Laura Stein Interiors takes First Place in Large Bath Category

TORONTO - Feb. 13, 2014 - PRLog -- Toronto-based award-winning custom interior decorating and design firm Laura Stein Interiors received First Place in the Large Bath Category at the 2014 National Kitchen and Bath Associates Design Competition, announced at the exclusive awards event on February 3rd during KBIS 2014 in Las Vegas.

The annual members-only competition submissions featured kitchen and bath projects that were installed between November 28, 2012, and August 30, 2013. Designers could enter their projects in one of six award categories including Small Kitchen, Medium Kitchen, and Large Kitchen; Powder Room, Small Bathroom, and Large Bathroom, as well as for consideration for a number of specialty awards, which include Best Before & After, Budget-Friendly, and Green and Universal Design.

“The winning bathroom design was for a client who had purchased a condo in a mid-1980s building that had never been updated. The original finishes and fixtures were still present and looked terribly dated and worn,” say Laura Stein, Laura Stein Interiors. “The master bathroom was clad with mirror and wallpaper. The shower stall was tiny. The lighting was poor. The melamine vanity was chipped and sagging. We wanted to bring the bathroom into the 21st Century with luxury finishes in sync with the sleek, contemporary taste of the new owners.”

Since the clients did not want to keep the existing tub, the large tub area was converted into a shower with a bench and the existing shower stall was transformed into a linen closet. The plumbing rough-ins and drain remained in the same location and the original shower plumbing remains available behind the wall if anyone ever wants to convert the closet back into a shower.

Given that the couple had different morning routines, they are not likely to be using the bathroom at the same time and decided to eliminate the second sink in favor of two large storage towers above the custom vanity in dark stained walnut with CaesarStone counter that was designed to appear floating a few inches off the floor.

Semi-recessed custom cabinets on either side of the sink provide additional storage and the double sconces on each side provide ample light for make-up and shaving. Three additional recessed lights were installed in the main part of the room, and a moisture-resistant recessed light was installed in the shower. All the fixtures are on dimmers in order to give the clients maximum control over the level of lighting.

Natural stone and glass tiles give the room a high-end look. 12 x 24 Dolomite tiles clad the walls from floor to ceiling, and Loire limestone is on the floor. The detailed striped tile work in the shower uses three different types of tile. Expertly installed, it creates an interesting and dramatic focal point.

Competition entries were scored on the following five core areas: safety & ergonomics, elements and principles of design, design planning, creativity and presentation. Judges consisted of a panel of Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designers.

photo credit: David Bagosy

About KBIS

KBIS, in conjunction with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is an inspiring, interactive platform that showcases the latest industry products, trends and technologies. KBIS is the voice of the kitchen and bath industry and has been for 50 years.

Early in 2013, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced an agreement to co-locate the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) with the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, Nevada beginning in February 2014 under the banner of “Design and Construction Week.” The new mega-event will be held Feb. 4-6, 2014, in Las Vegas with each show occupying a separate hall. Kitchen and bath brands that have participated in both shows can choose to exhibit in the KBIS or IBS hall. One pass will provide access to both exhibits. NKBA and NAHB will continue to produce separate educational programming and special events.

For the latest news and announcements visit www.KBIS.com, follow KBIS on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KitchenBathIndustryShow and on Twitter at @KBIS2014

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association with over 60,000 members that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for 50 years. NKBA.org provides consumers with an inspiration gallery of award-winning kitchen and bath designs, as well as articles, tips, and an extensive glossary of remodeling terms. At NKBA.org, consumers can also find certified kitchen and bath professionals in their areas, submit questions to NKBA experts, and download the free NKBA Kitchen Planner and NKBA Bath Planner. To learn more, visit the NKBA Press Room at www.NKBA.org.

About Emerald Expositions

KBIS is managed by Emerald Expositions, a leading trade show producer. For more information, please visit www.emeraldexpositions.com.

About Laura Stein Interiors:

Laura Stein Interiors is a Toronto-based firm specializing in custom interior decorating and design for residential clients.  Dedicated to creating exceptional, distinctive, and uniquely personal interiors for her clients, Laura Stein's focus is on fresh, lifestyle-based design infused with comfort and understated luxury. Laura is one of Toronto’s most prominent and highly-visible decorating professionals, having won considerable acclaim for her personalized design style, her insights on cutting-edge trends, and her customized furnishings. Her work has been nationally and internationally recognized with multiple industry awards, including the 2014 National Kitchen and Bath Association 1st Place Award in the large bathroom category, the 2013 Canadian Decorators' Association Gold Award for interior decorating, the 2013 and 2014 Best of Houzz Award, and the 2011 Consumer Choice Award for Best Interior Decorator in the city of Toronto.  Laura has worked on two HGTV shows and is frequently featured as an industry expert on television as well as newspapers, magazines and web sites across Canada and the United States. Visit Laura Stein Interiors at www.laurasteininteriors.com.

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For additional information, interviews or images, please contact:

Peter Ashworth / Ashley Lloyd; Ashworth Associates Inc.; 416-603-6005

peter@ashworthassociates.com / ashley@ashworthassociates.com