Date: August 25, 2015 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Chip Jones |
A West Little Rock couple, who are well versed in design, create a dream master bath that will last for years to come
Charlene and Chuck Prousnitzer know the market when it comes to the latest and greatest in lighting, tubs, sinks, faucets, and other home design elements. The pair have spent their lives helping clients source the perfect items and create dream spaces—Charlene as the owner of Light Innovations and Chuck as the retired owner of PC Hardware. So it comes as no surprise they knew just what they wanted at the outset of a complete renovation of their new home’s master bath. “Because we are in the lighting and hardware business, it had to show off our product,” Charlene says. The entire project “was a labor of love between me and Jeff Junkin of Jeff Junkin Construction,” says Charlene, who holds a design degree from LSU. Contemporary in style and “loaded” when it comes to functional features, one word defines the design for both Charlene and Chuck: practicality.
Technologically Advanced Tub
At first glance, you might not think practical when you see the striking feature wall and freestanding tub that greet you upon entry into the space. “The bath was designed around the tub faucet essentially,” Charlene says. The placement was key to the floor plan in order for the waterfall to artfully fill the tub. The Carrera marble, three-dimensional wall accentuates this artistry, but functionality still reigns. For example, the Prousnitzers chose a BainUltra freestanding, heated, air-jet tub. The pinhole-like jets around the edges of the bath make for a cleaner version of a traditional jetted tub by preventing buildup. Plus, after the water empties from each use, the jets come on to blow out air, drying them and preventing mildew. Additionally, the fixture’s satin nickel finish—which is forgiving for fingerprints—also hints at the couple’s wish for sensible design. “Everything is functional but aesthetically pleasing,” Charlene says.
Shower Specs
“No matter where we moved, we knew the master bath would be redone, because Chuck and I both have specifications about how we like our showers,” Charlene notes. The couple had thermostatic temperature controls installed, which allow them each to switch on the water at a preferred temperature. “You can set it and forget it,” she says of the convenient feature. Aside from separate temperature controls, the double shower also has his and her sides. “My side has a handheld spray that we also use for cleaning, those days when because of surgery or some other reason you can’t be fully immersed in water, and for washing our dogs,” Chuck says, who notes that the shower also has a bench for ease of use. On Charlene’s side, you’ll find a wall of body spray jets installed for what she calls a “carwash-” like, quick yet relaxing effect.
Thoughtful Amenities and Materials
Aside from the bathing areas, a number of other functional features were incorporated in the design. Quartz countertops were chosen over marble for their stain-resistant quality; LED-bordered mirrors offer cross lights for additional task lighting; pop-out outlets disguise electrical receptacles; and drawers (rather than shelving concealed by doors) with soft-close guides keep the space tidy.
Concealed—but equally important—are a tankless water heater, which ensures that the dishwasher, washing machine, and shower can all perform at the same time without a water shortage, and heated floors, which the Prousnitzers keep at a constant temperature throughout the year for comfort and consistency.
Design Resources
Bath design Charlene Prousnitzer, Light Innovations, Little Rock, (501) 223-9026, light-innovations.com; Jeff Junkin, Junkin Construction Co., Roland, (501) 868-5784, junkinconstruction.com
Contractor Jeff Junkin, Junkin Construction Co., Roland, (501) 868-5784, junkinconstruction.com
Art—V.L. Cox painting M2 Gallery, Little Rock, (501) 225-6271, m2lr.com
Countertops Advanced Bath & Kitchen, Little Rock, (501) 978-7225, advancedbk.com
Flooring Acme Brick, Tile & Stone, locations statewide, acmebricktileandstone.com
Hardware, plumbing fixtures, sinks, shower steam unit, towel warmer, and tub PC Hardware, Little Rock, (501) 224-1724, pchdwe.com
Lighting and mirrors Light Innovations, Little Rock, (501) 223-9026, light-innovations.com
Millwork Junkin Construction Co., Roland, (501) 868-5784, junkinconstruction.com
Paint Sherwin-Williams, locations statewide, sherwin-williams.com
Tile—wall Inside Effects, North Little Rock, (501) 954-8866, insideeffects.com
Window coverings American Blinds & Shutters, Inc., Conway, (501) 450-7789
