There’s no shortage of design talent here in Central Pennsylvania, as evidenced by the lovely abodes you’ve seen in our pages over the years. The talented professionals who create these spaces have their clients’ wishes in mind as they thoughtfully select each fixture, accessory and fabric. But if the project was reversed, and these same pros were asked to design spaces ideal for themselves, what would you find inside? Read along as three local bathroom designers share with us their breathtaking dream baths.
Mike Womelsdorf, R. F. Fager Co., Camp Hill
Mike’s DREAM bathroom: Latest and Greatest
With a background in architectural technology and 16 years in the building and remodeling industry, Mike Womelsdorf has the skill set you’d expect for a talented and detail-oriented design professional. His enthusiasm about design motivates him to stay up to date with the latest trends and active in the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Womelsdorf enjoys challenges and finds great satisfaction in finding the best possible solution for his clients’ projects.
www.rffager.com, 717-761-0660
1. “With a large, open layout bathroom, I would tuck in a Maax Ambrosia handcrafted seamless freestanding tub. This one-piece structure features a unique egg-shaped design with one larger and one narrower end. Introducing an acrylic material in the design will add a sophisticated feel.”
2. “My choice for vanity and vanity surface would be DekTon in Strato. This new type of material is resistant to UV, fire, stains, abrasions, ice and more, so I can have peace of mind knowing that nothing will damage them. The vanity surface would be ‘floating,’ with 3-inch mitered seamless edges for a clean and ultra modern look. Below this vanity surface, I would have another 2-inch-thick floating surface, mitered the same way, for storage of all of my washing conveniences and to add another level of depth.”
3. “For the faucets, I would choose the Aliso 72 series wall mounted faucet by California Faucets. With its sleek look, along with its modern cross handles, this faucet can take an otherwise ordinary wall space and turn it into a piece of art. For the finish, I’d choose polished nickel, which is the latest trend in plumbing finishes and adds an elegant touch.”
4. “My choice for the vanity mirror would be the Robern M Series mirror with TViD. This mirror has an integrated TV screen built into the cabinet door. When it is off, you don’t see anything. When it is on, you can listen to music while getting ready, or listen to the news or the traffic reports. On the inside, it features outlets for charging, MP3 jacks, night-lights and glass shelves for products. You can even use the remote of your choice or control it with your smartphone.”
6. “With all of the sharp angles of today’s modern designs, it is always good to introduce curves to ease our eyes. The Xylem Vitreous China Vessel sink has a square bottom but has a vertical arched lip that can take away the sharpness of any ultra modern design. This sink comes standard in a white finish, but I would go one step further and introduce some of my character and what I believe is key to a great modern design: color.”
7. “The Kohler Numi is by far the most advanced toilet out there. Combining unmatched design, technology and engineering, this toilet offers the finest in personal comfort and cleaning. Boasting a motion-activated cover and seat, integrated air dryer, deodorizer, heated seat, foot warmer and illuminated panels, what else would you need in a toilet?”
8. “What better way to relax than to have preprogrammed settings in your shower to take care of whatever ails you? The ioDigital showering and spa system from Moen will tell me everything I need to know before I get in and get wet. With its precise LED temperature indicator, I will run out of water before I run out of hot water. Plus, I can pair the ioDigital system with body sprays, rain showers and hand showers for the ultimate showering experience.”
Darren Trautman, Inspirations Bath & Kitchen Studio by Hajoca, Harrisburg
Darren’s DREAM Bathroom: Cool and Collected
As a founding member of Inspirations Bath & Kitchen Studio, Trautman joined the company in 2009, bringing with him over 10 years of experience in the bath and kitchen industry, as well as years of work as a residential interior designer. He is a graduate of Mercyhurst University with a degree in interior design and has been given numerous recognitions, including the title of Susquehanna Style’s Best Kitchen and Bath Designer in Harrisburg two years in a row.
www.inspirationsharrisburg.com, 717-939-5597
1. “I start every bathroom with the bath furniture because you have the most limited selection of styles to fall in love with. If I were bath furniture, I would look like the Vaughn & Stella bath furniture from The Furniture Guild (available exclusively at Inspirations Bath & Kitchen Studio) in a custom paint, Sherwin Williams’ Rainstorm. The simple lines, architectural feel and classic details speak to my aesthetic. A special thanks to Dana and her team at The Furniture Guild for creating this custom rendering for me.”
2. “I’d choose Marlowe Collection towels by Matouk, available at Inspirations Bath & Kitchen Studio. They’re the best quality, simple
and masculine. I like the 1980s ‘sweat sock’ vibe that these bring to the table. Stop judging— this is my bathroom.”
3. “My style has more of a collected feel, meaning that I’ve collected the objects in my home over the years and they carry meaning and purpose for me and for the space. My dream scheme of colors and finishes is warm yet cool, calm yet vibrant, vintage yet modern. I’d select classic white glazed tile for the walls (Ann Sacks Arden Collection), local reclaimed barn wood floors, Sherwin Williams’ Rainstorm on the furniture, Sherwin Williams’ Agate Green on the walls, polished nickel faucets and vintage brass lighting and hardware.”
4. “The Moderne X collection from Sigma Designer Faucetry (available at Inspirations Bath & Kitchen Studio) has long been a love of mine. A three pointed cross handle gives it a unique 1950s feel while the somewhat clunky scale gives it a little whimsy.”
5. “The Victoria + Albert Elwick bath (available at Inspirations Bath & Kitchen Studio) is a solid volcanic limestone bath with timeless design. I just want to soak in this tub all night.”
6. “For over the vanity, I love this Thomas O’Brien brass sconce from Visual Comfort, available at Interiors Furniture & Design in Harrisburg. It brings a little of my penchant for mechanics into the space. I like things that appear to have lots of operational parts with purpose, but they don’t. It also has a little 1920s Art Deco feel, which is my favorite time period for industrial design, architecture and interior design.”
7. “For window treatments, I’d select this fabric From Cotton & Quill, available at Interiors Furniture & Design in Harrisburg. It adds another Art Deco element with a colorful take on the glamour and sophistication of that time period.”
Danielle Gundrum, Oasis Showrooms by APR Supply Co., Lebanon
Danielle’s DREAM Bathroom: Glitz and Glam
Danielle Gundrum’s educational background in interior design turned into a passion for kitchen and bath design six years ago, and since that time her talent in the industry has become widely recognized. In fact, Gundrum recently received the prestigious “30 Under 30” award from the National Kitchen and Bath Association, which recognizes 30 outstanding design professionals under 30 years of age. She prides herself on listening to her clients needs and then collaborating with them to successfully design a space that is both functional and beautiful.
www.aprsupply.com, 717-273-9375
1. “Crossville’s new mosaic tile, Sideview, is a modern Art Deco style glass tile with multi-beveled edges. This lavish beveling is absolutely gorgeous, and with multiple colors to choose from, the tile adds the perfect amount of glam to any space. It is the inspiration for my dream master bath and all other elements revolve around it.”
2. “The Almafi by Victoria + Albert, made from volcanic limestone, is my favorite modern slipper tub. You have to see its high gloss white finish in person to appreciate its stunning beauty. Because of its unique material, it has great heat retention, so I can enjoy a long, luxurious soak without getting cold. Plus, the skirted design hides the drainpipes for a clean and sleek appearance.”
3. “I’m aesthetically drawn to American Standard’s new line, DXV. Their Lyndon contemporary one-piece toilet is a perfect match to the Almafi slipper tub because of its concealed trapway. It also has an EverClean surface that inhibits stains and odors. This glaze keeps the toilet cleaner, longer. Also, while it may be uncommon to include a urinal in a master bath design, I can guarantee no one will ever regret the addition of a Toto Eco Urinal. I love using their EcoPower urinal flush valves as well, because they are powered by the force of running water.”
4. “Ronbow’s Vanessa vanity has a visually simple appearance, yet it’s versatile because the wall-mounted design offers ample storage. When you add an offset bowl to the vanity top design, it gives generous counter space that wasn’t there before. The trendy white gloss finish is paired perfectly with Cambria’s Whitney quartz top, which sparkles from the embedded crystals and resembles diamonds.”
5. “I have designed with Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter time and again because it has the power to change its hue. If I want a subtle off-white wall color, Revere Pewter will reflect a beige undertone using like colors from its surroundings. However, if I want to refresh the space, I can update it with similar gray tones and the wall color will mimic it.“
6. “The Optix Collection from ELK is vibrant because of the dangling crystals. When paired with Quoizel’s Downtown Mirror, these accessories bring back the feeling of glitz and glam, which can be associated with the Hollywood Regency style of the 1930s.”
