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So far Lauren Metter has created 26 blog entries.

Announcing New Outlet – Gift Ideas From Our Team — December 2024

By Lauren Metter|2024-12-17T14:10:43-05:00December 17th, 2024|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

Big news!! Our Beverly showroom is expanding to include deals & steals. Read on for more…

Hi Everyone!

The holiday chaos has arrived! Each person has the choice to embrace the reason for the season, and I choose family and joy. This month is always exceptionally busy for me as I manage our company and plan for the new year while also trying to savor special moments with family and friends. It’s great to have traditions that create structure around the significant days that mean the most to us. Some of my favorite annual traditions include shopping for gifts with my kids, enjoying the magic of the first snowfall, and skiing and sledding with my boys.

As we prepare for the coming year, I have a BIG announcement that will be revealed in January… and I’m excited to give you a sneak preview! Drumroll, please! Our Beverly showroom will be adding “AND OUTLET” to its identity and offerings. We have been working hard over the past few months to officially kick off this new brand extension. In January, we will host a GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION, so stay tuned!

Since we added our showroom in Watertown in 2017, we have been trying to highlight the differences between our two locations and how we can customize each site to accommodate specific shoppers. The “AND OUTLET” in Beverly will feature dedicated areas showcasing deeply discounted items. These may include returns, discontinued items, or displays we want to move out to make room for a fresh look. Additionally, we will offer a few lines with more value-oriented pricing for those who desire quality at a lower price point than what we have provided in the past. We hope you are as excited as we are about this initiative!

To spark your interest in our latest venture, we asked members of our Beverly team to share which products from the “OUTLET” area excite them the most and that they can’t wait to promote to customers. Instead of featuring a guest blogger this month or listing possible gifts that could be wrapped and placed under the tree (like a shiny faucet or a massaging showerhead!), we will highlight the favorites picked by our associates. However, if you want one of these items, you’ll need to come by soon—once they’re sold from the OUTLET, they’re gone!

Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy month filled with cheer.

Yours truly,
Jason

JASON’S PICK: LACAVA VANITY

Jason’s pick from the Beverly Outlet area is this gorgeous walnut vanity by Lacava. It has tons of storage and retails for $5,755, and it’s on sale now for $799 — wow! Don’t wait on enjoying a luxury vanity for less.

BEEZEE’S PICK: OMNIPRO SINGLE HANDLE FAUCET

This OmniPro kitchen faucet is both sleek and functional — a true crowd favorite. Normally running for $200-$300, it’s now on sale for $99 — what a deal! Right now we have five of them.

ANNMARIE’S PICK: NEWPORT BRASS KITCHEN FAUCET IN POLISHED NICKEL

This luxurious and stylish kitchen faucet in polished nickel would be the centerpiece of any kitchen. It lists for $1,526 and is on sale for $99. This one’s going to go quick!

SARAH’S PICK: FAIRMONT DESIGNS RIVER VIEW 48″ FARMHOUSE VANITY

We admire the warm, solid pine of this River View vanity. It brings an easy, natural look and lots of space to any bathroom. This fabulous piece retails at $5,010, and is on sale only at our Beverly outlet for $1,499. What a steal!

GEORGE’S PICK: TIMBERLINE FLUTED VANITY

This beautiful fluted walnut vanity with black hardware from Timberline just sold for $499. The normal price would’ve been $3,500. Hurry up and get here before other great deals like this are gone!

Ruhl Jahnes’ Showroom Favorites — November 2024

By Lauren Metter|2024-11-20T13:00:26-05:00November 20th, 2024|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

Siblings Jason and Mindy Sevinor always enjoy welcoming people to their showrooms.

Hello!

This is the time of year when all I want for Christmas is a few more hours of daylight!

We started the month of October with great news – we won Best of Northshore Home! In the bathroom category, we placed first with both Northshore Magazine Editors and Readers when they picked their favorite supplier of decorative plumbing fixtures. Awesome!!! The Northshore is where we began our business almost 80 years ago. It means a lot to us that year after year, our local community has picked us as the best of the best when it comes to the pretty things they need for their bathroom. Winning this award feels amazing – every time! As always, I attribute being the best to the dedication and hard work of our team. They’re the differentiator!

And then… we won BEST OF BOSTON HOME!!! We are so proud of this very prestigious designation. It is truly an honor to be chosen to be in this unique group of suppliers who go above and beyond for their customers. We are incredibly grateful to be recognized and applauded for our efforts.

Besides enjoying these fabulous achievements and accolades, we recently hosted an event for PRO NE (Professional Remodeling Organization of New England). Giving back and connecting with our professional peers is a priority. More than 100 people came to our Watertown showroom to learn more about project management from renowned speaker Tim Faller. We feel providing opportunities for people to learn more about their craft and how to succeed in business is part of our responsibility. It was a massive success! We had a great time catching up with our colleagues in the industry, made some new friends, and learned a lot. Good times!

As we approach Thanksgiving, please know how thankful I am that you allow us to serve you, to be a resource, and to continue to do what we love, creating amazing bathrooms and kitchens!

And now for this month’s featured blogger. We got to know architect Will Ruhl when we helped him with his own home many years ago. We were glad to have the chance to get to know his business partner and fellow architect, Sandra Jahnes, by inviting her to be our guest blogger. For us, one of the best things about their firm is that it is just down the street from our Watertown showroom. It’s nice to have such great neighbors!

With gratitude,
Jason

RUHL | JAHNES Architects is an award-winning firm renowned for designing warm, modern architecture for joyful living. Each project is tailored to the unique circumstances of the client and their site, and delivered with exceptional attention to detail.

As we walked through the Designer Bath Showroom, we found ourselves creating a theme amongst the items: space saving but luxurious. A lot of times in urban environments, we are required to optimize a tight spot with limited square footage. The items we picked enhance the user experience even when space is limited.

FRANZ VIEGENER EDGE CROSS WIDESPREAD LAVATORY FAUCET IN POLISHED ROSE GOLD PVD

This is a unique attention-seeking faucet by Franz Viegener. We were drawn to this piece as the ideal item to pair with a more modest vanity. We loved its crisp edges and stunning finish. It feels like a basic faucet, but every little detail is well thought out and special to the user — from how it captures reflected light in its edges to the feel of the two rectangular cross-knobs. We could use this in a powder room where you’re trying to make a statement or in a primary bath.

LACAVA ELEGANZA WALL MOUNT VANITY

We often run into situations where we are forced to work on a smaller scale, and rather than going the custom route, we’ll look for modest pieces like this LaCava vanity. It does a great job of maximizing the function of a hand sink while having sculptural flair — the curvature on the front was very attractive to us. When we opened it, the front door had an interesting storage shelf built into it, so I could imagine it being effective for powder room storage. It comes in a single or 3-hole version, so you could pair it with a faucet that really makes an impact.

DORNBRACHT SERENITY SKY+ RAIN PANEL

In general we try to stay away from too much visual clutter so the space can feel bigger and more calming. By doing that you get a Zen, resort-like feel, where you’re taking more notice of your overall environment than the specific fixtures themselves. This piece can almost be integrated into the architecture, the way it can sit flush in the ceiling. It creates a gorgeous rain head vibe. I was amazed by all of its little features – that together work to create a very luxurious shower experience.

CROSSWATER TAOS BACK TO WALL BATHTUB

We really liked the shape of the Crosswater Taos Back to Wall Bathtub — barely rectangular with these elegant radiused corners. It has a beautiful crisp finish and tapers to a gorgeous narrow edge around the lip of the tub. What appealed to us about this tub is sometimes you don’t have the space for a freestanding tub or don’t want to clean behind it; the fact that it’s anchored to the wall makes it both sculptural and functional. I could see it paired nicely with a natural stone wall. It’s a simple, stand-alone piece that would complement a lot of other design elements.

TOTO RP COMPACT WALL HUNG ELONGATED TOILET

The TOTO RP is a really reliable, go-to toilet for us. We’ve found that a large majority of our clients want wall-hung toilets. It gives you more space in front of the toilet and you also don’t have to look at the tank. It’s so much easier to clean when you don’t have to get around the base. This particular toilet we like and specify a lot because it has good technology and pairs well with bidet seats. It’s a solid base you can add on to with other things.

Robin Gannon Interiors’ Showroom Favorites — October 2024

By Lauren Metter|2024-10-15T15:22:09-04:00October 15th, 2024|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

Jason and Mindy at a recent event with designers and architects.

Hi Everyone!

Happy fall! The days are getting shorter, and the cooler air is more noticeable. Changing seasons is part of being a New Englander. It does no good to fight it and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become better at going with it. Winter is coming, but not yet! Let’s enjoy the colorful leaves, the bright sunshine, and the great sleeping weather.

I’ve been spending some time thinking about connections. We like to think we have a “relationship” approach to business, versus a “transaction” agenda. This overall philosophy impacts the way we do business. We foster a belief that if we do the right thing for a client, the bottom line will work itself out. This was a topic of discussion at a recent industry dinner I attended. Truthfully, sometimes I wonder if “doing the right thing” in business matters as much as it used to. Big business doesn’t always do the right thing, however, those companies can be incredibly profitable. I’m happy to report the people in attendance at the event said they felt it does make a difference to have empathy and to sincerely care about your employees and your customers. While we have a business that has needs too, if we do the right thing, in my experience the business needs are met. We’re going to continue to go old school. Empathy is our ride-or-die.

Recently the team at Robin Gannon Interiors paid us a visit at our Watertown Showroom. Lots of laughs were shared when discussing options for our blog. They are an upbeat group and clearly love working together. They have established a reputation as one of the top design firms in the area, with an emphasis on color and layering to create a look that resonates with their clients.

Yours,
Jason Sevinor
President

Robin Gannon Interiors is an award-winning, full-service interior design firm based in metro Boston, renowned for their use of color, pattern, and layers. Since 2009, they have been dedicated to making each home not just a place to live, but a true reflection of every client’s personality and soul.

SAMUEL HEATH FAIRFIELD FAUCET

We were attracted to the lines of this piece by Samuel Heath and the walnut accents instantly caught our eye. We don’t typically see wood on bath fixtures, so the lever detail really stood out to us. This would be a jewel piece, front and center in a powder room. With the gorgeous detailing, we would probably choose to pair it with other wood elements in the space.

STONE FOREST CALMA BATHTUB

This Stone Forest tub is such a showstopper — it was one of the first things we noticed when we walked into the showroom. We love pieces that have natural and individual qualities — pieces with a story to tell. Even if someone encounters a similar tub, it won’t be exactly the same as this one — that uniqueness stood out to us.

FRANZ VIEGENER CLASSIC WIDESPREAD FAUCET

We were captivated by the lines of this Franz Viegener faucet. We love that it blends modern and traditional styles — it would work nicely in a variety of spaces. You can feel the weight of the piece as you operate the levers — quality you can touch is a really important factor for us in selecting fittings. This would be particularly beautiful in a primary bath. It would pair well with another special piece, such as an elegant wooden vanity or an antique mirror.

CROSSWATER BELGRAVIA EXPOSED SHOWER SET IN POLISHED NICKEL

We’re huge traditionalists at heart, so exposed shower sets always speak to us. Anything where you can see the inner workings is exciting! We love a piece that harkens back to showers of yore and vintage bathrooms. This Crosswater Belgravia Exposed Shower Set deserves to be seen. Often, we try to hide shower fittings because they’re not the most attractive fixtures, but we love highlighting those jewelry moments. It becomes a feature of the shower rather than the necessity of the shower.

THE GALLEY WORKSTATION

The Galley Workstation is incredible. It’s so versatile and a great use of space within a kitchen. Everyone loves to have a nice big sink; but often, we’re remodeling older New England homes where the kitchens are tiny. Because of that, we see a lot of multipurpose items that serve as sink surfaces and washing stations. The design of The Galley Workstation optimizes the work area in an attractive manner – the sink is amazing.

S+H Construction’s Showroom Favorites — September 2024

By Lauren Metter|2024-09-09T15:33:50-04:00September 9th, 2024|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

Time with the boys. Making summer memories!

Hi Everyone!

How is the transition to fall going? I love cool mornings and warm days, but I admit to struggling a bit to appreciate the early evenings as the days get shorter.

My sons are back at school. This time of year always seems like the start of things – much more so than the beginning of the calendar on Jan 1. During my recent two-week staycation, we had lots of opportunities to connect and laugh together. For me, this makes their transition back to the structure and responsibilities of being in a classroom easier. Instead of being silly and talking about nothing and enjoying being in the moment, we are now busy and our conversations often focus on logistics and stuff that needs to get done. I’m grateful that we were able to share such valuable down time as it helps us know one another in a deeper way.

Speaking of my staycation, everyone who told me that two weeks off is dramatically different than one week was right! Going into an extended time away from the office felt like a big deal. During the first week, it was hard not to think about work. But I knew my team had everything under control. It was my time to check out. What a relief! It felt so healthy and nourishing to clear my head and enjoy the little things. I am grateful I was able to take this stretch of days to renew and revitalize my passion for our family business, my love for the outdoors, and my enjoyment of the many activities that are available in our beautiful New England region. Have you visited York’s Wild Kingdom? I have to say, my boys and I had such a blast there. It was like an amusement park with animals. And so close to home!

This month’s guest blogger, Sarah Lawson, is the owner and president of S+H Construction. She took over the business about eight years ago after working there with the founders Alex Slive and Doug Hanna for over seven years. She was introduced to the world of building by her dad and followed this interest after a short stint in the tech world. I was fascinated to learn that she is also a competitive runner and travels the world for elite races. So cool.

If you visit one of our showrooms soon, please ask the receptionist if I am available. I would be glad to come over to say hello!

Yours,
Jason Sevinor
President

Think women don’t own construction companies? Meet Sarah. She was raised in Lincoln, MA, and learned how to build things from her father, a mechanical engineer. Her first construction job was framing residential renovations in the summer during college. After 15 years as a technical writer, Sarah decided to go another way and returned to construction, working for a small builder. Not long after, she started her own small general contracting firm, and eventually, she landed at S+H Construction in 2006. Ten years later, Sarah purchased the award-winning firm and is now building on the company’s past success and paving the way for a fresh new future. Aside from owning and running S+H, Sarah is the mother of six children, as well as a grandmother of seven, a Masters Track and Field competitor, and in her spare time (what spare time?), she plays the stand-up bass.

THE GALLEY WORKSTATION

The number one reason I love The Galley Workstation? “Hide the dirty dishes.” When your friends are coming in seven minutes, and you’re chopping the crudité — you can hide the evidence. I can just imagine cutting and pushing the food right into the in-built colander. And it looks great!

FRANKE UNIVERSAL ROLLER MAT IN STAINLESS STEEL

I’m such a fan of this roller mat by Franke. I actually just got one and it’s beautiful, versatile, and compact. The stainless steel rods are perfectly manufactured and the rubber is heavy. And it’s not just one strip of rubber — it actually bumps up over all the rods — so graphically, it’s a beautiful object. You can roll it right up and store it under your sink. And then when you’re hand-washing pots, you can dry them over the sink. Makes so much sense.

SIDLER QUADRO MEDICINE CABINET

This Sidler medicine cabinet is perfect for doing your makeup because of the way the light goes around the whole thing. And it’s big and beautiful. The light is very informative and flattering. It’s incredibly well done. You don’t normally look at a medicine cabinet and say, “That’s gorgeous; it’s so simple.” But with this one, you do.

MTI JULIET FREESTANDING BATHTUB

First of all, the MTI Juliet is matte — it’s not one of those shiny tubs. It looks like it’s carved out of some beautiful stone that you’ve found on a beach in Greece. I got in it, of course. Some tubs have a sharp angle inside, but when you sit in this one, you can feel it has a smoother transition. It has the perfect amount of lean.

CALIFORNIA FAUCETS TAMALPAIS WIDESPREAD LAVATORY FAUCET IN CARBON PVD

You really notice the difference in high quality plumbing fixtures, like this piece by California Faucets. The movement, the weight, the feeling. It’s beautiful, simple, and of good quality. It looks so modern and fresh to me.

Eighty-Two Ninety-Two’s Showroom Favorites — August 2024

By Lauren Metter|2024-08-15T14:18:00-04:00August 15th, 2024|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

Woohoo! We are celebrating our company’s 79th anniversary. Feeling fortunate to keep the family tradition thriving and to move into our 80th year in business!

Hi everyone!

At the beginning of the month, Salem Plumbing Supply and Designer Bath celebrated 79 years since its inception. The weekend prior, I brought my boys into my office and Jack was looking at some old pictures – some of which were from when my dad was my age. Jack said, “Is this grampy?!” I said, “Yes it is!” It’s hard to believe we’re three generations into our business with the fourth generation picking weeds out of our landscaping at the front of our building. Business is not easy or for people who want to take the easy path. What keeps me going is getting to work with great people like our team members and our customers. Thanks for bringing us into our 80th year! Next August we’ll be celebrating a BIG ONE! 80, we’re coming for you!

One thing about being at the helm of a company is that you can feel like you are caught in the middle of a hamster wheel. You are working working working, but there is always so much more to do. While I try to preach balance as a priority to my family and colleagues, I have a tough time practicing it myself. So… for the first time ever, I am about to embark on a TWO WEEK staycation. What a luxurious concept. Two weeks away from email and voicemail and lists and responsibilities … can I do it? I know my team can manage everything while I am out of the office . They are amazing. And I know that it is important to regroup and recharge. I am trying to model what I espouse and what I know to be a best practice. I know it doesn’t sound painful or difficult and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to take this break, but it is surprisingly hard to step away. I am committing to it and putting it out here, in print, to make myself accountable. Wish me luck!

Our bloggers for this month are a very talented husband and wife team. Respectively, they serve as architect and designer for the newly established firm Eighty Two Ninety Two. We have known each of them for many years as they honed their craft at some of the best known and highly acclaimed architectural firms in Boston. We are excited to see what they can accomplish as they merge their skills and experience to create beautiful and functional homes for their clients. Without further ado, here are Thomas and Molly Jonak and their five favorites from our Beverly showroom.

Best,
Jason Sevinor
President

Molly and Thomas are the founding principals behind Eighty-Two Ninety-Two Architecture & Interiors. They are a design-driven, value-added architectural and interior design firm and they believe that their work can positively impact their clients’ lives, businesses, and families.

SHAWS SHAKER FARMHOUSE FIRECLAY KITCHEN SINK

This is a classic look that could be used in a kitchen or laundry space, depending on the project. I could see it being paired with more of a traditional, widespread, lever handle faucet. You can’t go wrong with that combo. House of Rohl’s Shaws Collection has been around forever – which means in terms of quality, you know you’re getting something good.

NANTUCKET SINKS VICTORIAN FIRECLAY UTILITY SINK

I absolutely love this sink; it’s my favorite one in the showroom. I could totally see it in a laundry room and I love it for the powder room concept I’m currently working on. I’d pair it with a traditional widespread faucet or a classic faucet with lever handles and a spot on top of the faucet with a soap holder. It almost has a historic or antique vibe. It’s a utility sink that can be dressed up to achieve a more fun, vintage look.

VICTORIA & ALBERT VETRALLA FREESTANDING SOAKING BATHTUB

We came across this tub for the first time in the Designer Bath showroom. Victoria + Albert seems like a really versatile brand. The shape is streamlined, simple, clean, and on the more modern side — it would go nicely with more contemporary finishes. We love the floor mount tub filler options to go with this. This tub would be a focal point in a primary bathroom. It conveys a point of view and makes a statement.

CROSSWATER UNION WIDESPREAD BASIN FAUCET ROUND IN UNLACQUERED BRASS

I spotted this Crosswater faucet from across the showroom and immediately thought it had a wonderful scale and aesthetic. We’ve done some historic homes — there’s something about living in New England where you see these pieces that have a weight to them; they’re substantial but can still be stylish and elegant. It can hold its own in any setting and stand out in a positive way.

CROSSWATER RESSA WALL MOUNT TOILET

Wall mounted toilets have a bunch of positives. They’re really great for places where cleaning can be an issue — mud rooms, Airbnbs, a children’s bathroom — spaces where you want something that’s easily cleanable but also looks nice. You get high function without too much fuss. It’s not meant to stand out, it’s designed to be extremely pragmatic. And a big plus is that this one doesn’t look like a commercial toilet, like some options tend to do.

111works Showroom Favorites — July 2024

By Lauren Metter|2024-07-02T07:02:20-04:00July 2nd, 2024|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

I recently bought a boat and have been enjoying one of my favorite summer activities with my boys.

Hi Everyone!

How is your summer going? I live on the Northshore and feel grateful to have the opportunity to take a short drive to the beach on the weekends and occasionally after work. When it is hot hot hot during the middle of the day, there is usually a cool breeze coming off the water. No matter what the weather, the ocean looks beautiful and has a calming effect on me.

This year, I have reconnected with one of my former hobbies related to my affinity for the seashore. I bought a boat! As a teen and young adult, going out on the water and sailing around was one of my favorite pastimes. I am hoping that my boys will share my love for water sports. I feel like sailing together creates great bonding moments. We are together, without the distraction of other people, and we have something to do, which keeps us busy in a companionable and (mostly) stress-free way. I especially like that boating is a time to put down the phones and other technology and enjoy nature.

What do you like to do in the summer? Do you like to stay local and take advantage of all the special spots in New England or do you enjoy travel? Do you settle in with a good book at a pool or on a porch, or are you more interested in getting outdoors and doing something active? Or maybe a combo of all these things?

I wish you lots of time this summer to enjoy whatever helps you to relax and recharge. May the sunshine and warm temperatures put you in vacation mode even amid a busy work week or schedule filled with lots of to-do items. Cheers to slowing down and savoring the summer season.

We are excited to introduce you to an architect who has been doing amazing work for years in the metro Boston area and recently opened her own firm. We have been impressed with her talent and the stunning homes she has designed. We look forward to watching her company grow. Without further ado, our July blogger is Chandon Georgian of 111works.

Jason Sevinor
President

Chandon Georgian, founder of 111works, takes pride in designing custom homes that provide a sense of comfort, quality and joy. She carefully considers every detail, be it as small as a cabinet pull or as prominent as the design of the front elevation and entry portico. With over two decades of experience in New England and across the country, she has the depth of knowledge, breadth of experience and open-minded vision to bring your project to life.

JULIEN FIRA COLLECTION BAR/KITCHEN SINK

The Julien Fira combines the practical advantages and conveniences of all workstation sinks with a more relaxed look. It channels a transitional aesthetic, so people can use it in both modern and casual settings. It would be charming installed under a window in a butler’s pantry overlooking a garden.

FRANZ VIEGENER NEREA FAUCET IN POLISHED CHROME

The Nerea is elegant and understated, but the fluted knobs add a bit of luxury and whimsy. Though it is creative and highly detailed, it doesn’t draw undue attention to itself and allows the rest of the bathroom to shine. It would pair well with modern bathroom finishes that integrate sophisticated materials like natural stones and handmade tiles. The combo of its sleek silhouette with organic touches would create a room with warmth and depth.

CROSSWATER TAOS BATHTUB IN WHITE SEMI-GLOSS

The Crosswater Taos Bathtub allows for the look of a freestanding tub in a smaller bathroom because it is installed tight to the wall. It would work well with a wall mounted toilet and vanity along with a curbless shower giving the room an open modern feel. With all of the bath furnishings floating except for this tub with its slender and clean lines, a smaller bathroom can feel open and spacious.

DORNBRACHT TARA ULTRA HOT AND COLD WATER DISPENSER IN CHROME

The Dornbracht Tara Ultra water dispenser has a sharp look. It has one job, to give you hot and cold water, and the quiet and elegant design is in keeping with its one job. When paired with this water dispenser, the main kitchen faucet can be the star of the show as it should be.

ROHL EXPOSED SHOWER SYSTEM

When I visited the Watertown showroom to pick out my favorite items, it was just starting to get hot and summertime felt like it had finally arrived. I thought this would be a wonderful outdoor shower set to use after a day at the beach. Practically, it will be easier to disassemble in the fall to winterize it and protect against frozen pipes with the exposed plumbing but seeing the pipes and fasteners gives it a natural and pleasant feeling that is right at home in an outdoor shower.

Woodmeister Master Builders Showroom Favorites — June 2024

By Lauren Metter|2024-06-06T14:48:21-04:00June 5th, 2024|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

Going to Disney with my boys was an experience we won’t forget! Seeing their facial expressions as they experienced all that Disney has to offer was the best part.

Hi Everyone!

I am back from my trip to the Magic Kingdom with my two sons and yes, I would agree that it is truly magical. Disney takes its mission of providing an exceptional experience to guests VERY seriously. We were awed by the production of all the things – from the rides to the parades to the fireworks. It was all done well, with an attention to detail that is an inspiration to anyone in hospitality.

Although we are not in the hospitality industry, we still regard visits to our showroom as an experience. We constantly consider the way we welcome people, the layout of displays, and our interactions with clients with a goal to be perceived as warm and inviting. We like to think that we view our connections with customers as relational versus transactional. My trip to Disney has me thinking about ways to enhance our delivery of these key components and how we may be able to tweak and adjust our approach to make it even better.

For the second half of June, I will admit that our Beverly showroom may not look its best and our service may not be quite as responsive as our typical way of doing business. We kick off our Annual Sale on Saturday, June 15th. It can get hectic !!! We will have a tent in our Beverly parking lot and everything will be marked down dramatically. We will have other items with deep discounts on tables inside, which makes things a little crowded and chaotic. However, it’s totally worth the trip. Especially on the first day (we are open until 4 pm- usually we close at 1 pm on Saturdays), there are always amazing deals and steals. Everything in Watertown will be discounted as well, but the tent is only in Beverly. The sale runs through Saturday, June 29. If you need a toilet that is more efficient, want to replace a shower head to get a better flow, covet a shiny new faucet for your powder room, or begin the remodel you always wanted, now is the time to buy!

To get back to my adventure with Mickey, Minnie, and the rest of the characters, I have to say it is featured in a prominent spot on my highlight reel of fatherhood. This month, we salute all dads on June 16 when we celebrate Father’s Day. I am grateful to my dad everyday. And I am grateful to be a dad. Lots of blessings to think about this month for sure.

I would like to introduce you to the design team at Woodmeister Master Builders. While Woodmeister is considered one of the premier builders in New England, they also have an impressive design team that can add style and pizzaz to a construction project. We had fun with them as they roamed around our Watertown showroom to find their favorite items. It’s always tough for a group to narrow their selections down to five. Kudos to the team for their final choices!

Until next month,
Jason Sevinor
President

Woodmeister Master Builders, a multi-generational family owned and operated firm based in Holden, MA, pride themselves on over 40 years of building extraordinary homes with a craftsman’s approach to exacting detail and artistry. From millwork to new construction to home renovations, their approach to building is always marked by uncompromising standards and quality.

THE GALLEY IDEAL WORKSTATION 5S IN AMERICAN BLACK WALNUT

Our team is very utility-driven, which is why we use The Gallery Workstation regularly for client projects. When someone is looking for a highly functional sink area where they can strain, drain, wash, prep, and do it all, we recommend The Galley. And because we’re a custom cabinet company, we can build out cabinetry to accommodate a sink like this.

ZIP WATER HYDROTAP IN BRIGHT CHROME

We were impressed by the Zip Water HydroTap. We like how so many different water types are consolidated into one simple interface, and how the carbonated filtered water and the hot water are both automated so you don’t need additional appliances. We have clients who have their own wet bars and could see them using a dedicated faucet like this that could dispense all three water types in one.

SIDLER QUADRO MEDICINE CABINET

We like the modern clean lines and the floating, glowing look of the mirror. We use this aesthetic a lot with the light feature. It’s good for small bathrooms where you’re looking to add more concealed storage behind the mirror.

STONE FOREST CALMA BATHTUB IN MARQUINA TAUPE MARBLE

The Stone Forest Calma Bathtub is overall a striking piece because of its scale and the fact that it’s carved out of one single block of stone. It’s also very comfortable. Overall we like the look of the dark marquina taupe marble used. We have used Stone Forest for several of our clients in the past for custom stone vanities and stone fire pits, and we’ve used a similar stone bathtub.

WATERSTONE ENDEAVOR WHEEL PULLDOWN FAUCET IN MATTE BLACK WITH BRONZE ACCENTS

We picked the Waterstone Endeavor pulldown faucet mainly for the aesthetics. A lot of the Woodmeister team members have engineering backgrounds, and this captured the eyes of a lot of people in the department because of the overall design. We also like the look of the flat black with bronze accents — it’s very appealing. This would be one that would need a suitable home – but it would be an accent piece or focal point in a kitchen because of its intriguing composition.

Amy Lynn Interiors Showroom Favorites — May 2024

By Lauren Metter|2024-05-09T09:01:47-04:00May 9th, 2024|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

Our showroom events are the perfect opportunity to get the family together. Here I am with my sister Mindy and my parents.

Hi!

The days are getting both longer and warmer and I’m feeling great about that! It won’t be long before I’m at the beach with my toes in the sand. In addition, Mother’s Day is this month. In my opinion, this is one of the most important holidays, and responsibilities, a person can hold. As a parent, we have an obligation to our children to raise them in the best fashion we can. Similarly, in business and as a CEO, I have an obligation to my employees, my customers, and vendor partners to act and lead ethically, with compassion, integrity, and empathy, and create win-win opportunities. So, not all that different from the role of being a mom or dad. One has diapers involved and hopefully the other does not. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom, and to all the amazing moms out there!

Later this month I’ll be taking my boys to Disney World for the first time, and it will be my first time since I was 7! Creating memorable shared experiences with my boys is something I have prioritized in my life. This is a big one!

We have also been focused on the future of our business and creating growth. We are currently hiring for showroom sales in both our Watertown and Beverly locations. Go to www.designerbath.com/careers for more information. Do you know someone who could be a great fit? If so, please pass along their info.

I would like to introduce our guest bloggers for May. This month, we invited Amy Allard and her colleague Jessica Stevens from Amy Lynn Interiors to tour our Watertown showroom and select their favs. They have an incredible sense of style and an emphasis on functionality as well.

Until next month!

Jason Sevinor
President

The team at Amy Lynn Interiors believes a well designed home isn’t something you can fully explain but it is something you can absolutely feel. Their biggest strength is listening, as listening ultimately creates the designs. They are based out of Boston and set up to work anywhere in the country.

PERRIN & ROWE HOLBORN PULL DOWN KITCHEN FAUCET WITH C-SPOUT IN ENGLISH GOLD

We love how the pull down on this Perrin & Rowe faucet is very quiet, and it can blend with almost every style. The English Gold finish is timeless and could go in both traditional and modern spaces. We also like how the c-spout has a deeper reach than a typical faucet.

THE GALLEY IDEAL WORKSTATION 6S IN AMERICAN BLACK WALNUT

What’s not to love about The Galley Workstation? It’s super functional — you can have dirty dishes in the sink while prepping food. A lot of clients have loved the bowl with the lid on it to use for composting. The walnut accessories are a must-have for every kitchen; it’s a new finish that we’re excited about and are going to use a lot.

LINKASINK SMOOTH RECTANGULAR CRESCENT DROP-IN OR UNDERMOUNT IN POLISHED UNLACQUERED BRASS

Bathroom sinks sometimes get overlooked. This LinkaSink is a fun way to bring in a sophisticated finish and excitement there. It would also be a nice way to give a wet bar a jewelry box feel and really make that area unique.

GRAFF MOD+ WIDESPREAD LAVATORY FAUCET IN 24K BRUSHED GOLD PLATED

We love to sneak in marble anywhere and everywhere we can. So the fact that this GRAFF faucet has marble in it made it a favorite. We also love how the metal finish of the foundation is customizable, which allows us to get more creative and mix other metals in the bathroom. This would be perfect for a double vanity in a master bathroom for someone who appreciates the details it can bring to the space. It has personality but it’s also minimal at the same time.

GRAFF MOD+ M-SERIES VALVE TRIM WITH TWO HANDLES

Again — adding in marble whenever we can. We think the marble in this shower control softens the metal and could tie into different finishes in the bathroom so it wouldn’t be all heavy metal. It creates a clean, sophisticated look. My favorite thing about this is you can use up to three finishes on one fixture, which from a design standpoint is amazing because it gives us more options.

Megan Meyers Interiors Showroom Favorites — April 2024

By Lauren Metter|2024-05-01T06:29:48-04:00April 17th, 2024|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

We always love to fill our showroom with industry colleagues. This was taken at an event we hosted in collaboration with trade associations and a regional design magazine and sponsored by Franz Viegener. | Photo: Ev Dow Photography

Hi everyone!

This week I had shopping experiences that reminded me why it’s important to support local, family owned and operated businesses.

I needed to return my kids’ ski rentals we used for the season. I am glad to report that the local ski shop we used provided an exceptional experience in regard to customer service. We were working with one of the family members who owned the shop and she took time with us to explain the benefits of renting versus purchasing equipment for my nine and eleven year old boys. She went on to tell us if the boys had a growth spurt during the ski season we could come in and get new boots that fit better — they would adjust the bindings, consider exchanging the skis for longer skis, and do anything else we needed to enjoy the ski season. She couldn’t have been more accommodating and really made us feel taken care of.

Contrast that to our soccer cleat purchasing experience this week at a chain sporting goods store. For my boys to try on cleats we needed to go to a small computer screen, select the cleats we wanted, verify they were in stock in their size and color, and then submit the request. After 10 minutes and no cleats, we asked for help, and they said they didn’t see our request. We went through the process again. After another 10 minutes or so, an associate called out my name and handed me a shoebox. I laced them up and did my best to determine if they fit my son. There was virtually no human contact and by no means did I feel taken care of.

I really appreciated the human interaction at the ski shop and knowing they would be there for me if I needed them. The shopping experience made me feel good and was enjoyable. Shopping for cleats this week left me concerned for the future of retail. Shop local friends — let’s keep the spirit of family business alive.

At our recent event in Watertown, I was excited to see that our business continues to be all about creating a personal experience for our clients (we don’t just deliver boxes of goods). But we don’t do it alone; we do it with our trade partners. The event was attended by architects, designers, contractors, and other trade professionals. We all work collaboratively to create unique spaces for our clients. It’s a close connection that requires effort, strong communication, and history and experience to make it work. I am proud to say we are part of an amazing network of design and build professionals. Together we do amazing things!

For the fourth month in a row, we invited one of our designer friends from the Northshore into our Beverly showroom to pick out items for our blog. We have completely renovated our Beverly location over the past few years and we are excited to have people see it and view the enhanced displays and floor layout. Megan Meyers has been one of our long-term partners. It has been fun to watch her client roster grow and her jobs get even more exciting! Go Megan!

Until next month,

Jason Sevinor
President

A native of the Northshore, Megan Meyers graduated from UMass Amherst. As a young professional, she spent time in South Florida, where she was introduced to “green” design and worked for an award winning firm in North Palm Beach. In 2009, Megan moved back to New England. In 2011, she started Megan Meyers Interiors, where she helps clients create unique spaces ranging from bathrooms to living rooms and all the rooms in between.

STONE FOREST BORDEAUX VANITY IN CARRARA MARBLE

I have literally loved this Stone Forest vanity for over a decade. It is a classic, timeless piece that I’m always drawn to. It can work in multiple types of bathroom spaces, from powder to primary, and could go with modern, funky wallpaper or a more traditional look.

CROSSWATER MPRO ONE PIECE SINGLE FLUSH TOILET IN MATTE BLACK

I’d describe her as “sleek and sexy,” which you never hear said about a toilet. It has pretty, clean lines, and I absolutely love the black — it’s such a total departure from the white toilets you see everywhere. I also like how it’s matte but it has a little sheen to it so it doesn’t look dead. In my head it would be in some sort of dramatic, dark, moody powder bath. I can think of three bathrooms I’ve done in the past decade where a black toilet would have been phenomenal, but back then they weren’t available from a trusted brand like Crosswater.

GRAFF SINGLE HOLE LAVATORY FAUCET IN MATTE BLACK AND WHITE

With this GRAFF faucet, it’s the sharp, clean lines and the tuxedo black and white look that drew me to it. I love that it’s a small and unassuming faucet, but it has unique details, like the knurling on the tip and the way it moves with the white piece rotating around. You can also order this in multiple finishes and colors, so for a designer, the sky’s the limit. It’s a small piece that packs a lot of punch and contains so many options.

FRANZ VIEGENER KONIC WIDESPREAD LAVATORY FAUCET IN POLISHED CHROME

This Franz Viegener faucet, to me, is the epitome of modern elegance. It’s taller than your normal widespread faucet and it’s very sleek and simplistic. Because it’s so smooth, it actually reflects what’s around it. It almost creates an optical illusion by showing reflections, which add a little drama and movement within the piece itself. I’m drawn to how it has a straightforward outside package that has a lot of detail going on when you dive into it.

NATIVE TRAILS POSITANO BATHROOM SINK IN ABALONE

This Native Trails Positano sink is perfect for the area we live in. The interior looks like the pearlescent inside of a seashell and each piece is handmade and unique. I’ve used this in the bowl-shaped version in a powder bath. It really draws you into it — you want to go over and wash your hands in it and look inside because it’s so mesmerizing. It could work with a ton of bathroom styles, from coastal traditional to sleek contemporary.

G&G Architectural Interiors Showroom Favorites — March 2024

By Lauren Metter|2024-05-01T06:27:14-04:00March 1st, 2024|Uncategorized|

A Note From Jason

I’ve always worked hard to go green, but this is a new look!

Hi Everyone!

A couple weekends ago, the Salem Plumbing Supply sales team had a kickoff meeting for our new fiscal year. The focus was on the part of our business that caters to plumbers. It was an offsite meeting that gave us time to connect, strategize for the year and share goals. The best part was looking around the room and feeling a strong sense of gratitude for the passionate people who make up our team. I’m excited to work with these amazing people this coming year and continue to grow our business.

During the retreat, we often stated one of the most important things that differentiates our company from many of our competitors is being a third-generation family-owned business. The ability to be nimble, pivot when needed and make moves quickly gives us an advantage over large corporations. As a family business, we are embedded in our communities and prioritize serving the customers who buy our products and seek out our expertise. I feel this is where our true passion for our business comes from, to create solutions to the challenges our customers face. It feels great to help people.

March is designated as Women’s History Month and features “Women in Construction Week.” To celebrate, on our social media channels we are highlighting women who are running a few of the top high-end residential construction companies in the metro Boston area. By rising to the pinnacle in an industry that has a reputation for being male dominated, these women have demonstrated their intelligence, grit, and love for the world of building. I admire what they have accomplished, and I look forward to watching them make history as they transcend stereotypes, persevere in their roles and create new models of leadership. Both my colleagues and these female pioneers are inspirational to me.

Speaking of female entrepreneurs, I would like to introduce our guest blogger for March, Bethany Giblin, the owner of G&G Architectural Interiors. We worked with Bethany for many years during her prior stint at a large design/build firm. We were excited to hear her announcement of the launch of her new business and are glad to continue our dynamic partnership.

Until next month,

Jason Sevinor
President

G&G Architectural Interiors, founded in 2014 by owner Bethany Giblin, is an Interior Design firm located in Gloucester, MA specializing in kitchens, baths, and cabinetry. With a decade of experience in high end residential design, as well as multi-families and vacation rentals, G&G provides unmatched service, thoughtful design, and quality cabinetry for all projects.

CROSSWATER UNION SINGLE HOLE FAUCET WITH LEVER HANDLES IN BRUSHED BLACK CHROME

The first thing that stood out to me about this Crosswater piece is that the diameter of the spout is slightly oversized. That proportion is fun and different — it’s something you don’t see all the time. I also liked the brushed black chrome finish, which is unique and hard to come by. Finally, the touches of industrial styling stood out. The exposed washer and knurling on the handle are little details that elevate it and make it feel tailored.

I could see this working in a kids’ bathroom or a powder room — you can do things that are upbeat and funky in those spaces. Or you could pair it with a wall mount vanity in a really bold color to push into the pop art vibe. If you wanted to go more luxury, I would pair it with a Stone Forest vanity — I envision it with a thick carrara marble sink with metal legs.

STONE FOREST MILANO VESSEL SINK IN CARRARA MARBLE

This is exactly what I’d pair with the Crosswater faucet. I love the height of this sink. Yes, it’s a vessel so it’s above the counter, but it’s not so tall that it feels awkward for your hands. I also enjoyed the warmth of the carved stone and how it has no seams or joints — it’s just one smooth piece of stone. That feels luxurious. Sometimes you just need a bit of a quiet moment in a space where there’s a lot going on.

GRAFF PHASE CONTEMPORARY PRESSURE BALANCING SHOWER SET, ROUGH AND TRIM IN POLISHED CHROME

The thin and flat valve handle and tub spout of this GRAFF set stood out immediately — they’re unique and different, but they still feel ergonomic and easy to hold. The proportions are also comfortable. This is perfect for a contemporary shower with large-scale tile or showers that are a big slab of stone. Something very clean and modern.

ARTELINEA FLUTED VANITY IN BRONZO

The color of this Artelinea vanity is stunning — deep chocolate with an almost metallic sparkle. Chocolate brown is super trendy right now and I’m happy to see people jumping on the trend early. The one-piece molded glass top is rounded and soft, with no sharp edges. It feels very smooth and elegant. This could go with plumbing fixtures in rich gold tones. Or if you want to keep it cool and sleek, pair it with a shiny chrome with modern lines. I could also see it in a more moody master bath where the wall color is darker.

BRIZO LITZE PULL DOWN FAUCET WITH ANGLED SPOUT AND INDUSTRIAL HANDLE IN LUXE GOLD

This Brizo faucet is definitely a go-to favorite of mine; I’ve used it a million times. I keep going back to it because it’s an amazing price point for the finish and the quality you’re getting. Their specific gold finish is softer and cooler than most other product lines and therefore goes well with everything. I love the angled arch of the spout — how it goes up and down but it’s linear, not one big curve. It feels unique but also very Brizo. I’m also a sucker for that knurling/industrial detailing in the handle. It just gives it a little bit of interest and character.

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