In Sink

Figure A

Sinks are undergoing some major renovations. The bowl and the vanity have been separated and designers are mixing and matching basins with bases to create very personal and eclectic sets:

• The wash basin is one of the most important factors in a bathroom--it's usually the thing that you notice first. Designers are creating basins that are works of art using a variety of materials such as marble (figure A).

	Figure B
	Figure C

A basin adds interest because it's part of the jewelry of the bathroom when combined with an elegant faucet and the other components of the ensemble.

Elegant semi-precious stones like lapis and malachite are being used today to create beautiful basins (figure B). That's not to say that the standard white porcelain basin has been replaced. Rather, it has been given a whole new look with interesting ledges and ornate embellishments such as gilding and handpainted flowers, animals, fruits, etc. (figure C).

	Figure D
	Figure E

Freestanding furniture such as a vanity, dresser, bureau or chest can become the setting for a one-of-a-kind sink. While the settings have evolved, so have the shape and placement of bowls--they're often taken out of the counter and placed on top.

One of the most popular materials in wash basins today is glass. Every sink is unique and handcrafted, so they come out different each time (figure D).

Use rub-on patterns from an art supply store to enhance a plain sink in a guest or kid's bathroom (figure E). Just peel them off to try a new design.

glass basin infused with metal swirls; white square porcelain basin; hammered aluminum basin (Design Bath & Hardware)

round white porcelain on maple wood pedestal; glass basin on copper pedestal (EuroConcepts, Inc.)

malachite vanity with gold plated basin; lapis vanity with nickel basin; rose marble pedestal basin with rose quartz faucet; handpainted basins; walnut vanity with antique gold basin (Sherle Wagner International)

glass basins with leaves dipped in metal; hand-blown glass basins with different kinds of metal; green porcelain basin with painted leaves (California Art Tiles)

Resources
wash basins - California Art Tiles
California Art Tile is open to the trade only.
California Art Tile
Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Avenue, Suite B447
West Hollywood, CA 90069
USA
Phone: 310-659-2614
Fax: 310-854-6502
Email: info@californiaarttile.com
URL: www.californiaarttile.com

wash basins
Design Bath & Hardware
Pacific Design Center, Suite B444
8687 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: 310-358-9669
Fax: 310-652-1809
Email: mail@designbath-hardware.com
URL: www.designbath-hardware.com

wash basins - EuroConcepts, Inc.
EuroConcepts, Inc.
Pacific Design Center, Suite B119
8687 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
USA
Phone: 310-652-3472
Fax: 310-657-6573

wash basins - Sherle Wagner International
Sherle Wagner International
Design Center of the Americas, C-166
1855 Griffin Road
Dania Beach, FL 33004
Phone: 954-927-1212
Email: info@sherlewagner.com
URL: www.sherlewagner.com
Guests
Leonard Markus
President, Design Bath & Hardware, Inc.
Pacific Design Center, Suite B444
8687 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: 310-358-9669
Fax: 310-652-1809
Email: mail@designbath-hardware.com
URL: www.designbath-hardware.com

Dale Miller
Interior Designer, Daring By Design
6971 N. Federal Highway #400
Boca Raton, FL 33487-1617
Phone: 561-999-0727
Also in this Episode

Smart Design : Episode SDN-108
•	Creative Cork
•	In Sink
•	Glamourous Lampshades
•	Tea Glasses