1 Barbara's favourite bathroom and her must-haves - Inside Design - Decorating & Design - Style At Home

Decorating & Design - Inside Design

Inside design: Barbara Sallick

By
Liza Finlay

Re-think your bathroom with these tips and must-haves from Waterworks' founder Barbara Sallick.

S@H Describe your favourite bathroom ever.
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BS
It's funny -- I've been in many, but the ones I remember most aren't the wild ones, but rather those that accomplish serenity. I was in an old country house in Connecticut where the bathroom was built around two red leather chairs. They'd hung a chandelier imported from France and used black-and-white marble throughout. There was a fireplace at one end, and they'd hung elegant art. It was breathtaking.

S@H On your mission to make over the bathrooms of North America, what's your biggest obstacle?
BS
Execution. I see people investing in wonderful, expensive materials and products that are then poorly installed. There's incredibly ingenious technology that manufacturers are using to improve the bathroom. But it's all for nothing if it's not done well. I'm on a real tear about this right now. I'm encouraging people to be tough -- ask questions of potential contractors and tradespeople, and always be sure to inspect their work.

On tap

Barbara Sallick, founder of Waterworks, offers four must-haves for a modern spa bath.

1 A big tub and/or two-person shower. Barbara recommends one that's well equipped with a hand shower (and a seat for the shower) and that also delivers an appropriate amount of water pressure.

2
A piece of furniture, like an armchair, loveseat or ottoman. "This is a space where you do more than just clean up -- you relax, recline and read. So make sure you have a comfortable spot to sit and a place for a book," says Barbara.

3 Ambient lighting. Dimmers are critical, but also consider floor lamps, table lamps and sconces for lighting up small areas away from the tub.

4
Music. Pipe in soothing sounds by installing speakers, and invest in a small iPod dock or in one of the many new waterproof radios (they can even be hung in a shower).

Image courtesy of Waterworks

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