Design Diary: Spa-Inspired Bath in Boston

I featured this spa-like bathroom designed by senior architect Barney Maier of Feinmann Inc., a Boston area design/build firm, as a  Room to Love in the Address section of The Boston Globe this past fall. I love the simplicity of the design, and would happily spend hours in that tub, which happens to be in the same neighborhood as my own condo (which is glaringly devoid of such luxury).

The project combined two units into one, and transformed the original kitchen and bath of one unit into this new master bathroom. A wall across the middle of the room separates the tub and shower area from the sink and toilet side of the space. A new, elegantly curved wall allows for breathing room so people can pass by. It’s hard to explain, so scroll down to the diagram at the end.

Zen Bathroom Design By Feinmnann In Boston

Maier designed the clean-lined, floating  shelves, which were manufactured by Showplace Cabinetry out of cherry wood and stained dark brown. The pair of stacked, minimalist towel bars in satin-nickel are Cinu by Ginger. The wall is clad in matte white tile. Recycled-glass mosaic tile by Kamet, in a blend of light green, black, white, and taupe covers the curved accent wall.

Zen Bathroom Design By Feinmnann In Boston

The shower wall, back wall and backsplash are done in Ferro White by Sant’Agostino 12-inch-by-24-inch tiles . Instead of bull nose tiles, stainless steel was used on the tile edges and shelving trim for a sleek, contemporary look. Matte black-porcelain Ceramica Sant’Agostino Ferro 12-inch-by-24-inch tiles ground the airy space. A wooden bath mat adds warmth and reinforces the overall spa feel.

Zen Bathroom Design By Feinmnann In Boston

The floating custom-made vanity is on the flip side of the shower wall.

Zen Bathroom Design By Feinmnann In Boston

 

S H O P  the  L O O K 
from StyleCarrot affiliates. 

Contemporary Square White Porcelain Sink

Above Counter Lavatory Sink

Ginger Cinu Towel Bar

Kohler Choreograph Floating Shower Shelf

Gray Wood Effect Porcelain Floor Tile

Just In: Jessica Biales Signet Rings

I’ve long considered my friend Jessica Biales to have impeccable taste. I learned to cultivate the art of minimalism from her, back in college. She had almost nothing in her closet, yet she always had everything she needed. On the walls hung posters of architectural renderings by Frank Gehry and Phillip Johnson, mounted on foam core rather than taped to the walls. And her duvet was plain black.

Hardly the stuff of college dreams. When I need to cull, I channel that dorm room, which only one year before was laden with images of Monet’s Giverny, an inspiration board laden with Calvin Klein’s ponytailed models and Christy and Linda in Chanel, and a double mattress topped with a floral comforter; home to moi. Jessica was the New York City sophisticate incarnate. And now, reigning queen bee of the style world, Jenna Lyons, has confirmed what I always knew—Jessica Biales has style. 

J.Crew, which has been experimenting with collaborations with all sorts of cool kids—including CFDA winners and other under-the-radar labels—has picked up two rings by Jessica Biales. It’s the company’s first offerings in fine jewelry. They are carrying a limited run of two solid 18-carat gold signet styles—one yellow gold, and the other rose gold bedecked with pavé emeralds.

I gave the collab a shout-out in Sunday’s Boston Globe, as “The One Thing” in the  paper’s new “Enthusiast” section. Jessica’s work has gotten a ton of press over the past six months. Let’s have a look.

Jeassica Biales Candy Signet Ring J.CrewJessica Biales “Candy” Signet Rings
Available at Hu’s Wear in D.C.,  Good in Boston, and online at  J.Crew
All pieces also available at JessicaBiales.com

Jeassica Biales Candy Signet Ring J.Crew

 The Boston Globe, June 16, 2013

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jessica-biales-candy-ring-vogue

 Vogue, February 2013

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Jessica Biales Rose Gold Slice Rings

Jessica Biales “Slice” Rings
available in white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold
plain or with pavé white or black diamonds 

IMG_4757 IMG_4759

Harper’s Bazaar, February, 2013

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jessica-biales-slice-rings-rubies-emeralds-sapphires

Jessica Biales “Slice” Rings
in rose gold with tsavorites,rubies, sapphires


[I have the slice ring with tsavorites. I wear it between two rose gold rings by Melissa Joy Manning that my husband gave me for my birthday a few years ago; also from Good.]

 

Jessica Biales Sterling Signet Ring

 

Jessica Biales Block Signet Rings
in sterling silver at Good and 18-carat yellow gold at J.Crew

Jessica Biales Gold Wave Rings

Jessica Biales Wave Rings
small and large in rose, white, and yellow gold

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J E S S I C A  B I A L E S  J E W E L R Y
a v a i l a b l e  a t
Hu’s Wear in D.C.   |    Good in Boston
online at  J.Crew |   and 
at JessicaBiales.com

See my Instagram photos of Jessica’s rings here:
Shopping Trip: Good Boutique