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!

5 Reasons to Love Loo ...

1. Loo is always there for you. 

2. Loo respects your privacy. 

3. Loo does not judge.

4. Loo inspires a feeling of lightness and well-being.

5. What happens in the Loo, stays in the Loo.

Blog author disclaimer: OK, technically #5 does not really happen, since modern plumbing – as most of us know it – efficiently takes care of any business that is left, um, behind.

Jonathan Adler designed loo

featured in Decorate by Holly Becker

photo credit: Debbie Treloar

Can toilets be sexy?


While this may not be the most glamorous of blog posts, no one can deny that without the luxury of the loo, every day life would certainly be a lot less comfortable. And even in its most basic form, minus the extras that increase its level of let’s just say “efficiency,” a toilet is the one fixture most of us could not imagine living without.  

a tented bathroom in Zimbabwe

via mom.me

When nature calls ...

So why all this potty talk, you may ask? Well, I have been made aware that tomorrow is World Toilet Day. Why is this peculiar date on the calendar blog-worthy? Let’s put this sensitive subject in perspective ...

Have you ever gone camping in the “ wilderness” and had to rely on less then amenable facilities?


Have you ever traveled to another area or country where sanitation standards are not what you are accustomed to?


Have you ever been affected by a natural disaster that disabled your indoor plumbing?


Have you ever spent an entire day without access to a toilet? How about a lifetime?

a camouflaged commode via HGTV

Can’t live with ’em, can’t live without ’em.

If you have ever been without a toilet for a day or more, it is not difficult to understand the value in having access to this very special room of one’s own. For privacy, for dignity, for personal health and well-being.

photo via littlebluedeern.com on Pinterest

To know them is to love them.

Did you know that the invention of the toilet has actually saved more human lives than any other invention in history? Did you know that 2.5 billion people around the globe still do not have access to a toilet? And that illnesses that are a direct result of poor sanitation are the 2nd largest cause of death of children in developing countries? This is why World Toilet Day is important. Because toilets can save lives. And that’s worth talking about. The goal of World Toilet Day is to create an environment where sanitation needs can be discussed openly and honestly. By opening this taboo topic up for discussion, we can find ways to work together to make life better for others.

Celebrities get personal: what do Jessica Biel, Jason Bateman,

Josh Gad and Matt Damon really think about all this toilet talk? 

Don’t be shy, join the conversation!

Follow #WorldToiletDay  #WeCantWait and #ThankYouToilet  on twitter to learn who else gives a sh*% and what we can do about it! #CelebrateTheToilet

follow The Daily Duck on Instagram


links to above images and more on

our Royal Flush Pinterest board 

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!

Bling for your beloved ...

In our showroom: Altmans Caribe Widespread Lavatory Set

Flowers? Chocolate? Jewelry? Dinner plans? Think outside of the little velvet box and give your true love a gift that sparkles on a daily basis. From petite powder rooms to double sinked master baths, details that sparkle are certain to elicit squeals of delight. Prefer to buy your own bling? Our showroom consultants will help you select an object of affection that will suit your individual style and taste. 

Barbara Barry for Kallista // Rock Crystal Wall Sconce

RSVP Polished Chrome Lavatory Faucet

by Brizo with Swarovski Crystal Finial

Unsure? Gift cards (think large soaking tub for two or luxurious spa bath makeover) are a great way to put a bit of sparkle in the eye of the one you love.

7 sinks that will make you look good

Hammered Metal Prep Sink from Native Trails 

When company is coming, having the space to prepare and serve both food and drinks becomes number one on the holiday wish list. This is when having a separate bar or prep sink really comes in handy. A second, smaller sink will allow more than one person to have access to fresh running water without having to interrupt the family chef. It can also serve as a drink station, again keeping traffic away from the kitchen’s work triangle. Second sinks can be designed into an island, a separate counter, or even in a different room (from butler’s pantry to great room). 

Luna Bar Sink from Native Trails

Prepare for all conversation to stop and all heads to turn as this "entertainer" steals the show. Luna's half moon design creates a work space in front of the sink that is especially great for kitchen or cocktail-hour prep work. Or, when entertaining, fill it with ice and keep beverages or seafood appetizers cool and accessible for guests. 

- image and description from Native Trails website

Rio Grande from Native Trails 

The sleek design of Rio Grande creates a contemporary focal point for your bar or prep area (but with an old world feel). Beautifully made of hand-hammered copper, this creation from Native Trails is available in Antique or hand-dipped Brushed Nickel.

– image and description from Native Trails website 

photo credit: Yvonne Blacker

This elegantly appointed wet bar was recently featured as part of the Wenham Museum Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour. See more of this designer kitchen by Wilson Kelsey Design here.

See more bar faucets like this one from Perrin and Rowe

on display at the Designer Bath showroom.

Blanco Ronis Entertainment Sink

Multi-function kitchen sinks can easily make you appear to be a master chef when preparing for guests. This round stainless steel sink from Blanco has an integrated glass cutting board option as well as a set of colanders that can be placed right below the cutting board for effortless prep work.

Kallista Multiere available through Designer Bath

If you have a lot of room to work with, you might want to consider the 45 inch Multiere from Kallista. This award-winning sink is the ultimate multi-tasker with a cutlery rinsing tray, teak cutting board, colander holder, towel bar and knife sharpener all in one. View a video that shows all the bells and whistles as described by designer, Mick De Giulio. 

Elkay Mystic Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink 

with cutting board is on sale now!

Currently on display in our Beverly showroom, this multi-function kitchen sink from Elkay has been significantly reduced. Check it out on our Sale Page. It’s ready to take home today, just in time to help you prep for the holidays in style.

In Our Showroom: Barbara Barry

The Counterpoint Collection by Barbara Barry on display at Designer Bath

Many of the collections we offer at Designer Bath are created by world-class designers. Recently we added the Kallista brand to our showroom. Kallista is a fashion-forward company that focuses on distinctive elegance and classic luxury in the bath, powder room and kitchen.

Designer Barbara Barry

Their impressive roster of designers includes award-winning designer Barbara Barry who is known for her sophisticated interpretation of modern glamour paired with timeless beauty and livability. 

Barry’s Counterpoint Vanity comes with a honed marble top designed to pair with an undercounter basin. The walnut base is available with a plain door or with starburst marquetry (currently on display in our Beverly showroom.) 

A medicine cabinet adorned with Barry’s signature starburst motif is also part of this 1930’s inspired collection. Rock crystal wall sconces (see showroom photo at top of post) add the finishing touch of designer sparkle.

Barry has designed four unique collections for Kallista. Each suite is superbly crafted with a distinct nod to glamour that will add charm and grace to any modern-day bath.

Brands worth pinning ...

Whether you are planning the design of a new bath or just looking for pin-board inspiration, visit our product page and discover our collection of exclusive brands that will awaken your imagination.

To see items like these in real life, call our showroom to schedule an appointment with one of our design consultants (or schedule online) and begin the process of turning your pins into reality. 

97 River Street, Beverly MA  1.800.649.BATH