Showroom Favorites

Robin Gannon Interiors’ Showroom Favorites — October 2024

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

A Note From Jason

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

Hi Everyone!

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

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

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

Yours,
Jason Sevinor
President

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

SAMUEL HEATH FAIRFIELD FAUCET

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

STONE FOREST CALMA BATHTUB

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

FRANZ VIEGENER CLASSIC WIDESPREAD FAUCET

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

CROSSWATER BELGRAVIA EXPOSED SHOWER SET IN POLISHED NICKEL

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

THE GALLEY WORKSTATION

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

S+H Construction’s Showroom Favorites — September 2024

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

A Note From Jason

Time with the boys. Making summer memories!

Hi Everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

Yours,
Jason Sevinor
President

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

THE GALLEY WORKSTATION

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

FRANKE UNIVERSAL ROLLER MAT IN STAINLESS STEEL

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

SIDLER QUADRO MEDICINE CABINET

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

MTI JULIET FREESTANDING BATHTUB

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

CALIFORNIA FAUCETS TAMALPAIS WIDESPREAD LAVATORY FAUCET IN CARBON PVD

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

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

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

A Note From Jason

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

Hi everyone!

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

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

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

Best,
Jason Sevinor
President

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

SHAWS SHAKER FARMHOUSE FIRECLAY KITCHEN SINK

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

NANTUCKET SINKS VICTORIAN FIRECLAY UTILITY SINK

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

VICTORIA & ALBERT VETRALLA FREESTANDING SOAKING BATHTUB

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

CROSSWATER UNION WIDESPREAD BASIN FAUCET ROUND IN UNLACQUERED BRASS

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

CROSSWATER RESSA WALL MOUNT TOILET

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

111works Showroom Favorites — July 2024

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

A Note From Jason

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

Hi Everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

Jason Sevinor
President

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

JULIEN FIRA COLLECTION BAR/KITCHEN SINK

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

FRANZ VIEGENER NEREA FAUCET IN POLISHED CHROME

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

CROSSWATER TAOS BATHTUB IN WHITE SEMI-GLOSS

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

DORNBRACHT TARA ULTRA HOT AND COLD WATER DISPENSER IN CHROME

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

ROHL EXPOSED SHOWER SYSTEM

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

Woodmeister Master Builders Showroom Favorites — June 2024

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

A Note From Jason

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

Hi Everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

Until next month,
Jason Sevinor
President

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

THE GALLEY IDEAL WORKSTATION 5S IN AMERICAN BLACK WALNUT

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

ZIP WATER HYDROTAP IN BRIGHT CHROME

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

SIDLER QUADRO MEDICINE CABINET

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

STONE FOREST CALMA BATHTUB IN MARQUINA TAUPE MARBLE

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

WATERSTONE ENDEAVOR WHEEL PULLDOWN FAUCET IN MATTE BLACK WITH BRONZE ACCENTS

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

Amy Lynn Interiors Showroom Favorites — May 2024

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

A Note From Jason

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

Hi!

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

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

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

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

Until next month!

Jason Sevinor
President

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

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

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

THE GALLEY IDEAL WORKSTATION 6S IN AMERICAN BLACK WALNUT

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

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

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

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

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

GRAFF MOD+ M-SERIES VALVE TRIM WITH TWO HANDLES

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

Megan Meyers Interiors Showroom Favorites — April 2024

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

A Note From Jason

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

Hi everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next month,

Jason Sevinor
President

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

STONE FOREST BORDEAUX VANITY IN CARRARA MARBLE

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

CROSSWATER MPRO ONE PIECE SINGLE FLUSH TOILET IN MATTE BLACK

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

GRAFF SINGLE HOLE LAVATORY FAUCET IN MATTE BLACK AND WHITE

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

FRANZ VIEGENER KONIC WIDESPREAD LAVATORY FAUCET IN POLISHED CHROME

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

NATIVE TRAILS POSITANO BATHROOM SINK IN ABALONE

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

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.

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