New Year, New Showroom!

We like make-overs just as much as our customers do! Lately, we have been displaying some new items in our showroom to change the scenery a little bit. We have always had a great selection of wall sconces for the bath on display, but did you know that we also can order pendant lights for over your kitchen islands? And dramatic chandeliers for your bathrooms and living spaces?

We love this bubble inspired orb from Hudson Valley that we recently installed over a new-to-the-showroom soaking tub. The silver finish on the outside of the tub is sleek and elegant. Beneath it, we are planning to add an equally luxe carpet from Landry and Arcari.

Here is one that we are considering:

We also have some new recessed mirror cabinets on display. Typically our mirrors are shown with mirror side kit options even though they can be installed as recessed. We are now hoping to create more vignettes in the showroom with the mirrors built-in as you would expect to see them in your home. This particular brand also has some gorgeous Venetian mirrors in their collection, so just ask if you are leaning towards this type of design style.

Traditional cut glass and etched Venetian Mirror

If you follow us on Instagram, you will often see showroom updates as they happen. Last week we added a head/back rest accessory to our WetStyle display. When you just don’t want to get out of the tub, this piece will truly enhance the relaxation experience! The wall mount cube system provides additional storage options within arm’s reach. We also put one of their shower bench options in the showroom. It’s a great piece to add to a shower or freestanding within the bath room.

cube shower bench from WetStyle

Often times we are able to introduce exclusive pieces in our showroom, like this “Thatcher” bath vanity with copper basin. Besides experiencing in real life the latest design trends in kitchens and baths, another benefit of shopping in our showroom is our pricing labels. We have been working diligently to price all of our vignettes and fixtures so that our customers can quickly determine which pieces will be at the top of their project wish list. Some pieces are marked as take home today (gray tags) while others are special order (orange tags). All of our experienced and knowledgeable sales consultants can help you discover how to best accomplish your goals in your desired time frame and within your budget range.

Set up an appointment to discuss your project in depth, or feel free to stop by to browse while checking out what’s new at Designer Bath.

Radiant Orchid in the Bath

via Design Vignettes on Polyvore

A classic gray and white bath is the perfect counter point to an infusion of the warm and vibrant Pantone color of the year, Radiant Orchid. Layering in colors like deep amethyst and soft pink – close to orchid on the color wheel – is a great way to add depth to a design that features this stylish hue.

“An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

– Leatrice Eiseman of Pantone Institute

The Amalfi freestanding slipper tub from Victoria + Albert

If I had to choose the perfect soaking tub to coordinate with an orchid color scheme, it would have to be this freestanding slipper tub from Victoria + Albert. Its sides are almost petal-like creating a more feminine-looking form than most soakers.

Pantone Reveals the Color of the Year 2014

While last year we enjoyed Emerald Green in our fashions and furnishings, in 2014 we have lots of Radiant Orchid coming down the runways and into our homes. Including orchid in our wardrobes may not require much of a commitment, however when considering dressing the bath it is best to stick with touches of these on-trend colors. 

Modern Silk Rug from Landry and Arcari

This silk rug from Landry and Arcari would suit a dressing room just outside of a full bath. The soft fibers underfoot would be a luxurious way to start or end any day. And it has just enough interest in its pattern from other colors like charcoal gray and acid green to keep it from being too pre-teen purple.

Iridescent glass tile from Walker Zanger

Likewise, a glass tile that features just a shimmer of Radiant Orchid would be a look that one could live with even after another color of the year is selected.

Will you be adding Radiant Orchid to your home this year?

4 Tips for a Better Showroom

Ken Rohl, Mindy Sevinor-Feinberg, Brad Clore, and Kaye Powell
at the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association conference

photo courtesy: DPHA

1. SEEK INSPIRATION

“At Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply, one of our primary goals each year is to attend the major kitchen and bath association shows. Recently we attended the DPHA (Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association) conference in Chandler, Arizona. These annual meetings create an opportunity to touch and feel the newest and unequaled products from leading manufacturers.”

– Ralph Sevinor, Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply

Below are some of the newly introduced products on display at the DPHA showcase. You just may see some of them in our own showroom in the near future ...

 ROHL Shaws Waterside Fireclay Sink with bowed front: an
elegant alternative to the timeless farmhouse apron front sink

Victoria +Albert Drayton: a traditional tub with a modern vibe

Victoria + Albert Staffordshire Collection:

Victorian style vessels with coordinating faucet levers

Modern legs on a vanity console designed for small spaces

2. SHARE INFORMATION 

Being a member of the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association has been very valuable for us as a family-owned business in the decorative plumbing category. The mission of the DPHA is to help its members create the best showroom experience for all, paired with the most innovative products on the market. Their goal is to educate their professional members while offering “guidelines for consumers to make better and well-informed purchasing decisions.”

Panel discussion with Mindy Sevinor-Feinberg at the

Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association conference

During the DPHA conference, Mindy spoke on a panel that discussed “Best Showroom Practices.” As a young mom and homeowner, she has become quite a fan of Houzz, Pinterest and Instagram. She has also discovered that these platforms help her in the showroom as well. 

“Houzz, Pinterest and Instagram are great tools that help to shorten the sales cycle and enable us to service clients at a higher level. Immediately the client is able to paint us a picture of exactly what they are trying to achieve. Pictures are worth a thousand words!”

– Mindy Sevinor-Feinberg, showroom consultant at Designer Bath

At a recent Houzz presentation held at the Boston Design Center:

Kristina Crestin with her mom, Mindy Sevinor-Feinberg, Jason Sevinor

photo credit: Jessica Delaney

follow us on Houzz

Check out our idea books on Houzz where we feature local designers work along with many quality brands from our showroom. If you have done a project with us and have photos on Houzz, let us know so that we can add you to our idea books.

follow us on Pinterest

It is hard not to love Pinterest for instant inspiration and idea gathering! Our boards are a mix of our favorite brands and some fun looks at bath and kitchen design.

follow us on Instagram

We have just started to use Instagram as @DesignerBath. We would love to see your favorite products from our showroom. Post a picture next time you visit us!

3. OFFER SOMETHING NEW

“The DPHA conference was a time to explore opportunities for our business. I walked away energized about all the future possibilities. As a result of the conference, we’ll be adding a brand new faucet line to our offerings and expanding on several of our existing lines. I’m confident each will be a huge hit with our customers. Our industry is moving faster than ever. It’s critical decorative showrooms keep up with trends and all the innovation this great industry has to offer. DPHA helps us do that so we can offer our customers the very best.”      

– Jason Sevinor, President Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply

Jason and Ralph Sevinor of Designer Bath

4. ASK QUESTIONS

Are there any decorative plumbing products that you would like to see in our showroom? Please comment and let us know!

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.

Bath Therapy

photo courtesy: MTI Baths

This past week, three of our showroom consultants were hosted for several days by MTI Baths near Atlanta. MTI is well known for its high quality, made in America, custom bath products that range from soaking tubs to air baths to shower bases and more. While MTI has spent decades focusing on the creation of innovative products of the very best quality, they should also be recognized for their company-wide commitment to expressing gratitude. “We have made a careful study of happiness and have found that being thankful is just about the best way to attain contentment,” their CEO, Katherine Adams, states on their website. They sincerely appreciate their customers and take great strides to take care of their needs and overall satisfaction. This is one of the main reasons we offer this like-minded brand in our showroom.


The Japanese soaking tub pictured in the photo above was in one of the guest rooms at the lodging where our consultants stayed while in Atlanta. There is no doubt that this is luxurious. But besides being beautiful and inviting, it is important to note that an escape to the quiet solitude of a warm bath (no matter what size tub it is) can also lift the human spirit, providing serenity and “a haven to renew and refresh the body and mind. Air bath therapy produces the effect of well-being throughout the whole body. It relaxes the muscles while stimulating the production of our natural analgesic hormones know as endorphins.”

– A Salute to Japanese Bathing, MTI website


While some might rely on multiple shower jets to wash away their cares of the day, there are times when a long, quiet soak in a warm bath can soothe the nerves and perhaps provide a bit of momentary comfort and peace. Go ahead, take a time out. You certainly deserve it.

This post is dedicated to first responders, samaritans, medical professionals, civic leaders and law enforcement agents in and around the city of Boston. We thank you.

Find true love on Pinterest

Are you on Pinterest? If you are considering a home remodel project for 2013, this is a great site to use as a way to discover what you really love. Besides being able to follow the boards of interior designers, shelter magazines, style curators and home decor businesses, Pinterest allows you to easily save and categorize the design images and ideas that appeal to you most. After pinning photos of glass tiles and soaking tubs over and over again to your inspiration boards, you can be pretty confident that incorporating both in your next project will create a look you could live with for years to come.

By sourcing design ideas online, you will be able to quickly identify the look and feel of your dream bath. Whether you covet a glamorous and sleek modern bath, or a simple and relaxed space suggestive of country charm, your boards will visually help you to narrow down your bath must-haves.

Once you have a good idea of what you love, set up an appointment with one of our design consultants. Before you even come into the showroom, you can request that the consultant check out your likes on Pinterest so that you are both on the same page. It’s a great way to quickly get started in the right direction towards achieving your personal version of a what a designer bath should look like. 

We are big fans of Pinterest and have started a number of boards that feature our favorite looks for the bath and kitchen. We also have a shared board with our local Passport to Design partners. Check it out to see what is new and on trend in our showrooms. And if you have designed a bath featuring fixtures from our showroom, tag your images with #mydesignerbath. We’d love to see them! 

{all images via Designer Bath on Pinterest}

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!