Sauces

Chuy’s
Chuy’s is a Tex-Mex chain that, much to Texas transplants’ delight, has finally found its way north of the Red River. The restaurant, which opened the doors to its first restaurant in 1982, offers the standard fare expected from traditional Tex-Mex eateries. Tacos are filled with sirloin, fajita chicken or guacamole; burritos showcasing beans, ground sirloin, oven roasted chicken or fajita meats are topped with your choice of sauce – and the sauce is the appeal of Chuy’s. Eight unique sauces, ranging from a mild tomatillo to the spicy hot hatch green chile, complement burritos or hand-rolled enchiladas. Each table is also served Chuy’s Salsa Fresca and Creamy Jalapeno sauce along with fresh chips. 760 N. Interstate Dr., Norman; 10808 E. 71st St., Tulsa. www.chuys.com

Spuds

City Bites
Once a staple served alongside a hulking steak, baked potatoes have come into their own, now starring as the entrée. Loaded spuds are only as creative as the creator, and the creators at City Bites, a local deli chain in the Oklahoma City area, are plenty creative. Hungry customers can satiate big appetites with creations like the Fiesta Spud, packed with seasoned ground beef, cheddar, sour cream, salsa and jalapenos. And how about that pot roast spud, topped with meat, carrots and gravy? There is also the classic, which boasts bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream and onions. It’s impossible to make an incorrect choice at City Bites; just know that to order one of these behemoths, come with an empty stomach. Many locations in the Oklahoma City metro area. www.citybites.net

When the owners of a 1930s midtown Tulsa colonial home were ready to update their master bathroom, they contacted designer Carolyn Fielder Nierenberg, ASID, of Campbell Design Associates, Inc.

Typical of a home from that period, there was originally no master bath. So, in the 1980s, the homeowners enclosed a first-floor screened porch to create a family room and dedicated the second floor space to a luxurious master bath and closet. But after nearly 30 years, it was time for a 21st-century renovation.

“The goal was to create a spa-like atmosphere using a clean, neutral palette,” says Nierenberg. “And we wanted the end result to be uncluttered,” the homeowner adds.

Although the layout ultimately remained the same, the space was gutted, and every finish and fixture replaced. Don Morrall Construction joined the team, and the three-month renovation began.

Ceramic floor tiles were replaced with travertine. Sophisticated Italian Diano Reale marble, supplied by Midwest Marble, is used on countertops, shower walls, for the bathtub surround and wainscot.

One of the biggest changes was the renovation of the old steam shower. “It was originally tiled on all four sides and had a small metal and glass shower door,” recalls Nierenberg. “Plus, the steam equipment was above the shower, creating a low, seven-foot ceiling.” So the equipment was relocated, the ceiling raised and the space opened up with two full height glass walls. Two sets of rain showerheads and controls were installed at his and her heights, and a bench, long enough to lie down, was strategically placed to hide the steam jets.

A taller vanity for the husband was created that includes the couple’s shared sink. A marble frame surrounds the mirror where two sections open to reveal storage shelves hidden behind. The entire unit is freestanding, and on the backside are shelves for linens and toiletries. Instead of traditional towel racks, various hooks are utilized for towels and robes.  

Her vanity is situated near the new French doors, providing natural light. “The drawers are designed perfectly to hold all my necessities, and that helps keep the space uncluttered,” shares the homeowner.

“Because the French doors open onto their very private backyard, we didn’t use any window coverings,” explains Nierenberg. Over the whirlpool bathtub, the existing traditional shutters were kept, providing privacy and keeping with the traditional exterior.

“We incorporated all the ‘bells and whistles’ into the project and absolutely love the results,” the homeowner says.

When the homeowners began working with John and Sherri Duvall of Duvall Architects, PC on the design of the master bathroom for their new home, the goal was to continue with the theme established throughout the rest of the house: a contemporary feel with simple design.

“Their preference was to utilize natural products, such as wood and stone,” explains Sherri Duvall. Ultimately, it is the organic patterns of the products themselves – travertine and white oak – that provide the overall design of the room. Instead of using the materials as background for other colors, wall coverings or art, it is the stone and wood that become the art of the room.

Midwest Marble was tapped to provide the travertine. The company meticulously installed rectangular travertine tile on the bathroom floor and on the walls and ceiling of the steam shower in a classic brickwork pattern. Detailed inset travertine shelves provide a place for toiletries. Using a butt joint, it is the natural grain of the travertine that becomes the design by eliminating the additional element of grout.

Large slabs of travertine were selected for the bathtub surround, top and backsplash. The whirlpool-style bathtub with multiple jets is large enough to accommodate several of the couple’s young children and has become a favorite gathering place for nightly baths.

In addition, a perfect piece of travertine was located for the lengthy countertop of the other predominate element in the bathroom, a massive sweep of cabinets down an entire wall. By keeping the cabinet design simple using full flush overlay doors, again the design becomes more about the natural patterns of the wood than about the design of the doors. Modern brushed stainless steel hardware blends with the gray tones of the travertine and contrasts with the warm tones of the wood.

Two custom sets of upper cabinets accented with frosted glass flank the full size mirror offering the couple their own armoire-style space for storage. The cabinetry was custom built by Barry Suderman, owner of Woodmasters Cabinetry & Millwork.

Simple “his and her” under-mount sinks are conveniently located near each upper cabinet. Stylish brushed stainless plumbing fixtures blend with the hardware below, and the other fixtures for the shower and bathtub. A pair of elegant sconces provides a blast of light that sparkles off the mirror, creating an even greater feeling of uncluttered openness.

“Ultimately, the space is simple and serene,” says Duvall.

Homeowners might be tempted to ignore the typically small powder room when it comes to establishing a dramatic, stylish design. But, in fact, it is because this is a minimal area that a homeowner has more of an opportunity to show off the style that will provide a unique welcome to guests.

“It’s a perfect place to create an impactful statement as soon as visitors come in the front door,” says interior designer Rick Phillips, who suggests using a texture on the walls to provide a sense of depth. “Plus, a grass cloth or beaded wallpaper provides a striking background to display artwork.”

Phillips resists using the space above the toilet for a storage cabinet and instead creates a focal point for art.

Whether your goal is to create something wild and wacky or subtly sophisticated, the options are endless. First, establish a design theme that will visually tie the space to the surrounding architectural style. And if possible, use a pocket door, reducing the space required for a door swing.

For budget-conscious homeowners, painted faux finishes with metallic touches or bold stencils are popular options. Or splurge on an expensive wall covering – like ones embedded with Swarovski crystals – since such a small quantity would be required.

Using a piece of furniture as a vanity also provides an array of choices, from contemporary to traditional. Countertop options range from petrified wood, marble or granite to finished concrete. A vessel sink is a great alternative to the typical drop-in or under-mount style, but double check that the overall height isn’t too tall for guests, especially if using a piece of furniture. Make sure that when hanging a mirror it is also at a convenient height for guests. Large mirrors can mask the room’s diminutive size; recently, one of Phillips clients even insisted he mirror her powder room ceiling.

Lighting options are practically infinite. Pendant lights can be dropped on either side of the vanity, or sconces can flank the mirror. Depending on the available space, consider using a pair of lamps on either side of the sink. Pinhole ceiling fixtures can direct the light to specific artwork while adding a dimmer creates an even subtler ambiance.

Keep accessories simple and uncluttered. For a classy touch, provide a variety of toiletries from hair spray to lotions decoratively displayed for your guests.

“And because of the small space it is even more important to be meticulous about every detail,” shares Phillips.