Creating Luxury
HOW DESIGN TECH REMODELING BROUGHT A YOUNG COUPLE’S BOLD VISION TO LIFE.
FOR THIS BAY VIEW BATHROOM REMODEL in a house dating to the early 1900s, it was all about striking a balance. How do you maintain the historic nature of the home while still creating a contemporary, bold space? A young couple who had just bought the house enlisted Design Tech Remodeling to take on the challenge.
“The client said that she had contacted a lot of people and nobody wanted to do what she envisioned. She needed someone who could make her vision a reality,” says Nicole Raffensperger, Design Tech Remodeling’s co-owner and lead designer. “The owners’ goal was to mix the modern with the old charm to give it an exciting makeover. They wanted it to feel luxurious.”
Raffensperger and her team tackled the challenge by pairing period pieces with contemporary elements. For example, framed original art from the homeowners’ eclectic collection is now hung alongside a Restoration Hardware black cabinet paired with atomic-style sconces. White subway tile wraps around the room for a cohesive aesthetic, and the window covering is made with natural fibers. Lacquered brass plumbing fixtures pair seamlessly with black-and-white, penny-tile floors beneath a black ceiling.
“They weren’t afraid to use black paint on the ceiling and create a really unique space. The black and white make it moody,” says Raffensperger. “The only thing from the original space is the clawfoot tub.”
While maintaining the same footprint, Raffensperger also added a larger, glass-walled walk-in shower and a dual-sink vanity. She calls this bath remodel “one of my favorite projects.” Raffensperger simultaneously helped the homeowners with their kitchen and first-floor remodel to make their entire home come together cohesively. ◆
DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
NICOLE RAFFENSPERGER joined Design Tech
Remodeling in 2014 and is now a co-owner and the lead designer. Building trust with clients is what she enjoys most about the job. “Having the ability to help people think outside the box and envision how to transform their space is the biggest joy,” she says. “Most people have an idea of what they want, but we help create their vision and bring it to life.”
