written by Amy Le on Sunday, November 2, 8:13AM
From Portland, OR, to Ridgewood, N.J., the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) traveled cross country to find this year's top professional bathroom designs. The 2008 winners were announced at NKBA's annual show and conference held in Chicago April 11-13. The winners of this year's competition are:
Powder rooms
An impressive powder room has become a fundamental element in modern homes. More designers today are creating spaces that are reflecting their client's personality, but continue to remain practical. Materials and finishes play a significant role in designing the ideal contemporary powder rooms.
• First place:
Lori W. Carroll, Lori Carroll & Associates, Tucson, AZ
• Second place:
Lori W. Carroll, Lori Carroll & Associates, Tucson, AZ
• Third place:
Lori W. Carroll, Lori Carroll & Associates, Tucson, AZ
• Honorable mention:
Elina Katsioula-Beall, CKD, Dewitt Designer Kitchens, Studio City, CA
Small bathrooms
The tranquil effects of Japanese elements had inspired Michael Ranson's clients for many years, so they asked that he use these elements in creating their new bath. The couple specifically asked that a modern version of a furo, or Japanese soaking tub, be incorporated into the design.
• First place:
Michael Ranson, H O M E + atelier Michael Ranson, San Diego, CA
• Second place:
Leslie Ann Cohen, CKD, Leslie Cohen Design, Cardiff, CA
• Third place:
Tanya L. Woods, X-Tiles, Royal Oak, MI
• Honorable mention:
Mark S. Morris, Mark Morris Design Group, Brisbane, CA
Large bathrooms
This rustic-inspired bathroom features a large double vanity with a counter that has real leaf imprints in the concrete backsplash. But one of the most unique features in this room is the waterfall, which runs down the sandstone-tiled wall into a bed of pebbles.
• First place:
Siri Evju, CKD, CBD, Siri Designs, Portland, OR
• Second place:
Donna L.A. Riddell, CKD, CBD, Artistry Design Group, Ltd., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
• Third place:
Blue Arnold, CKD, CBD, Kitchens By Request, Inc., Jarrettsville, MD
• Honorable mention:
Tracey Scalzo, CKD, CBD, Eurotech Cabinetry, Inc., Sarasota, FL
Master suite/bathrooms
The challenge of this master bathroom suite was to create a relaxing spa-like feel that included his and hers lavatories, walk-in closets, a make-up table, tub, large shower, linen storage and a separate water closet.
• First place:
Holly Rickert, Ulrich, Inc., Ridgewood, NJ
• Second place:
Nicholas J. Geragi, CKD, CBD, Klaff's, Inc., South Norwalk, CT
• Third place:
Scott and Sandra Gjesdahl, Bristol Design & Construction, Kirkland, WA
• Honorable mention:
Wendy R. Mayes, CKD, Jan Parker's Kitchens By Design, LLC, Wichita, KS
Got hot local housing tips or a story you want to share? Contact Amy Le at openingdoorsblog@HomeFinder.com.



