Brown Design + Development

You Asked, We Answered

This wallpaper is hands-down the most asked about item on our website and blog.  Here's the scoop.  What's difficult to see from the images is that around the pattern are tiny glass beads, giving off a beautiful sheen.  The wallpaper can be purchased from the Thomas Lavin showroom here in Los Angeles.  However, sorry everyone... this one is only available to the trade.  If you have additional questions about pricing or how to purchase, you can contact us at [email protected]. 

A Simple Way to Update a Powder Room

A simple way to makeover your powder room is to seek out a unique mirror.  Mirrors can be found in all price ranges, styles, antique or new.

This mirror by Jonathan Adler is nautical inspired, affordable, and the rope detail adds an interesting dimension.  

Try a mirror framed in branches for an organic, nature-inspired piece.  

A vintage mirror can become the centerpiece of a powder room.  These mirrors are rustic and are certain to add personality.  

Although this one is new, it has a vintage feel and it's interesting shape would bring character to your powder room. This mirror is also very versatile - it would work in a traditional or modern application. 

If your home airs on the traditional side, look for something simple and elegant, while still bringing a fresh perspective to the room.  

     

 

Floating Vanities

When it comes to designing a modern bathroom, we love to create a minimalist look with a floating vanity. There are many options at different price points and lead times.

A higher end option would be from Duravit. Duravit’s vanities are very well made, and great built-in storage units to make the most out of your space.  These units are made to fit perfectly with Duravit’s line of wall mounted sinks and typically take 6-8 weeks from time of order.

Recently we were introduced to a line of bathroom sink cabinets from Tonusa.  They come in a variety of finishes, have coordinating mirrors and storage cabinets and most versions are in stock and the prices are very reasonable.

Sometimes we do not have the luxury of six weeks to wait for a cabinet or just wish to build something that will fit perfectly in the space we are designing. That’s when custom cabinetry comes in.

At a recent project on Valley Oak Drive in Franklin Canyon, we designed and commissioned our cabinet maker to build three bathroom vanities. The cost of custom vanities depends on the species of wood used and how intricate the design is.  For the powder room we opted for a long floating cabinet with the sink set on top of the wood counter. 

The guest bathroom required we build a larger cabinet to fit below the sink we purchased, allowing more storage space. When building a custom floating cabinet, it is important to leave at least 9” from the floor to the bottom of the cabinet to achieve the look.  Your cabinetmaker must also take into consideration the height at which the plumbing and drain fall at to ensure they are covered by the cabinetry.

 

The master bathroom vanity shown below was custom made to fit this particular bathroom.  The countertop was fabricated out of Blizzard Caesarstone and we undermounted a 36” trough sink instead of using two separate sinks.

Tub Trends

There is a new trend in bathrooms that we have fallen prey to – modern soaking tubs.  Soaking tubs are a resurgence of traditional elements used in bathrooms throughout history.  There are so many amazing tub options that it is often hard to narrow it down to the ‘one’.

Although freestanding tubs can take up less space than a drop-in jacuzzi tub, the overall look will be compromised if you do not leave enough space around the tub.  We try to have at least 6-8” of clearance on either side.  If you have the luxury of space, float the tub in the middle of the room as a centerpiece.

For a traditional tub, the Waterworks Empire tub stands in a class by itself. 

Another favorite for a contemporary setting is the Victoria & Albert Napoli tub, which we recently used in our Valley Oak Project. 

 

The sleek lines of this Wet Style Ove tub cross the lines of contemporary and would also look great in a traditional home.

There is a nook in Ryan's bathroom that seemed limited in it's functionality, however, during the remodel, it turned out to be the perfect place for a floating tub.  The tub sits in front of a set of windows with views of the Hollywood Hills.