Bathroom fixtures evolve beautifully

"Water, the Hub of Life. Water is its mater and matrix, mother and medium. Water is the most extraordinary substance!" Albert Szent-Györgyi (1893-1986), Hungarian physiologist (1972)

So what is the well-dressed bathroom wearing today, and how is it handling water?

The bathroom has evolved over the years to become one of the most pampered and outfitted rooms in our homes. Long gone are the utilitarian rooms with white fixtures and white towels; and, other than taking care of personal necessities, we spent no time in them.

Today's homes usually have a bathroom for every person in the household, and they sparkle with glorious wall coverings, flooring and fixtures that kings and queens would covet. The standard issue sink and toilet will no longer fill the bill and purveyors of bath furnishings are constantly trying to outdo each other in their extravagance and elegance.

Even granite, marble and porcelain are being replaced with grander finishes and equipment, and baths are now more like spas than plain bathrooms.

Whether you enjoy a soaking tub, spa tub, steam showers or showers with 10-plus showerheads, it's out there for the right price.

In the highest end homes, baths are usually equipped with a separate workout area and massage table. Having a bathroom like this would be similar to being in the finest hotel spa.

Two of my favorite purveyors of bathroom fixtures have outdone themselves this year and I want to share a couple of awesome pieces with you. If you are redoing your bath or just enjoy seeing the latest innovations, I believe you will appreciate these new products. Just think, all of these bathroom fixtures are just water-handling systems -- who would imagine that water "pipes" could be so interesting.

Stone Forest has been creating architectural elements for the kitchen and bath for almost 30 years. It uses organic sources such as limestone, marble, bamboo, cooper and onyx, and its products are available through various dealers nationwide. Because I don't have enough room to show you its entire new line, I've picked out two examples that are sure to tickle your fancy.

The first is the Veneto pedestal sink, which is barrel shaped and carved from single blocks of multicolor onyx. The sculpture features a cavity in the back that can accommodate a light source, which illuminates the pedestal from the inside. What an awesome addition to a plain old bathroom.

The second product from Stone Forest is the Rubix bathtub. It is carved from a single block of carara marble and is truly a work of art.

If Stone Forest's architectural designs are a little over the top for you, Fairmont Designs will provide a little more down to earth aesthetic.

The stunning Belle sink vanity is in direct contrast to the modern. The bombé chest has curves and is adorned with flourishing vine and ribbon carving. It has carved feet and features two generous drawers for storing bathroom toiletries.

So you can see, whatever your preferences, there are bathroom fixtures to satisfy any whim. The ultramodern architectural pieces from Stone Forest or the more subdued, traditional ones from Fairmont are only a few of the thousands available. Adding an interesting piece such as these to any bathroom will give it a resort feeling.

Carolyn Muse Grant is a founder and president of the Architectural & Decorative Arts Society, as well as an interior design consultant/stylist specializing in home staging. Her Inside Spaces column appears weekly in the Home section of the Review-Journal. Send questions to creativemuse@cox.net.