Enter to win a Home Makeover!

If you could makeover one room in your home FOR FREE, which one would you choose? Would you pick out fresh new furniture with a cool Dhurrie carpet for your living room, a unique and sparkly chandelier for your dining area, or new tiles and modern fixtures to update your bath or kitchen? What if you couldn’t decide which room to fix up first? Register to be a part of our Passport to Design sweepstakes and you could win a $20,000 Home Makeover grand prize package to get you started in every room of your home!

Visit www.bostonmagazine.com/passport for complete sweepstakes details then visit the participating showrooms from now through March 2013 to gather design inspiration for your dream makeover!

Want even more inspiration? Each showroom will be hosting a seminar on home design that will share on-trend information that will help you make design and renovation choices with confidence. Our seminar is first on the list and is scheduled for Wednesday, November 7th from 6pm to 8pm. 

{Studs to Stunning: Remodeling Tips from the Pros}

Join us for a panel discussion featuring remodeling experts on how to create the designer bath of your dreams. Whether your desired goal is a sparkling jewel of a powder room or a spa-worthy master bath, you will learn behind the scenes tips on how to get it done on time, on budget, and with the least amount of hassle.

Guest panelists include Sally Wilson of Wilson Kelsey Design, Gary Moffie of The Remodeling Company, Mark Rohl of ROHL, and moderator Mary Beth Haggerty, ASID President and principal designer with The Drawing Room Interior Design.

Reserve your seat now! Email marketing@designerbath.com

{Passport to Design Kickoff Party}

Thursday night from 6 to 8pm on October 25th is the kickoff party for the Passport to Design program at the Boston location of Landry and Arcari. Register now then join us for food, drink, design inspiration, and to pick up your own Passport that includes information on the upcoming design seminars. Representatives from Designer Bath, Circle Furniture, Landry and Arcari, Lucia Lighting and Tile by Design will all be there. Come pick up your Passport to Design!

Getting to know Zucchetti

In late September, we hosted a fun and informative presentation in our showroom with the Italian luxury brand Zucchetti, to introduce their lastest design styles, Jingle and Savoy, to the design community.

View the entire JINGLE collection on the Zucchetti website

photo courtesy: Zucchetti 

About JINGLE:

“Harmonious proportions and an utterly contemporary look make JINGLE a sober and elegant product for a sophisticated public that appreciates quality and practicality yet is in touch with the latest design trends and recognizes beauty at a glance.”

– Ludovica + Roberto Palomba, designers of Jingle for Zucchetti

The Savoy collection from Zucchetti

About Savoy:

“Classic versus contemporary is the spirit of this new collection, devised primarily for the world of contract, hotels and refined design-rich architecture. Savoy is an extremely versatile product that adapts perfectly to the style of a traditional hotel, in a modern-day elegant equilibrium. Strong point of the collection is the exclusive customisation it offers: colours, finishes and logos can be combined for a wide range of variants. Its finishes and decorative solutions for handles and covers give very different aesthetic results: design-oriented and minimal in matt black and white; classic but original, in chrome teamed with top surfaces in burgundy, ocean blue or bottle green, refined and elegant, in total chrome or platinum. Unique and bespoke.” – Zucchetti website

The Morphing collection from Zucchetti on display at Designer Bath

We have had Zucchetti fixtures on display in our Beverly showroom since early this year. In our entryway, the black and white Zucchetti Morphing freestanding tub stands out as a modern interpretation of the classic clawfoot tub. The exterior of this version can also be specified in red or white, and the interior has a unique matte finish. 

The mirror in the Morphing collection has a uniquely modern design.

Seminar guests took time to explore our showroom. A number of Zucchetti reps were available to answer questions about the brand. Designers who had experience specifying Zucchetti for client projects commented on how smoothly the installation process went and how beautiful the end results were.

Zucchetti reps Jon Cunningham and Patrick Shea

Representing Zucchetti: Chris Penna, Franco Platini (our guest

speaker from Italy), and Jon Cunningham

Export Manager Franco Platini shared the history and timeline of the Zucchetti brand. They have been manufacturing technically outstanding products reknown for their poetic influences since 1998. Franco attributes Zucchetti’s success in America with the company’s commitment to delivering the luxury of a European product that is able to meet the high expectations of the American consumer who appreciates the value of fine design.

 Zucchetti Kos Geo 180 freestanding bathtub 

Zucchetti offers an outdoor collection that provides elegant and comfortable well-being options to grace a home’s exterior.

Below are a handful of photos from the event.

To see more, visit our facebook page.

Janet Marena of JTM Interiors, Laura Winn of Constructed Designs,

and Kathy Marshall of K. Marshall Design discuss current projects.

Visit Janet’s Guest Bath at the Junior League of Boston Show House 2012

Guests enjoyed Prosecco cocktails, antipasto, plus

a hearty mashed potato bar by Vinwood Caterers

Designer Andie Day with Todd and Sydney Vendituoli

Desserts by Cakes for Occasions

Designer Bath consultant Beezee Honan with
Shendel Bakal of Monaco Johnson Group

Autumn arrangements created by Laura Thomson Design

Mindy Sevinor-Feinberg with Junior League of Boston

Show House 2012 designer Janet Marena and Jason Sevinor

image courtesy: Zucchetti

If you are considering including Zucchetti in your next design project, contact us to set up an appointment. Our showroom consultants would be happy to help get you started.

Junior League Showhouse 2012

photo courtesy: Junior League of Boston

The Junior League of Boston Show House returns this fall after a six year hiatus, working its makeover magic on the historic Potter Estate located in Newton, Massachusetts. The show will open its doors to the public on October 16th and run through November 18th. There will be over 36 decorated spaces to enjoy in this 1860’s Victorian mansion and the list of participating designers is quite impressive.

We are honored to be a part of this highly anticipated event, with fixtures from our Beverly showroom being featured in “The Guest Bath” designed by Janet Marena of JTM Interiors.

We asked Janet to share thoughts on her work in progress ...

Janet Marena of JTM Interiors 

It can be a little overwhelming to walk through an old, empty house, looking at each of the spaces trying to decide which one you want to design and decorate. This is especially true when other designers are in the room you’re standing in – with their notebooks and measuring tapes – trying to decide if they want to decorate the same room!

“Before” photo credit: Janet Marena

While touring the three floors of the empty soon-to-be Show House I was drawn to a few spaces and the Guest Bath was one of them. The room, with its stained-glass windows and beautiful tile work, made me smile as I walked through it. So I pulled out my camera and my measuring tape ...

The first visual to ‘pop’ into my head when I was in the room was of a tropical plant.

Rendering of The Guest Bath designed by JTM Interiors by Erin E. Evans

“Before” photo credit: Janet Marena

The good news is the beautiful antique tile work and stained glass windows are beautiful, however, the tiles are in need of cleaning and in no way can they be removed. They were installed about 100 years ago using cement to grout them. They will be restored by the professional tile and stone refinishers at Boston Stone Restoration.

Duravit X-Large Vanity

The first step was for me to find my bathroom ‘furniture’ so I called Jason Sevinor and asked him if Designer Bath wanted to help me furnish the room. I sent Jason my before photos of the space and then we scheduled a telephone conversation for one week later. In the meantime, I worked to find ‘complements’ to the room’s primary features. Again, a visual popped into my head after ruminating for a while. The visual was of clean, sleek bathroom fixtures. I did not want to go the ‘skirt the sink’ route with vintage fixtures. Why do that when there are so many more elegant choices?

During our phone conversation, I explained to Jason my vision. We set up a time to meet in the showroom. I walked in with a Duravit advertisement pulled out of a magazine and Jason showed me the same wall-hung cabinet in his showroom. Yeah, we were both on the same page! We then went on to choose some sexy and sophisticated Hansa faucet and bathtub fillers. And, no, the bathtub filler does not have a gooseneck as one would expect!

Next I needed to invite a plumber to review the room with me and determine the options for removing and replacing the sink and toilet. The bathtub will remain, and Porcelain Patch and Glaze Co. will resurface it for me. I worked with Tom McGovern of Holmes Plumbing, and along with being extremely knowledgeable, he was sooo easy to work with. After a few meetings with Jason present, we determined that the Duravit wall-hung cabinet we fell in love with could actually be installed! It worked out well since the water lines were in the floor, so logistically, a floor vanity would not have worked in this space.

Stay tuned for more Show House updates from Janet.
For ticket information, click 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.