The Modern Estate

Robin Baron Design’s spa bath is pictured in The Modern Estate’s multi-page bathroom feature.

Excerpt from “In the Bath”, By Rose Bennet Gilbert; Photography by Phillip Ennis:

“[ABOVE: Custom touches of pure, natural luxe: polished marble vanity top by Design Concepts Interiors and curved, carved shelf by Robin Baron Design.]

Overall, in fact, traditional styling and old-fashioned comfort still hold the edge, no matter how brainy the bath fixtures may be.  Natural materials, neutral colors, and finely crafted hardwood cabinetry are the order of the day, and polished nickel is the hardware finish of choice.  Chrome is so last-century, according to Joe Vadala.  And nevermind that polished nickel’s Edwardian good looks depend on scrupulous daily maintenance.  While satin-finished nickel and other surfaces may be easier on the housekeeper, they lack what Vadala calls “the deeper, warmer look” of the authentic polished-nickel antiques that were—and still are—made by venerable (mostly English) manufacturers. Topping the list of such firms are Czech & Speake Ltd.; Barber Wilson’s & Company Ltd.; and Perrin & Rowe, Mayfair (available through ROHL, a firm in Costa Mesa, California, whose plumbing graces the baths of stars like Brad Pitt, Madonna, and Jennifer Aniston).”