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 month’s 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 won’t 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.

Is it time for a makeover?

Fresh for spring: Stone Forest Salus Potting Sink on display at our Beverly showroom.

Could your home use some sprucing up this spring? How would you like to choose something shiny and new for the rooms that need it most? Well now is your chance! This is the very LAST week to enter to win a $20,000 Home Makeover from Boston Magazine’s Passport to Design program featuring Designer Bath, Circle Furniture, Landry & Arcari Oriental Rugs & Carpeting, Lucia Lighting & Design, and Tile by Design. Originally scheduled for March 7th, this event has been postponed to March 14th due to yet another winter storm (which means more time to enter to win!)

Showroom picks curated by Kristina Crestin Design.

On March 14th, the final seminar in the Passport series will be held at Landry & Arcari in Salem MA from 6 to 8pm. Jerry Arcari will present the rage in rugs, sharing his tips on how to lay a stylish foundation in order to build a beautiful room that you love coming home to. Click here for more information on registering. Join us for refreshments, and turn in your passport after the event if you already have one. The winner will be notified after this event.

What would you do with $20,000 worth of showroom gift certificates? Would you tackle your kitchen or bath? Would you work on a master bedroom? Design the family room of your dreams? The choice is yours, but you have to enter to win!

Ikat rug from Landry & Arcari featured on Roost design blog.

Visit Boston Magazine for more information on how to register for the Passport to Design Seminar and Sweepstakes. Click here for a review of the other four seminars in the series. 

Good luck!

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}

In the showroom with Mindy

Mindy Sevinor-Feinberg

Mindy’s grandfather, William Sevinor, opened the doors to Salem Plumbing Supply over 65 years ago. Today, she is an important member of the Designer Bath showroom consulting team (although she certainly grew up “in the business” with dad, Ralph, at the helm since she was a little one).

For the past few years, Mindy has applied her former skills as an elementary school teacher (she is extremely organized and explains complicated subject matter with ease) to help her customers make design decisions. I decided it was time to give Mindy a pop quiz ...

photo courtesy: Fairmont Designs

Shaker Style Open Shelf Vanity in Polar White

What are customers looking for today?

Customers seem to be asking for more transitional products in terms of style. I believe I am selling more vanities lately and customers often care for a furniture style look over the cabinet look. I think a great example of this is the Fairmont Designs Shaker Style Open Shelf Vanity.

The Hansa Cuisine Sink Mixer with ECO Control Cartridge

What are some brands that customers are taking home from the showroom lately?


IN THE KITCHEN: 

For kitchen faucets people seem to really appreciate the eco-feature that Hansa offers with the ECO Control Cartridge.

 Altmans on display at Designer Bath

FOR THE BATH: Altmans. Even though we have only had them for a short time, it appears there is something for everyone.

One of Mindy’s favorites from our showroom:

Bordeaux Vanity Marble Console from Stone Forest

What are some of your showroom favorites?

Bourdeaux Vanity Console by Stone Forest. I love the classic look that will never go out of style, plus it offers a large bowl that gives you plenty of function. People love it!

MTI also is picking up steam in terms of many great free standing tub styles and beautiful shower bases.

photo courtesy: Dornbracht

IMO Shower series

Dornbracht’s IMO shower series is really sleek looking, too.

photo courtesy: Robern

What is one of your favorite new items in the showroom and what do you like about it?


The Robern wall mount. I love that this is a great modern way to offer storage, it provides a receptacle plug, and the unit can be recessed. Aren’t we always looking for more storage? I have one in my home and I love it. It even comes with an optional 7" diameter magnifying mirror that can be attached to the inside of the door, which is very handy when applying make-up and for personal grooming.   

Julien Classic Collection Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

The other item I love is the Julien kitchen sink with the offset drain. Customers love that it offers a larger work surface area with the right adjusted drain while offering more storage underneath the sink as your p trap/disposal is out of the way.

How do you help customers make decisions when there is so much to choose from?

I try to simplify the process as much as possible by breaking it down by room and stages for lack of a better word  (i.e. items that take up the most square footage – tubs, vanities, etc. first – fixtures after I get an idea for style and budget). I use my knowledge to guide them, keep the process simple and efficient, and help them to make the best decisions that suit their needs. Even though there are tons of choices, if we break it down to a tub, vanity, faucet, etc. it’s easy to lead them in the right direction after listening to their needs and desires.

How do you help customers work within a budget?

I try to provide a good, better, best option in terms of pricing. I also give them information as to why one product may be more then another and what benefits they would get. Typically there is a reason why one product is more expensive then another beyond design. By giving them the benefits it helps them to decide if that is value added. 

What do you like most about your position?

Working with wonderful clients that share a piece of their lives with us, as well as having the opportunity to work with my family (dad Ralph, brother Jason, and aunt Dale).

Mindy, Lyla and Jared 

When not in the showroom, Mindy enjoys time with her husband, Jared, and their young daughter, Lyla. She loves to travel and volunteers internationally. Mindy is a fan of online decorating resource sites Houzz and Pinterest. Stop by and say hello to her the next time you visit Designer Bath, or set up an appointment to go over the details of your next project.

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.