An Award Winning Bathroom
BY YOUNIQUE DESIGNS
Shea Pumarejo is principal designer for Younique Designs based in Texas. Her recent bathroom renovation took First Place at the NKBA Design and Industry Awards at KBIS in Orlando. We caught up with her to hear all of the details!
When designing a bathroom, where do you begin?
I always begin with an in-depth interview with the client as to how they need the space to function. It doesn't do much good to have a pretty space if it doesn't suit your needs. After that, I begin space planning. Once the spaces are defined, I begin looking for inspiration for the materials and finishes. Inspiration can come from anywhere such as a beautiful tile for a focal wall, or even a beautiful cabinet knob that becomes the jewelry of the space. It's like when you find the perfect pair of earrings and put together an outfit around them.
image courtesy of @myyouniquedesigns
How do you ensure you are designing a luxury space?
It's been said that the Devil's in the details and I couldn't agree more. Thoughtful attention to every detail is what defines a luxury space.
I always want to design spaces with the functional needs in mind such as what needs to be stored, how is the space used and how can we deliver a luxury design to meet the needs of each person who uses the space such as creating a lighting plan that offers not only task lighting, but also ambient lighting. Once the functional needs are met, I begin sourcing unique and interesting fixtures and finishes to really create a one-of-a-kind, customized design.
We notice you love gemstones! Any favorites?
I have been a complete and total rock nerd ever since taking geology in college. I have a huge collection of crystals, and semi-precious stones and am always fascinated that the vivid colors and unique formations occur in nature. Some of my faves are Selenite, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, and Amazonite.
What is your favorite metal finish and why?
It honestly depends on what is happening in the space and how the metal finish plays with the other finishes such as paint colors and sheens, stone and tile. I like mixing shiny and matte finishes to add interest, and I like to contrast warm paint colors with cool metals and vice versa. For me, every project is different.
About your name, Younique designs, how do you think about making a space unique?
I named my company Younique Designs because I believe in designing spaces that speak to the essence of the people who live within them. Some designers want to put their stamp on a project so that anyone who walked into the space would know who had designed it. I want my clients to feel like their homes are an expression of themselves and for them to be surrounded by the things that are meaningful to them and bring them joy.
I conduct a deep dive meeting with each client prior to beginning any design so that I can define not only the needs but also the feeling they want to feel when they enter the space. Every client is unique and every one of my designs is specific to the homeowners.