There are few things more luxurious for a bathroom than a freestanding tub and there are a few good reasons for that. They usually require a different type of plumbing than a normal tub, which can make them challenging to install in a retro-fit or renovation situation. They are a better choice for when you are designing a room from scratch. I also think they look much better when you have the luxury of a lot of space – all the better to show off the tub’s elegant shape. Why bother to install one in a tight space? But if you can make it work in your space they really make the perfect focal point for your bathroom.
If you are looking to give your space a dose of style- whether you are splashing out or on a budget – drop me a line. Check out my Hire Me! page for more details.
Ultra-chic plumbing fixture company Brizo has been a partner of fashion designer Jason Wu since 2006. Wu was a finalist in the CFDA/Vogue fashion fund and was also the designer of Michelle Obama’s Inauguration Ball gown. Brizo sponsors Wu’s runway shows during New York Fashion Week and every season sponsors some very lucky design bloggers to attend both the shows and a sort of Brizo/design bootcamp. (Dear Brizo – *ahem* Pick me next!)
The next natural step for this collaboration was for Wu to actually design a few fixtures himself. When I first saw these last week, I actually gasped out loud. Let’s face it – plumbing fixtures can sometimes be strictly utilitarian. Many are plain old boring and many of those that have been designed to appeal to the masses come off rather poorly, in either form or function. While I have yet to see these pretties in person (they officially launch next spring), I have no doubt that they are as functional as they are beautiful. Now I just need that perfect edgy client to spec them for.
The star of the collection is the Odin faucet. It is a limited edition – only 1,000 pieces are being created, which is sure to mean they will sell out in the blink of an eye. The faucet is equipped with SmartTouchPlus™ Technology, which means you start and stop the water flow by merely touching the faucet at any point. The Odin is currently available for pre-order and those that do will also recieve a signed and hand numbered illustration by Wu, along with a Jason Wu for Brizo keychain. (The keychain seems oddly superfluous but the illustration would be obviously be fantastic in a custom frame in your elegant new powder room.)
The fixtures are all available in your choice of matte black with chrome or brushed nickel. EDITED TO ADD: I was just informed by Brizo that the faucet was designed by the Brizo team, not by Jason Wu himself. Also, while 1,000 Odins are available for pre-order the faucet will be widely stocked come next spring. Thanks for the info Brizo!
If you are looking to give your space a dose of style- whether you are splashing out or on a budget – drop me a line. Check out my Hire Me! page for more details.
Today I’m starting a new feature here at Callooh Callay. I’ve totally fallen head over heels for Pinterest lately and I’ve been busily pinning away for the last few weeks. It’s so much fun and so easy to use! It took me awhile to really get into it but I can now readily admit that I am totally addicted. It’s such a great way to catalogue all the wonderful things I come across from all you amazing bloggers out there. And so I thought it would be great to share some of my recent pins with you on a regular basis. Away we go!
Who doesn’t love to share a few beautiful photos? If you want to follow me or any of my boards I’m over there under designizen.
If you are looking to give your space a dose of style- whether you are splashing out or on a budget – drop me a line. Check out my Hire Me! page for more details.
Ok, so I shared my dream kitchen with you all a few weeks ago. But, as I mentioned that is not the only thing on my mind! I also have big (and so far only imaginary) plans for my existing bathroom (so when I say dream bathroom I don’t mean from-scratch /sky’s-the-limit! I am working within some parameters, which designers have to do nearly 100% of the time).
As you can see, my bathroom is tiny! Since I am in an apartment building, I will keep all fixtures in their existing positions. This will also save on costs.
I want the bathroom tie into the rest of the space so I went with a very neutral palette in here as well: lots of whites and greys and with glam touches of chrome. I want this to be equal parts industrial and glam.
1 – Countertop: Caesarstone Pebble (honed finish, 1 1/2 thick with a square edge)
2 – Floor tile: Grey Feel Series Grey 12×24 unglazed porcelain by Ames pattern: off-set
3 – Tub tile surround: White Gloss wall 12×24 by Ames Tile pattern: off-set
4 -Accent tile (one vertical 4″ stripe): Teal glass, Grey glass & Bianco Carrerra mosaic by Olympia Tile
Not pictured:
No backsplash required for vanity
In floor heating: Nuheat
5 – Cabinets: Abstrakt high-gloss white by Ikea
6 – Sink: Box rectangle countertop basin byBlu Bathworks
7 – Sink faucet: Pure single-hole raised basin mixer in chrome by Blu Bathworks
8 – Tub faucet & shower head: Trevi Cross Tempassure Thermostatic Tub and Shower in chrome by Brizo
Not pictured:
Toilet, tub & glass shower enclosure existing
9 – Medicine Cabinet: Zenith frameless white resin at Rona
10 – Lighting: Archcrest bath bar by Minka-Lavery at Lumens
11 – Towel Bar: Stillness 24″ by Kohler
12 – Tissue Holder: Stillness vertical by Kohler
13 – Robe hook: Stillness by Kohler
13 – Robe hook: Stillness by Kohler
14 – Towels: Grey bamboo from Nood
15 – Bath mat: White bubble from Nood
16 – Print: Abstract by Jennifer Sanches 20×200
So what do you think? I think sometimes these boards don’t translate to the internet very well! My love of whites and greys makes things difficult to read off the screen. Any comments or suggestions are welcome!
On that note, if you think that this is “all” that you would get from a hiring a designer think again. This plan is far from completion. There are many missing items from these boards (for example: paint colours, types of mouldings, grout colours, picture frame style, door handles etc.). These are the details that go into a full spec package that a designer will take care of for you! It just goes to show how much planning goes into a very small space. Also remember that if fixtures, walls or electrical are being moved things get even more complicated! And then you need permits and contractors, to make sure things are ordered well before construction starts. It is a constant juggling game but lucky for me I love it.
If you are looking to give your space a dose of fabulosity – whether you are splashing out or on a budget – drop me a line. Check out my Hire Me! page for more details.
Bathroom lighting is often a tricky subject for a designer. You want something that’s functional, chic and easy to clean. I often think that there is not enough available on the market (like with medicine cabinets – but that is a story for another day). With all the interesting lighting available for the rest of the home, I find this a weird discrepancy. (Hello manufacturers? Help a girl out!) So I did some digging and came up with six easy pieces that have some pizazz.
1 – So you want a simple sconce that is not too big or too small, with a glass shade (no fabric ones in the bath please!). This one from the Flat Stock collection at West Elm is perfect. ($69)
2 – A nice bath bar works well with both classic and contemporary settings. A good example is this one by George Kovacs. Two of these mounted vertically around your mirror will give you the best type of illumination. ($130)
3 – The Visor wall sconce is ultra modern take on the bath bar in a shiny chrome finish. It’s curved shape provides some interest.
4 – For something a bit more glam, try this crystal sconce with a mirror back, to further reflect the light. This one is high drama. It’s just screaming for wallpapered walls to match. Great price point too! ($89.99)
5 - Feeling the need for something a little different? This Kelly Wearstler-esque Bangle Bath Bar in gold will give your powder room an instant focal point. ($626)
6 - I love a marine-inspired element in a bath – so simple and clean! The Maritme Caged Sconce from Restoration Hardware works nicely. It’s available in 4 finishes – the oil rubbed bronze is especially awesome ($199).
On a final note, it’s the combination of a great vanity light with some other lighting that really makes your bathroom come to life. Recessed lighting does a great job in this room, and don’t forget that you can get shower-safe lenses for your shower or tub area. While pendant lights are not allowed by electrical code in most areas, you can still play around with this idea. I love this non-functional light in this bath by my favorite reality TV family the Novogratzes:
If you are looking to give your space a dose of fabulosity – whether you are splashing out or on a budget – drop me a line at jennifer (dot) e (dot) stevens (at) gmail (dot) com. Check out my Hire Me! page for more details.
