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So far Lauren Metter has created 17 blog entries.

G&G Architectural Interiors Showroom Favorites — March 2024

By |2024-03-04T16:29:02-05:00March 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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Howell Custom Building Group’s Showroom Favorites — February 2024

By |2024-02-08T09:21:23-05:00February 7th, 2024|Uncategorized|

A Note From Jason

The key combo for happy kids is activities and fresh air – no matter what the weather! Here is a moment I captured with my sons that shows them having a great time playing in the snow during one of our adventures up north. 

Hello everyone and happy February!

For me, winter is a time to get outside. If I keep my boys inside too long, something is bound to get broken or someone is going to end up crying. To get their energy out, and mine as well, we take to the slopes when we can. This past weekend we did a day trip combo of skiing and tubing. I can tell you, we all slept well that night!

As we prep for the Super Bowl this weekend, I think about the things that got the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers to the big game. Neither team would have gotten there without teamwork.

When I think of teams and the power of working together as a singular unit, my attention turns to my colleagues at Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply. Our company is committed to excellence and supporting one another, and always keeping the needs of the client top-of-mind. This is how we get to the kitchen and bath Super Bowl!

Recently, a friend at a staffing agency told me that this is the most challenging time to find and retain talent that they have ever seen. When we are searching to fill a position, we don’t settle. We know that investing in the search and hiring the right people is a critical part of our business if we want to remain at the top of our game. These decisions are important, and with this in mind, I’ve spent a significant amount of my time lately on the hiring process. I’m happy to say we’ve had great success and have brought on several impressive additions to our team. By curating the right players, I’m confident we’ll continue to have our Super Bowl-caliber team.

This month’s guest blogger is Susan Howell from Howell Custom Building Group. She and her husband Steve have developed a reputation as one of the best builders on the Northshore, especially if you are interested in post and beam construction. We have been collaborating with Howell Custom Building Group for over a decade. We worked with them on a couple of Habitat for Humanity Builders Blitz projects in Lawrence and that helped forge a friendship that has developed into a strong partnership. Susan came into our Beverly showroom and we were proud to show her the recent updates to the layout and displays.

Best,
Jason Sevinor
President

Susan and husband Steve Howell are the Owners/Founders of Howell Custom Building Group. A leader amongst the premier residential builders in the greater Boston area, the company was recently honored as “2023 Builder of the Year” by the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston (BRAGB). For over 26 years they’ve provided a consistently great new home construction and home remodeling experience for homeowners north of Boston.

FURNITURE GUILD HAYDEN VANITY BASE

This Furniture Guild vanity appealed to me because it’s elegant, yet not overly formal. Lately, we are building and renovating homes with a transitional or modern farmhouse style and this would look great in a powder room of one of these projects. The heavy circular brushed brass pulls are so beautiful – their heft lends substance and “pop” to an otherwise delicate looking piece. I also like the functional aspect of the drawers, which feature mortise and tenon joinery, a testament to the craftsmanship of this vanity. In the showroom, this vanity was part of a display that included brass sconces that matched the aged brass finish on the pulls. I loved the entire vignette.

 STONE FOREST AMBER ONYX VESSEL SINK

As I walked across the showroom floor, my eyes were immediately drawn to this visually stunning natural stone vessel sink by Stone Forest. It looks like a piece of artwork featuring organic patterns and colors — I love the stone’s unique nature. This would go well in one of the post and beam homes we build — I could see the stone complementing exposed woods, natural stone floors, and other earthy products.

 LANDMADE OSTRA BATHTUB IN PURESTONE WHITE

The Landmade Ostra tub caught my eye because of its size, unusual shape, and the Purestone matte white finish. This finish softens the tub’s look and feel, so you just want to climb into it. While the piece is oversized (my 6’3” husband would be comfortable in it!), the sculptural shape and the chamfered edge add an airy lightness. I envision this tub becoming the centerpiece of an owner’s bathroom in a contemporary home, perhaps sitting in front of an oversized picture window overlooking a beautiful view.

ARTELINEA BLUE FLUTED MONLITE VANITY + SINK

This ocean blue glass floating vanity with a matching blue countertop, both by Artelinea, would be perfect in one of our coastal home projects! The color is just stunning. It reminds me of a piece of Chihuly glass. The fluted glass across the front of the vanity feels like a reference to waves, and the floating nature of this chic vanity gives it lightness.

FRANZ VIEGENER NEREA DIAMOND WIDESPREAD LAVATORY FAUCET IN SATIN GREYSTONE PVD

I love the understated sophistication of this faucet by Franz Viegener. The satin Greystone/gunmetal finish is unusual — it looks substantial, yet muted. The faucet’s handles are diamond cut with a cylinder shape, which is comfortable to hold and turn, while also offering discreet style.

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Polly Corn Design’s Showroom Favorites — January 2024

By |2024-01-18T10:56:59-05:00January 18th, 2024|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

I’m looking forward to upcoming trips in 2024, especially with my sons. It’s all about making memories! What are you looking forward to this year?

Happy 2024! The new year provides an opportunity for introspection.  For me, it is a time to identify things I’d like to keep doing and expand on, as well as those things I’d like to change.  For 2024, what does that mean for me? Well, I’m planning a trip to Disney World with my two sons for some quality family time, a trip to Greece focusing on modern Stoicism with YPO (Young Presidents Organization) to expand my horizons, one to Florida to give my parents memorable moments with their grandkids, and hopefully a few to some local mountains to ski with my kids.

Besides exciting travel adventures, this year our company will focus on continuing to add key associates to help us get to the next level. We have a clear vision and a path to achieve our objectives. We are well on our way to executing the next steps of our goal to be an improved version of Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing in 2024. It’s a New Year filled with exciting opportunities! I look forward to letting you know how we are doing and the changes we are making. Stay tuned!

Our first blogger for 2024 is a designer who we have worked with for many years. She traveled from the south shore to our Beverly showroom for many years and we will always be grateful for her commitment to collaborating with us. When we opened our Watertown showroom in 2017, she was delighted to have an option that was more convenient for both her and her Metro Boston clients. We are glad to introduce you to Polly Corn Sullivan and her fun picks!

Best,
Jason Sevinor

President

In 2008, Polly Corn Design was launched. Since then, Polly and her associates have been working with clients to create spaces that are both beautiful and sensibly functional. With over 20 years of experience within Boston’s Interior Design Community, Polly leverages the long-established and trusted relationships she has developed across multiple product showrooms, vendors, suppliers and trade professionals to help clients realize their visions.

BRIZO ODIN PULL DOWN FAUCET IN POLISHED GOLD WITH WOOD LEVER HANDLE

I specifically chose the wood lever handle to accompany the gold faucet because it’s not a typical material. The wood gives it something special: an additional bit of warmth and accent. There’s a simple elegance about this Brizo faucet — the gold emotes something more formal, and I like that it’s not a standard arch, but a more interesting shape. It’s fairly transitional so you could push it more modern or traditional — it would go either way beautifully.

STONE FOREST PURPLE WABI ONYX SINK

I was drawn to this sink by Stone Forest because it’s so unique and sculptural — like a piece of jewelry. It would certainly be the highlight of a bar area, and it would be fun to design around it. To me this could serve as the sole inspiration for a bar area. I would love to take this piece and start my design with it.

SAMUEL HEATH STYLE MODERNE 3 HOLE BASIN FILLER IN CHROME PLATED

I love Samuel Heath — I think all of the products by this London-based manufacturer are so beautiful. This faucet makes me think of a streamlined, gorgeous old car. I imagine this in a more masculine, sophisticated bathroom with the black handles. It almost reminds me of the 1930s with the shape of the faucet. Clean, sleek, and glamorous.

OCEANIA SIKOME 63 FREESTANDING TUB

I love the shape of Oceania’s Sikome 63 tub because it’s not typical and the asymmetrical design makes sense with the way you would sit in a bathtub. I’m always excited to use color, and I love that you can make this any color you want. It could support any design, as far as wallpaper and color schemes. It’s fun and would be a focal point in a bathroom.

STRASSER WOODENWORKS NEWHALEM VANITY SHAKER / SLAB RIGHT HAND IN GREEN

This Strasser vanity has a beautiful simplicity with the legs, and the gold is a great complement to the green. I could design a bathroom around this by adding elegant and stylish wallpaper, and perhaps some cool artwork. I recently used a green vanity in a powder room which was based on a piece of art and it really came together nicely.

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Designer Bath’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

By |2023-12-13T11:22:19-05:00December 12th, 2023|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

The best gift I received during this festive season was the Best of Boston Home award. YAY!!! A big congrats to my team – they are the ones who made it happen. Happy holidays to you and yours!

Hi Everyone!

Here we are with the holidays kicking in and we are looking at the 2023 finish line straight ahead. What a year it has been! Recently, we have spent time reflecting on what has changed since the pandemic hit in 2020 and how we have embraced a new normal. As we look back at the past few years, I am proud of the ways that our team has taken challenges and converted them into opportunities. Our Beverly location has had an exterior facelift with new paint, landscaping, and signage. Inside, displays have been reconfigured to make a better work environment for our staff. In Watertown, we have updated displays to stay on point with the latest and greatest. Behind the scenes, our website has been enhanced with new “Wish List” and “Book An Appointment” tabs to make it easier to shop with us from any place, at any time. As the year winds down, it is gratifying to see the progress we have achieved.

This month, my sons are full of energy and anticipation because they are both at an age where they like to talk about their own “Wish Lists.” I feel fortunate to be able to make some of their dreams come true. When they receive a gift that they really wanted, they think life is amazing and they are filled with excitement. It hurts my heart to think of other children who may not be in a situation where they will receive presents during this season. For that reason, Toys For Tots is an organization that is near and dear to my heart. For years, we have had donation boxes at Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply locations. As you probably know, the Marines lead the Toys for Tots effort to find needy children and they make sure they have something special to unwrap. If you would like to make a donation to the charity, please use this link to go directly to the Toys for Tots donation page and THANK YOU!!!

Of course, the “Wish Lists” that grown-ups have are very different from those of a child. Instead of asking a friend in the design/build industry to pick their showroom favorites this month, we decided to make a list of options that would be the adult version of favorite gift ideas. Obviously, I am biased, so these are all decorative plumbing fixtures, but to that I say, why not???

Best,
Jason Sevinor

President

UNDER $250 – JACLO SHOWER HEAD

Add function and versatility to your shower with the Storm Showerhead from Jaclo. With 8 adjustable jets and 64 individual spray settings, it’s a gift that will satisfy every individual’s unique taste.

UNDER $500 – KARTNER’S TOWEL WARMER

There’s nothing more luxurious on a cold winter’s morning than stepping out of the shower and enveloping yourself in a warm, cozy towel. Kartner’s ELBE collection features strong, flat lines housed between solid cylindrical posts — adding style to its function and making a statement in your bathroom.

UNDER $2,000 – CROSSWATER RESSA SPA TOILET

Our Showroom Brand Manager Mindy Sevinor is a big fan of the Crosswater Ressa toilet. The Ressa is beautiful, efficient, and surprisingly affordable compared to other integrated toilets with bidet amenities. This smart toilet offers everything you need in one place: an automatic water-saving flushing system, bidet functions, air drying system and night light. Ressa also comes with a remote control that allows you to easily adjust settings such as temperature, spray type, and drying options to customize your experience.

UNDER $5,000 – CROSSWATER FREESTANDING TUB

The Crosswater MPRO 5′ Freestanding Bathtub with Integral Overflow features pared down lines and an ergonomic shape that support a balanced environment for a soothing soak.

UNDER $10,000 – ZIP WATER HYDROTAP FAUCET SYSTEM

There’s nothing out there quite like the Zip Water HydropTap. From one faucet you can get sparkling filtered, chilled filtered, or boiling water. It’s the perfect home enhancement for someone who’s looking to eliminate single-use water bottles and cans of sparkling water. The faucet’s ability to offer a hot and calming cup of tea at a moment’s notice is truly priceless. This is a gift that would truly “wow” anyone in your family.

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Gallagher Remodeling’s Showroom Favorites — November 2023

By |2023-11-16T14:15:39-05:00November 15th, 2023|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

A big hello to my friends and family members!

It’s November – the month we devote to gratefulness. There is so much to feel good about in terms of our business and the dedication of our staff. Our showrooms have just received awards (Best of Boston Home – Fixtures – from Boston Magazine, Best of the Northshore from Northshore Magazine and Best Showroom from DPHA – Decorative Plumbing & Hardware Association), which makes me proud. These accolades are a testament to the teams in our showrooms, their expertise and work ethic, as well as the design and innovation in our showrooms and product offering.

One of the aspects of our philosophy that I feel is different from other similar businesses is the involvement and commitment of each person at every level. From our purchasing manager to our warehouse manager to our delivery drivers, we are all dedicated to excellence and client satisfaction. Things can and do go awry in our industry. What allows us to thrive is knowing that no one is working alone — we are all in it together. When adversity hits, we do a team huddle and combine our industry experience and different perspectives to devise creative solutions to enable us to move forward and get the job done.

We also rely on manufacturers, vendors, designers, architects, builders, and plumbers. Together, we make magic happen for homeowners. We value and appreciate the industry professionals who choose to work with us. We spend a lot of time and effort curating the list of brands we offer our customers. The companies we decide to bring on as premier lines not only make beautiful products, but they also provide support for issues and training for our staff and customers. Our trade partners lean on us as an extension of their companies. They want a supplier who aligns with their values and maintains a consistent approach to the services they provide. We appreciate the trust that our customers place in us and their understanding we will take care of their clients.

We have had a long and productive relationship with Gallagher Remodeling. Roger Gallagher runs a well known design/build firm, which has gained a reputation for thoughtful planning and execution of clients’ visions. Amy McFadden runs the design process.

Best,
Jason Sevinor

President

Amy McFadden is the Director of Design and Development at Gallagher Remodeling, Inc., a full-service residential design-build firm in Belmont, MA. She has over 20 years of experience in design and is certified by the Professional Remodelers Association (PRO) as a Kitchen & Bath Remodeler. The team brings a high level of professionalism, thoughtfulness, and creative insight on every project.

PERRIN & ROWE ARMSTRONG PULL DOWN TOUCHLESS KITCHEN FAUCET

I love the style of this faucet because it juxtaposes the Perrin & Rowe traditional style with the modern touchless update. You just wave your hand underneath to turn it on. The lever is also a nice detail — it’s strong and high quality. I’d use this for a main or secondary kitchen sink (perhaps in a kitchen with multiple islands).

FRANZ VIEGENER SKYLINE WIDESPREAD LAVATORY FAUCET

Sometimes form really is the function! This Franz Viegener faucet is languid and inviting — just looking at it is relaxing to me; it’s like water itself. I’d use this in a main bathroom with double sinks. The low spout allows for clearance if there is a medicine cabinet above it. It would look great in a powder room with a gorgeous mirror above it. We’ve been recommending Franz Viegener a lot lately for high end projects; they have several new and innovative shapes and designs that we’re liking.

LACAVA AQUAGRANDE FLOOR STANDING METAL CONSOLE STAND WITH A TOWEL BAR IN MATTE BLACK + PORCELAIN BATHROOM SINK

The minute I saw this base/sink/faucet combo I was like, “This is a complete look.” It looks great in the black matte finish displayed in the showroom because it’s so fresh and current with the white sink. The sink is large enough for dual use, and the bottom is curved to allow for easy drainage — water doesn’t pool on the bottom. It’s great for small spaces: it doesn’t take up foot space, has only two legs in front, is less busy looking, and holds towels. Everything is in one place. It’s easy, simple, and clean.

KEUCO SHOWER BASKET

We do a lot of recessed shampoo niches and they require construction. This Keuco shower basket is less than a recessed niche and more than a shower caddy that you would buy at a store. It gets installed on the wall after the tile and it’s solid. The squeegee is stored below, another item tucked away and not seen. Accessories are a big part of a bathroom, and this one reduces how many things are cluttering up your shower.

JULIEN OUTDOOR KITCHEN

The Julien outdoor kitchen is so brilliant. As a design/build firm, we’ve been doing more outdoor landscaping projects lately. We’re seeing people do outdoor kitchens more in the New England area — extending their living space to their outdoor space, even during the colder months. They’re adding space heaters, heated pavers, and hot tubs. I could see this kitchen going in a lot of places. I also love how the corners of the countertop are rounded rather than sharp, cold and industrial.

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Musings by Mindy — ZipWater, Crosswater, and Being Kind to the Earth

By |2024-02-15T10:28:35-05:00November 10th, 2023|Musings By Mindy|

Musings by Mindy

Jason & I just received our Showroom of the Year 2023 award from the Decorative Plumbing + Hardware Association! We’re honored to receive this status and grateful for our incredible team and partners for making it possible.

Dear friends and colleagues,

This fall has already been a whirlwind. For adults like me with school-aged kids, the fall months mean a lot of hustle and bustle with drop-offs and pick-ups, homework, activities and appointments. We are also trying to adjust to the time change and the lack of daylight. I think many of us feel tired and overwhelmed with the never-ending list of tasks and responsibilities.

It’s important during this time to figure out any way possible to make your life easier, and the two showroom displays I’m highlighting today do just that. The Zip Water HydroTap provides filtered water, carbonated water, and boiling water whenever you need it — for coffee (the lifeline of hectic parent life), pasta for your kids, filling your pet’s water bowl, hot tea, instant oatmeal, and more. You no longer need to purchase single use bubbly drinks — it’s one less thing on your grocery list, and one more way to be kind to our planet.

Exhausted by the tedium of reminding the kids to flush the toilet? The Ressa Toilet by Crosswater has all the bidet amenities of an automated toilet at a fraction of the price of products with similar features. It automatically flushes and minimizes the need to buy toilet paper.

During this time, any items that provide both comfort and convenience AND are kind to our planet are good in my book. Come stop by our showrooms and explore the new displays yourself!

All my best,

Mindy Sevinor
Showroom Brand Manager

Trendspotting

Being Kind to the Earth

Did you know that toilets made from the early 1980s to 1992 typically use as much as 3.5 gallons per flush? Or that around 8-9 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year?

When you look at these statistics, it’s no surprise that kitchen and bathroom suppliers are making shifts in their products to make them more sustainable. We’re happy to see the world moving in a more eco-conscious direction — and to see that you can add comfort and convenience to your life without sacrificing the planet.

A move toward protecting our planet from inside our homes is a trend we can always get behind.

What’s new in the showroom?

Zip Water USA HydroTap

We have an incredibly unique product from Zip Water on display in our showrooms: The HydroTap. There’s nothing like it out there. From one faucet you can get sparkling filtered, chilled filtered, or boiling water. It’s totally customizable based on your needs at any given moment.

This HydroTap would be great for a bar area, coffee/tea station, or a master suite. If you do commercial design for hotels or residences, this would be a luxurious and useful amenity to include in rooms or apartments. It can transform any space into something amazing. And not only that, but it’s also eco friendly — single use plastic bottles or Poland Springs deliveries are not needed.

Crosswater Ressa Toilet

The Ressa X1 One Piece Toilet is beautiful, efficient, and surprisingly affordable compared to other integrated toilets with bidet amenities.

This smart toilet offers everything you need in one place: an automatic water-saving flushing system, bidet functions, air drying system and night light. Ressa also comes with a remote control that allows you to easily adjust settings such as temperature, spray type, and drying options to customize your experience.

On top of design and functionality, proceeds of every Ressa sold are donated to Upstream. By supporting their efforts to eliminate plastic pollution, we can all enjoy a cleaner, waste-free future.

Ask Mindy

We are so appreciative of our trade community and we love hearing from you. In this section of Musings by Mindy, we will be answering your questions directly. To be featured in our next edition, please email mindysevinor@designerbath.com. 

Q. Should I buy bathroom & kitchen fixtures now or should I wait? It seems like prices are going up a lot with interest rates and price of materials.

The bathroom and the kitchen are the rooms where you get your highest return. Even though products are priced higher than they’ve been, they’re still an incredible investment. There are two types of value, in my opinion: 1) Monetary — the financial return on your house for updating the bathroom and kitchen. And 2) Intrinsic value — how these rooms make you feel on a daily basis. You can’t really put a price on the value of having a calm oasis to return to after a crazy day.

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Meg McSherry Interiors’ Showroom Favorites — October 2023

By |2023-10-12T08:55:48-04:00October 11th, 2023|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

Our team has enjoyed attending some New England Home awards celebrations this fall — from IFDA New England’s “Night Sky Over Versailles”-themed gala, to New England Home’s 5 Under 40 Awards.

Hi!

Is everyone adjusting to their fall schedules? We get lulled into a sense of calm during August and then September blasts off and away we go with activities for kids, school requirements and commitments related to our professions filling the calendar.

Lately, I have been out and about at many work events. In the design/build industry, we have lots of educational and networking opportunities. These tend to be clustered in the fall and spring. Some of the events honor exceptional people and projects. These award galas are fancy and festive and bring people together to celebrate their areas of expertise and the personalities who go over and above in their achievements and dedication to their craft.

We are glad to raise our glasses to our colleagues in the industry. We collaborate with many of the people who have received recent accolades. The details of the architecture, design, and décor that are highlighted in the publicity for each winner are truly breathtaking. We admire the work of each award recipient and we applaud them for their contributions to the beauty and livability of residential properties in New England. In the past month or so, we have cheered for the recipients of many prestigious programs — including the IFDA New England Award winners  and New England Home Magazine’s 5 Under 40 winners.

I would like to introduce this month’s blogger, Meg McSherry. We were introduced to Meg by one of our trade partners. This is always a wonderful way to meet a new contact, as we have the endorsement of someone who we already respect and value. It has been a pleasure to get to know her and become involved in her projects.

Best,
Jason Sevinor
President

VICTORIA & ALBERT TOULOUSE FREESTANDING SOAKING BATHTUB

Victoria & Albert’s Toulouse freestanding soaking tub is so beautiful. We are actually using this for a project right now — we positioned it in front of windows with a freestanding tub filler in the middle. This tub is ideal for someone who doesn’t want to go super fussy/traditional or too modern; it’s a perfect in-between. It feels like a fresh take on a classic tub.

WATERSTONE TRADITIONAL PLP PULLDOWN FAUCET IN POLISHED NICKEL

I love the scale of the gooseneck on this Waterstone faucet — it makes such an elegant statement with its form and shape. I think it would work well in a kitchen where the main sink is on the island, because it commands attention and shines on its own. There are some classic details on it — the spray handle is so cool and the lever features a really pretty detailed ceramic plate. It’s gorgeous.

ROHL LANCASTER 30″ SINGLE BOWL FARMHOUSE APRON FRONT FIRECLAY KITCHEN SINK

The Rohl Lancaster is the epitome of an apron front farmhouse sink. This is the farmhouse sink in its purest form — it’s tried and true. I’m always going to go with this. We typically use this sink for clients who want a classic and pretty kitchen. It’s a good choice because it takes metal out of the kitchen. It’s one less element in the room that’s made of stainless steel. It softens things.

SAMUEL HEATH 3 HOLE LAVATORY FILLER IN POLISHED NICKEL

The wood levers on this Samuel Heath faucet are what makes it special. The wood elevates the faucet because it’s a material we don’t typically see in plumbing. It has a really masculine vibe to it. It’d be a handsome feature in a man’s bathroom or in some kind of moody bath space.

PERRIN & ROWE EDWARDIAN EXPOSED WALL MOUNT THERMOSTATIC SHOWER SYSTEM IN POLISHED NICKEL

This is such an interesting shower system from Perrin & Rowe because it has very traditional decorative details like the porcelain levers, but it also has more exposed parts that give it a little more weight and scale. I’m loving the contrast between the classic details, like the porcelain, on one side, and how you see more of the inner workings on the other side. It could be used in a traditional or modern space. It’s not just this pretty thing; there’s a cool factor to it.

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Pinney Designs’ Showroom Favorites — September 2023

By |2023-09-06T09:25:47-04:00September 5th, 2023|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

My boys as they head out the door for their first day of school.

Hello everyone!

The kids are back at school. Hip hip hooray! All parents can join me in breathing a sigh of relief as their young progeny march off to spend time in classrooms instead of camp. While I’ll miss the carefree summer months, the structure of school is a breath of fresh air.  When asked if they were excited for school, my boys said, “We’re excited to see our friends, but not for the schoolwork!”

Am I the only one or do everyone’s kids look older each year right at the beginning of fall? I am always taken aback at how much they have grown and the ways they are maturing.  

Speaking of getting older, our company celebrated 78 years in business in August. On the one hand, business longevity gives us credibility and a sense of stability. On the other hand, we feel young and vibrant as we integrate new technologies to help our operations become more efficient and as we update our displays and working environment to reflect current trends and homeowner preferences. 

Typically, around the same time as our anniversary, we invite our entire team to an all-employee outing that usually includes a barbecue and wiffle ball. We had our employee get-together a few weeks ago on a rare day of perfect weather. While the wiffle ball game had moments of intensity as some of the older kids got competitive, there were also funny incidents such as when the two-year-old child decided to grab the second base marker and walk off the field with it. She took “stealing a base” to a new level!

Our company has reached the 78-year milestone due in no small part to the relationships we have made and nurtured in the design/build community. This month’s blogger, Emily Pinney, is a valued partner. She made a name for herself as a rising star when she won a prestigious industry award and was named one of the “5 Under 40.” We are grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with her on a number of beautiful projects. Without further ado, I would like to introduce you to our guest blogger for September, Emily Pinney.

Best,
Jason Sevinor
President

Emily Pinney is an accomplished and award winning (5 Under 40 among them) interior designer based in Belmont, MA. Originally from NH, she has always had an eye and appreciation for the New England aesthetic, which she modernizes at times with clean lines and simple textures. As principal at Pinney Designs, Emily works with all of her clients to create design that truly fits their lifestyles.

FRANZ VIEGENER NEREA PLUS SINGLE HANDLE LUXURY LAVATORY SET IN SATIN BLACK PVD

I love this faucet by Franz Viegener. Previously, I have paired it with a Stone Forest natural vessel sink set atop a walnut countertop and it all worked beautifully together (Pinney Designs project pictured here). You can’t see it in photos, but the handle is actually oval shaped — very comfortable to grab and use. I did it in the Satin Black PVD. I’m fond of their PVD finishes because they don’t age, which is awesome.

THE GALLEY IDEAL TAP HIGH-FLOW IN POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL

It’s amazing how quiet this faucet is by The Galley. It was designed to go with The Galley Sink, which comes with multiple faucet options. Most faucets are noisy with the water hitting the sink. This faucet is not only beautiful, but also it is quiet and operates as one single high flow tool. It would work really well in an open concept house like ours, because it is not too loud. My husband is always doing the dishes when I’m trying to watch a movie with the kids and I’m wishing I had this faucet. (BTW – I am NOT complaining that he is helping to clean up the house!!!)

GROHE BLUE SINGLE HANDLE PULL DOWN KITCHEN FAUCET WITH CHILLED AND SPARKLING WATER IN CHROME

The Grohe Blue is my dream faucet because it produces sparkling water from the tap and we drink a TON of sparkling water between my office and house. I’d use it in a bar sink. If you had a bar in your house and you’re making drinks there anyway — like an Aperol Spritz, for example — you could get the sparkling water right from your faucet. It makes life easier by bumping up the convenience factor in an unlimited number of ways.

STONE FOREST SALUS POTTING SINK IN HONED BLACK GRANITE + WOOD STAND

I love the Stone Forest Salus Potting Sink for a potting room. It could be in an indoor/outdoor space if you’re big into gardening. I could also see it in a party space. It’s a very pretty sink and really durable too, because it’s black honed granite. It’s a workhorse of stone, while also being attractive and adding to the industrial style vibe.

MADELI PETITE 19″ WALL HUNG CABINET NON-HANDED DOOR + CERAMIC BASIN

I love the color options offered for this Madeli cabinet. I picture this in a small little powder room. It has awesome storage below for toilet paper and bathroom essentials. We’re often designing tiny bathrooms and we need compact cabinets — this one has beautiful proportions, style, and function.

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Kadilak Homes’ Showroom Favorites — August 2023

By |2023-08-08T15:50:14-04:00August 7th, 2023|Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

Hope you are inspired by my parents and get out on the water to sail or fish or do whatever makes you smile in the summertime.

Hi everyone!

How is the summer going for you? This summer feels different to me than summers of recent. 2023 now feels, dare I say it, like the old days. People are on vacation, going to the beach, spending time on boats, jet setting, and living life. It’s nice to see and feels really good. I’ll take as much as I can get.

In the world of retail, August is often slow and sleepy. The State of Massachusetts has chosen to pep things up this coming weekend by making it TAX FREE! We are closed on Sundays, so we are going to extend our hours this Saturday (Aug 12) to 9 am – 4 pm and DOUBLE  THE SAVINGS to make this sale extra exciting. In order to give people even lower prices, we are encouraging people to create a wishlist online and if their order is $2500+, we will increase the savings an additional 5%. This means people get the tax discount of 6.25% plus an additional 6.25% and the opportunity for another 5% off. WOW!

With our Tax-Free Double Discount and online wishlist discount, this is the best time to buy! As always, we’re available to talk about products and availability, fashion trends, and technical specification. We want to make the process as easy as possible while helping you create the best results.

I first met our guest blogger Susan Kadilak when she was an event panelist at our Watertown showroom. We were partnering with the Builder and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston (BRAGB) to kick-off their mentoring program. Her resume and design acumen are impressive and it was fun to see what she picked as her favorite items.

Best,
Jason Sevinor

President

WATERSTONE ENDEAVOR WHEEL PULLDOWN FAUCET IN MATTE BLACK WITH BRONZE ACCENTS

I love the wheel on the Waterstone Endeavor because it’s unique and fun — a true conversation piece. I like the contrast created by the two-toned colors. I probably wouldn’t use this for the main sink, but for a wet bar — somewhere out in the open as a focal point.

FRANZ VIEGENER CLASSIC WIDESPREAD LAVATORY FAUCET IN POLISHED NICKEL PVD

I find Franz Viegener’s Classic Widespread Lavatory Faucet appealing because it is simple but also detailed. The double rings are a nice touch; they make it feel classic. And I like the way the bottoms are curved instead of just going straight down. The style works for either a primary bathroom or a traditional powder room.

JACLO CAROLENE RAINHEAD IN POLISHED CHROME

One of the things that caught my eye with the Jaclo Carolene Rainhead is the size — it feels substantial but still has a timeless design. We often use them in primary bathroom showers. We’ve also used these over soaking tubs — that’s a more fun application.

BRIZO LITZE SINGLE HANDLE FREESTANDING TUB FILLER IN LUXE GOLD

The finish on the Brizo Litze Single Handle Freestanding Tub Filler is really pretty. In general, freestanding tub fillers add dimension to the bathroom — they look more upscale when they’re coming out of the floor. It lets the faucet take center stage. The clean lines give it a bit more of a modern look. It would pair nicely with a minimal, angular tub.

STONE FOREST CALMA BATHTUB IN MARQUINA TAUPE MARBLE

The Calma from Stone Forest is just so dramatic; it’s not your typical white tub. It’s got a moody vibe. I’d make it this the focal point of the bathroom with everything else playing a supporting role – such as the addition of other pieces with natural feels and earthy tones.

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Designer Bath’s Showroom Favorites — July 2023

By |2023-07-14T15:31:18-04:00July 14th, 2023|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

I recently went on vacation to Ecuador with one of my sons. I hope you find the time for summer adventures!

Hi!

As a retailer with brick & mortar stores, we need to be observant to identify what is new and exciting in our industry. It is fun to bring in different styles of fixtures and accessories to put on display. You can often find something fresh and on trend when you visit our showrooms. And, if you don’t have time to stop by, you can peruse our offerings via our virtual tour or our product listings on the Shop Now tab on our website. In general, we find that many people are enamored by the latest and greatest trends and sometimes, they are better not only for the fashion factor, but also for the environment!

At my core, however, I am rooted in old-fashioned values of respectfulness, consideration, and thoughtfulness. I learned these modes of behavior from my parents and am trying my best to pass them down to my sons. Hopefully, my belief in these basic tenets of treating people with kindness and empathy has resulted in the creation of a positive and supportive corporate culture within our business. I love to learn about the ways that employees have made a memorable impression on a client due to their diligence, politeness, and professionalism. When someone writes a good review of their experience with us, we applaud the team member(s) who was involved and celebrate the accolades.

Did you enjoy the time that you worked with Designer Bath to beautify your bathroom(s) and/or kitchen? Did we listen and respond with timely information to help you with decisions?

Right now, you can let us know that you appreciate our commitment to time honored standards of excellent service by voting for us in the BONS HOME 2023 competition. We appreciate every vote. The deadline is August 1. PLEASE VOTE!!!

This month, we did something different and asked our colleagues to submit items that they have bought from Designer Bath. If an employee buys something they sell, it is certainly a testament to the attributes of the item! It was interesting to see that a couple of products were big favorites in that they were owned by more than one of my associates – including the water filtration system, the Brizo kitchen faucet, and the Crosswater bathroom faucet. Please read the blog to learn what we have bought for ourselves. Enjoy!

Hope you are enjoying the summer!
Jason Sevinor
President

ENVIRONMENTAL WATER SYSTEMS (EWS) MAX FLOW WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM

Filtered water at the speed of your faucet — this water filtration system is such a pleasure and attaches right onto the kitchen sink. Trade in the plastic bottles for a built-in, hassle-free, world-class water filtration system right in your own kitchen.

BRIZO ARTESSO SMART TOUCH KITCHEN FAUCET

Tap on; tap off. Inspired by factories of the early 20th century, the Artesso faucet collection by Brizo is a warmer, more refined take on the industrial aesthetic. Select luxe gold or polished chrome for a more funky look, or go full modern with matte black. We love the SmartTouch tech and pull-down wand with both spray and steam functions.

CROSSWATER TAOS FAUCET

Inspired by the mid-century modern classic, Eero Saarinen’s Tulip table, Crosswater London’s Taos faucet embraces simple, clean lines and elegance. Its smooth arches reflect light, creating a subtle, soft aesthetic in the bathroom.

JACLO SHOWERHEAD

The Jaclo is the jack of all trades of showerheads. It’s functional and versatile, and comes in 10+ finishes, which makes it fit into every aesthetic. It contains eight adjustable jets with 64 individual sprays — one (and several more) settings for every preference in the house.

HANSGROHE JOLEENA KITCHEN FAUCET

Make your kitchen faucet the focal point of the room with the smooth and functional high arched Hansgrohe Joleena. Not only is it pretty to look at, but it is equipped with EcoSmart technology to save water and energy.

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