The Wet Room (108)Interior Designer Sheila Bridges takes us into the most private room of the home, the bathroom, for the latest designer looks from complete renovation to a simple spruce-up. Her guest, designer John Barman, shares his ideas about what makes the perfect bathroom. Bridges also visits Waterworks, one of the leading providers of high-end bathroom fixtures and products, for inspirational ideas.
Bath Lux
- A five minute shower uses 25 - 30 gallons of water.
- Small tiles like mosaics have the greatest safety benefits because the grout provides traction for wet feet.
- Limestone comes from the skeletal remains of shells, coral and other sea shell life.
Contact Information:
John Barman
John Barman, Inc.
500 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10022
212-838-9443
www.johnbarman.com
Resources:
Waterworks: Inventing Bath Style
by Barbara Sallick
UnitedWater
www.unitedwater.com
Startling statistics from one of America's leading water suppliers.
Bathroom Styles
- Ceramic tile is very popular because of its ability to repel bacteria and dirt.
- Fittings are the hardware and visible plumbing, such as faucets, shower heads and handles.
- Benjamin Franklin imported one of the first bathtubs into the United States in 1780.
Designer's Notebook
- Buy Supima or Egyptian cotton for long-lasting wear.
- Terry cloth is the most absorbent type of towel.
- Velour has a softer surface but is less absorbent than terry.
- Pique has a quilted surface and costs more.
- Wash towels in cold water and tumble dry on permanent press.
- Keep makeup and face creams away from colored towels.
- New towels typically have a coating on them to make they seem soft. Buy premium quality cotton.
Contact Information:
Waterworks
60 Backus Ave.
Danbury, CT 06810
www.waterworks.com
Resources:
WFCA (World Floor Covering Association)
www.wfca.org
Information about ceramic tile.
Organic Style Magazine
www.organicstyle.com
Information about organic products — also includes recycling information.
Finishing Touches
- Chrome is the most durable finish, followed by nickel.
- Avoid putting wet towels into a hamper-it can spread mold and bacteria.
- Aromatherapy uses the essence of herbs and flowers to sooth the body, mind or spirit.
Sheila's Fab Finds: Bringing It Home
Salts, Soaps, Scrubs & Things
$6.95-38.00
the bathroom
94 Charles Street (at Bleecker St.)
New York NY 10014
646-638-2284, www.inthebathroom.com
Chain Embroidered Terry Robe
$530
Pratesi Linens
979 Third Avenue, Suite 1732
New York, NY 10022
800-332-6925, www.pratesi.com
Bath Canisters
$21.95/set
Crate&Barrel
800-967-6696, www.crateandbarrel.com
Towel Warmer
$99.99
Gracious Home
1217 & 1220 Third Avenue (at 70th St.)
New York, NY 10021
212-517-6300
Rubber Ducky
$10
roominterior products
435 Hudson St.
Greenwich Village
New York, NY 10014
1-866-ROOMNYC
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