A Bathing Beauty

I was delighted to open up the winter 2009 Beautiful Homes and see my favorite bathtub! I simply adore the Kohler Vintage Bathtub. Freestanding bathtubs are so romantic and nostalgic. There is something about them that encourages the art of the bath. Taking the time to fill the tub, adding scented oils and relaxing salts, lighting candles...it is almost ceremonial. Then, just sitting in the bath, soaking and reflecting on the day. I can't think of a better way to relax than in an elegant bathtub.

Kohler's clean, sweeping lines are particularly appealing to me. It is updated but still feels very vintage. This tub would make the perfect bathroom centerpiece.

I also love the vintage inspired hardware.

I used this tub on a project several years ago (see pictures below) and haven't been able to get it out of my head since. I don't have the room in my bathroom for a freestanding tub, but if I did, this beauty would be the only contender for the spot.

Here you can see where I used the tub, perfectly nestled in the window alcove. I hung dramatic silk drapes all the way to the ceiling, drawing your eye up to appreciate the ceiling height and back down to the beautiful cast iron focal point.

For my design and color palette, I selected luxurious oil-rubbed bronze hardware. Oil-rubbed bronze is generally my preference for hardware finish. It is a "living finish" and is so wonderful to see the slight variations in the bronze after years of use. I just adore that kind of character.

I surrounded the bathing alcove in gorgeous cream tumbled marble, in different sizes and patterns, to create textural interest, without taking away from the bathtub. This creates a beautiful tub surround while protecting the walls.

Below you can see some other details of this bathroom project.

The cream marble surround was extended to the seamless shower for continuity.

Some views of the stunning millwork. More oil-rubbed bronze hardware, in my favorite bin pull.

Seeded glass cabinet doors allow a glimpse of fresh white towels, bath salt decanters and a beautiful seashell collection.

All of this talk of baths also makes me think of one of my favorite product lines.

Have you used Lollia? If you haven't, you are missing out! Their vintage floral packaging is so lovely and will make you feel feminine just looking at it! I often give little pieces of Lollia as gifts because it is so fabulous! You can find Lollia HERE online, at many boutiques and at Anthropologie to name a few. They have the best handcreme too! It comes in a vintage inspired aluminum tube and leaves your skin, feeling and smelling, so delicious.

Now, I just need to figure out a way to knock down a wall or two to make room for that tub!

...and convince my husband that it is a good idea...hmm.