The Perfect Bath

These 14th century relief tiles are made in England and Scotland. The decoration is either raised or counter-sunk and usually glazed in the same tones as mosaic tiles.
The Alhambra Palace in Morocco was decorated with ornate tile mosaics. Thin white glazed strips between the colored tiles result in complex patterns.
A 16th century French border pattern is a polychrome tin glazed earthenware.
The extraordinary Nymphenburg Palace near Munich, built between 1716 and 1719, has an opulent display of ceramic tile on the walls, fireplaces and staircases. They are decorated with large floral panels and landscapes. If you are traveling, it is worth a special trip to experience this incredible site.
This is Monet's famous blue and white kitchen at Giverney. The walls are decorated with 19th century French tin glazed tiles.
This remarkable tile confection is actually 19th century tiles installed in a pub in Ireland. It was thought that tiles were hygenic and also created an atmosphere of splendor.
I am always amazed at the intricate installations at Harrod's meat hall. There are hunting and farmyard scenes and it remains the best Art Nouveau interior tiling in Britian today.
I always have lunch at the Michelin building when I'm in London. I love the scenes depicting early 20th century motoring.
Henry Mercer worked in Doylestown, Pennsylvania at his Moravian Tile Works. He wanted to experiment with local red clay. His designs were inspired by antiquities and many survive today in public buildings, including the chapel at West Point and the Pennsylvania State Capitol at Harrisburg.
Grids are a great way to distinguish tile installations.
These deep blue tiles are dust pressed and have perfectly square edges. They are set with tight grout joints. The silver gray grout adds just enough contrast.
This is a great use of ceramic tile in a display at Waterworks 58th Street Showroom in New York City. The wall material is the unusual 2" x 12", the shelf has a bold ceramic molded edge and the mirror is surrounded by custom shaped ceramic molding. The shelf and mirror are a lustrous pewter glaze.
A stunning blood red back splash of dust pressed tile. The color is consistent, the installation rigouous. The choices made were appropriate with the granite counter top.

September 1st, 2010

First Tile Post

Those of you, who know me, know I have a tile fetish (probably easier to manage than one for shoes). I love the natural ingredients from which tile is made; earth-dug clays, silica, sand and water. I also love the fact that clay can be transformed by the human hand into an object of enduring beauty. It can be squeezed and molded into any shape and applied to many surfaces. And tile grids provide the opportunity to configure a square or rectangle into impressive wall patterns.

Tiles have an interesting history. They have been used since antiquity as architectural fixtures and embellishment of walls, floors, and ceilings. They have lined the inner chambers of the pyramids, decorated churches and abbeys in medieval England, mosques and palaces from Seville in Moorish Spain to Central Asia. They are found in Victorian butcher shops and English pubs. And we are all familiar with the beautiful blue and white delft tiles of Holland as well as the bright tiles of Mexico, Spain and Portugal.

While the raw materials are nearly all the same, glazes change the character of the tile after firing by creating texture and shading. Glazed ceramic tile is a material that feels inherently clean, is great for managing moisture and heat, and is durable and sustainable.

There are thousands of choices of ceramic tiles for your bath, kitchen, fireplace, pool or back splash. To help with your selection, you might want to focus on either hand-made or dust-pressed (machine) tile. Your choice of moldings and trim pieces, much like the wood molding in the rest of the house, will determine the success of the installation.

Yet beyond the type of tile you select, it’s the visual interplay of tone, pattern and texture that validates the medium as a decorative force. Color is always a factor in the architectural direction of a space and this is especially true with tile. There is often variation in shade from tile to tile depending on the transparency of the glaze. The subtlety of the color shift and the skill of the installer in managing the shading can effect the end result.

Before you make your selection, take some time to educate yourself about the material, the finishing pieces and grout colors. Since it’s an architectural material and permanently installed, it’s important to make your choices early in the design process.

A final word; your tile will provide lasting pleasure only if the installation is meticulous. This means that grout joints are small, the tile installations are balanced without unsightly cuts, the variation in color is well blended, and the grout is tested before it is permanent. The success will come when you have been part of the process and there are no surprises at the end!

I’m delighted to share some of my favorite antique tiles and show you some beautiful installations.

Images courtesy of: Tiles: 1,000 Years of Architectural Decoration, Waterworks Inventing Bath Style, and the Westchester Dream Home 2009 by the Murphy Brothers.

Waterworks 58th Street Showroom installation features tiles from Architectonics and Echo . Both collections have a wide assortment of sizes, patterns, and colors.

TAGS: architectonics - ceramic tile - echo

COMMENT (0)

A magical view of New York looking south from 82nd Street. It was about 100 degrees on the day I visited, but nothing could diminish the extraordinary excitement of experiencing the construct.
Looking up to give a sense of the bamboo poles as they evolved.
One of the team of rock climbers who will continue to work on the creation until it closes in the fall. Here they are creating steps.
I loved the bamboo leaves hanging over the poles.
This close up gives you a sense of their 3-4 inch diameter.
An example of the knotting techniques.
A path through the exhibit.
Very tidy pole lashing with nylon climbing rope in blue and red.
A few poles isolated to look like sculpture.

August 25th, 2010

Big Bambu at the Met

If you happen to be in New York before October 31st and it’s not pouring rain, you must visit the exhibit on the rooftop of The Metropolitan Museum of Art called Big Bambu. I had no idea what I would find, so you can imagine my wide-eyed surprise upon emerging from the elevator to see thousands of bamboo poles (actually 5500 so far according to the artist Mike Starn) lashed together with nylon mountain climbing rope to walk under, around, over and between.

To give you a sense of its monumental scale, it is about 100′ long, 50′ wide and 50′ high. As the information in the brochure states, “It takes the form of a cresting wave that bridges the realms of sculpture, architecture and performance”. The wave crests over the trees in Central Park and the views from the roof or any perch within the sculpture are spectacular.

There were two men working on the ever growing and evolving piece the day I was there and I had to ask how they started. They pointed to a corner and said it started with three 30-40 foot long bamboo poles. It has emerged several months later as a complex, intertwining, and evolving art form. The poles are tied together with 50 miles of 3 different types of ropes in three colors, blue, red and orange. Some of the poles were lashed together with very meticulous knots and others were a bit more haphazard.

There are footpaths constructed internally, and if you wear rubber bottom flat shoes and plan ahead you can climb them with a guide. Don’t worry, there are bamboo rails to hold as you move upward and it seems very sturdy.

This is the brainchild of identical twin brothers, Doug and Mike Starn, who work collaboratively. Mike explained to me on our artist guided tour that the piece is evolutionary and there is never a dull moment. In life things move and change as does Big Bambu.

Even the extraordinary documented New York City dwelling red tail hawk, Pale Male, visits regularly. He selects one of the highest perches and watches as the workers and artists continue their remarkable journey. This exhibit was a moment of great inspiration on many fronts; simple materials (harvested bamboo and rope), size and scale, imagination, cooperation and teamwork, creativity and passion.

To learn more about the Big Bambu special exhibit, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s website.

TAGS: Big Bambu - Doug and Mike Starn - The Met

COMMENTS (6)

The original 18th century structure shaded by trees hundreds of years old.
George claims the new kitchen garden is a tribute to his neat side.
I love the stern rectangle of the reflecting pool as a contrast to the effusive gardens that surround it.
Specimin flowers are abundant.
The rolling hills behind the house and gardens are slowly being opened and the trees harvested.
Another beautiful space, this one with a pea gravel platform and traditional outbuilding for storage of garden tools.
A view from the garden to the rear of the house. You can see the brick addition to the house for more modern living and the lovely red barns in the distance.
One of many beautiful paths that lead to another garden room.
Through the arched doorway there is another breathtaking creation.
A profusion of beautiful plants, a subtle and sophisticated palette that reflect George's personal plant preferences.
How sweet the smell.
I love the many English antique benches that provide resting and viewing placed strategically throughout the garden.
Robert and Lulu resting amidst the beautiful greenery!

August 18th, 2010

George’s Garden

Robert and I recently visited our friend George Schoellkopf at his Hollister House Garden, now a project of the Garden Conservancy. George has formed a non-profit corporation that will eventually own and maintain the property for the benefit of the public. We applaud his extraordinary generosity. There are so many design ideas executed in the garden I thought I would share the experience with you.

George started working on the garden 32 years ago and it has evolved over time. It’s situated on 25 rolling acres in Litchfield County, CT with the original house, a restrained 18th century colonial, sited at the top of the garden with beds all around. The gardens were originally inspired by the formal English gardens at places like Sissinghurst and Hidcote. But George infused his garden with an exuberance and a slightly more wild approach than its English counterparts.

The garden has a rather formal structure with stone walls and 10 foot hedges that create outdoor rooms, brick walks and native or antique granite stones, beautiful garden ornaments and elegant old pots. The space unfolds with a profusion of color, an abundance of plantings, specimen flowers, hummingbirds and dragon flies.

Like all good spaces, the Hollister House Garden reflects George’s personal taste, good planning, ongoing maintenance, a nod to classicism and a generosity of spirit.

Add to your date book:

Hollister House Garden Study Weekend, August 27-29, 2010

A gardener’s dream: seminar, rare plant sale, gala reception, and tour of exceptional gardens. Speakers include Peter Wirtz, Page Dickey, Margaret Roach, Jill Nokes, Dick Button, Hitch Lyman, and Adam Wheeler.

COMMENTS (3)

Vince Mulford has a great shop. I have never purchased anything there but I always stop to see what treasures he has unearthed.
This large scale and intricate garden furniture was featured in his shop window. I wonder if it is Indian because its weave is so intricate.
A great window at Chris Lehrecke's shop. He is a talented furniture designer and maker.
The shop interior has one very large case that features the jewely of his wife, Gabriella Kiss and Ted Muehling. It's very tempting to walk out with a new pair of earrings or incredible necklace. I always hope that Robert will get the hint and remember to head to Chris's shop for my birthday.
We have been so focused on our Henry that I couldn't resist photographing this sign. It's a good shop to visit.
The “Neovogue” sink was manufactured by the Crane Company and designed by Henry Dreyfuss. The metal legs and integral towel bar are practical.
The faucet handles are called "dial-ease". The simple levers are easy to use.
This is a documented Gropius door handle. Not only is it beautiful to look at but it's artisinally crafted.
It appears that this teapot is standing on its toes. I love its small scale and jaunty appearance. It seems it was made by the same craftsman as the dish below.
I was intrigued by the lightening handle on this bon bon dish. The surface appears to be hand hammered.
This is a very decorative and colorful light, most likely mid-century Danish. The shade looks like a sassy hat.
I saw a 1920's fire clay tub that I wanted to photograph but there was too much "stuff" in front of it that I could only capture the fittings. The tapered porcelain handles were very attractive.
This is a newly restored Greek Revival house tucked away on a side street near the Courthouse. Next door is an identical house larger in scale. I wish I knew the story here.
This is very good example of the decorative brick work that is on so many early buildings on Warren Street, the main thoroughfare.
More red decorative brick work with great scale. The ornamental window caps are bold and very decorative.
Don't forget lunch. You will need it after all the visual stimulation!

August 11th, 2010

A Trip to Hudson, New York

On a beautiful Spring day Robert and I decided we needed an antique fix. So we grabbed Lulu, hopped in the car and drove north on the picturesque Taconic Parkway to Hudson, NY. The town itself flourished in its early years (1760-1810) as a seaport and later, with the coming of the railroad, it began life anew with tanneries, breweries and foundries. It’s in a remarkable state of historic preservation, especially in the Greek Revival and Victorian style, made even better in the past 10 years by the influx of nearly 100 antiques dealers and the restoration of the remarkable store facades and historic houses.

Hudson has an active Preservation Commission that ensures its “historic sense of place” is retained and the historic richness of architectural styles is preserved.

Personally, I’m attracted to the shopping where there is an endless sense of possibility that makes me drive the hour and a half. What will be on the next shelf or hanging on the wall, what is hidden behind or in some really ugly large piece of brown furniture peaks my curiosity.

We had so much fun poking in and out of our favorite shops and discovering treasures large and small. At Mark McDonald (330@markmcdonald.com) we found a really unusual Crane sink on metal legs with an integrated towel bar. It was designed by Henry Dreyfuss, a pioneer industrial designer (d.1972). It has an integrally molded spout and “dial-ease” handles. Mark’s was in the unusual color of “suntan”. This is a most unusual find; not exactly my style or color, but a great piece of American design history to uncover. We also found 2 beautiful Gropius door handles.

I also found several great “smalls”. The two metal Scandinavian pieces at Skalar (sklarhudson@aol.com) were buried in a case. This shop has many interesting mid-century ceramic bowls and vases and a few well chosen pieces of furniture. I loved the originality of the candy dish with its lightening bolt handle while the teapot teeters on its side and looks very decorative. The desk light has great form and I love the colors.

I always stroll into Vince Mulford’s shop where there are usually 6 -10 outstanding objects in a large pared down space. There was a very handsome kayak and some unique garden furniture in the window. He has a great eye and the shop is not to be missed.

New traditional objects are at Rural Residence. You can find anything from small rugs to reproduction mocha mugs, and a nice assortment of books to lovely stationary.

If you are looking for a day trip outside of Manhattan, I suggest you head to Hudson for inspiration. And, be sure to have lunch at LeGamin. It’s very French and the people watching is tres magnifique!

Images of Chris Lehrecke’s shop courtesy of Remodelista.

TAGS: Henry Dreyfuss - Hudson

COMMENTS (6)

What a beautiful house and a beautiful setting!
Early stages of construction when it's hard to imagine all the steps that lie ahead. The original wood lath is visible in the background.
The shower is the largest element in the room. You can view the knee wall in the shower and the bead board installation as the room begins to take shape.
Theo is inspecting the bath. He approves.
Creating niches is a great way to incorporate storage in a space where there is little opportunity to put necessities away.
It's a good idea to test the niche and make sure all of your favorite amenities fit.
I love the fact that John and Joseph will never run out of toilet paper.
The project is finally nearing completion and while not ready for prime time the sink is operative. More painting is needed and a temporary mirror is in place but progress none the less.
Corralling the amenities of grooming in a large and functional niche determines how well and, ultimately how attractive, the shower will look. Jospeh's visual merchandising experience keeps this space looking great.
The 1cm mosaics are a tightly gridded background for the elegant, updated and classic Easton shower fittings. He used a thermostatic shower valve with one wall valve to turn on the wall mounted shower head and the other to operate the hand shower. We all agree that it is hard to imagine keeping a shower clean without the availability of a hand shower.
A mirror in the shower is a great idea, especially for shaving.
Joseph's grooming bar with the rescued small chest and small mirror. You can also see the restored faux bamboo etagere for storage as well for the display of an ever changing display of objects.
Done and perfect for Joseph, John and the house!

August 4th, 2010

Old House New Bath

My friend, Joseph Polar, is a serial re-modeler. He and his partner John have a wonderful old house in upstate New York built in 1840 with an 1892 addition. Clearly its orientation is “country house” but the decoration has evolved into an updated, fresh, and casual style great for 21st century living. He and John spent many weekends (or is it years?) turning an ugly duckling into an incredibly smart weekend retreat for themselves and their rescue dog, Theo.

I thought you would enjoy seeing the before and after renovation of the master bath. It’s a nice size room (6′10″ x 12″9″) with lots of practical and beautiful amenities created from the elimination of a back staircase and a small maid’s room. Joseph says it was the typical “shoemaker’s kid” story because the bath was in a state of demolition for ages while he and John discussed and debated the “perfect” bath for the house.

“No tub,” said John.

“Only one sink,” said Joseph, who created a “grooming bar” station with a vintage chest and mirror instead of the second sink.

They laugh now, but when a chipmunk invaded the construction site mayhem erupted. Removing the creature was right out of an episode of “I Love Lucy”.

The space is entered from one end and you are immediately looking over the pedestal sink into the shower. The material choice for the shower was 1cm mosaic in Carrara (budget constraints dictated the amount of stone used). The rationale was to use a small amount of wall texture as a compliment to the smooth glossy painted bead-board applied to all of the exterior walls.

Joseph is obsessed with niches (me too) as an organizing tool and storage component of design. In this small bath, they also became ”found” space. I love the toilet paper stashed in a niche by the WC. No debate here about whether the roll is over or under. In the shower, a niche creates more than adequate storage for all the shower gels, shampoos and conditioners.

The vintage junk shop finds became the added dimension for the space. The faux bamboo etagere was in dreadful condition but easily repaired with matte black paint for a total cost of $45. The small country chest, equally in need of tender loving care, made over with a coat of paint and a few screws now serves as storage for towels and a grooming bar. There are other found objects on shelves that add character and make the space so personal.

As a finished bath, it all seems so effortless and totally appropriate for the house. The layering of materials, the personal objects, the practical considerations, and the restraint make this a “perfect” bath!

As a final note, Joseph is no stranger to the intricacies of bath design. He is the former SVP Creative Director at Waterworks, thus the expertise. He is now an independent interior designer and can be reached at jp@josephpolardesigns.com or you can visit his web site here. (http://www.josephpolardesigns.com/)

TAGS: Joseph Polar

COMMENTS (2)

A bath renovation by Amy Morris features the Empire tub and a grand gold leaf mirror in a traditional paneled space. The scale of the mirror and the glittery chandelier add richness and elegance to this luxurious bath.
This calm sanctuary is by Peter Block. The Empire tub sits under the window to take advantage of light and shadows. The space reflects a refreshing honesty that feels entirely modern.
Shon Parker created this bath for an Atlanta Showhouse. The warm green draperies wrap the tub like a cocoon and deliver warmth in the high ceiling room.
The red chair is a great addition to this space for chatting with a partner while adding color, comfort and decoration to the bath.
The Empire tub sits in front of a knee wall clad in Cararra marble with a view of the exposed shower system on the wall behind. I love the monogrammed towels and the side table for your personal items.
A very traditional setting for the Empire tub, the pale blue walls really make the crisp white from the trim and the tub stand out. Here the tub is paired with the Etoile wall mounted tub filler.
The Empire tub looks so inviting with just the right amount of sunlight shining through the window. I love the etagere too - it provides great, accessible storage.
This is an example of an original fireclay tub from a French bath catalog published in 1912.

July 28th, 2010

The Empire Tub

The Empire tub is a Waterworks icon. It has been used in modern and traditional spaces and becomes a chameleon depending on the design of the interior. Its shape and scale were inspired by 19th century French and English fire clay tubs.

Generous proportions, sculptural curves and graceful profiles are signature design details, while its luxurious depth and interior simplicity ensure a comfortable bath for one or two.

On a recent trip to Atlanta, I met the lovely and talented designer Amy Morris of Amy D. Morris Interiors. Amy recently used the Empire tub as a piece of sculpture in a bathroom renovation. A large-scale decorative mirror highlights the tub and raised paneling create an architectural framework. The chandelier is grand and very glamorous. This room lives up to her “classic but not predictable” decorating philosophy.

Amy personalized the space with a bouquet of yellow tulips, elegantly monogrammed towels and a delicate side table for soaps and sponges. Polished wood floors are a perfect complement to the Calcutta marble in the shower. Although there is an abundance of space, the room feels intimate and perfectly suited to the rhythms of everyday life. This is a very personal space with elegant accents and lots of impact.

Peter Block of Peter Block Architects in Atlanta used the Empire tub as the focal point in a bath he and his wife created together. Here it’s not only the tub that perfectly fits the space, but also the simplicity of the objects that surround it which create a refined and elegant space. Natural light floods the room and makes it feel so warm. This is a bath that appeals to the senses. Can you can imagine the sound of the water filling the tub, the scent of a favorite soap and the feel of a favorite towel?

You will probably notice all the installations use exposed tub fillers. These fittings are often installed on free standing legs and come with a hand shower. Beautiful lines, impeccable proportions, easy curves, smooth metal surfaces and functionality are all considerations when selecting a fitting. The right choice ensures the overall design integrity of the space.

What’s your favorite setting for the Empire tub? Do you like a more traditional setting or do you prefer a more modern setting? I’d love to see your favorite image of the Empire tub.

For specification information on the Empire tub, follow this link and click on the item information for more downloads.

Images courtesy of: Amy D. Morris Interiors via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Peter Block Architects, Shon Parker, Traditional Home, Veranda, Waterworks, and Elle Decor’s Style and Substance.

TAGS: Amy D. Morris interiors - Empire Tub - Peter Block Architects - Shon Parker

COMMENTS (2)

The beautiful red sandstone Elway Hall built in 1907.
A magical view across rolling hills to the mountains in the distance.
This is just one of many restful moments on the property. The cement chair is situated at the foot of a gigantic copper beech tree.
The original fireplace with shaded bright green 1 x 6 ceramic tile that looks like the material made by the J. & G. Low Company of Trenton, NJ in the early 20th century.
Opposite the fireplace is a long footed tub with a mirrored glass tub table for the proverbial glass of champagne. The small scale double circle back perching chair is both decorative and useful.
I love the exaggerated backsplash on this sink and its' very glamorous metal legs. The little stool fits perfectly under the sink.
Creamy white tile with a very subtle decorative border and a simple bullnose is used in all of the baths.
The attention grabbing Venetian style mirror is just grand enough for this space. The tall orange container with flowers from the garden is a complimentary color to the deep toned towels on the opposite side of the room.
The little arched window lets in the lovliest stream of light. The view from the tub is of ancient tree tops.
This could possibly be the smallest powder room I have ever been in, but the vintage sink is remarkable and the objects keep you in the space far longer than necessary!
Meet Ishtar, the fabric design by Barry Dixon for Vervain. The palette of gray and yelow could be one of my new favorites!

July 21st, 2010

A Visit to Barry Dixon’s

Last Tuesday I had the wonderful experience of visiting Barry Dixon at his fabulous house, Elway Hall, built in 1907. It was a glorious sunny day, the air was clear, the views spectacular and the house a treasure tucked away in the Virginia hills. Barry and Michael are such gracious hosts. We brought a not very exciting lunch, which they turned into a divine feast by serving it on beautiful brown Staffordshire platters and dishes, using linen napkins and antique silver.

First we presented Henry, Grove Bricks and our new lights to his staff in the reception room and then settled in his Farrow and Ball ”Dayroom Yellow” music room for lunch and conversation. The chairs and sofas were newly and proudly upholstered in his recently released fabric collection for Vervain. The linens are textured and beautiful to touch and I fell in love with ”Ishtar” his decorative Moroccan inspired pillows in yellow and gray with tastefully embroidered dots.

Of course, I was most anxious to photograph his perfectly restored vintage baths. These are really rooms, as you will see in the photos, with impeccably chosen objects (as you might expect from Barry), small scale furniture, luxurious towels in rich colors and fresh flowers. The fittings and fixtures are original to the house and in mint condition.

I love all of the 3 x 6 creamy white tile and the delicate borders that blend quietly into the installation. The only trim is bullnose. The white tile floors with minuscule grout joints look as pristine today as the day they were installed. What a treat! Many thanks to Barry and Michael for their warm welcome and sharing their home with us.

Be sure to check out Barry Dixon’s new book coming out in November. I know I can’t wait!

To view more of Barry Dixon’s work, visit Barry Dixon Inc.

TAGS: Barry Dixon - Vintage Baths

COMMENT (1)

I like a shower that has room for a built in shower seat. A word of caution; it is extremely important to make sure the seat does not leak and that it is pitched properly so that water does not stay on it.
The niche in this shower is a good example of how to edit your products and keep them off the shower floor.
The modern .25 thermostatic shower valve with its on/off wall valve.
A bells and whistles shower with body sprays and hand shower, a ceiling mounted shower head and a wall mounted head.
A close up of the above shower shows the steam control unit inside the shower.
Another great full throttle shower with a wire basket and fold-up seat plus two thermostatic shower valves to operate the many options in this shower. Don't you love the beautiful mosaic frieze?

July 14th, 2010

Introduction to Your Shower

Of all the elements in the bath, the shower is the most complex. This post will be about planning for the optimal shower experience because once the shower is built additions are nearly impossible and always expensive. We will discuss surface materials for the shower in another post.

The shower is often thought of as the “utility” zone of the bath. It is, however, the primary bathing environment and its success depends on the valves that you select AND their correct installation. The invisible mechanical parts control the flow and temperature of the water but the pressure comes from the internal plumbing in your house.

1) Concealed pressure balance valve: “reacts” to changes in water volume to prevent scalding

2) Concealed thermostatic shower valve: allows you to set the exact water temperature you prefer and retain consistent temperature

3) Exposed thermostatic shower valve: like concealed thermostatic valve with exposed mechanical parts

Body sprays and vertical shower bars can turn your shower into a home spa. Steam heat can be piped into an enclosed shower stall, promoting perspiration to cleanse pores, and drawing therapeutic moisture into the lungs and skin (great for relieving congestion).

The shower, just like the bath itself, must have storage. Shampoo and other items on the floor can can be messy and dangerous. A built-in niche, which looks architectural and blends in to the wall, or surface mounted wire baskets are the solution to keeping your shower neat and organized.

The space itself should make you feel warm and enveloped with room to move around (or at least space to pick up dropped soap). A built-in seat will make your shower more enjoyable, especially if you install a steam unit, and it will certainly make shaving your legs easier. A large drain will whisk away the water so that you are not standing in soapy water. And, grab bars are always useful.

There has been great demand for ceiling mounted shower heads, but without adequate water supply pressure it will feel like a sprinkle (and won’t take the soap out of your hair). In fact, the entire shower experience will be disappointing without a sufficient flow of water through your system. This is where an experienced contractor or plumber will be an invaluable resource.

Here are a couple of really important tips:

1) Your shower floor must be pitched to the drain or the water will not drain properly (standing water is a health hazard).

2) The shower floor should installed with small non-skid material (honed mosaics are good for this application).

3) The valves for operating the shower should be placed strategically so when you turn on the shower you won’t get wet (and have a blast of cold water on your arms or head).

4) Hand showers are essential for rinsing your body AND cleaning the shower.

Images courtesy of: Steven Gambrel, East Coast Home, and Waterworks Showrooms.

COMMENTS (2)

The natural light streaming in this bath makes it feel so warm. I love the idea of a decorative chandelier in the bath especially if it has tall ceilings.
The sconces have been carefully installed in the the wall-to-wall mirror. They break up the large expanse of glass.
This is a highy decorative powder bath with a very bright double sconce over the mirror. Be careful that the light does not blind you as you walk in the space.
Another decorative space (wallpaper is making a comeback) with decorative sconces on either side of the mirror and that all important magnifying mirror for applying makeup.
The Hamilton is a simple and elegant industrial inspired sconce. It looks particularly great in white and nickel.
The Navigator with its nautical inspiration, can be installed either vertically or horizontially.
Meet Henry with its hand blown bell shaped glass shade and details that relate to our Henry fitting; the hex nut, the coin edge ring and the trumpet shaped escutcheon. We love it with an Edison bulb.
The Sentinel ceiling light has a beautifully detailed coin edge ring and etched glass.

July 7th, 2010

Light For Your Bath

I am most certainly NOT a lighting expert so my comments in this category are more practical that educated. But there is one thing I know for certain; you can never have too much light in your bath for applying makeup, taking out splinters and all those other eye straining rituals. It is a great bonus if your bath has natural light. You can enjoy the seasonal shifts from bright morning light in the spring and summer to soft evening light in the fall and winter.

In rooms with little or no direct light, reflective materials like tile, polished stone, mirrors and glass accessories, help imitate natural light.

I recommend installing more light than you think you will need in the ceiling as either high hats or surface mounted ceiling fixtures. But be sure to add a dimmer switch. Around your mirror you should install transparent and stable light so that you can accurately see your skin tone when you apply foundation or blush or for a clean shave. Basic overhead lights will pitch shadows over the face at the mirror so here is where decorative sconces on either side or directly over the mirror will take away shadows and correct any glare.

Decorative sconces, in addition to adding light, offer the opportunity for creating an elegant environment. The fixtures can have nickel frames and antique mirrors or transparent hand blown glass with Edison bulbs in many different finishes. Your choice should reflect the general design direction of the room.

Finally, my favorite bathroom tool is a lighted magnifying mirror. Failing eyesight makes this wonderful accessory a necessity.

I have included a few images of lights from our new collection that includes wall sconces, pendants and ceiling fixtures. Each one uses a different type of bulb from halogen to incandescent to xenon, which will shed varying amounts of light. I think pendants look great in the bath and offer a different kind of light from the usual sconces.

The right lighting fixtures add an individual perspective to the space and a high level of design. Choose them carefully.

To see more lights from Waterworks, click here.

Images from: American Modern by Thomas O’Brien and Lonny Magazine.

COMMENT (1)

Henry is so versatile. it can be traditional or modern.
The unique single hole fitting, Just a turn and the water goes from cold to hot.
The Henry widespread fitting in nickel.
A collage of images and found objects all of which influenced Henry's design
A handle designed by Gropius from an interior door at the Bauhaus reflects the simple geometric forms, which inspired Henry
A scene from the Charlie Chaplin film
These nesting tables, designed by Breuer, highlight simplicity and functionality two themes present in the design of Henry.
The old blue moon radio romanticised the American dream and used the industrial age circle for manufacturing simplicity.
The Leica camera made photography accessible to everyone . Even the design of the camera is beautiful.

June 30th, 2010

Henry

It is so exciting for Waterworks to introduce a new fittings line to our assortment. The launch represents countless meetings, in depth discussions about the smallest details, last minute design decisions and contemplative moments studying plastic prototypes. But best of all are the initial discussions around inspiration.

Our introduction of HENRY involved just such a process. We started with assembling inspiration boards for a product that would be influenced by the connection of industry and art. We looked at the work of Saarinen, Gropius and even Bracuusi for inspiration. Modernist and industrial age thinking with its reliance on simple geometric forms and a partnership between design and production helped us define our ideas.

As a result, HENRY is an evolutionary style that easily transitions between modern, traditional, utilitarian and classic spaces. And, like all of our other products, it embodies the essence of Waterworks; design, craftsmanship and quality.

Henry is straightforward but not over simplified; the focus is on the cylinder or barrel form of the valve cover, the hex nut and coin edge ring. A single hole lav set both functional and unique, arched spouts and sleek marble and teak gland cover custom options blend both the new and old sensibilities of this collection. It is inherently timeless and graceful and will look elegant in any bath.

To see our full Henry collection, click here.

For more on Henry, read the blog post by Velvet and Linen.

Inspiration images from: Antiques, Oct. 09; Icons of Design: The 20th Century; Modernism: Designing a New World

TAGS: Henry - Modernism

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