Choosing a Bar of Soap

/ July 6, 2011
There is nothing quite as relaxing as a tub full of warm water and fragrant soap.

There is nothing quite as relaxing as a tub full of warm water and fragrant soap.Slideshow

This Waterworks Grenadine Blossom soap has a great citrus scent (grapefruit and hibiscus) and beautiful packaging. It looks appealing both with and without the wrapping.
This soap by 4mula is one of my favorites due to the modern design and functionality. It’s all natural and has a soothing blend of Chamomile, Bergamot and Clary Sage essential oils.
Although handmade layered soap isn’t visually appealing to me, the lavender buds and essential oils can make you believe you’re showering outdoors in France.
I do love an old fashioned square soap with plenty of shea butter. The embossed writing adds to the old world charm.
You’ll also need a great soap dish to go with the perfect bar of soap. One of my favorites is this blue vintage glass dish by Waterworks. It’s clean, timeless and allows the soap to be the star of the display.
Soap comes in so many sizes and shapes. The most important thing, however, is its' fragrance.
Fragrant lavender and delicious olive branches deliver soap smooth in texture and high in aromatherapy.

Erick Rexrode, our Outside Sales Consultant in the Philadelphia area, is our resident soap expert. He has written this post for The Perfect Bath. Thank you Erick:

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Inspiration: Another Trip to Hudson

/ June 29, 2011
This sign was in a window and I could not resist photographing it!

This sign was in a window and I could not resist photographing it!Slideshow

A lovely assortment of Danish silver, and none of it expensive, from Skalar Modern.
This pot was a most unusual design based on circles, but it had a sweet presence.
A picturesque group of objects on a street corner. None of them valuable but altogether very charming.
A Mathieu Mategot three tiered cart in laquered black and white perforated metal from the 50's. Two of the trays are removable. It seems like the perfect companion for outdoor dining.
I liked this George Nelson for Herman Miller elongated teak table with integral lamp. I had not seen this design before. I especially liked the finish on the piece and its original lamp shade. Available at Skalar Modern on Warren Street.
I was attracted to the pair of bright yellow Egg chairs and was amused by the name of the shop, "Yellow Fever". This shop is another new addition to Warren Street.
A great stack of Louis Vuitton suitcases. It made me think of the Paris flea markets where there are hundreds of these of all ages and sizes.
A good selection of modern lights.
I am always tempted by junk shops. The optomist in me thinks I will find a hidden treasure.
A new Swedish inspired shop with lovely linens and some very nice white washed Swedish furniture.
As you can see, new shops open all the time.
I always take photos of bathtubs, no matter how impractical. This looks about the right size for plants.

By now you know that I love Hudson, NY–the antiques and vintage Mecca of the Northeast. On June 10th I took a day off to go exploring and was gifted with a gorgeous, sunny, warm day perfect to be outside walking the streets. Usually I go with some specific goal, however, on this particular day, I decided to photograph whatever object was appealing without considering where it might go, what its price, or what bathroom would benefit from its purchase.

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Inspiration: The Passive Project

/ June 22, 2011
Solar orientation was the key ingredient in the house. The 23' wall of south facing glass is a striking feature.

Solar orientation was the key ingredient in the house. The 23' wall of south facing glass is a striking feature.Slideshow

The house was inspired by the Iroquois "long houses" that dotted the Husdon Valley landscape for centuries. The beautifully austere exterior is softened by the native stone.
The outdoor chairs echo the simple forms of the house. The color brightens the landscape.
A very straight forward floor plan with open rooms on two floors.
A section view of the structural insulated panels created so the house maintains temperate internal conditions year round.
A galley style kitchen with an Optix glass backsplash and Danby marble countertops from Vermont.
On the first floor, the master bedroom or possibly the movie room.
A small footprint for the bath but it has every amenity. It is clad in Optix glass 3x6 tile, the same material as the kitchen backsplash, and Danby mosaics. There is storage in the built-in medicine cabinet and the shower niche. Note the consistency of materials from the kitchen to the bath. Consistency is good in a house this size.
The upstairs study or TV room. A lovely and private loft space.
The upstairs bedroom with built-in cabinetry, well thought out display space or book shelves, and convenient placement of lights. The color is soothing as well.
Looking out from the second floor open office to the woods beyond.
The volume and clean lines of the house are clearly evident in this photograph.

We were so honored when Dennis Wedlick of Dennis Wedlick Architects of Hudson, NY and New York City asked us to participate in a project that he was passionate about. He was going to partner with Bill Stratton Building Company of Chatham, NY and Sciame Developers to build a PASSIVE house. This house would reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, have a near zero carbon footprint, heat and cool itself passively and use a fraction of energy without sacrificing an ounce of comfort, style or good design.

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Waterworks: Kitchen Story

/ June 15, 2011
An Italian Cararra hand carved farmhouse sink. Stone sinks have been used for centuries and only improve with age.

An Italian Cararra hand carved farmhouse sink. Stone sinks have been used for centuries and only improve with age.Slideshow

A kitchen clad in Grove Brickworks from floor to ceiling. The texture and grid of the glazed bricks add warmth and interest to the space. This kitchen is the creation of Steven Gambrel.
A laundry tub made from soapstone with a grooved facade that adds color and texture. The brass bolts and wall mounted Easton fitting compliment the dark stone. The unlacquered brass will develop a patina in time.
Stainless sinks are great for customization. You can create a size and shape to fit any installation.
Handmade cement tiles (Promenade) are embedded with an aggregate of white marble.
Pages from Waterworks_KitchenBrochfinal-3
A 2 x 2 blue (color: Depth) Repose glass backsplash is dramatic. The Henry shelves in unlacquered brass are perfect for a bar installation in either a residence or commercial installation.
An assortment of materials that would make great backsplashes.
Durable floors, both modern and rustic, are available from a large assortment of materials suitable for heavily trafficked areas of the house.
And, don't forget those all important decorative lights in the kitchen, bar and laundry.

LIVING WELL is the story we tell in our newly launched Kitchen & Bar brochure. While we are well known for our commitment to the bath, we also have a robust assortment of fittings, sinks, surfaces and furnishings for the kitchen.

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