confined space is an open, spa-like retreat that features a luxuriously sized shower, custom-made maple vanities and lots of glass and light. "Our objective was to design a bathroom that made us feel as though we were in a resort every time we used it," Chris Steinmetz says. Linda Laabs, kitchen and bath designer with AB&K, Mequon and Greenfield, co-opted a hallway/sitting area from the master bedroom into the bathroom. In designing the space, Laabs had to give special consideration to the hydronic heating system that runs through the ceiling, floor and wall-to-ceiling. She used the ceiling channel to her advantage, creating a focal point with glass mosaic pinwheel tiles along the back wall of the shower. It creates architectural interest and also separates the two shower areas, one with a hand shower and bench and a main shower with body sprays. Other spa touches are in-floor heat, a heated towel bar and niches inside the shower for soaps and shampoos. A glazed porcelain tile was used on the walls and floors; the vanity countertops are limestone. The vanities themselves were custom-created by AB&K after the homeowner found an inspiration piece online. m