KNOBS and PULLS and LATCHES, OH MY!
Posted on October 03, 2022
KNOBS AND PULLS AND LATCHES, OH MY!
You’re ready for a kitchen remodel but your bank account hasn’t quite caught up to your lofty dreams?
Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio can help.
You'd be surprised how much simply swapping out your old cabinet and drawer pulls and knobs can change the entire look of the room.
It can mean the difference between blah and beautiful. It's like Botox for your home. You'll know that you made the change, but if you do it right, you'll just get glowing compliments from your friends and family. They won't know exactly what you did, but they'll know it looks great!
Read on to learn how to glow up (instead of blow up or tear up) your kitchen, making it fresh, sparkling, and (almost!) brand new!
Choosing the right decorative hardware for your cabinets requires a balance between functionality and style. The knobs and pulls you select will effortlessly tie your space together when coordinated with the relative scale of your cabinet doors and drawers.
What color hardware should I choose?
- Warm gold tones, including brushed or polished brass
Whether it is brushed, polished or champagne, gold is the beautiful new way to go! Champagne bronze and Satin Bronze are popular finishes when you want the gold style but want it to be softer and more inviting. Brass looks great with crisp whites, black or even greens and blues.
Polished brass can make a real statement and unlacquered brass is having a moment (for those who appreciate a rich patina – and maintenance). Brass looks lovely against crisp whites, taupe, black, and earthy blues/greens, if you plan to paint your cabinets.
- Matte Black
Black is still the most popular color trend for this year. Black hardware will update your cabinets in an instant, whether you love knobs, pulls, or want to take a mix-and-match approach.
It looks great on light colored cabinets and gives a classic modern look. This will also look great on bathroom vanities and laundry room cabinets.
- Tubular or square, slim and sleek
Slim and sleek pulls are still the most popular cabinet hardware style. Modern bar pulls, whether tubular or square are top sellers, and for good reason. They look great on most cabinets, come in many finishes, and are a flexible design choice.
- Be Unique
Who said you HAVE to follow the trends? The best style is to be UNIQUE! Choose what you love.
It’s your kitchen.
You like curves and round lines instead of square, do that. If you like to combine square with round, do that. The options are endless.
With pulls, knobs and appliance pulls available in 37 finishes, Top Knobs offers a wide array of styles to match nearly every décor and color palette. Interior designers and homeowners continuously turn to Top Knobs to complete the look of their project.
And where do you find Top Knobs?
Right here in the middle of Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio.
Can I mix colors? Can I mix styles?
Yes. And yes.
Mostly.
There are a few “guidelines,” but, as we said earlier, it’s YOUR kitchen.
The two main reasons you may want to use more than one style of cabinet knob and pull are simple:
Style and function.
From a style perspective, mixing different types of hardware can give a kitchen lots of character, adding subtle visual interest. Especially in a larger kitchen, you may want to avoid the repetitiveness of using just one handle for every single door and drawer.
Choose a single finish. Although it’s definitely possible to coordinate cabinet hardware in different finishes, it’s much easier and safer to mix different shapes of knobs and pulls in one matching finish. This automatically gives all the hardware a sense of being coordinated and makes the differences between each style less immediately noticeable.
For an even more coordinated look, you can use the same metal finish for your cabinet hardware and your faucet (and even other details such as light fixtures and switch plate covers).
Think about the number of drawers and doors. Cabinet hardware will usually look best when used in multiple places so that no single knob or handle is the odd one out. For this reason, it can be easier to make multiple styles of hardware work in a larger kitchen with many doors and drawers.
Fewer than twenty doors and drawers? It’s safest to stick to two types of hardware.
Less than twelve doors and drawers? Use just one style of handle all over.
This is certainly not a hard-and-fast rule, but it can help create an organized look.
Other options?
Use one style for upper cabinets and a different style for lower cabinets. A great option for coordinating the look of your hardware is to use one hardware type for the uppers (often a knob because they’re easy to grip when swinging an upper door open) and one for the lowers (often a short handle or pull, which can work for both the lower doors and drawers).
Round knobs
Round knobs (as opposed to square, T-shape or other more rigid shapes) have the major advantage of being comfortable to grab from many directions, making them easy to pull.
The major disadvantage of round knobs occurs with wide drawers that can’t easily be pulled from one small central point. If you have a heavy load in a drawer or your drawers aren’t especially high-quality, using a single knob in the center will put a lot of stress on one point. This means you’ll want to use two knobs, which may necessitate having to open the drawer with both hands.
Cup pulls and bin pulls
Cup and bin pulls are handles that have a cupped shape that fingers can slide into from underneath, as opposed to a handle that can be grabbed from above or below. Pulls are reminiscent of the handles on file cabinets and storage bins and carry a slight retro feel.
Bin pulls tend to look best installed centered and running horizontally, and they also function best on drawers and pullouts. For these reasons they’re often confined to drawers.
Bin pulls work especially well when dressing a single row of drawers that runs all the way across a set of cabinets or around the entire kitchen, giving a pleasing “cap” to the look without being bulky.
Finger pulls
Finger pulls usually attach to the back or top of each door and drawer and wrap around to create a lip that can be grabbed with a curved finger, much like a cup pull but wider and with a more minimal shape.
Finger pulls aren’t usually mixed with other cabinet styles because they tend to appear in modern, minimalist kitchens. They work best either in one consistent width or sized to match each cabinet.
However, short finger pulls can be useful when mixed in for semi hidden cabinets such as ones on the back of the island, where protruding hardware would be in the way of knees and elbows.
Latch pulls
Latch pulls or cabinet latches have a certain old-world appeal. They literally latch shut and hold the cabinet door closed until they’re unlatched.
Depending on the manner of latching, they can take a bit more effort to open than a typical pull, potentially acting as a mild child safety lock or a deterrent for clever pets. But primarily they serve as a style statement.
Latch pulls work well to accent a few doors in a transitional, traditional or farmhouse-inspired kitchen, giving a sense of sophistication and a certain visual richness.
Latch pulls can be combined with simpler knobs for the majority of the doors so that the more commonly opened cabinets don’t require the extra step of unlatching.
Okay – I picked out my finish. Now what?
It’s time for a count:
How many small drawers?
How many large drawers?
How many small doors?
How many large doors?
Oven? Refrigerator? Dishwasher?
Any odd-shaped spaces?
Before pulling out your measuring tape, it’s important to note some key terms when it comes to measuring knobs and pulls:
-
Overall Length: The distance from one end of the pull to the other end
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Center-to-Center: The industry standard for measuring pulls, the distance from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other screw hole
-
Diameter: Refers to the width of a knob or width of the thickest portion of a pull
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Projection: How far the pull or knob sticks out from the surface of the cabinet once installed
Knobs
Knobs are the most versatile hardware options. Available in a broad range of styles and finishes, standard size knobs range between 1-2 inches in diameter and will complement cabinet doors of any size.
When arranged on drawers less than 16 inches in width, we recommend installing one knob directly at the center. As for drawers larger than 16 inches, two knobs should be installed. For a symmetrical appearance, measure the drawer into thirds and set the knobs in the center of the two outer portions.
Pulls
Pulls come in a variety of styles and lengths, which can prove to be daunting when selecting proportionately sized hardware. Bar Pulls are traditionally measured center-to-center and they should not exceed one-third of the length of a cabinet door or width of a drawer.
Pulls 3-7 inches in length will sit the most comfortably on doors less than 24 inches tall. Cabinet doors 24-36 inches tall are best adorned with pulls 7-12 inches long, while cabinets taller than 36 inches such as pantries, built-in appliances and pullouts should be accompanied by pulls longer than 12 inches.
One pull measuring 3-5 inches in length should be installed in the center at the center of a drawer less than 16 inches wide. Drawers 16-32 inches wide are best embellished with two smaller pulls 5-7 inches in length or one larger pull 9-12 inches long. Any drawer broader than 32 inches will require a pull longer than 12 inches.
Cup Pulls and Tab Pulls
Cup and tab pulls will follow the same sizing recommendations as bar pulls however, their placement will vary.
Due to their size and configuration, cup pulls are commonly reserved for drawers and are positioned at the top center or directly in the center. When installed on drawers, tab pulls should be placed along the top center of drawers. On upper cabinets, tab pulls are either installed vertically on the opening of the doors or horizontally on the very bottom.
Appliance Pulls
Appliances pulls are the perfect way to match your appliances and oversized cabinet doors with your decorative hardware. Appliance pulls are available in a variety of sizes from 12 to 30 inches. They should be placed on cabinet doors taller and drawers larger than 36 inches.
Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio has more choices that you would ever imagine.
We’re like a jewelry store for your kitchen and your bathroom vanity.
You don’t have to stop there – why not update that dresser in your bedroom?
The pulls on your desk drawers?
Let Waterhouse help you give your home a mini-facelift.
It doesn't need to be a special Occasion to use these fixtures...
Posted on September 29, 2022
Waterhouse proudly introduces the KOHLER Occasion bathroom faucet, lighting, and accessory collection.
Embracing the high fashion and effortless glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood, these fixtures are meant to be show stopping.
Just like the era that inspired it, the collection was designed to be graceful, even refined, and it is fashioned to be the center of attention.
Waterhouse, too, likes to be the center of attention.
KOHLER carefully poured over every aspect of the Occasion collection. The daring lines draw the eye throughout the entire design from the flawless symmetrically sloping edges to the pentagon-shaped base. The intent was to ensure every piece struck a delicate balance between elegance and flare— demonstrating a beautiful restraint in every detail.
Check out this widespread lavatory faucet in Moderne Brushed Brass paired with Kohler mirrors.
KOHLER designed the Occasion collection with continuous lines and graceful curves in mind. In this way, the collection blends classic beauty with modern style. The inspired design elements influence every aspect of the collection —from faucets and showering components to accessories. The collection also includes new two-tone finishes that further heighten the glamour of the room.
Waterhouse is currently obsessed with the signature pentagon shape of Kohler's new Occasion collection faucet handles.
Waterhouse is doing everything we can to bring glam back, one faucet at a time.
The perfect balance between Occasion's facets, angles, and edges invite an interplay of light that catches the eye and gives this collection its signature look.
Available now in these finishes:
- Polished Chrome (CP)
- Polished Nickel (SN)
- Brushed Nickel (BN)
- Matte Black (BL)
- Brushed Moderne Brass (2MB)
- Brushed Moderne Brass/Matte Black (BMB)
And coming soon in French Gold (AF), Titanium (TT), & Brushed Bronze (BV).
Waterhouse, paired with Kohler, is ready to thrill you with all things shiny, brilliant, and inspiring!
We'll leave you with this gorgeous Kohler Occasion single wall sconce in Brushed Moderne Brass.
The name is fancy. The collection is fancy.
But, like everything you'll find at Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio, that high level of fancy is paired with an equally high level of professionalism, thoughtfulness, and expertise.
The Waterhouse Team was hesitant about traveling to REDEND POINT but we really enjoyed the trip!
Posted on September 29, 2022
Plenty of paint companies and design tastemakers have already made their picks for Color of the Year 2023, and the latest announcement is from our "paint partner in crime" -- Sherwin-Williams. Check out the SW Color of the Year 2023 selection, Redend Point.
What's your first reaction? The Waterhouse Team was hesitant at first, but just WAIT until you see this color in real spaces.
Sherwin Williams' Redend Point SW 9081 does have some autumnal energy, but this nuanced shade also has plenty going for it as a year-round hue. A grounded blush-beige that blends the energies of playful pinks and steadying earth tones, the Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2023 is a warm neutral that can work equally well in a creativity-inspiring office and a soothing spa-like owner's retreat (like this one!)
The Waterhouse team has found that our homeowners are opting for warmer whites, beiges, pinks, and browns. Sherwin Williams' Redend Point SW 9081 is an earthy color, and its subtle pink undertones exude a feeling of warmth and exploration—something people want to feel in their homes. It also leans into trends we're seeing around empathy and care culture. While self-care is incredibly important, care is also about looking out for each other and our communities.
Is that a PINK bathroom?
I can't use PINK in my house. That's a "girlie" color.
A little more colorful than most neutrals but more muted than many brighter tones (and most pinks), Redend Point is the perfect shade for adding a splash of personality to any room. It has no boundaries, crosses all gender lines.
So, this bathroom is Pretty in Pink (sort of.)
That used to be our favorite movie, now it's becoming our favorite color!
This color is versatile and can easily transform not only bathrooms, but kitchens as well!
Here, SW Redend Point is paired with Brushed Gold cabinet and drawer pulls, a Matte Black kitchen faucet, gleaming white subway tile, countertops, trim, and upper cabinets, not to mention that striking Matte White lighting fixture dangling over the kitchen island!
Waterhouse has never been shy about color but this one has us BLUSHING.
While it may only be the eve of October, Waterhouse is already thinking about the possibilities in store for us in 2023...
We're already totally inspired by Sherwin Williams' 2023 Color of the Year, REDEND POINT.
Those are all words that Waterhouse could use to describe itself, but we would add SURPRISING, UNIQUE, MODERN, ECLECTIC, OPEN-MINDED, and COOL as well.
Here's to an upcoming year of softer spaces and beauty beyond ourselves.
Waterhouse is going to the dogs...
Posted on September 13, 2022
No, really.
We are LITERALLY going to the dogs.
Let's talk about pet wash stations.
You may be surprised to learn that 69 million households in the U.S. own at least one dog.
That's a LOT of fur and muddy feet!
How do you currently bathe your dog at home?
Does your terrier take a garden hose shower in the backyard?
Are you straining your back lifting your Doodle into the bathtub?
Are you spending $50-100 (or more?!) taking your pup to the groomer?
All that time and money adds up. Fast.
Let Waterhouse show you...
What does Waterhouse have to offer your furry children? We're not just for people anymore...
Have you thought about adding a dog washing station to your mudroom, laundry room, basement, back entryway, or garage?
How nice would it be to bring your pooch directly in from a muddy walk right into a dedicated shower to rinse them off? Or your dirty boots? Or your kids from head to toe?
So. Darn, Nice.
Pet Wash Stations 101 with Waterhouse
3 things to consider when building a pet wash station in your home
You'll want to be sure your dog wash station has waterproof surroundings.
Hot and Cold Water Supply
Dogs like warm water better than cold so you’ll need a faucet with a hot and cold water supply. No WONDER they never like standing still under the garden hose.
You'll need to connect your dog wash station to your main drainage line. Also, it’s recommended to use a larger drain than a standard shower drain to handle more dirt and hair. 3" minimum is a good rule of paw.
Where should you put your new pet wash station?
Waterhouse suggests your laundry room or mud room, especially if your new shower will be used for more than muddy paws.
If you don’t have enough space to add a shower in the mudroom or laundry room, you can also consider the garage.
Out walking your dog in downtown Perrysburg this morning?
Perhaps you and your furry companion should stop in to chat about having Waterhouse create one of these for you...
Luxury knows no boundaries.
You can devote an entire room to your playful pooch or you can carve out a small niche in a corner of your entry or laundry room. There's no right or wrong way to do this. You have to do what works for you, for your dog, for your space, and for your budget. Adding a pet wash station can increase your home’s value up to 19%. If you are looking to sell in a tough housing market, a pet wash station will definitely set your home apart from the rest.
According to our research, a pet wash station can cost anywhere between $2,500-$5,000 depending on the plumbing needs of the space as well as the materials you choose. If you decide to go the DIY route, the cost can be as low as $1,700.
The weather is gorgeous today but chilly autumn days are right around the corner.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a space like this ready to shower off your furry pal (and your kids, too!)
To elevate or not to elevate?
You have a choice on the height of your station. If it’s elevated to hip-level it will be easier on your back and shoulders. If you are using this space as a dual purpose, such as watering flowers or rinsing clothes, this height would be ideal. This would be exclusively for smaller breeds that can easily be lifted, unless you have a large dog that is comfortable walking up a ramp.
A floor shower also has some benefits. If the design is a walk-in plan, it can double as a human shower. Another bonus of a floor level/zero clearance shower would be placing their feeding bowls in the shower area to keep spills off of the floors in your home. If you have a large dog, this choice would be ideal for their safety as well as yours.
There are some elements that are helpful to incorporate into your pet washing station design.
1. A hand held shower that’s comfortable to use as well as having different pressures and streams.
Check out the Hansgrohe Pet Shower!
Three spray modes for gentle care and efficient cleaning
Soft nozzle jets use water to brush and massage at the same time
WaterBoost: Increase water flow individually at the touch of a button
2. A towel bar nearby as well as shampoo shelves built into the space. You will have your hands full, so a pump action shampoo dispenser hung on the shower wall would be ideal.
3. Don’t forget to add an eye hook to the wall of your shower to tie your dog to if he or she is prone to bolting when the water turns on.
AND, if you are already investing in this new area, it would be a great idea to also add storage space for dog toys, medicine, food, and leashes. So convenient to have all of these items in one place.
You can use a standard shower pan, shower base and walls, a traditional laundry sink, a small alcove bathtub, or choose custom tile for the project.
You can add tall walls, plexiglass or glass doors, zero clearance tile floor with a linear drain.
There are as many options for creating a pet station as there are recognized dog breeds.
Waterhouse can help. Just ask. Or bark.
Small spaces need BIG COLORS
Posted on September 12, 2022
Navigating paint colors and wall treatments for small spaces (like powder rooms, breakfast nooks, laundry rooms, and even main bathrooms can be daunting.
Will a dark color make your room a cave?
Will a bright color overwhelm your senses in a small space?
The answer to both of those questions is maybe.
Depends on the space.
Depends on the light.
Depends on you.
Color choice is very personal.
Waterhouse wants to let you know that whether you choose a moody blue or a vibrant pink, you can't go wrong.
Color can change.
Walls can be repainted.
We're all about trial and error. Taking risks with design.
Check out a few cool options for your small spaces...
Waterhouse wants to remind you to be strategic with color pairings.
The color here?
Farrow & Ball’s Carriage Green No. 94
Using a dark green paint color in this small bathroom blurs the lines of the room and made the room feel more expansive, since it’s harder to see where the corners come together. Pairing it with a creamy tile, white fixtures, matte black and gold accents keeps it from feeling overly cavernous.
Come
to the Waterhouse showroom to fill your head (and your home) with colorful ideas!
Bathrooms can be small.
Powder rooms are small.
Just because they're small, doesn't mean they can't be BIG ON STYLE!
Want a quick DIY project for Sunday afternoon (when the Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio is closed?)
Why
not try one of these daring colors to (literally) brighten up your space?
Shown here: Benjamin Moore’s Peony
Benjamin Moore’s Soot adorns the walls of this (not so small) main bathroom. Deep color on the walls makes the space more intimate, makes your gleaming white freestanding bathtub gleam even brighter and serves as an impressive backdrop to those chrome and crystal lighting fixtures.
You can get everything shown here (except the paint) from Waterhouse.
Moody contrasts and rich colors yield gorgeous and distinct spaces. This eye-catching mudroom project leans on Sherwin Williams’ Jasper for a memorable pop of color.
Waterhouse tip: All white will never go out of style—just remember to bring those other color elements in. Bathrooms, powder rooms, breakfast nooks, laundry rooms -- each and every one of these smaller spaces can benefit from a new color perspective.
Navigating paint colors for small spaces can feel daunting. After all, how do you balance personal preference with paint color trends? Whether the goal is a moody mudroom or a vibrant lounge we've been celebrating some Waterhouse-approved paint colors, tips, and takeaways for transforming small rooms into stylish jewel boxes.
This reading nook embraces nature’s vibrant side.
The color: Benjamin Moore’s Very Green
The tip: Don't be afraid of jewel-toned greens in small spaces --
think laundry rooms, bars, powder rooms. Because it relates back to nature, green is bright, without being overwhelming, while exuding vitality.
Where in the world would you see this on the walls in a bathroom?
Right here at Waterhouse, of course.
Colors in the correct shades, used in the proper space can be used to make your space feel timeless too.
Farrow & Ball Studio Green (No. 93) in this small breakfast nook proves that "trendy" colors can still garner timeless results.
Waterhouse never shies away from color.
We
embrace trends whenever we can.
But we also like a classic black and white clawfoot cast iron tub paired with polished chrome and gleaming white paint.
We're a showroom of many moods.
Come see what mood we're in today.
Waterhouse.
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 9-5
Open Thursday 9-7
Open Saturday 10-2
We're even open until 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Pink is the new black...
Posted on September 12, 2022
Well, not exactly.
But we did get your attention with that title, didn't we?!
Pink may not be the first color you think of as a versatile option for your powder room or primary bath but Waterhouse is here to show you that pink isn't just for 9-year-old girls with glittery tiaras or tutus.
Pink can be bold.
Pink can be a neutral.
Pink can be daring.
Pink can be subtle and elegant.
Either way, let Waterhouse show you how to add positivity to your bathroom with pops (or explosions, in some instances!) of pink.
Adding a pop of color can change the entire feel of a room. Dark, moody colors tend to exude elegance, light colors create softness, and bright colors are typically more fun and playful. Pink is a color that's somewhere in the middle: It's both youthful and exciting yet adds a touch of refined modernism that you just can't ignore.
When it comes to bathrooms, you can have a little more fun with color and pattern. Since these small rooms are typically closed off from the rest of the house, it's an easy opportunity to incorporate hues you might not otherwise use in your home. And whether you're looking for something cheerful and bold or contemporary and sleek, pink could be a surprisingly easy choice.
This is the room where we get ready for work in the morning and unwind in the tub after a long day—so why not make the space bright and fun? If you're feeling inspired to add some rosy tones to your own space, we've rounded up the best pink bathroom ideas to help you get started.
- Add Pink Floral Wallpaper
One of our favorite ways to create a pink bathroom is to bring in a bold color with a striking wallpaper pattern. You don't have to go the floral route—there are endless wallpaper options on the market today, so pick a print that matches your design style. Pair your wallpaper with a matching vanity and create a focal point with framed art. If you really want to play into the floral theme, add fresh flowers and rotate them based on the seasons.
- Start with Pastels
If you're looking for something a little less bold, consider painting one wall in a muted powder pink. This way, you can easily incorporate a splash of color without it completely overtaking the room. Once the paint is dry, add a statement mirror (or two) and use gold accents throughout to create a stylish vintage-inspired vanity area.
- Choose a Theme
If your decorating style is anything but subtle, consider creating a pink bathroom that goes all-in with color and pattern. With abstract shelving, busy wallpaper, and beach accessories, this flamingo-theme powder room has it all. To create a similar look, paint the baseboards to complement your cabinets or vanity and carry the color throughout the room. Then, bring in white or neutral elements, like mirrors, lighting, and frames, to ground the look. Then, add your decorative elements to tie it all together.
- Add a Subtle Splash of Pink
While pink bathrooms are popular, vibrant colors aren't for everyone. Ease your way into this trend by starting small. Add a pink bath mat, shower curtain, or ottoman to your bathroom to introduce the color, and keep the rest of the space outfitted with neutrals. As you become more comfortable with the color, add subtle hints of pink, with your towels or washcloths.
- Decorate with a Salmon Shade of Pink
To update your bathroom without a permanent commitment, transform a neutral bathroom with small accessories, like linens or wall art. Balance a focal point mirror with wall sconces, then carry color throughout the room on towels, a bathmat, and soap dispenser. Choose a rich salmon shade of pink for a cozy look that pairs well with beige tones and whites with warm undertones.
- Paint a Bathroom Vanity
You can easily change the color scheme of a bathroom by giving the existing pieces a fresh coat of paint. Consider a painted vanity or painting built-in shelving a bright pink hue to create a new look. Then, incorporate small accessories, like a matching vase or tray, to bring it all together.
- Make It Monochromatic
The perfect pink bathroom isn't always vibrant or loud. For a subtle pink accent, paint walls with a blush color. For a monochromatic look, paint large furnishings to match. Add neutral elements, like this upholstered white stool, or gold hardware to create a soft, traditional powder room or primary bath.
- Use Pink Tile for the Bathroom
It's not always easy to add tile to a bathroom (floor or otherwise), especially if a full renovation isn't on the table. Temporary wallpaper allows you to create the look of tile without all the effort. Add a wallpaper backsplash in soft pink tones for a pop of color in the bathroom. Finish the look with brass or gold hardware for a touch of glam.
- Create a Focal Point
If you're looking for an easy DIY project, focus on transforming one element of the room into a focal point. This will help you try the trend without committing to a total overhaul. Start with a vanity, dresser, or mirror, and add a coat of pink paint. Choose a pastel shade for a vintage vibe or go brighter for a more modern look. Contrast with neutral tones throughout the rest of the room to make your pink accessory the center of attention.
Mid-century Modern = Grass on the walls + jewelry on the ceiling
Posted on July 22, 2022
Okay. So we're not putting REAL grass on the walls and there's not TECHNICALLY any jewelry hanging from the ceiling but we certainly got your attention, didn't we?!
What we're trying to say is that design can be off-the-wall and fun.
Whimsical.
Interesting.
No more cookie cutter bathrooms. That should be our new Waterhouse motto.
Today's unique style?
Mid-century Modern.
The 3 pillars are:
FUNCTIONALITY.
COLOR.
SHAPE.
Mid-century Modern design principles don't live only in the living room. You can bring that same feel into every room in your home -- including the powder room!
Mix materials.
Harsh metals often blend with lighter wood—it’s all about blending the traditional with the nontraditional. You can experiment with different fabrics and textiles, mix metals -- you'll be blending tradition with modernism, which is what the style is all about.
Mid-century modern design is all about functionality. In a mid-century modern home, everything is organized, and the lines are clean.
Since the mid-century modern style is all about lines, then shape must play an important part of the process. This sentiment is, in fact, true! Geometric shapes are staples of the mid-century modern design because of their clean linework.
How do we put this puzzle together at Waterhouse?
Using this small bathroom as inspiration, we came up with these ingredients. Stir them all together and you'll have the most delicious design!
The KOHLER VEIL Pedestal Lavatory Sink
The KOHLER BRAZN one-piece toilet
The KOHLER ARCHER mirrored medicine cabinet
KOHLER PURIST wall-mount lavatory faucet with cross handles in Vibrant Brushed Modern Brass
KOHLER PURIST Glass Shelf
KOHLER PURIST Towel Ring in Vibrant Brushed Moderne Brass
KOHLER PURIST Toilet Paper Holder in Vibrant Brushed Moderne Brass
And here's that jewelry on the ceiling that we were talking about earlier...
The WHITESTONE wall sconce from Hudson Valley Lighting Group in Aged Brass.
And now for the grass on the walls...
Grasscloth is a handcrafted piece of interwoven exotic grasses and is a decorating staple of the 1960's and 1970's. different types of grasscloth materials, such as hemp, jute, rushcloth and sisal are very popular wallpaper and exist in a variety of designs and functions. For natural and modern wallcovering, grasscloth adds much desired warmth and texture to your home.
Phillip Jeffries Manila Hemp Kelly Green Wallpaper
Patterned grasscloth wallpaper has not only aesthetic beauty but true functionality as well. Besides adding texture, grasscloth also absorbs noise and covers any wall imperfections.
Schumacher Ripple Sisal Grass wallpaper
Eco-friendly, renewable, and chic, grasscloth wallpaper is constructed from natural fibers and are usually 100 percent recyclable.
Schumacher Acanthus Stripe Sisal Turmeric Wallpaper
It's a small bathroom. Go BOLD. Be BRAVE. Have FUN.
Let Waterhouse help.
High-style Mid-Century Modern Powder Room on a Mid-range Budget
Posted on July 18, 2022
Everything old is new again.
Create a mid-century modern inspired powder room that would make Don Draper proud with a little help from your friendly team at Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio.
The essential pieces:
Kohler Essential Rectangle Mirror in Moderne Brushed Gold
Native Trails 30" Topanga Vanity in Solid Walnut
Add the Native Trails 30: Palomar NativeStone Vanity top with Integral Sink in Pearl
Kohler Cimmaron 1-piece toilet
Brizo contributes the Allaria Widespread Faucet with Square Spout in Luxe Gold, the Allaria 8" Mini Towel Bar in Luxe Gold/Clear Acrylic, Allaria Flush Lever in Luxe Gold, and the Allaria Luxe Gold Tissue holder.
Finish off this look with the Hudson Valley LODI light bracket in Aged Brass and you're almost done!
Add luxurious hand towels and a sprig of something green plus this Amazon find -- a small, round walnut trash can...
And you're all done.
Wasn't that easy?
Whatever your favorite era, whatever your style, Waterhouse can help you bring your vision to life!
Think it's just too expensive to upgrade your bathroom? Think again...
Posted on July 18, 2022
This Affordable Swap Instantly Upgrades Your Bathroom (Even if You Rent)
It's a total myth that you have to spend a lot to change the look of your space.
Not quite ready for a full bathroom re-model?
Why not start with just your bathroom faucet?
You might be dealing with something like this...
Or this...
Wouldn't it be SO much better if you could swap that out for THIS???
With the right product and a bit of know-how, you can replace your bathroom faucet for an instant upgrade. If a new faucet is the DIY project you never knew you needed, Waterhouse bath & kitchen studio can help with that!
First, you should know some basic tips for choosing the right faucet. You'll need to determine whether your sink or countertop has one, two, or three holes. That will help you understand which type of faucet to buy.
Here's what you'll need to check...
Do you have a single hole?
Or a 4-inch center set? That's just a fancy way of saying three holes that are close together.
Or, you might need an 8-inch widespread faucet.
Once you've figured out what kind of faucet you NEED, now it's time to figure out what style you WANT. Waterhouse has an entire section of faucets at varying price points, ranging in style from modern and sleek to traditional. The more refined styles look great in bathrooms with a contemporary, minimal aesthetic, and the models with soft curves look amazing in bathrooms with a farmhouse or rustic look. And don't even get us STARTED on the number of finish choices...
Here are some examples:
Kohler DEVONSHIRE
Traditional Single hole
Traditional Center set
Traditional Widespread
KOHLER HINT
Modern Single hole
Modern Center set
Modern Widespread
This weekend DIY project might seem daunting, but it is actually really easy!
And if you rent and are worried about your landlord making a fuss, simply keep the old faucet and reinstall it when you leave. In the meantime, enjoy the bathroom you have always dreamed of.
Let Waterhouse help you make your house (or your rental) a Waterhouse.
Midcentury Modern -- Creating a bathroom that Don Draper would be proud to use
Posted on June 24, 2022
Waterhouse isn’t just a pretty face…
We’re also a wealth of knowledge and we LOVE to share that with you!
We’re going to pick a topic weekly and tell (and show!) you everything you need to know.
This week?
Midcentury Modern.
What is that??? Wood paneling? Black and white tile? Color mixed in? Interesting lighting fixtures?
YES!
What does that mean?
How do I make it work in my space?
Waterhouse has answers to these questions….
What is Midcentury Modern?
Midcentury modern style originated during the middle of the 20th century and embodied the needs and wants of the population of that time. Midcentury modern design is rooted in functionality, clean lines, and simplicity, which reflected the world at that time. Homes were more linear, focused on maintaining a nuclear family unit and as such, the furniture design echoed this environment.
Unlike frillier pieces or those filled with ornate detailing, midcentury modern furniture and design is much more straightforward in nature. The need and desire for functional, simplistic furniture and decor in our homes was a rebellion against the ornate traditions from decades before, and a way for families to embrace a more modern, organic way of living.
Most authentic midcentury modern furniture is made from teak. Teak was preferred for its richness in color and durability. Rosewood and oak were the other commonly used woods, mostly in case pieces like tables, desks, and storage cabinets.
But wood was by no means the only material present in the creation of midcentury modern pieces. Materials were critical to midcentury design – there was a lot of wood, metal, glass, and vinyl, often used in tension with each other to create a unique look. These materials were often used to create furnishings in curved shapes. The famous Eames chair is a hallmark of this. Other unique shapes took hold through curved and almost round sofas, odd-shaped coffee tables, and even geometric shapes that felt angular and clean."
Color was also a major component of midcentury style, using color in ways we didn't see before, often either as a bold accent or to make a piece of furniture stand out singularly in a room.
So that’s what it is and what it means.
Now, how do you bring midcentury modern design into your home without feeling like you’re building a TV set or curating a museum?
Start small. Like a bathroom renovation. We can DEFINITELY help with that.
Embrace Wood Paneling
Wait…wood paneling? You want me to embrace wood paneling?!
Wood paneling is kind of like cottage cheese; you either love it or hate it, there’s no middle ground.
Some think it's far too reminiscent of what could be considered a design faux pas of years past, but when constructed to perfection it can be a stunning addition to any bathroom. Try using it to frame your shower or line the walls and it'll serve as an instant time portal (in a good way!) to mid-century modern style.
Focus on Lighting
You can infuse a good dose of mid-century modern flair through lighting alone. The oblong wall-mounted lights here are sleek and play beautifully off the sharp black hardware, mirror frame, and faucets. If you're going to spend money on one thing for refreshing a bathroom, lighting can do so much.
Don't Be Shy to Experiment with Color
Pink, teal, olive green, and orange are just a few of the fun shades that were seen during the decades that mid-century modern covered. If you have a particular shade, like this fun bubblegum pink, that you're too timid to try in another room, coat the walls of your bathroom in it. You'll be staying true to your style and incorporating some extra fun tones.
When it comes to picking a color scheme, choose a muted palette. Multiple muted greens and mustardy yellows together with warm-colored wood instantly evoke the midcentury modern look. A touch of turquoise, perhaps in an artwork, will provide the finishing touch.
Experiment With Shapes and Sizes
The different circumferences of circular shapes reflected in everything from the mirror to the cabinet pulls are a chic complement to the angles of the vanity and tiles used on the floor. This is a nice little added bit of detail that's reminiscent of mid-century modern design. The selection of neutral colors also means that this bathroom will stay timeless for decades.
This focus on items being only as large as they need to be to function is a big part of why mid-century modern spaces feel so open and bright. Smaller, simpler pieces of furniture mean there's more negative space in a room, and that space becomes part of the decor.
For those who love the shades of midcentury modern but aren't interested in painting a whole bathroom in them, turn to your flooring. This powder room makes a convincing case for pink tile. If renovating your floors is completely out of the question, you can get a similar effect with stick-on backsplashes or an accent wall of tiles.
Cover Your Walls with Pops of Color
Get Groovy with Patterns
While this bathroom may not look like the others, its dark wood vanity and wild patterns make it a fit for being in a lineup of midcentury modern inspired bathrooms. Think of the groovy patterns and prints that received love in the '60s and '70s and soon enough you'll be considering pasting up some cool wallpaper of your own.
Make a Minimalist Mark
Many midcentury modern palettes include bright and bold tones, but muted color schemes are equally as popular. If you prefer quiet shades in your bathroom, stick with beiges, browns, grays, blacks, and metallics. A clean, simple bathroom like this is also reminiscent of Scandi-inspired spaces.
Create a Warm and Cool-Toned Space
Normally, warm and cool tones are separated from one another to prevent clashing, but like every so-called style rule, it's meant to be broken. The colder gray on the walls works a treat with the warm toned wood. With the addition of the black cast iron fixtures, the space feels finished and pulled together.
Blend Classic with Trendy
The wood vanity and tessellating tile make this bathroom an ultra-chic nod to midcentury modern. This room spins towards Cali cool and shows how malleable this design look can be and how it can be updated over time.
Keep It Fresh and Updated
A wooden vanity and sleek black accents create a pretty nod to midcentury modern. Although this bathroom features some characteristics from that time, it feels updated and fresh thanks to things like the subway tile and more!
There you have it.
Midcentury modern simplified.
Waterhouse wants to make everything easier for you.
Stop into our Perrysburg showroom to find out more.
125 E. Indiana Ave.