Decorating & Design - Inside Design

E-mail It

Inside design: Barbara Sallick

Send to a friend

* marked fields are required.

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.
Advertisement
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

Read more in Decorating & Design and Inside Design

3 Comments

  • by
    shglover
    on 2008-12-28
    Reply to this comment

    We are considering a frameless glass shower but have heard they are next to impossible to clean effectively. Do they need to be cleaned after every shower? The look is great but will it last or does the glass become etched. I would appreciate any ideas or comments you may have. Thank you, Shirley

  • by
    Nikki Hayden
    on 2010-02-08
    Reply to this comment

    Depending on the water in your city - make sure you have a water softener and the water will not leave a film on the glass. Also just use a sqweegie (!) after each shower - it takes 20 seconds to wipe down the glass - they sell really nice chic stainless or clear plastic ones at better home/bathroom accessory boutiques. I have had framelss glass showers for the last 12 years and never have any problems. good luck!

  • by
    Nikki Hayden
    on 2010-02-08
    Reply to this comment

    Depending on the water in your city - make sure you have a water softener and the water will not leave a film on the glass. Also just use a sqweegie (!) after each shower - it takes 20 seconds to wipe down the glass - they sell really nice chic stainless or clear plastic ones at better home/bathroom accessory boutiques. I have had framelss glass showers for the last 12 years and never have any problems. good luck!

Leave a Comment
Leave a comment

My Style At Home Network

  • Login to account

    Login

  • Sign Up

    Sign up now to receive exclusive access to the My Home & Garden Network!

Sign up for the Style At Home E-Newsletter

Get free decorating and design tips delivered straight to your in-box! You'll also receive recipes, entertaining advice, and contest notifications for your chance to win fabulous prizes. Sign up now to get all this and more!

E-MAIL ADDRESS

Follow Style At Home Online

Contests

Latest Contests

more contests