Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday!
And now it's time to get back to design. Nothing says "Happy New Year" more than exposed thermostatic showers. Okay, maybe not, but let me explain...
Steve spent part of the Holiday vacation getting the Patina Farm architectural plans ready to submit to the Ojai building department, and I started to make plumbing selections for our bathrooms.
Here's Steve's drawing of our Master Bathroom.
There are actually two shower fixtures opposite eachother, but one is not visible in the drawing.
The shower is made almost entirely of glass, allowing the space to feel connected to the private walled garden. This is how the garden looks in my mind...
Source Unknown
Because of the glass walls, we've decided to use exposed shower fixtures. As I flipped through all of my inspiration images, I noticed that I have saved quite a few pictures of showers with exposed thermostatic shower valves.
I love this bathroom designed by Renea Abbott. The combination of the clean lined materials with the rustic beams is divine. The shower pipes are a wonderful detail against that gorgeous marble. Similar to this design, my bath tub will sit in front of our shower.
Image via Veranda Magazine Sept. 2007. Interior design by Renea Abbott
Another stunning white marble bathroom! I think the exposed shower system works really well against a stone slab. The remaining portion of our shower walls will be light limestone slabs, allowing the exposed shower pipes to take center stage.
Image via Veranda Magazine. Interior Design by Betty Burgess
I am leaning towards waterproof plaster walls in Leila's bathroom. We are planning to use unlacquered brass fixtures throughout the house.
Image via Domino Magazine Nov. 2008. Interior Design by Jenna Lyons
Although my bathtub is pewter, similar to this one, I've decided to pair it with unlacquered brass plumbing fixtures. I think the mixing of metals will add an authentic European feel to the bathroom.
I'm always drawn to the patina that occurs naturally over time.
Image via Pinterest
The exposed shower system works well in a free standing tub as well.
Image via Pinterest
Exposing the pipes gives the bathroom a little industrial twist.
Image via Pinterest
It also adds a bit of romance, don't you agree?
Image via Cote Sud Nov. 2008
Some of my favorites...
Waterworks makes some gorgeous shower systems in drool worthy finishes.
The Waterworks Easton Classic Exposed Thermostatic System with an 8" Shower Rose and Lever Handles is in first place at the moment.
The English company, Barber Wilsons & Co. makes this beauty that is a close second runner up.
The Kallista P22126-00 Hampstead Traditional Shower Set with Exposed Thermostatic Valve is also in the running.
Waterworks Highgate is a lovely, moderately priced option that could work in Leila's bathroom, if I decide on a nickel finish (Highgate is not available in unlacquered brass).
Elizabethan Classic offers an option that has a very friendly price.
During the Holidays, I started writing several posts on other selections we have made so far for Patina Farm. I will be sharing them with you soon. I've also started creating inspiration boards on . I think you'll enjoy seeing what images are inspiring the design of Patina Farm.
Do you have an exposed shower system? I always love getting your comments! Let me know what you think so far.
Happy 1st Week of 2012!
xo
Brooke
Oh, one last thing... this is how our Master Bathroom looked last night over New Year's Eve dinner (I'm a vodka and cranberrry juice kind of gal)...
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