Behind the Scenes - 2022 Pasadena Showcase Young Adult Ensuite - Part 3

Welcome to Part 3 of our behind-the-scenes journey into the creation of the Young Adult Ensuite, a space that captivated visitors at the 2022 Pasadena Showcase House. In this final installment, we will delve into the execution phase and the transformative process that brought the vision to life. So, let's continue our exploration and discover the remarkable transformation of this unique bathroom.

Once all the finishing details were decided and approved by the client, it was time to set the plan into motion. The execution phase is where the magic happens and every meticulous decision and design choice materializes before our eyes. As an interior designer, I believe in the power of collaboration, so I assembled a team of skilled craftsmen, contractors, and artisans to bring this vision to fruition.

Demolition was the first step, where the old, tired elements of the bathroom were carefully dismantled to make way for the new design. We were grateful that we didn’t have to take part in this step on this project. We came in after the walls, floors (even sub floors), and ceiling were removed, and were excited about the hidden treasures that awaited us. Lo and behold, as suspected, the wall behind the shower and toilet concealed a beautiful fireplace with room for us to expand our bathroom design. It bought us enough space to install the vanity as planned.

Another critical part of this project was doing a complete rehaul of the electrical and plumbing infrastructure. I brought in my expert trades to complete the task. With my plumbing and electrical plans in hand they made sure to follow all my measurements to ensure the design could be executed with perfection.

Our curbless shower called for reinforcements, a brand new waterproofed area, and a perfectly sloped floor to ensure smooth drainage. Meanwhile, we also had to properly prepare our walls for the marble installation. Each of these steps called for an inspection by the city. Of course, we passed with flying colors!

With our infrastructure complete, we moved on to the drywall and marble install. It took 6 men to bring up our largest slab of marble. In total we had 9 slabs for this small bathroom. This was probably the part that made everyone the most nervous. The stairs were scary, sure, but the part that brought up anxiety in everyone was the fact that we had to bring all the slabs past an antique, one-of-a-kind, stained glass mural spanning over 10 feet. Thankfully, all of the marble made it without harming any priceless antiques.

Each marble wall was installed over the span of a few days and then we had our trades working around each other to meet our tight deadline. There was such great energy as each of the trades worked with an exceptional level of detail. There was even room for jokes and laughter as well as team work crossing over between the trades. Like any project, unforeseen challenges inevitably arose, but we swiftly and adeptly resolved them together. For example, when my plumber reported to me that a part of our custom infinity drain went missing, I called my contacts at my favorite appliance showroom for help and they moved mountains to help us find a replacement within 24 hours. Or another time when our smart light electrician let me know he needed access to the attic, but discovered the attic door had been covered by another team. Our team members grabbed a ladder and crawled into the attic from the outside thru an attic window. No matter what was thrown at us, we solved the issues and moved forward with great energy.

As the marble molding was completed, the flooring installed, the plumbing installed, and the accessories/plants installed, the Young Adult Ensuite came alive, surpassing even our own expectations. The transformation was awe-inspiring, bringing forth a space that radiated harmony, balance, and rejuvenation. The collaboration between my team, the clients, and myself was instrumental in making this vision a reality, and the end result was a testament to our shared dedication and passion for exceptional design.

In conclusion, the journey from concept to execution in designing the Young Adult Ensuite was a testament to the profound impact of thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail. It is a space that embraces the unique stories and emotional needs of its inhabitants, providing a sanctuary of restorative peace. May it serve as a reminder that interior design is not merely about aesthetics but about creating spaces that deeply resonate with our clients' souls.

Thank you for joining me on this behind-the-scenes exploration. I hope this three-part series has given you valuable insights into the intricate process of interior design. Until our next adventure together, may your spaces be filled with beauty, inspiration, and the transformative power of design.

2022 Pasadena Showcase Young Adult Ensuite

See more photos here.