**Master Bathroom Design from MC Design by Local Interior Designer Megan Dufresne** (**ASID**)

By Megan Dufresne

The master bathroom, sometimes referred to as the primary bathroom, is a hub for any homeowner. It's where we begin and end our days and it should feel luxurious while being functional. Interior Designer, Megan Dufresne shares some tips on how to elevate our master bathrooms and incorporate must-have design elements to create a unique and refined space.

Soak the Day Away - If space is not a limiting factor, adding a soaking tub is a must. With endless design and material options, the perfect tub is within reach. Unlike a typical bathtub, a soaking tub provides more depth and overall space to really stretch out and melt away whatever the day may have thrown your way. We incorporated a two-person Japanese soaking tub that fills from the ceiling, seen in this first photo, to add dramatic effect and heighten the luxuriousness of using this tub. Not only will adding a tub enhance the enjoyment of your bathroom space it can also add to the value of your home.

Curb Your Enthusiasm - Whether you choose a curbless shower or traditional curbed shower, it should provide a seamless transition. Curbless showers create the illusion of a larger space by allowing the floor to smoothly transition into the shower. Adding clear glass doors doubles down on the space creation by opening up the room visually. Curbed showers may be the only option in some spaces, but the rule still applies. Continuing the same tile or stone from the interior to the exterior of the shower creates a clean, cohesive look and maintains the illusion of a larger shower.

More is More - Double sinks, an oversized shower, floor to ceiling stone or tile all provide a sense of luxury and abundance. And what's best is that these designs can be achieved without breaking the bank. Use the space you have as fully as possible while creating clean lines, smooth transitions, and good materials to make your bathroom the best it can be. This also goes for making your space as functional as possible. No one wants a beautiful bathroom that doesn't work for their lifestyle. Bring in a magnifying mirror or create additional storage with shelving or cabinets. Make the space work for you.

Own Your Vanity - Vanity space can be tricky, especially when trying to make the most out of a smaller bathroom. But we don't necessarily have to choose between counter space and a vanity. In this bathroom we created a fold-away vanity that could be used and then easily tucked away to provide additional counter space. This establishes a designated area for makeup and skincare application, while also limiting clutter on the countertops. With LED lights, a magnifying mirror, and built-in product organization, form and function find perfect balance.

Hidden Gems - Along the same lines as our hidden vanity, having hidden hampers or trash receptacles can streamline necessary bathroom essentials, while still keeping things elegant. These built-in options also become space savers and get things off the floor, creating less visual clutter. Not to mention keeping unsightly bathroom trash or dirty clothes neatly tucked away. I recommend a company like rev-a-shelf that offers double receptacles that can be accessed by pulling out one single cabinet. In this way, you don't have to give up valuable storage space.

About Megan Dufresne

A Manhattan Beach native, Megan is no stranger to coastal living. She was raised visiting jobsites and marking up blueprints with her contractor father. She grew up in a home custom built and designed by her parents

Today, Megan brings South Bay’s casual sophistication to homes across Southern California. Passionate about textiles and design, Megan’s goal is always to elevate the everyday into motivating spaces for her clients. Innovative, fun and inspiring are three of her favorite adjectives when it comes to home design.

Megan works with both homeowners and developers to create personalized homes that are timeless yet current, with thoughtful layers that look and feel as though they’ve been collected over time. Focusing on clients’ culture, tastes and interests as well as the home’s architecture, Megan translates those influences into highly livable, visually stunning interiors. Kids, pets, sand and swimming pools inspire instead of limit her creative possibilities.

She works primarily in the beach cities of Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, and travels for clients as needed.

As a former luxury design specialist for House Beautiful and Modern Luxury Interiors California magazines, Megan now brings that knowledge and passion to interior design.

She founded MC Design in 2007.

Megan lives in Lower Lunada Bay in Palos Verdes Estates with her husband and two Chihuahuas.

She’s a firm believer in cocktail hour(s) and beautifully organized spaces.

Megan is available for a free consultation of your home or office. You can contact her by visiting mcdesignshop.com