Friday, August 23, 2013

Guest Post: Linda Holt Interiors


Linda Holt is an interior designer
with a photographer’s eye for details,
scale, and color.  She posts often on
current design trends and what
makes a room have soul.


This months guest blogger Linda Holt shares what’s bright and beautiful in the Designer Bath showroom ...

Statement Pieces at Designer Bath

Over the past several years there has been a seismic shift in how homeowners want their home decorated. Most likely influenced by design blogs, decorating TV and popular online sites such as Pinterest and Houzz, homeowners are no longer interested in living in homes that look like someone else’s style or even worse, furniture store catalogs.

The majority of homeowners today want their home to reflect their unique personality and be authentic to how they and their family live. Hand made, custom made and unique items are all trending and it seems that the number one buzz phrase used by designers is that “they strive to have their designs reflect the personality of the homeowner.”

On a recent visit to Designer Bath I decided to dig deep and investigate what was available beyond the many beautiful, timeless and classic sinks, vanities and tubs. I wanted to see what was possible as far as statement pieces and unique items that would suit those clients who wanted that certain unique something that would express their personality. I must say I was not disappointed. Here is just a small sampling of some of my unique and fabulous finds.





Vanities are a great way to add personality to the bath. This glass topped one caught my eye and as you can see in the photo the glass comes in several different color options.




Designer Bath has several vanity options for color lovers including this line of vanity bases from Duravit that come in a range of different wood stains and colors.




Look at all these great color choices!




For homeowners looking to express their love of bright color just imagine how fun this vanity would be in that bright lime green that is displayed on the color ring.




Sinks are another great way to express your individuality and Designer Bath has something for every taste. One of my favorites is this beautiful hammered copper vessel sink from Native Trails. The organic yet industrial look would suit country style, industrial style, or even a rough-luxe look.





I also spotted these beautiful glass vessel sinks which are available in several different colors and would make such a great statement in a powder room.





Any one of these three gorgeous sinks from Stone Forest would make me happy. The only dilemma? Choosing my favorite!





A sink that would really make a statement is this tall onyx pedestal basin also from Stone Forest. Just imagine how beautiful this would look in a mountain vacation home.




Soaking tubs are very popular today and I spotted several that would appeal to someone looking to express their personality.



Classic black and white is always timeless and I just adore this black tub from Zucchetti with the matching black tub filler.





This white claw foot soaker with silver feet will appeal to those who love retro and want a vintage feel in their bath, as well as add a little sparkle and bling.



Lastly, my biggest find of the day was not even on display. While on my hunt for the really unique and that one of kind item you could be sure your neighbor wont have, I discovered animal skin wrapped tubs. Talk about a statement piece in the bath! You can choose from a relatively conservative red leather wrapped tub ...






or go for a bigger statement with a crocodile wrapped leather tub ...



or my favorite ... a zebra tub! Perfect for that safari themed bathroom you’ve always dreamed of ...





So as you can see, Designer Bath really does have something for every personality and taste. Which one is your favorite?





For more from Linda, visit her website and blog.




Friday, August 16, 2013

Our Designers Shine Winners!




Each summer, we host a special evening event in appreciation of the design professionals who partner with our showroom consultants on their bath and kitchen projects. We have had the opportunity to see some really great spaces brought to completion and thought why not let others see them to? So we created the Designers Shine with Designer Bath Awards to celebrate and give recognition to the talented designers that rely on us to provide the products and customer service that makes them look their best.




We received dozens of submissions this year. The work was impressive across the board. At stake was a first place prize that includes the submitted space being featured in our full page ad in the November/December issue of New England Home Magazine with a complimentary photo shoot done by Eric Roth, plus a $1,000 Gift Card to our showroom. Winners in additional categories would each receive a $250 Gift Card to Designer Bath.

Our panel of judges included Jerry McGinn of Tile by Design, Lisa Amore of Lucia Lighting, Sarah Garabedian of Circle Furniture, Julie Arcari of Landry and Arcari, Heidi Best of Moynihan Lumber and Kathy Bush-Dutton, publisher of New England Home Magazine. We sincerely thank them for taking the time to help us select the winning entries of our 2nd Annual Designers Shine Awards 2013 ...


Grand Prize Winner: Kristina Crestin Design
Overall Design + Green/Sustainable Design

David Simone and Kathy Bush-Dutton of New England Home Magazine
with Kristina Crestin and photographer Eric Roth




Kristina Crestin Design // photo credit: Jamie Solomon



PROJECT: New Construction Kids Bath

CRESTIN’S DESCRIPTION: This client was willing to take some risk, but very much wanted a camp that was family friendly. They were open to my desires to work with local and reclaimed materials. For the kids bath we pulled a vibrant color from the surrounding forest and ran with it – the tile we built it around was called “fiddlehead! I designed the sink base, got crafty with bypassing mirrored doors that hide storage, and using plumbing parts for towel bars. The door to the space is a salvaged door that we put on barn door hardware. 

This bath was recently published in the July issue of New England Home! My client had an easy time selecting plumbing and has come back to Designer Bath for another new project. 




Large Space Design Award Winner:

Amanda Greaves with Designer Bath President Jason Sevinor



photos courtesy Amanda Greaeves and Company




PROJECT: New Construction Master Bath

GREAVE’S DESCRIPTION: The interior of this newly constructed 8,000+ square foot waterfront residence is simple, yet elegant with clean visual lines. The design reflects both the homeowner’s worldly aesthetic and desire to create an intimate setting. The rooms are filled with generous natural light and a soft spectrum of beach sand and sea glass hues. The house is a bright, shingle-style residence. The design-build team of Windover Construction and Olson Lewis Dioli and Doktor Architects, both of Manchester, MA, created an updated interpretation of traditional New England architecture by blending vintage style with contemporary “coastal cottage” details.

Mindy was fantastic to work with on this project. She was attentive, in tune with the schedule, worked really well with the contractor, and helped keep the process moving fluidly, and positively. 



Small Space Design Award Winner:

Mindy Sevinor-Feinberg and Betsy Bassett 



photo credit: Betsy Bassett



PROJECT: Small Space Bath Remodel

BASSETTS DESCRIPTION: The pre-existing bathroom was an outdated ’50s bathroom only measuring 5' x 7', single bowl vanity and a shower the size of a telephone booth. We demoed the existing “His and “Her closets that bordered the existing bathroom to create more space. My clients love contemporary clean lines and wanted a spa feel to the new bathroom. I kept the lines clean using a limestone called Cloud Stone for the counter and walls and floor. The detail wall in the shower is a carved and polished three dimensional Wave stone 24" x 24". I designed the custom made vanity to accommodate my client storage needs.

I drive from Newton to visit your showroom because your customer service is so outstanding. Mindy is organized, professional and a pleasure to work with. 



Universal Design Award Winner:

David Simone with Lisa Bonneville



photos courtesy Bonneville Design



PROJECT: Aging In Place Master Bath

BONNEVILLES DESCRIPTON: When they bought what seemed to be their last house, these baby boomers started planning ahead – step-by-step they began remodeling spaces throughout their home so that they can live there as long as they choose – even into old age. This past year, they demolished what was once a tiny windowless vanity and shower tucked under the large sloping front roof of their 1968 contemporary home and created this spacious relaxing and joy-filled master bathroom. Now they enjoy the full complement of bath amenities they had dreamed of: a streamlined style to match the architecture in a neutral palette of porcelain tile; contrasting Caesar stone surfaces and Douglas Fir cabinetry fit wall-to-wall; a large double sink vanity with storage hidden in shallow sink-side drawers and the out-of-sight storage of necessities in his and her tall recessed medicine cabinets; a full linen closet with pull-out lower shelves; a roll-in showering alcove with adjustable height and detachable shower head to reach a sitting bench nestled under a second window; a wall-hung heated WC with programmable controls; and ample open floor space for walker, wheelchair or .... for dancing! 

I have worked with Dale, Maureen and the whole sales staff at Designer Bath for over 30 years. Dale has always made me feel like a special customer, treated my clients fairly and promptly responded to any issues, questions or deadlines my projects involved. I have furnished many baths with their products and am proud of the professional relationship we have maintained throughout our careers.


One Stop Shopping Award:

Megan Meyers with Jason Sevinor







photos courtesy Megan Meyers Interiors


PROJECT: Master Spa Bath

MEYERS DESCRIPTION: My client wanted a bathroom that combined rustic and refined with traditional and modern.  They envisioned a spa-retreat that would simultaneously relax them and serve their day-to-day needs. Dark Shale finish cabinets from Bertch were combined with quartz by Okite to provide a balance of light and dark, elegant and natural. These blend elements of green with subtle sophistication. The enlarged steam shower is spacious and heavenly. Glass panels bring in natural light while chrome fixtures from Sigma add their own sparkle. When the couple steps out of the shower they are greeted by a towel warmer and radiant floor heat. A claw foot tub from Victoria and Albert adds a feminine touch. Sonoma Tilemakers recycled Vihara stained glass accent tiles in watery hues bring peaceful color into to the space. Porcelain tiles on the floor and shower mimic marble, enhancing the luxurious feel. A new Runtal baseboard heater adds much desired warmth to the room.

With Mindy and the Designer Bath team’s help, I created the perfect spa-master bath for my clients.  Mindy was extremely helpful and educated me on the best products while sourcing for this project. I look forward to working with the Designer Bath team on my next project.



C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !



Congratulations to all of our award winning designers and very talented submitting designers! Below are just a handful of pics from our 2nd Annual Designer Shine Awards. Please like and visit us on Facebook to see the entire album. 




Chive Events serving up sangria, local wines and craft brews.










Guests networking while enjoying refreshments from Chive

Lisa Bonneville, Lynda Onthank, Elizabeth Swartz

Ralph Sevinor and Susan Lefkowitz

Michelle Ritchie, Krisi Gallagher, Robin Davis, Dale Gusman


Sharon Hunt with Jerry McGinn and Doug Madden of Tile by Design


Lori Scholtz and Sue Adams


Linda Hentschel, Linda Holt, Yvonne Blacker


Grace Garrison and Jamie Nicholas


Todd and Sidney Vendituoli with Brizo rep Brian O’Neill


Beezee Honan and Sharon Hunt








Manufacturers reps Michael Varian, Darrin Wahlberg,
and Brian ONeill with Maureen Hodgkins 

Designer Bath showroom consultant Maureen Hodgkins worked with Kristina Crestin on her winning space. Congrats!



Yvonne Blacker, Jennifer Griffin, Jason Sevinor

“The Shine Event was a great opportunity to celebrate the talents of our designer partners. To see their work come to life with the help of Designer Bath is inspiring. I feel very fortunate we get to work with individuals so skilled in design. We can’t wait until next year to see what they come up with!”  
– Jason Sevinor, President, Designer Bath 



Special thanks to our Shine Event sponsors:








Look for our ad with the winning space in the
November issue of New England Home!













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