What exactly is Universal Design?

Leo Chantre, Lisa Bonneville, Mark Doughty and Jason Sevinor

photo credit: Jessica Delaney

Our ability to navigate comfortably through our homes on a daily basis was the topic of discussion at a Design New England Design Salon that we hosted earlier this month in our Beverly showroom. Three guest speakers – Lisa Bonneville of Bonneville Design, Leo Chantre of Stone Projects, and Mark Doughty of Thoughtforms – joined us to share what they know about designing a home with accessibility in mind.

While some think of Universal Design as preparation for Aging in Place, the real plus side of planning ahead for possible limited mobility is that spaces designed with universally accessible features actually benefit a variety of ages and abilities. From the very young to the elderly, to those with temporary or long-term physical challenges, the principles of universal design improve quality of life by creating environments that are safe and comfortable. For those who want to remain in their homes as long as possible, preparing ahead may actually save money in the long term, by avoiding the expense of having to move into an assisted living facility.

photo credit: Jessica Delaney

We asked designer Lisa Bonneville to share the story behind her award-winning master bath that featured universal design products from our showroom. Lisa is the author of The Safe Home, and is an expert on creating lifelong interiors. Lisa explained how there are many thoughtful options available today for universally designed spaces. Gone are the days of commercial looking grab bars and sterile environments. Homeowners can age safely and comfortably in their homes and still satisfy their design sensibilities.

Bonneville Design // photo credits: Eric Roth

Universal design considerations mentioned by our speakers:

•

prevent falls and slips with flush

entries and adequate lighting

•

install wood paneling behind drywall

for future grab bar installation

•

install curbless entry in shower and plan

for room for caretaker in the bath 

•

touchless faucets and toilets with self-care features

provide independence in the bath

•

non-porous countertops require least maintenance

while being extremely hygenic

•

non-glare surfaces and layered light options

are helpful for the vision impaired

•

include multiple surface heights to accommodate

a variety of ages and heights

•

provide accessible storage via

roll out shelves and drawers

•

plan for single level living (full bath on ground floor)

when hoping to age in place 

•

incorporate exterior views and natural light into the home to be enjoyed by those who spend large stretches of time indoors

photo courtesy: Thoughtforms

photo credit: Jessica Delaney

We had a full house for this event, and a number of people with physical challenges who rely everyday on accessibility through universal design were in the crowd and generously shared their unique points of view.

We thoroughly enjoyed presenting this very important topic for discussion and are always happy to assist our customers in discovering the best fixtures and accessories for a safe, efficient, and beautiful bath. 

To view additional photos taken during our Design Salon event, please visit our facebook page.

Timothy Hopkins Catering // photo credit: Jessica Delaney

Floral arrangements by Laura Thomson Design

photo credit: Jessica Delaney

Event sponsored by Design New England 

   

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.

Designer Bath orange ...

Kallista // Northshore Magazine, May/June 2013

Have you seen any of our recent ads? When deciding which photographs to feature, I have to admit that the product images that have pops of orange always get my attention. Combined with shades of gray and we are in business!

Zucchetti Jingle lav faucet // Boston Globe Magazine

Style Issue, Spring 2013 

Brizo pot filler // Boston Home Magazine, Spring 2013

Some images are chosen because they are fun ...

Grohe “Singing in the Shower” Guy // Design New England, March/April 2013

Or because they are gorgeous ...

Kallista // New England Home Magazine, March/April 2013

Sometimes the pictures help our customers imagine how their baths could look ...

Runtal towel warmer // Boston Globe Magazine, April 21, 2013

(Print and save! Coupon valid through April 30th!)

And some images are chosen to get attention ...

Have you seen this guy on TV lately? Channel 5? HGTV? Bravo?

Seriously, who can resist a cute little puppy? If you prefer adorable babies, we have one of those, too, in our new TV spot. Check it out here. We all love to share pretty pictures (follow us on Pinterest to see more), but at Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply we also love water, and we care about how our customers experience water on a daily basis.

Hansgrohe faucets // Boston.com

The products in our showroom are chosen because we can stand with confidence behind their excellent quality. Some say it’s the little things in life that really matter, and we agree. Paying attention to detail, providing the best possible customer service, and offering beautifully manufactured products that are a pleasure to use. Morning, noon, and night. 

Next time you visit our showroom, let us know where you have seen us. We would love to get some feedback on whether our “pops of orange” campaign is getting your attention!

The chosen one ...

We love sharing our beautiful products with others, especially the media! When Courtney Kasianowicz from Design New England magazine called to borrow a sink from our showroom collection to photograph for an upcoming kitchen and bath issue, we were more than happy to say yes! When she stopped by our Beverly showroom in December, she was inspired to take with her not just one but three vessel sinks that she and art director Jenna Talbot thought were magazine-worthy. 

Stone Forest Zen Sink in Golden Bronze

RA Magnus Large Oval Tilted Vessel in Beige Travertine

Native Trails Petit Maestro in hammered copper

photographed by Joel Benjamin

We can tell the team enjoyed showing off the gorgeous natural finishes and staging these beauties for their Selections story.

“Truth be told, it was a challenge for us to choose just one sink to feature ... we experimented with three stunning vessel varieties, pairing them with beach stones and forest moss ... a nod to all the beautiful natural materials we are seeing in today’s hottest bathroom designs.”

– Design New England, January/February 2013 p.46

Come by and see them for yourself! Act quick, and you could take home this one, a travertine lovely from RA Magnus, at a specially reduced showroom sale price of just $299 (yes, it is the actual one photographed for Design New England).

The Selections article also features several vanity vignettes by New England based interior designers. As one states, “A beautiful sink makes all the difference.” Read the article here.

Thanks, Design New England, for including us!

cover photograph by Trent Bell 

{Read the entire January/February issue of Design New England here}

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.