Tag Archives: Inspiration

A Period Bath Re-Imagined

/ October 10, 2012
As seen in Rooms To Inspire

As seen in Rooms To InspireSlideshow

This all white and very straightforward bath is simple and totally functional. The washstand with its marble top works well in the space, the sconce lights take away shadows, a magnifying mirror is always helpful, and a medicine cabinet corrals all of ones daily needs. The natural light is a benefit but the window is fitted with a simple roller shade. The bead board and French inspired fitting signify a traditional bath and the white paint makes the space nice but bland.

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Inviting Bath

/ September 28, 2012
Photo published in Elle Decor, October.

Slideshow

The details of this bath, published in the October issue of Elle Decor, are fabulous. It starts with sculpture; the bathtub is set in front of an appropriately scaled dark wood fireplace original to the house.The mantle holds an assortment of personal objects and the painting above is not only interesting but a great size for the wall. Clearly, the space is large and the ceilings tall, always a great feature for a master bath. In this space, it is the combination of a grand hanging light, large scale pattern on the roman shade, wood floors and just the right furniture that make it so appealing.  Finally, natural light adds ambient warmth and an invitation to relax.  Not seen in this photo are highly decorative demi-lune tables for sinks and unusual sconces.

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R.W.Atlas Fittings Launch

/ September 26, 2012
The design direction for R.W.Atlas was clear from the beginning. This is one of the original Roman and Williams sketches for the line.

The design direction for R.W.Atlas was clear from the beginning. This is one of the original Roman and Williams sketches for the line.Slideshow

An innovative approach to the exposed thermostatic valve.
An image that shows various components for the R.W.Atlas range of products from lever handles to the wheel handles.
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In addition to the fitting and tile, R.W. Atlas has a washstand and mirror component. Once again, scale and proportion, materials and details along with a modern and utilitarian quality add edginess to the design.
The wheel handle with its coin edge on the exposed thermostatic valve. The details are refined down to the choice of font on the front of the case.
Exposed Thermostatic System with Shower Rose and Handshower and Metal Lever Handle_05-23195-12110
The bridge kitchen fitting with spray. The iconic details of knurled rings and hex nuts create a bold statement for the kitchen.
District Tile was developed as a companion to R.W Atlas. The crisp edges of the Modulus body and the deep, rich earthy colors add to the layering of the industrial inspiration of the line.

The preparation for launch of the R.W. Atlas fittings and District Tile has been a major team effort here at Waterworks. We are so pleased to introduce our friends and clients to our newest initiative that includes fittings for the bath and kitchen, accessories, a washstand and District Tile. For more than two years we collaborated with the design firm of Roman and Williams to create products that were inspired by precision-crafted goods from the past including microscopes, the Leica camera or the bezel of a Rolex sub-mariner watch. The results are designs that are not specific to any one historical period, but enjoy a familiarity with many objects from our past. This is a strictly American and original design sensibility, inspired by historic details but expressed in a modern way.

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Muriel Grateau: A Favorite Paris Shop

/ August 29, 2012
The very subtle store front of Muriel Grateau at 37, rue de Beaune.

The very subtle store front of Muriel Grateau at 37, rue de Beaune.Slideshow

There is always a minimalist approach to her window displays.
A dizzying palette of napkins, all linen and large.
Just open the storage drawers and see what incredible surprises lie in waiting.
This is certainly one of her boldest place settings in bright yellow with artistic spatter decoration. Can you imagine the food that would look tempting on this dinner plate. The dark gray napkin adds subtlety to the arrangement.
I am more of a gray person myself, so this is probably the place setting I would select.
Subtle and soft, this gray is incredibly neutral, with just a hint of deep rose in the napkin.
Crisp and clean for this white setting. Notice that all of the plates in her entire assortment are the same design. I like the matte white glassware and white napkins here. This means that the food is really the star.
Three warm shades of taupe, from the dishes at mid tone to the light napkin and darker sanded glass ware. This is neutral to the extreme but very friendly.
For your next art party, this is the setting you might select. These dishes will be a topic of conversation. I love the yellow napkins and the black accents.
More beautiful glazes on an assortment of bowls.
Of course, there is proper Venetian glassware to accompany the dishes and flatware. You want one of everything that has been so thoughtfully designed and edited.

Several months ago I wrote about my favorite shop in Paris, Muriel Grateau. I, clearly, am not the only one to find her and her shop an inspiration. Last Saturday the WSJ Off Duty section did an interview: 20 Odd Questions with Muriel Grateau.  I have attaching a link to the article and reposted my own:

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