Lauren Metter, Author at Designer Bath & Salem Plumbing Supply

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So far Lauren Metter has created 5 blog entries.

Carpenter & MacNeille’s Showroom Favorites — May 2023

By Lauren Metter|2023-05-11T08:29:19-04:00May 11th, 2023|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

It’s all about family! Jason and his dad Ralph and sister Mindy at a recent Boston Design Week event.

Hello!

Have you been able to get out and enjoy the longer days and warmer temperatures? I always feel that New Englanders are so starved for good weather that they truly embrace the spring. We all join together to celebrate the moments when Mother Nature cooperates and offers us blue skies and refreshing breezes. It is glorious!

Speaking of Mother Nature, now is the time to applaud the hard work and dedication of moms everywhere. Especially when their children are young, moms are always running around and trying to get it all done. Of course I’m biased, but I believe any mom would appreciate an upgrade in the bath/kitchen realm to make her feel pampered. Who wouldn’t like a new kitchen faucet (the most used “appliance” in the house) or a super-duper shower head, or even a luxurious towel warmer? I extend a big Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! I am sending these well wishes with extra heartfelt sentiments to my own mom and all the moms on our Designer Bath team. I appreciate you and I am grateful to have you in my life.

And Mother Nature is, of course, all about the great outdoors. We recently hosted an event for people in the design/build industry in partnership with Boston Home magazine and California Faucets. The theme was outdoor living. Since we added the Julien Outdoor Kitchen display to the front area of our Watertown showroom, we have been talking to many landscape designers about integrating it into their plans. Have you seen it? It’s made of marine grade steel with carefully finished edges and closed sections to withstand both the elements and pesky critters. I guarantee that this kitchen set-up will add next level functionality to your outside entertaining and socializing!

This month, our guest blogger is Anne Alberts from Carpenter & MacNeille. The team at Carp Mac has partnered with us on countless projects over the years. They provide design/build services and have many award-winning homes in their portfolio.

Best,
Jason Sevinor
President

Anne Alberts, Head of Interiors at Carpenter & MacNeille, is an award-winning and published designer. Anne champions a multifaceted design approach that blends timeless beauty into clients’ homes across New England, finding inspiration from styles of past and present. An integral member of Carpenter & MacNeille’s leadership team, Anne develops clients’ visual narratives with a foundation rooted in tradition while uniquely capturing and highlighting each individual’s story, creating spaces that truly feel at home.

PERRIN & ROWE GEORGIAN ERA BRIDGE KITCHEN FAUCET WITH SIDE SPRAY IN POLISHED NICKEL

Polished nickel and unlacquered brass are my two go-to finishes, which is what attracted me to this Perrin & Rowe bridge faucet in polished nickel. I admire the stylish combination of the bridge and lever components. And the gooseneck is pretty — shapely and attractive, while the side spray makes it quite useful. Carpenter & MacNeille does a lot of traditional design work, and this faucet fits nicely with various time periods.

CROSSWATER HEIR WIDESPREAD BASIN FAUCET IN POLISHED NICKEL

I’m a big fan of lever handles over cross handles because if your hands are soapy or dirty, you can still easily turn on the faucet. I love the sleek lines on this one. The juxtaposition of a traditional space with a contemporary plumbing faucet is a special unique detail, and I think it’s very fun in a bathroom.

CALIFORNIA FAUCETS FULL SHOWER SET UP IN UNLACQUERED BRASS

I was impressed with the attention to detail that I immediately noticed on this shower display. I love the unlacquered brass finish. It had a really interesting control valve with knurling and graphically interesting numbers telling the temperature. In combination with the unlacquered brass, it looked old without being old.

A brass shower system like this pairs well with almost anything — it would work with a natural stone tile, a simple off-white ceramic, or a bright bold forest green ceramic tile. That’s what I love about brass: it has longevity and an ageless quality, which is something we’re always looking for at Carpenter & MacNeille.

STONE FOREST MILANO VESSEL SINK IN CARRARA MARBLE

Stone is one of those traditional elements that will always be classic in a powder room or a main bathroom. It is beautiful and versatile. It can be paired with wood in the background, more tile, or bright/colorful ceramic tile. The natural veining of the stone is chef’s kiss!

STONE FOREST RENAISSANCE CONSOLE TOP IN CARRARA MARBLE + 4 LEG CONSOLE IN AGED UNLACQUERED BRASS

This Stone Forest vanity is one of my favorites; it’s on my list to use with a client someday. I was entranced with the elegant top and how the gorgeous natural stone was highlighted with the curve and special carving effects. I was struck by how the countertop is integrated with the sink basin — it’s shapely and traditional and beautiful. All of that paired with the brass legs is stunning. I’m a big fan.

I think you could pair this with a hardwood floor, put it in front of vibrant wallpaper or painted paneling with a layer of tile below it. You could place it before a simple plaster wall with decorative lights and a fun statement mirror as well. I love how you can see all the components behind it — even the drain becomes part of the design scheme. It’s all graphic and purposeful.

Lombardi Design’s Showroom Favorites — April 2023

By Lauren Metter|2023-04-20T09:24:21-04:00April 19th, 2023|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

My son is working on developing a bond with one of two kitties who we have recently added to our family.

Hello!

Spring has sprung! I join many of my fellow New Englanders in extending an enthusiastic welcome to the new season. It makes me happy to see the leaves popping out on the trees and signs of life in gardens everywhere. April heralds a more consistent pattern of warmer temperatures and longer days. Yay!

Spring is also traditionally a time that celebrates rejuvenation and a bit of “out with the old, in with the new!” In keeping with this theme, we take a closer look at displays at this time of year. We evaluate what we offer and update the product mix to reflect the requests from our customers and current trends. Have you been to one of our two showrooms lately (Beverly and Watertown)? If it has been a while since your last visit, I promise you will see new items. I really like the new line of Landmade tubs that we have brought into both showrooms. Please let me know what you think!

We also consider our business practices and assess ways that we can do better. This is the key ingredient in our recipe for success. I truly believe that we try harder than our competitors and we care more. This is shown in our efforts to help each person find exactly what they are looking for at a fair price. It is also shown after the sale. People don’t tend to think about warranties and service policies when they buy a decorative plumbing fixture. Certainly most people focus on these concerns when they are buying a car, but not so much with décor selections. Let me tell you – plumbing is complicated! Things happen and you should prioritize working with a company that stands behind the products they sell. We help you decide on what to purchase and then remain available to support you if there are issues in the future.

With the sounds and scents of spring in the air, it is our pleasure to introduce you to our April blogger, team members from Lombardi Design. They are part of an impressive landscape design firm with clients all over the country. As we move towards spending more time outside, it is a good idea to consider the best use of the space and partner with professionals to help you maximize your enjoyment.

Cheers!
Jason Sevinor
President

Gregory Lombardi Design is an award-winning landscape architecture practice with a simple mission: to craft magnificent outdoor spaces for highly discerning clients. Eschewing any single style, our design philosophy calls for the fresh interpretation of timeless principles of order and proportion to create meaningful spaces for our clients. Our aim is to create environments that enhance their surroundings, inspire their inhabitants and awaken the imagination.

JEE-O FATLINE FREESTANDING SHOWER MIXER WITH RAIN SHOWERHEAD IN BRUSHED STAINLESS STEEL

This outdoor shower is a terrific statement piece that we’ve specified a lot. It’s very clean and simple and mounts securely to the ground which is unique. It has a wonderful visual quality that makes it different from anything else out there on the market.

JULIEN OUTDOOR KITCHEN

We’ve recently been introduced to this product line and are really excited about the possibilities. It’s great to have an option for an outdoor kitchen that is watertight and keeps out pests, right off the shelf. The stainless steel is very high quality, and the components are well crafted for outdoor use.

STONE FOREST SALUS POTTING SINK IN HONED BLACK GRANITE AND WOOD STAND IN FIR

We think this is a beautiful option for clients who are looking for a refined yet functional utility or potting sink for their home gardens. The dark granite sink has a very substantial feel, and the fir stand will develop a delightful patina over time.

APTATIONS 10X DOUBLE ARM WALL MIRROR IN CHROME

We love finding ways to extend the time clients can spend in an outdoor shower. Introducing a small luxury item like this is a great way to get yourself ready for the day, whether you are heading to the beach or boardroom.

PERRIN & ROWE GEORGIAN ERA THERMOSTATIC SHOWER SYSTEM IN POLISHED CHROME

For discerning clients looking for an elevated level of luxury, this exposed shower system really fits the bill. It is a versatile and classic look that will fit the bill for both inside and outside bathing environments. The wide rain shower head, polished chrome finish and thermostatic controls will introduce a visual elegance to what can otherwise be a utilitarian looking space.

Stacey Clarimundo’s Showroom Favorites — March 2023

By Lauren Metter|2023-03-09T10:38:05-05:00March 9th, 2023|Uncategorized|

A Note From Jason

Siblings Mindy and Jason Sevinor check out new products at recent industry conference in Florida.

Hi!

I’m recently back from attending an annual conference with my sister Mindy. What makes this gathering special is the attendees are all from independent plumbing fixture showrooms around the country. The members of this group are all committed to offering high caliber products and exceptional service. We believe that keeping our companies family-owned makes a difference in the showroom experience and the attention to detail demonstrated by our employees. I am always inspired by this group of like-minded professionals. We share stories of best practices, as well as mistakes we’ve made, and learn from each other. It’s a challenge to stay small in a world that seems to reward big businesses, but we believe the environment we create for our employees and clients sets the stage for long-term relationships and customer loyalty.

Our inclusion in this consortium helps us to offer competitive prices and a great breadth and depth of products. In the photo above, we are personally putting a new line of tubs from Landmade to the test. Mindy and I enthusiastically approved of the look and style. They are beautiful and comfortable! We have two on display in Beverly and two more slated for Watertown.

Although it’s great to discover amazing new products at the conference and meet with old friends, the best part was getting to spend quality time with my sister. Our days are busy, and we don’t get to catch up and creatively brainstorm for the business as much as we would like. This trip gave us the opportunity to connect and laugh. I’m really grateful for that, thank you Mindy!

Our guest blogger for March is a talented designer who has collaborated with us for many years. We are always glad to be involved in her projects.

Stacey Clarimundo launched Found Design Studio in 2018 after more than 18 years of experience in the architecture and design industry. Shortly after, she and her team expanded to offer not only a full-service studio, but also a retail space. We hope you find inspiration from Stacey’s picks from our showroom.

All the Best,
Jason Sevinor
President

LANDMADE HINSEN FREESTANDING TUB IN MATTE WHITE

I would recommend Landmade’s Hinsen tub for someone who wants a nod towards traditional design but may be worried about getting too stodgy. The matte finish takes it down a notch and slightly modernizes it. I love matte finishes.

LINKASINK COCO SMOOTH BUILDER’S SERIES IN SATIN UNLACQUERED BRASS

I’m a big fan of pairing prettier things with not-so-pretty things, which is why I envision matching this gorgeous Linkasink Coco matte gold sink with a polished nickel faucet. The sink will patina over time and show use and age in a way the faucet will not — I love the look that the more raw finishes portray over time.

GRAFF CAMDEN SINGLE HOLE LAVATORY FAUCET IN POLISHED NICKEL

I would like to suggest pairing the GRAFF Camden single handle faucet with the Linkasink Coco matte gold sink because the faucet has that “more is more” detailing people are craving lately. We want interesting. You can go stark and minimalist for only so long and then people need that craftsmanship, design, and detail.

The pairing of a detailed faucet with a sink that’s less refined is an approach that is trending with design. It’s like how you used to only be able to wear one style of jeans that was “in” — skinny jeans or nothing. Now, you can wear skinny jeans, bell bottoms … anything you want. I feel like that’s what’s happening with design right now. We’re not sticking with “all modern” or “all traditional” — we’re combining different elements.

ROHL ACQUI WALL MOUNT BRIDGE LAVATORY FAUCET WITH U-SPOUT IN UNLACQUERED BRASS

This Rohl faucet has so much good detail — that’s why I like it in unlacquered brass — again melding the more refined with the less refined. I could see this faucet used in a laundry room, powder room, or pantry. It sits nicely with the clean lines of the Stone Forest Milano Vessel sink.

STONE FOREST MILANO VESSEL SINK IN CARRARA MARBLE

With the Stone Forest Milano Vessel sink, we again see a classic material (carrara marble) with a matte finish. This sink has a very simple shape, which is why I would enjoy pairing it with the more complicated form of the Rohl Acqui faucet. I think its sleek lines can work with all different types of environments and styles.

AnaVera Design’s Showroom Favorites — February 2023

By Lauren Metter|2023-02-09T11:06:21-05:00February 7th, 2023|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

Jason in a helicopter flying over a coffee plantation in Medellin, Colombia during his recent visit.

Hi everyone!

Last month, I was able to fly south to Colombia in South America for a combination of work and fun. Learning about Colombia was fascinating – the people were so friendly and the weather was absolutely perfect – warm and sunny. Travel and experiencing different history and culture is a passion of mine. As they say, it’s nice to be away, but great to come home. (Well, except for the weather part!) I’m looking forward to planning my next adventure with my son Jack to go to Ecuador and the Galapagos islands in July. I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes!

Speaking of counting the days until summer arrives, we have recently hosted a few events to introduce the Julien Outdoor Kitchen. We held a Lunch & Learn at our showroom in Watertown, where we have this beautiful item on display. Two team members from Julien traveled here from their headquarters in Canada and were able to talk in-depth about the construction process and quality of materials. We also went on the road and had off-site meetings at local offices. During this process, we met with a number of well-established and reputable landscape design professionals and they seem very enthusiastic about this product. The line offers a high-quality marine grade steel finish that has been proven to have the capability to withstand the weather conditions that our northeast climate throws at us. If you are lucky enough to live on or near the ocean, you know that these challenges are magnified by the salt air.

I find that outdoor kitchens intrinsically make people think about entertaining on the patio or veranda. This type of visualization is going to have to suffice for the real thing until the temps go up A LOT higher than they are now!

I would like to introduce our guest blogger for the month of February. Ana Bonilla of AnaVera Design has been a valued client of Designer Bath for many years.

All the Best,
Jason Sevinor
President

Based in Newton and serving the Greater Boston Area, Ana Bonilla is the Owner and Principal of AnaVera Design – a full service interior design firm specializing in creating vibrant and timeless spaces. Ana prides herself on building lasting relationships with her clients to ensure each project reflects the homeowner’s unique personality. Ana’s eclectic and colorful designs are influenced by her childhood in Peru, living abroad in Paris, and global travels.

LACAVA ELEGANZA FREE STANDING SOAKING BATHTUB IN MATTE BLACK

The Lacava Eleganza immediately attracted me due to its striking black color and elegant shape — this made an impression on me – it’s a really cool tub. I like how it could work as the room’s showstopper within a more traditionally designed space because it’s not super modern.

SAMUEL HEATH: LMK INDUSTRIAL THERM SHOWER IN URBAN BRASS MATTE

Samuel Heath’s LMK Industrial Therm Shower caught my eye because it is so beautifully made — the craftsmanship is just gorgeous. It almost looks like jewelry with all of the thoughtful details and the exquisite handle. All of the screws used to keep the pieces together are invisible. What you notice are the clean lines and high quality finish. This could work well in either a super modern space or a more traditional space.

FRANZ VIEGENER REVERE WOOD WIDESPREAD LAVATORY FAUCET IN BRUSHED GOLD

I love the combination of wood and metal elements on this Franz Viegener faucet — usually bathroom faucets are all metal with nothing interesting to see. It’s a well-executed design that smoothly balances the combination of two materials in a fixture that is usually one dimensional.

LINKASINK COCO SMOOTH BUILDER’S SERIES IN SATIN UNLACQUERED BRASS

The Linkasink Coco made my list because doing something so different and fresh with a sink is totally unexpected. It would shine as the statement piece of a little butler’s pantry or coffee station. It provides a moment of drama that adds a hint of luxury in a way that is subtle yet also impactful.

ARTELINEA MONOLITE VANITY IN BLUE

The texture, color, and how slick it looks — I love everything about the Monolite Vanity by Artelinea. In a bathroom, where things can be flat and one-dimensional, bringing in this pop of energy and modern design will make the room. It’s almost like an artistic piece of living room furniture rather than a bathroom vanity. Selecting out-of-the-ordinary pieces like this make rooms special for the client.

KitchenVisions’ Showroom Favorites — January 2023

By Lauren Metter|2023-01-11T14:33:01-05:00January 11th, 2023|Letters from Jason, Showroom Favorites|

A Note From Jason

New Color for the New Year!

Hello everyone!

Happy Holidays! It’s a new year and a great time to look at our business from a fresh perspective. Our company’s 77th anniversary last summer was a perfect moment for me and my family to reminisce with stories of the past, while also exploring ways to move the dial forward.

One thing that needed some attention was the exterior of our Beverly store and showroom. We work on the inside, so our focus is usually on updating the décor and displays that people see when they walk through our doors. However, the outside of the building was getting tired and didn’t effectively portray our team’s energy and expertise, which has always been such a source of pride. Every day, our employees demonstrate their product knowledge and commitment to service. We have high standards for them to uphold and I believe we should apply these benchmarks to every aspect of our business. After all, as design professionals know, every detail is important. After a few months of planning, we began renovating and enhancing the curb appeal of our location on River Street. It is a work in progress. We are still waiting on signage and some additional enhancements. What do you think of the changes?

Without further ado, I would like to introduce our bloggers for January. Based in Natick, MA, KitchenVisions just celebrated a decade in business. We’re applauding and congratulating this award-winning design team for reaching this significant milestone.

Best,
Jason Sevinor
President

Founder & Principal designer Jodi Swartz, CKBR, UDCP, became a Certified Kitchen & Bathroom Designer/Remodeler as well as a Universal Design specialist and space planner after remodeling 11 of her own homes. Lead Designer Natasha Young joined the KitchenVisions team in 2020 after spending time as an independent designer and working for an award winning design-build firm.

MADELI ESTATE 36 VANITY IN SAPPHIRE

We love the Madeli Estate as a stand-alone vanity. The metal trim is classy and modern. It’s a very transitional piece — it would fit well into a traditional or modern setting. There are also several options to choose from in terms of the legs and complementary details. We’re doing one now in a cherry finish with a gorgeous burgundy stain and a beautiful bronze metal inlay.

KEUCO MIRROR CABINET

The Keuco LED Mirror Cabinet is only 26 inches high — it would be perfect to tuck into a smaller space, like a powder room in the city. The mirror does it all: it’s very pretty and it offers so much light to frame your face. Light around the side of a cabinet works much better than a recessed light or sconce above a mirror.

WATERSTONE PULL DOWN KITCHEN FAUCET

How cool is the Waterstone Pull Down Kitchen Faucet? When it comes to plumbing, there’s only so much you can really do to innovate and make a kitchen faucet different. These guys really pick it up a step — you don’t usually see faucets that look like this. We imagine seeing this fixture in a renovated, barn-like home or carriage house. It certainly could make a statement in a relatively minimalist space as well. This faucet in and of itself is a piece of art.

NATIVE TRAILS CANTINA BAR SINK IN POLISHED NICKEL

We’re obsessed with this Cantina Bar Sink by Native Trails — it’s like a sparkly piece of jewelry. It is elegant and refined, yet you don’t have to be precious with it. The texture is just stunning. It elicits a sculptured yet informal moment for a chic bar area.

CROSSWATER PATINATO 60 BACK-TO-WALL BATHTUB

The Crosswater Patinato is a fantastic tub — we actually have a picture of it on our website and we just won a PRISM award from BRAGB (Builders and Remodelers Assoc. of Greater Boston) for a primary bathroom with this tub. We love that it’s a freestanding tub but it also attaches to the wall, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning behind it. It’s also comfortable and not so huge that it won’t fit into a smaller space.