Specializing in whole-home interiors, Johnson says her design philosophy has evolved over time.
“Usually designers will integrate personality traits into their designs or use a specific approach that works for them,” says Johnson. “I describe my aesthetic as clean and cohesive. I design in various styles for my clients with the core concept of cohesiveness playing the key role, ensuring that every design element fits into the master plan and that it makes sense for the client.”
Johnson was able to harness her expertise on a recent project, designing and renovating a 4,200 square foot home with three levels. The homeowners, a retired thoroughbred racehorse trainer and his wife, wanted a contemporary space to entertain guests in Lexington, Kentucky for the Keeneland races. Much of the project included custom-designed pieces by Johnson.
The homeowners had a few specific requests; one of them being a dry sauna. Johnson suggested converting a mechanical room into a “Spa Room” to include not only the dry sauna, but also a full bath and a luxurious Mr.Steam shower experience. “I use steam myself, so when I speak of my experience with it, people gravitate towards including it in their home plans,” Johnson said.
Johnson notes that the homeowners’ final decision to include steam in their home was due to their satisfaction with everything she had done so far on the project.
“It made sense to go with the steam shower after talking about the benefits of steam,” she says.
“Also, the opportunity to place it in the public space within the home for everyone to enjoy made it an easy decision for the homeowners. It aligned with their overall vision of the home’s functionality. They embraced the idea” — as well as Johnson’s specification of Mr.Steam. “It’s the only type of steam unit I recommend professionally,” she maintains.
Johnson geared the lower level of the home toward the husband’s personality and his career in horse racing, incorporating a custom-painted Derby portrait and a niche in the wall to display a collection of Derby glasses.
“Many homes in Kentucky have a traditional core design, so we went for a contemporary style, marrying the couple’s personal styles together,” she says. “The final result is functional yet beautiful. We were able to provide a restful place for their guests.”
Johnson says that most of her clients are empty nesters who are more open to having luxury amenities in their home. But while older couples are a great demographic for steam showers, she does see other age groups interested in the product.
“About 500 people came through this house,” says Johnson, pointing to the popularity of “The Tour of Remodeled Homes” this past August in Lexington. “Most visitors weren’t aware that a steam shower system can be an affordable item for their homes. So it was a great opportunity to educate other homeowners about Mr.Steam systems, giving them a better understanding of how steam can be easily incorporated into the home.”