By Nicholas Tamarin
Have you ever stared at a blank kitchen or bathroom space, feeling completely overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Even the most experienced designers face their fair share of challenges.
In this blog series, we’ll be diving deep into the minds of top kitchen and bath designers. We’ll hear about their biggest design dilemmas and discover the creative solutions they implemented.
Our first guest is Wanda Weston, Owner and Principal Interior Decorator at WW Design Studio and British Columbia Chapter Program Chair for the NKBA. Get ready to be inspired as Wanda shares her unique approach to tackling design challenges.
Stay tuned for more interviews with industry leaders as we explore the world of kitchen and bath design.
—
NKBA: What was your biggest K&B design challenge recently?
Wanda Weston: As a certified kitchen and bath designer and aging in place specialist, renovating presents significant challenges, especially when working within the constraints of existing layouts and plumbing.
In this case, I was tasked with updating a main bath to blend modern luxury with timeless charm. Our client is a couple in their 50’s and are now empty nesters with two adult children. Raising them with one bath was extremely hectic!
It was a small outdated space in a typical 1970’s bungalow located in the leafy suburb of Burnaby, British Columbia, which borders Vancouver. Mature trees and shrubs and close proximity to Burnaby’s Central Park gives their home a beautiful forest-like setting, and it’s surrounded by older houses along with contemporary ones, so the neighborhood has a nice eclectic mix.
The room, originally characterized by peach and brown tones, needed a transformation that would respect the home’s architecture while introducing a fresh aesthetic. The primary challenge was to keep within the existing layout and update the plumbing, all the while boosting the room’s functionality and visual appeal.
NKBA: What was your solution?
WW: To give the bathroom a distinct personality that added dimensionality to the home’s interior, we opted for mosaic flooring tiles. These tiles became the centerpiece of the design, adding texture and pattern to the space. The color palette was carefully chosen to depart from the original peach and brown, moving instead towards a cool gray and white backdrop. Hints of black and warm golds were introduced to add depth and sophistication.
Classic subway tiles also played a pivotal role, wrapping around the perimeter of the room and extending to the bulkhead. This not only amplified the room’s visual height, but also reinforced a sense of continuity in a quintessential style.
To maximize natural illumination, we installed a new window and added a glass screen instead of a traditional shower curtain or door. This choice allowed sunlight to flow freely, making the bath feel more open and bright.
NKBA: What was the end result for you and your client?
WW: The completed bath is a harmonious blend of old and new. The cool gray tones, paired with white and accented by black and gold, create an enduring look. The mosaic flooring adds character, while the strategic use of subway tiles magnifies the room’s proportions. By increasing natural light and upgrading the plumbing, we were able to elevate both the form and function of the space.
This project is a testament to thoughtful design in small spaces, especially when working within the constraints of an older home. The end result is a bright, sun-filled bath that meets the clients need while preserving and enhancing the home’s charm.
