The Two Key Steps to Success
You don’t need a list of “25 ways to create a spa retreat.” Instead, you need two simple but essential steps:
- Work with a professional designer who has the training, experience, and passion for helping people achieve their dream spaces.
- Plan ahead so your design reflects what you truly want and need, rather than settling for what’s immediately available.
The Power of Planning
Many clients visit Central Kitchen & Bath expecting instant gratification. However, they quickly realize that thoughtful planning leads to a better outcome. If you schedule an appointment with me or Dennis and take your time, you’ll discover a vast array of options—more than we can possibly stock at any given moment. Our Plumbing & Heating Wholesale parent company gives us access to an extensive selection, ensuring that we can order the perfect items for your design goals. When done right, our quality and pricing can outmatch big-box stores. Plus, if you work with one of the hundreds of contractors who have an account with CKB or PHW, you’ll receive top-tier professional service at a competitive price.
Choosing the Right Contractor
Planning is also crucial when selecting a contractor. If one is immediately available, ask yourself why. High-demand contractors often book months in advance because they are reputable, licensed, and skilled. Your contractor will be in your home for weeks or even months, so you want someone who delivers quality work and is a good fit for your household. Likewise, if a contractor’s pricing is significantly lower than others, it’s important to ask why. Quality craftsmanship and materials come at a price, and most reputable contractors have comparable pricing when you compare “apples to apples.”
Creating Your Personal Sanctuary
Your bathroom should be more than just a functional space—it should be a sanctuary. This is where you can unwind, de-stress, and find peace in your environment. Achieving this doesn’t come from haphazardly picking items off the shelf; it requires thoughtful planning. Every person’s ideal retreat is different. For me, it means light, brightness, and a bit of sparkle, complemented by the soothing sound of tranquil Christian music and the calming scent of lavender. My children’s vision includes a tub with a wall-mounted TV for playing Xbox, while my husband prefers a space with dark, bold colors, warm lighting, and the comforting scent of sugar cookies.
Understanding Your Space and Needs
When I meet with clients, I take the time to understand their unique preferences. I ask questions like:
- Is the space large or small? Even perceptions of size differ, and design choices can create the illusion of more space.
- Do you prefer a shower, a tub, or both? If a tub, do you want a soaking tub or one with therapeutic jets?
- What elements enhance your relaxation? Whether it’s aromatherapy, chromotherapy, body jets, rain showerheads, or Bluetooth speakers, there are many ways to personalize your space.
Bringing Dreams to Life
Over my 20+ years in design, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless clients bring their visions to life. Here are a few standout projects:
A Bold Statement in Dakota City, NE
A bachelor wanted a bathroom that made a statement—”go big or go home.” We designed a massive shower featuring a Delta rainhead, body jets, a hand shower, a fog-free TV with Bluetooth speakers, and an Electric Mirror vanity TV. Dark wood-stained Koch cabinets, Onyx Collection countertops, and Hudson Valley lighting completed the dramatic look.
A Peaceful Retreat in Sioux Center, IA
A single mother needed a space to escape and relax. We designed a serene Onyx Collection shower with chrome Delta faucets, a stunning white freestanding Americh tub with a Delta floor-mounted faucet, and a minimalist floating white vanity from Artizen Cabinets. Cambria quartz countertops and Atlas Homeware pulls added a polished finishing touch.
A Custom Wet Room in Sioux City, IA
Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, this couple wanted a unique, easy-to-clean wet room. We featured Brizo’s Frank Lloyd Wright wall-mounted faucet, Delta shower fixtures, a custom Maple Wood vanity from Woodland Cabinetry, and a one-of-a-kind Novatto vessel sink made from Natural Travertine Onyx. A concealed trapway toilet from Icera and a recessed mirrored cabinet from Century Bathworks enhanced functionality while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.
Why Work with Central Kitchen & Bath?
At Central Kitchen & Bath, we prioritize relationships. We believe in getting to know our clients so we can create a space that feels uniquely theirs—not one designed for their friends, family, or even their designer. Our goal is to craft a sanctuary you’ll love coming home to.
While we don’t always get final photos of our projects to respect our clients’ privacy, we are grateful when they share feedback like, “Couldn’t be happier!” Seeing our clients satisfied and enjoying their new space is why we do what we do.
“We go above and beyond your expectations—that’s just what we do.”
