Care of Fittings

November 23, 2012

Three textures of soft Elements cleaning cloths should be part of your cleaning ritual for your fitting. Wiping them down after every use will stop hard water from damaging the finish. Slideshow

The expectation is that the original lustrous finish on beautifully crafted fittings will last at least 20 years. This is essentially true unless the finish meets with some calamity such as an ammonia based or abrasive cleaner or poor air quality.  In fact, the fitting should be treated with the same care as one would devote to the finish of a fine piece of furniture or a well-loved car. Improper cleaning can damage the surface of the fitting and careless upkeep is a sure way to allow air, water and harsh chemicals to ravage the plating.

Full post →
  /     /  
0

Waterclosets/Toilets

November 22, 2012

17th century earthenware chamber pots.Slideshow

I am not usually inclined to write about waterclosets/toilets; they are the strictly functional element of the bath.  However, there has been a lot written about them in recent days and I thought I should weigh in. The news has centered around the Bill and Melinda Gates initiative to search for a new toilet that benefits the health and well being of people living in developing countries. According to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, four in ten people worldwide do not have a sanitary way to dispose of their bodily wastes. To solve this problem, the foundation launched an event–the Reinvent the Toilet Fair. Eight teams of engineers competed to develop a super toilet that runs on a “shoestring” and doesn’t need a sewage or water system.

Full post →
  /     /     /  
0

Handmade Tile

November 22, 2012

Slideshow

I have written about handmade ceramic tile before and will probably do so again. I recently visited one of my favorite handmade tile factories in Southern California and remembered again why the material is so special. First, it is all organic. Next, there are countless opportunities for customization, from the color to the shape of the trim. It seems that we are in a stone moment, but I don’t want to forget about the beauty of ceramic tile.

Full post →
  /     /     /  
2

New Book: Dish 813 colorful, wonderful dinner plates

November 21, 2012

Classic white dishes are faultlessly appropriate and always elegant. The white surface allows the food to be the star. Hostesses like the versatility of white dishes because they can be dressed up or down.Slideshow

Last week I went to The Hickory Stick Bookshop, my very favorite book store, in Washington Depot, CT. They have a delightful and personal inventory that always includes the latest books on design. Waiting for me on the shelf was a new book by Shax Riegler; 813 colorful, wonderful dinner plates. Despite the fact that most of my own dinnerware is white or cream, I love decorated plates. They bring design, color and drama to the dining table says Shax, whose day job is Features editorEat House Beautiful.

Full post →
  /     /     /     /  
0