Bath
Heath Ceramics is a Bay Area institution. The company's skilled craftsmen have been producing exquisite tableware and tile at the Sausalito factory for over 50 years. Lucky for us, they are only human. Because the tile is made-to-order, they often churn out pieces that don't pass Heath's strict standards and sell it at the factory store.
But, trust me, this is still an incredible find. Offered at 75% off retail, the overstock works particularly well for small installations (like the bathroom pictured here). Colors, sizes, and quantity vary daily so it pays to check the inventory list for current availability. And you must purchase in person, so if you don't live on the West Coast, it's a good excuse to start planning a trip.
The beauty and strength of a concrete countertop can be yours with planning, some basic materials and a little patience. Create a beautiful, unique piece of art for your kitchen or bathroom with a DIY concrete countertop.
Start With the Template
A lot of the work in making concrete countertops happens in the planning stage. Make sure you make an exact template of your countertop - use cardboard or something with the same strength and flexibility.
Make your measurements twice and be sure to account for all fixtures and drains.
Many of us covet a new bathroom. We've collected some remodel and design ideas that could provide some inspiration for you to take on the job yourself or at least get you started.
Designing an extraordinary bath (tips from Waterworks founder)
Frame a beveled bathroom mirror to add some character
Choosing a vessel sink
5 bathroom furniture ideas
Last night we attended a panel discussion at the Waterworks store in West Hollywood that was presented by Waterworks and Remodelista. The focus was Online Resources for Designing the Extraordinary Bath.
We were really hoping to come away with true resources but two of the panelists used this "discussion" to pitch their designs and offered little tangible information that I'm sure the other designers in the room were seeking in regards to online resources. They shared a bit of insight into their design process and did bring up some relevant issues in regards to the connection between design and construction.
Julie Carlson from Remodelista took us through a quick tour of their website and it's truly remarkable how they've reached an online audience seeking high-touch and aspirational designs. As everyone laments the demise of high design magazines it is good to know there are independent websites willing to fill this void.
The greatest piece of insight we came away with was from Barbara Sallick the co-founder of Waterworks. She stated that although reading blogs and seeking online information while shopping for baths is a great starting point, you must see, touch and feel these products in person to get a real sense of what you are going to be using every day.
Bathroom design can be tricky, because they don't always fit in with the decor used in the rest of the house.
To pick your bathroom design, whether it is traditional, contemporary, modern, retro, floral, rustic, country, antique themed, nautical, classic, or creative, consider these tips adapted from HGTV:
First, determine who uses the bathroom?
If it's family, it's got to be functional.
If it's a visitor, it can be fun.
For overnight guests, it should welcoming.
The sauna experience derives from Finland, but an in-home sauna gives you the experience of a wet or dry heat session in the comfort and privacy of your own home, anywhere in the world.
Before you purchase an in-home sauna, determine its purpose and make sure you want a sauna, and not a steam room. Saunas are used to relax and rejuvenate, while steam rooms are generally more medicinal in their purpose, as they are thought to help detoxify the body as well as treat respiratory ailments. Another difference is that an in-home electrically heated sauna uses drier heat and hotter air with a humidity of 10-30%, whereas a steam room operates at a constant humidity level of 100% at much lower temperatures.
Many people underestimate the humble bathroom, but it is as important as any other room. To make the most out of your bathroom, here are some furniture ideas.
1. While a pedestal sink can look chic, a full vanity gives extra storage space, with room both below the sink as well as counter space. This is especially useful in small bathrooms.
2. Cabinets can also provide additional storage, and one with a mirrored front is even better. Choose one with shelves to make the most out of your space.
3. Finding a shelf designed to fit above the toilet can be a great option for homes that lack a linen closet.
Universal design to benefit seniors and the physically challenged is an under served sector of home and interior design. But with the aging boomer population, there is an opportunity for manufacturers and designers to work with people who have special needs when it comes to living in their home.
There are some designers who do focus on the kitchen and are well-versed in universal design, but a properly designed bathroom is even more vital for people who need assistance.
Vessel sinks are the hottest new trend in bathroom design. In many ways, vessel sinks are a throwback to a time before plumbing when people washed up each morning in elaborate china basins that sat atop their bedroom vanities. During Victorian times these beautiful China fixtures were paired with matching floral and gilt pitchers to hold the water, and some people still collect these sets. Vessel sinks are a beautiful new take on an old idea.
Today's vessel sinks offer many more choices than their Victorian counterparts. Copper vessel sinks enhance Arts & Crafts Revival decor in bungalows and foursquare homes.
Ceramic and pottery vessel sinks make charming accents for modern country bathrooms.
To choose the perfect vessel sink for your decorating style, start by matching material to design. Some of the most popular vessel sink materials include:
Copper - Copper has always been popular in kitchens, but with the resurgence in popularity of sleek Arts & Crafts cabinetry and fixtures, copper vessel sinks are coming back in a big way. Look for hammered antique finishes, verdigris effects, or smooth glossy copper surfaces. Copper does dent easily but also has the advantage of being a natural germ repellent.
Glass - Glass is the most popular of all materials used for vessel sinks. A glass vessel sink can be purchased for as little as $100, all the way up to thousands of dollars for specialty or hand blown glass. Glass comes in a range of colors and effects, but do keep in mind it must be cleaned with each use.
Stainless Steel - Stainless steel vessel sinks look great with industrial or ultramodern decor, or next to a stainless stove or wet bar with stainless accessories. Stainless steel can be noisy though, and it does show water spots. Look for heavy gauge stainless to help keep noise to a minimum.
Universal design was a major theme at the 2010 Builders' Show and Kohler delivered with their assisted living toilet, Fountainhead elongated one-piece toilet.
It was displayed prominently in their gorgeous exhibitor space and you couldn't help but press the buttons to see the seat rise and fall effortlessly. The toilet as all others in their display were working models and this toilet looks as if it was designed by engineers who saw form and function equally.
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