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The ultimate measure of any remodel’s success rests on one thing: Are the homeowners happy? On that basis, Joan and Paul’s Eden Prairie master bath is a five-star, platinum level outcome. “I’m still at the stage where I just go in there and look around and go , ‘Wow.’ It’s the nicest room I have ever had in my life. I feel so lucky to have it,” Joan said. Best of all, the project was completed for Christmas as promised.
Joan credits Wise Design President Philip Hide, who personally designed, priced and managed the bath project. However, she also cites his online project management tools for the positive remodeling experience. Wise Design uses the latest interactive software to share communications, budgets, schedules and files. The online portal ensures clients keep informed and can collaborate efficiently from design and budgeting through production.
“We loved the way we could view contracts, approve change orders, post photos, send messages and see the day to day schedule,” Joan said. “We found ourselves logging onto the portal multiple times a week.”
Pinterest inspirations
Joan is a self-described “Pinterest Girl.” She shared countless photos with Philip to help him visualize what she liked. “I would say, ‘Got another Pinterest bath picture.’ And he would translate it into reality. It was a conversation back and forth. He would come back with, “What do you think about trying this? It’s going to end up like you want, but we need to do it a little differently to make it work.”
Meanwhile, Phil tapped his North London remodeling experience for special touches to enhance Joan’s vision. “In the beginning I had to learn his (European) terms, but he would steer me toward cool things you might see in a London home,” Joan said.
A few of her favorite things
Joan loves her 67-in. free-standing Serafina soaking tub. It is not just a beautiful design focal point; It gets regular use. She also is pleased that Phil was about to create a private water closet. “Everything looks so nice. I didn’t want a toilet to ruin the aesthetics,” she explained.
Although many master baths have dual basins, Joan and Paul felt it was more important to make room for his and hers storage towers with built-in outlets and room for all their stuff. “We seldom get ready at the same time so we didn’t mind sharing a sink,” Joan explained. “It was more important to have our own storage where we could keep everything handy but out of sight. And I think one sink is much prettier.”
The couple appreciates the large built-in linen cabinet where the toilet had been in the original bathroom. They helped to control costs by purchasing and assembling an IKEA PAX Interior organizer for the suite’s master closet. But Phil gave it a custom, built-in look by adding custom crown molding to reflect the bathroom millwork.
Wise is the smart choice for custom bath
“Wise Design’s attention to detail, careful planning, fine craftsmanship and excellent communication made the whole process an enjoyable experience. Phil is amazing. We highly recommend him,” Joan said.
Phil has remodeled the couple’s kitchen, main bathroom, master suite, and replaced flooring and siding. They plan to have him remodel their loft in the spring.
