We've all seen various designer collections of home decor items available in retail shops. From Martha Stewart linens and furniture to accessories and paint colours from Debbie Travis, consumers have a lot of great, affordable choices for their home.
While these products are still massed-produced, they do originate with each designer who offers their personal design perspective to the products in their line. Incorporating some or all of their design collection to the home can bring your decor to a new design level without breaking the design budget. In many cases the items in each line are meant to work together esthetically, which is helpful to homeowners desirous of a beautiful, cohesive, affordable decor.
There are times when consumers desire something truly unique. They don't mind splurging on high-end items that will suit their desires and needs. Investment in high-end items for the home can pay off down the road.
In this higher end of the spectrum of bathroom design, Axor, the designer brand of Hansgrohe, recently introduced Axor Urquiola. This is a new line of bathroom fixtures and accessories that is the result of a five-year collaboration between Axor and acclaimed designer Patricia Urquiola.
Urquiola has used her dynamic sensibility on the bathroom as a living space. She is the first female designer the company has worked with. Her designs have provided a unique and fresh perspective that has been translated into a stylish collection with a feminine touch.
"It is without a doubt that Patricia is one of the leading designers of the moment," says Philippe Grohe, head of the Axor designer brand.
This is the first time the company has collaborated with a female designer. This has resulted in a truly unique and fresh perspective with a decidedly feminine touch.
The stunning soaker tub in our first photographs was designed by Patricia Urquiola. It epitomizes elegance and personal decadence, which is exactly what consumers dream of for their master bath; a luxurious retreat from life's daily grind. If you're going to splurge on anything in the home, this tub should be a serious contender, not only for its style but also for its function.
The classic shapes of the vessel sinks and tubs in the new collections are a modern interpretation of an old-fashioned washtub. Through the artist's use of innovative material -- a mineral cast with a polyester gel-coat surface -- it is possible to create a unique shape in a single cast.
Both sides of the washbasins feature slot-like openings like the handles of a washtub, which serve a practical function as a towel or washcloth holder.
Our second photograph is of an award-winning hotel room that encompasses more of Patricia's unique designs. This room could easily be a master suite in any home because the styles transcend commercial application. Hotel chic for the home is still a popular design trend.
Each product in the line has its own cachet and plays an important role in the unique visual dream of the Spanish-born designer. She cleverly and playfully combines inspirations of nature with great attention to detail, clean edges and top-quality workmanship.
The pieces work beautifully as an ensemble, but may also be used individually to complement many different styles. A characteristic design element in the collection is unexpected but pleasing asymmetry. One perfect example is the single-hole faucet, which incorporates a toothbrush holder or soap dish on one side while the handle comes up seamlessly and organically from the other side, reminiscent of a tree branch. This item was recently featured on the Toronto-based television show Cityline.
Designer touches can add drama and luxury to your home. Updates like this, particularly in a bathroom, will also add value to your home and will definitely impress prospective buyers. If your budget doesn't allow for larger items like the soaker tub, consider updating smaller items, like the faucet, to add a designer touch to your personal space.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
