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So far Lauren Metter has created 21 blog entries.

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.

Howell Custom Building Group’s Showroom Favorites — February 2024

By Lauren Metter|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.

Polly Corn Design’s Showroom Favorites — January 2024

By Lauren Metter|2024-05-01T06:31:38-04:00January 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 Lauren Metter|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 Lauren Metter|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.

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

By Lauren Metter|2024-05-01T06:32:45-04:00November 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.