September 8, 2008

Vessels and Vanities

By Mimi Towle

(page 1 of 2)

Whether you’re creating a cozy powder room or gracious master bath, one of these beautiful vessels will make any bathroom stand out. Will such stylish countertop vessels be passé by tomorrow? Not likely, says Jeff Burton of The Bath + Beyond, an 18,000-square-foot showroom in San Francisco. Butler has been in the bathroom design business for over 35 years, and he believes they are here to stay. —M.T.



1. Moso Bamboo Vessel by Stone Forest, $700, available at The Bath + Beyond, 77 Connecticut St, 415.552.5001, bathandbeyond.com

2. Bronze Chalice vessel by Stone
Forest, $1,650, available at CTW Designs, 10 Hamilton Dr, Novato, 415.883.8861, ctwdesigns.com

3. Stainless-steel vessel by Decolav, $149, available at Expo Design Center, 1555 40th St, Oakland,
510.450.3300, expo.com

4. Green brown onyx vessel by
Decolav, $599, available at Expo Design Center, 1555 40th St, Oakland, 510.450.3300, expo.com








Jeff Burton Talks Vessels

Are vessel sinks a trend? People thought they would last five years and the trend would come and go; however, everyone is responding—including the manufacturers. For example, cabinet and vanity designers are making their products in two heights: one to accommodate a drop-in sink, and one for a vessel.

They look good, but are they OK for a bathroom that is used every day? Absolutely. Their allure is aesthetic, but they are just as well suited for use as a drop-in sink. Even hotels such as the W are starting to put them into their rooms, to attract their frequent customers who are looking for a room that would remind them of home.

Which faucets work best? In the past, the faucet used with vessels came out of the wall, but more and more manufacturers are making faucets that are tall enough to reach into the bowl of a vessel. Now either wall or counter mounted faucets work equally well.