7 Gifts To Celebrate Everyday

photo courtesy Bain Ultra

Big Gift Idea #1

Trying to come up with an out-of-the-box holiday gift idea for that special someone? Significant others can be the most difficult to buy for, especially when there is a house-to-do-list vying for attention both during and after the holidays. Why not consider crossing two items off your lists by giving a gift card that allows the receiver permission to enjoy the gift of luxury every day. A soaking tub with aroma therapy like the one above from Bain Ultra, is one way to extend the giving season throughout the years to come.

photo courtesy Steamist

Big Gift Idea #2

Creating a spa-like experience at home is one way to give the gift of wellness. Incorporating a steam shower into a personal residence can be done at the design stages of a project as well as retro-fitted into an existing shower. The health benefits of steam therapy include muscle relaxation, improved blood circulation, release of toxins, allergy and asthma relief, and even more restful sleep. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

photo courtesy Kallista

Big Gift Idea #3

While some may not consider a kitchen sink as a particularly sexy gift, one look at this stunner from the Mick De Giulio collection for Kallista and anyone who appreciates home cooked meals may think otherwise. Equipped with an integrated cutting board, colander holder, knife sharpener and large trough like bowl, this stainless steel beauty will take center stage in any working kitchen and is sure to steal the heart of the one who prepares nourishing meals for the family on a daily basis.

photo courtesy Brizo

photo courtesy Kallista

Big Gift Idea #4

Bling can come in all forms, even paired with polished chrome. Adding a bit of sparkle to the bath in the form of Swarovski crystal finials on faucets and towel holders, or rock crystal wall sconces, is an attainable luxury that elevates everyday rituals. When installed in a first floor powder room, this brilliant element of surprise will be a gift for guests as well. 

photo courtesy Native Trails

Big Gift Idea #5

If you have a reduce-reuse-repurposer on your shopping list, then we have just the gift! This unique bar or vanity sink is fashioned from reclaimed oak wine barrels, creating a rustic work of art that functions beautifully. Come to think of it, if your loved one loves wine (red or white) this will also make an extra special gift!

photo courtesy Blanco

photo courtesy Blanco

Big Gift Idea #6

For the environmentalist/gardener in your life, this gift will provide an effortless way to save kitchen scraps for composting that can later be used to enhance the soil in their perennial beds, creating future lush and bountiful harvests. How very sweet!

photo courtesy Grohe

Big Gift Idea #7

A simple swap out of an existing shower head to one that includes a hand held option, is a gift worth getting excited about. New models even offer water saving features with the use of air-induction technology that creates bigger drops of water while using a lower flow rate. Pretty cool, huh? 

What to Give, What to Get

From now through December 31, 2013, when you buy one gift card at Designer Bath, you will receive a second gift card valued at 10% of the first. Gift it to someone else, or save it to pick out something special for yourself. One size fits all. For details, click here.

Happy holidays and best wishes with your gift lists! Just a reminder, we will be collecting unwrapped toys for boys and girls at our Beverly location to benefit Toys for Tots now through December 14th. Stop in anytime to drop off something special, big or small, because in the end we all know it’s the thought that counts!

Back to school for designers ...

“Continuing education strengthens the interior design profession by improving individual attitudes, competencies, knowledge and skills in specific subject areas essential to interior design. Learning experiences focus on the individual and involve activities that encompass thinking, doing and reflection.”

- Interior Design Continuing Education Council

Students are heading back to the classroom this month and that includes interior design professionals. Each year, designers must earn CEUs (Continuing Education Units) in order to comply with ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) membership requirements. As an ASID Industry Partner, we are proud to be able to present learning opportunities to local design professionals. We have come up with a schedule of informative “Lunch + Learn” sessions that take place in our showroom, and have also teamed up with ASID New England to offer presentations off site that both educate and inspire.

Here are a few classes scheduled for this fall ...

Thursday, Sept. 19,  4:00pm – 5:30pm

215 Andover Street, Peabody

Client Magnetism or “Authentic Charisma” has a lot to do with profits and the sustainability of your business. Charisma, one of the strongest forces in human nature, contributes to all things we choose. Guest speaker Angela Merola has worked with thousands of individuals to jump start their charisma. She has created an easy 3-step process to find and strengthen your exclusive “authentic charisma” to attract the clients you really want. Walk away with new tools, enhanced charisma and a new perspective on how to translate that into all forms of communication. Angela will be giving away one hour of free coaching to three members of the audience, so don’t miss out on what is sure to be an engaging – and rewarding – afternoon.  .2 CEU credits

This course will be followed by the ASID NE Excellence in Design Awards featuring a slide show of submitted design work by ASID NE members along with an awards presentation by Design New England editor Gail Ravgiala. To register to attend both, click here.

Join us for our “Lunch + Learn” sessions

Check out our Design Seminar page on this blog for information on the following CEU presentations:

Tuesday, Oct. 29th  11:00am – 1:00pm

Designer Bath showroom, Beverly

Why Therapeutic Modalities should

be Integral to Bathroom Design

presented by Bain Ultra

Wednesday, Nov. 6th  11:00am – 1:00pm

Designer Bath showroom, Beverly

Incorporating Universal Design into
the Bathroom presented by ROHL

We have other educational events in the works, for both homeowners and design professionals, so check back often.

Excellence in design is a direct result of informed and thoughtful decisions. We hope that our seminar series becomes a valuable resource in your design tool kit.

5 Gifts that Can’t be Wrapped

Comfort and Joy. We sing about it, we wish it for others, but how can we deliver on it? While there may not be a one size fits all solution, here are five special ways to surprise someone with a gift that keeps giving well beyond the holiday season. 

photo courtesy: Runtal

1. A Luxurious Get-a-Way: Gift Card to Designer Bath

Days begin and end in the bath. A space that is comfortable, well lit, and truly reflective of an individual’s personal design aesthetic (not the previous homeowner’s, for example) is a luxury that can be enjoyed on a day-to-day basis. A gift card from Designer Bath good towards shiny new fixtures, luxurious towel warmers, radiant heat installed under new tile ... this would be the ultimate gift for a new home owner or that special someone who has been dreaming of a bath upgrade. 

photo courtesy: Steamist
watch the video here

2. A Youthful Glow: Steam Bath from Steamist

Steam therapy hydrates dry skin, enhances collagen production, and helps to release the tensions of the day by relaxing sore, tired muscles. Creating a spa-like environment at home is one way to share the healthful benefits of steam year-round without the need to schedule appointments. 

photo courtesy: MTI

3. Virtual Levitation: A Good Long Soak  

A soaking tub is a lot more than just a pretty fixture (although some of them can certainly be considered sculptural works of art). Submerging the body in warm water induces relaxation while relieving stress on joints. Heat therapy quiets the mind and allows the body’s natural pain relievers to work more quickly and effectively. Radiant heat technology in the bath structure provides a warm surface for neck, back, and shoulders, allowing the user to escape reality in warm, enveloping comfort.   

image courtesy: Brizo
watch the video here

4. Designer Model: Smart-Touch Plus Faucet by Brizo

The little black dress of elegant faucets, this sleek number featuring hands-free technology is part of an exclusive bath collection by international fashion designer Jason Wu for Brizo. Bonus gift: coordinating matte black accessories are available. The perfect fit for the fashionista on your list. 

image courtesy: Bain Ultra

5. Colorful Therapy Sessions: Vedana from Bain Ultra

The ultimate personal time out, the Vedana Therapeutic Care Unit offers four transporting experiences that foster overall well-being.  Light, color, scent, heat and sound are combined to create a guided sensory experience that can clear the mind, energize, and induce feelings of joy. 

Designer Bath will be open on Saturday, December 22nd from 9am to 4pm. Check out our special on sale now link for “take home today” gift giving. We will be closed on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Happy holidays!

An award-winning master bath ...

Master bath designed by Ian Mentasti of Stephen Terhune Woodworking

photographed by Michael J. Lee, featured in Design New England Magazine

Have you seen the September/October issue of Design New England Magazine? Our ad features the winning space of our first annual “Designers Shine with Designer Bath” contest.

After seeing the space in person, we really loved this view of the extra large walk-in shower alongside a marble deck-mounted Bain Ultra Origami therapeutic bath, each outfitted with traditionally designed Rohl fixtures in polished nickel. It is a great example of a bath design project that includes many elements successfully coordinated with the expert help of our Designer Bath showroom.

About the project from designer, Ian Z. Mentasti, of Stephen Terhune Woodworking:

“Set on a hilltop on the North Shore of Massachusetts, this renovation of an early 19th century house included a new addition with a three car garage, new kitchen and family room, as well as an entire master suite. The project involved a complete gut and redesign of existing and new spaces to accommodate an active family. The main goal of this specific part of the project was to create a master bath that captured the client’s sense of tranquility while providing them with a highly functional space. Having Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply as a resource really allowed us to explore a number of options, and ultimately we were able to combine a variety of materials with the perfect fixtures to finish the space.”

This project was submitted to our Shine contest by Anne Alberts of Carpenter and MacNeille. She explains, “Stephen Terhune Woodworking is a sister company of Carpenter and MacNeille. It is a custom cabinetry and millworking company that was established alongside Carpenter and MacNeille’s architecture, interior design and construction services.”

Below are the two photos submitted to our judges:

photo by Cheryle St. Onge 

A custom built creamy white double vanity is enhanced with inset mirrors, delicate sconces, and plenty of storage. American Standard undermount sinks with widespread Rohl faucets in polished nickel are paired with sleek marble countertops. The walls, painted a warm palladian blue, add to the spa-like feeling of this elegant master bath.

photo by Cheryle St. Onge 

A favorite design detail: A built-in ledge beneath a band of glass accent tile easily accommodates an array of bath products in the generously sized shower.

photo: Michael J. Lee  // carpet: Landry and Arcari

Congratulations to the design/build professionals

who were a part of this winning project:

Designer: Ian Mentasti, Stephen Terhune Woodworking

Designer Bath Sales Consultant: Sharon Hunt

Plumbing: Bilo Plumbing & Heating

Contractor: Carl Anderson Construction

Architect: Olsen & Lewis Architects

If you have a bath or kitchen design project that should be in a magazine, plan to submit it in next years “Designers Shine with Designer Bath” contest!

Designers Shine at Designer Bath

Succulent arrangement created by Laura Thomson

Last month we hosted our first “Designers Shine with Designer Bath” award party in our Beverly showroom. Designers were invited to submit photos of projects that they had completed using items from our showroom for review by a panel of judges, with the winning space to be photographed by Michael J. Lee Photography for one of our upcoming ads in Design New England Magazine. This was our first time running this contest, and we were pleased to receive photos of almost two dozen gorgeous spaces! Each space had unique qualities, but only one could be chosen. Leading up to the evenings announcement of the contest winner, submitting designers and invited guests mingled with our showroom staff plus representatives from a number of the quality lines represented in our 4,500 square foot showroom.    

Designer Bath President Ralph Sevinor with wife Debra

Jennifer Frost of Chive Events with designer Nancy Faye Glass

A delicious array of food was prepared and served by the charming women of Chive Events, who happen to be located right around the corner from us. Our menu had a tangerine tango theme to coordinate with the vibrant orange in our Designer Bath logo. A signature cocktail, the Tangerine Mint Spritzer, was a big hit with our full house of guests. A ginger peach cheesecake bite, offered for dessert, was indescribably delicious. Local craft brews, sustainably produced wines and fresh brewed ice tea were offered along with carbonated beverages from our Everpure Exubera sparkling water dispenser.

Ginger peach cheesecake bites from Chive Events

Julia Frost pouring Tangerine Mint Spritzers.

Designers Katherine Hawkins and Rosanne Palazola

with real estate agent Tina McManus of Bean Group

and Stacy Carpenter of Meadowview Construction.

Along with dramatic table centerpieces by Chive Events, the rest of the showroom was dressed with ocean-inspired flower arrangements and grass filled urns created by Laura Thomson Designs. 

Orchid filled cylinders topped with driftwood

by Laura Thomson Design

Designers Lynda Onthank and Sally Wilson

with showroom consultant Dale Gusman.

We enjoyed having many talented designers in attendance who have put together bath and kitchen design projects with the help of our expert showroom consultants. Seeing their photos of finished spaces is always so rewarding after a project, which can take quite awhile from pencil sketches to finishing touches, is finally considered compete. 

Design New England Magazines were available for all guests to take home and enjoy. The winning space of our design contest will be unveiled very soon in their September/October issue which will feature home renovations. This will be a great issue for our winning designer to be seen in ...

Winning designer Ian Mentasti of

Stephen Terhune Woodworking

Above is a sneak peek of the winning space. This master bath was designed by Ian Mentasti of Stephen Terhune Woodworking, a division of the design/build firm Carpenter & MacNeille. The custom detail of the submitted space really spoke to our judges when searching for one image that could represent the Designer Bath experience.

Designer Kristina Crestin of KC Studios with

showroom consultant Mindy Sevinor.

We will be sharing snapshots of the other entries in our first award contest in future posts on this blog. All of the spaces – from colorful kitchens to charming powder rooms – were great examples of what is possible when partnering with Designer Bath/Salem Plumbing Supply.  

Colleen Bertolino of Wenham Museum

with interior designer Lori Scholz.

From our showroom: consultants Michelle Ritchie,

Beezee Honan and Sharon Hunt 

Altmans representative Luis Ramirez with

Designer Bath Vice President Jason Sevinor

Of course no party is complete without a swag bag of goodies. Each of our guests received some of our favorite Designer Bath takeaways, along with information on new products being offered in our showroom. And everyone left with a Designer Bath spa robe of their very own, which put a smile on a lot of faces!

Submitting designers also received a small gift wrapped in a

make-up removing washcloth from Turkish Towel Company.

We would like to thank Bain Ultra, Dornbracht and Maax for sponsoring this special showroom event. If you are an interior designer, we invite you to consider Designer Bath as a resource for your next bath or kitchen design project. Check out our Shine page on our website for future designer related announcements, plus entry information for next years “Designers Shine with Designer Bath” contest. To see more photos from this years event, visit us on facebook.

Gifts that Sparkle and Shine

When finishing up your holiday shopping this season, think outside the box. At Designer Bath we have a great selection of luxurious gift items in our Beverly showroom that are perfect for that special someone. 

WISH LIST: PRECIOUS METALS

How about a copper farmhouse sink from Stone Forest? We currently have this model on sale in our showroom.

THAT IS SOME ROCK

This vessel sink from Stone Forest is sure to get oohs and ahhs.

photo courtesy: Stone Forest

FOR THE GARDEN ENTHUSIAST

Also from Stone Forest, the Salus Potting Sink in honed black granite works hard while looking good. It may be installed inside or out. 

WORKS OF ART

These elaborately adorned sink bowls from Linkasink have lots of personality and are easy to gift wrap. Shown here: Handmade Porcelain Ming Dynasty Bowl and Sea Shell Sink. 

JEWELRY FOR THE HOME

Sparkly new cabinet pulls from Sietto can transform ordinary cabinets to extraordinary. They are handmade and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Also on display in our showroom, crystal knobbed faucets from Altmans will add a designer touch to any powder room.

Victoria Lavatory Set from Altmans

PRETTY THOUGHTFUL

Electric towel warmers provide luxurious comfort with minimal effort (just plug it in) while wall mounted versions will add long lasting form, function and beauty to the bath. 

 photo courtesy: Vogue UK

photo courtesy: KWC

COOL YET PRACTICAL

Recently featured in the Boston Globe Magazine holiday gift guide, the midnight black “Eve” faucet from KWC is pretty, sleek and functional. With the touch of one finger, the nozzle emits a bright circle of light, adding joy to the kitchen each and every day. 

photo courtesy: Electric Mirror

FOR THE SPORTS FAN

A mirror with a built in television screen is the ultimate gift for that guy – or girl – on your list who doesn’t want to miss any of the action.

photo courtesy: American Standard

FOR LITTLE ONES

Bath time becomes fun for little ones and more comfortable for adult care takers with a Fun Bath tub conversion kit from American Standard. Fun Bath is easy to install and is available in Pretty Princess Castle, Fierce Fire Truck, and customizable panels with decal kits that include Little Mermaid, Sponge Bob, Cars and other children’s favorites. Check out this video link to see how it works.

photo courtesy: MTI

GIFTS FOR “BEST FRIENDS”

The furry little ones in your life deserve gifts that pamper, too! The Jentle Pet Spa from MTI is sure to please both pet and master.   

photo courtesy: Wet Style

THE ULTIMATE SURPRISE

If you really want to go all out with a “wow” holiday gift, why not give a gift certificate in the denomination of your choice to Designer Bath good for “The Spa Bathroom of Your Dreams.” 

THE GIFT OF RELAXATION

Essential Care Bath Products from Bain Ultra make great “thank you” gifts for teachers and service providers. Pick up a few for yourself if you are in need of a little pre-holiday decompressing!

And if you have a professional contractor that you would like to thank this holiday season, consider a gift certificate to Salem Plumbing Supply which is located on the right hand side of our showroom and also in Gloucester on Maplewood Avenue. At our trade counter you can find a wide variety of plumbing supplies, tools and even some last minute stocking stuffers ...

A petite – but powerful – flashlight 

15-in-1 screwdriver from Megapro

WorkGrade Suede Gloves from HandMaster

GOOD GIVING

We are currently collecting gift items for the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation at Designer Bath. If you are in the area, we welcome you to bring in a new, unwrapped toy to donate to this worthy cause this holiday season.

Good luck with your holiday shopping! Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-649-BATH if you need any more ideas for gifts that sparkle. Our showroom associates are here to help and they always have great ideas year round.