Ah, The Weekenders. It’s quickly become a favorite series of ours…made so, no doubt, by the simple fact that its publication necessitates that we jaunt about our stellar state in search of spots to soak in and savor. We’ve been to a few amazing places as a gang (Joe’s Valley, Lava Hot Springs, Moab, Zion). We’ll even travel outside our Beehive’s boundaries, so long as it’s doable in a weekend’s time. But believe me you: there are a billion we’ve yet to see, and we’ll be doing our damnedest to visit and photograph every one of them (in between buying/selling all your homes and helping you design them to perfection, of course).
One of the best things about our city is its proximity to everything
This time around, we took our COLLECTIVE act a couple of hours north to Bear Lake for a bit of beach time and exploring. Full disclosure: we high-tailed it up there when we heard about a new set-up for a touch of luxury camping (not so unlike our fantastic experience in Moab). Not much of a decision, considering the temperatures were hovering near perfect and the “Caribbean of the Rockies” was gleaming and gorgeous and crystal-turquoise-blue as ever. As always, we hope to inspire everyone in SLC to get out from time to time. Take a peek around and appreciate the bits of nature that are hovering beyond the cruel reaches of your daily grind. Camp in new spots along a river; pay for a one-night splurge in a place that puts you at ease; run down an ocean-like beach in the middle of a landlocked state. It’s totally possible.
conestoga, here we come…
BEAR LAKE, UT/ID, 2.5 hours: Bear lake is a 20-mile long breath of fresh water that’s pretty much halved by the Utah/Idaho border. In the dead of summer, it maintains a nice, crisp temperature, and it’s good for just about any lake-bound activity: beaching with some brews, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, skiing, etc. The Utah side of the lake is home to Garden City, where the raspberry reigns supreme in its most natural form (a shake, obviously). You’ll drive straight into Raspberry Square, in fact, from Hwy 89 on your way in. As it so happens, Garden City is also the midway point between Salt Lake City and Grand Teton Nat’l Park, sooo…you know. Possibilities.
Check In: Conestoga Ranch, 427 N Paradise Parkway, Garden City, UT — The surge of places like this popping up all over our US of A is pleasing, to say the least. Not everyone is game for the reality of an actual camp-out…mosquitos, playing the part of a pack mule, the poor night’s sleep that comes with inadequate cushioning and a numb tailbone. This is the perfect in-between. Under the safety of a big canvas tent (or inside a roomy Conestoga Wagon with some bunk beds!), and well equipped with a big, cushy bed, proper nightstands, modern-day electricity, and positively adorable bathrooms, we were more than comfortable. Grand and Deluxe tents each have fire pits, a pair of adirondacks, and a nice little feeling of privacy. Wagon circles have a fire pit in the center for gathering, as well (and on-site facilities for showering, etc.). The views of the lake are beautifully preceded by green fields and lazy horses, the tent sites are cleverly named after our nation’s national parks, and Conestoga has its own mini-mart where you can purchase “S’mores kits.” So you’ll want for nothing. Except food. And they’ve got that covered too…
Eat Out: Campfire Grill, Conestoga Ranch, Crepes & Coffee, 209 N Bear Lake Blvd. — The largest tent on Conestoga Ranch property is the one that’s home to the Campfire Grill. Open air, so you’re still “in the wild,” and well-equipped with a wood-burning brick oven for gourmet pizzas, the CG will likely encourage you to “camp” more often. Though it’s not open every day, and breakfast is served only on weekends, it’s worth finding some time to have a bite. Salads, pasta, wood-roasted half chicken (which we’re told is sublime), and a much needed glass of vino or beer…’cause you’re on vacay, pal. And for those weekday mornings when CG is closed, we recommend you take your act to Crepes & Coffee (which is oh-so-close to camp). It’s a wee operation, and you’d be wise to give yourself plenty of time…it takes a minute to whip up these thin, beautifully-rolled, cones of sweet and savory perfection.
Spend Pesos: Don’t bother, unless it’s to rent a bike, boat, or wave runner…or to get yourself another raspberry shake. One shouldn’t go to Bear Lake for the shopping. It’s a big, beautiful body of water with loads of sandy beach at both ends and in between…just stake out your spot, plunk down the cooler, and unwindulax. Even without a water vessel of any kind, it’s a sensational way to spend a day basking in the sun. Those who want a touch more activity can grab the aforementioned bikes (there’s miles of bike/running paths), go sailing, or find a place to scuba.
Watching the sun set on our fair city is a beautiful thing. But seeing said sun sink behind the mountains from downtown is an entirely different and worthwhile experience…and we think we’ve found the perfect spot from which to do just that. You know the building…we all do. A towering, red brick structure with stunning arched windows on Broadway.
Spaces like this one don’t come along very frequently
It’s just next to Squatters and across from the Rose Wagner Theater (in other words, the location is top-notch). The unit you see below is perched inside, and a rare find…even for this building. In 1998, the Broadway Lofts were converted into the spacious, industrial apartments they are now in (having originally served as home to the J.G. McDonald Chocolate Company). This dream just happens to feature all four of those floor-to-ceiling arched windows and, we can assure you, there’s little that beats sipping a fine beverage and kicking back with a few pals to take in those views. We gathered in the late afternoon to do just that, the city lights just outside, slowly changing from bright-and-glowing to sherbet-and-tranquil. Spaces like this one don’t come along very frequently, and we’re a touch jealous to see this one go. But to the next owner: “May we come in?” (Watch the website, friends.)
Contact Leigh Anne Bernal at cityhomeCOLLECTIVE for additional details or to schedule a private showing | 801.244.7255
List Price: All Units Sold
Neighborhood: N. Salt Lake
Property Profile: 1,627 square feet | 2 bed, 2.5 bath
Our Opinion: We gave you a glimpse into the ground breaking of these beauties a few weeks back, and (at last!) the time has come for the full lowdown. That’s right: The Lofts@99 have officially (and fabulously) arrived, and the result is ten (10!) new-builds that you can have a crack at. We admired the bones in the beginning stages, and we’re pretty damn impressed to see the fruits of everyone’s labors. Plenty of roaming room inside, but we’ll get to that in a second. Each unit has an attached, two-car garage (with adjoining mud room for ample storage), and after you’ve stored your toys (mama taught you well), you’ll be met by the good stuff when you enter: sleeping quarters on the third floor (each with a walk-in closet and en-suite bath), a private patio, and a second-floor balcony–yes, yes, and yes. Additional space for a second bedroom/office/coffee-sipping, sunrise room. Oh, gawd yes. Hardwood floors, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a beautiful gas fireplace, and enough space to entertain your whole herd (and then some). No matter which block you end up on, you’ll be sitting pretty with hillside views to the east, or valley views to the west. The Lofts@99 harbor slick, city living–just a stone’s throw from downtown. Now, how’s about you kick that lease to the curb and get on in while the gettin’ is good?
Contact Sarah McNamara at cityhomeCOLLECTIVE for additional details or to schedule a private showing | 801.850.2722
In true pop-up style, we gathered a few COLLECTIVE pals and clients in one of our most eligible Cove properties on Oak Terrace [a space that’s been stellarly designed for entertaining, if we do say so ourselves]. The spacious gourmet kitchen and open floorplan of this casa would make any foodie swoon, and it proved to be the perfect spot for our unique shindig [can we talk about that island?]. As our chef du jour Katie and her team were putting the finishing touches on the noshes, signature cocktails were sipped by guests on the many [we lost count, really] private outdoor patios. The backdrop: stunning views of Mt. Olympus and our lady SLC. No matter your jam, you really can’t beat celebrating with friends in a fabulous space that seamlessly flows from the inside out [and hot damn, it was extra special with the fall colors just starting to ‘splode!]. While there was plenty o’ house swooning from the crowd [did we mention this beauty is available?], an artful culinary extravaganza was unfolding. Sophisticated-yet-fun, Katie’s food is unexpected in both its flavors and presentation. More of that on the menu below, but let’s get down to brass tacks with one of our fine city’s most talented, creative minds: Katie Weinner.
The only time things got rough was when cooked vegetables were involved.
How did you get started cooking? I’ve always been interested in food. I remember being fascinated with making Orange Julius and anything sweet as a kid. I really fell in love with cooking after I took a job at Plumpjack Cafe in Tahoe. I was exposed to fine dining cuisine and found my niche. I grew up on Midwest cuisine. My mom is a great cook and always had dinner on the table at 5:00pm growing up. We ate every meal together as a family. The only time things got rough was when cooked vegetables were involved. To this day I can’t stand the thought of eating cooked zucchini, broccoli, carrots or the like!
The Salt Lake City restaurant scene has really exploded in the last few years, and shows no signs of stopping. What do you think makes our fine city interesting to culinary talent? Who do you think is doing it right? The economy and quality of life in SLC make it such a sweet place. I think Bowman from Forage puts his heart and soul into his restaurant. I’m always up for a meal at Finca, Copper Onion, and Eva as well.
Unreal. Sweaty. Fun.
You’re kind of a big deal…what makes you want to call Salt Lake home? Rent is cheap. Snow is good. The community shows [my company] SLC POP a huge amount of support!
What is it like being on a reality TV competition series? Unreal. Sweaty. Fun.
What do you like to eat on a Monday night? Since I work at the Art Institute on Monday nights, I’m usually snacking on what the students are making. Or I’m eating brownies, chocolates, bread or anything else left over from other classes….coffee always, too! [editor’s note: Katie later admitted that she succumbs to the occasional Trader Joe’s frozen dinner midweek like the rest of us…phew–she’s human!].
Caramel Whiskey, Kaffir Lime and Toasted Rice Milkshakes.
Tell us a bit about what you prepared for the cityhomeCOLLECTIVE dinner party: 1.) Smoke Jar of Farmer’s Grapes, Figs and Olive Honey with Fennel Pollen Goat Cheese Mousse 2.) Fresh Creamed Corn with Popcorn Butter, Elk Ragu, Green Chile Chutney Creme Fraiche and Baby Heirloom Tomatoes. 3.) Braised Rabbit, Candied Olive-Marcona Almond and Tomatilla Salsa with Chile 4.) Chocolate Parsnip Puree Warm Chocolate Mousse with Strawberry Tea Shortbread and Compressed Burnt Ginger Pears 5.) Caramel Whiskey, Kaffir Lime and Toasted Rice Milkshakes.
Anything else you’d like to share with our people? Help find SLC POP a new space–we’re looking! Like the fan page on FB! Watch the show! Contact us to host a Dinner!
If there’s one thing at which we COLLECTIVELY excel [apart from helping good folks buy and sell bitchin’ pads], it’s throwing a savvy shindig to show off all the deliciousness that featured listings imbue. This 1971 luxury rambler on Covecrest kept all of the good stuff from her origin decade [think sweeping windows, vaulted ceilings, gorgeous beams and and open floor plan], but without the shag. Spacious without feeling cavernous, cozy without feeling cramped, all 4,500 square feet have something unique to reveal.
We didn’t want for views–see us gazing out those massive windows?
To that end, we took our act up the cove, spread out some Laziz Muhammara and a few bevies, and had at it [she’s officially on the market, but we just had to get in there]. Our favorite nooks and crannies included the gigantic freestanding soaker tub with a floor to ceiling window enveloped in trees, the lofty skylight flooding the kitchen with light, the original stone fireplace, and the open dining and family room framed with native scrub oak [it’s like a really sophisticated treehouse]. We didn’t want for views–see us gazing out those massive windows?–nor were we hurting for the coolest outdoor space ever. Can we just come over after you move in?
Contact Leigh Anne Bernal at cityhomeCOLLECTIVE for additional details or to schedule a private showing | 801.244.7255
Who doesn’t dream of living in a sophisticated space in which to gather with friends and family for fun, food, and a few adult bevies? The recent completion of this mid-mod masterpiece on Millstream in Olympus Cove was part of a COLLECTIVE effort [yay, Andrea!] that found itself under contract in a hot minute.
It was an ideal space for a good old-fashioned gathering.
Praise be to the mid-mod gods, we still had time to enjoy a saucy little soiree before the lucky new owners take up residency in this paradise [we’re seeking to maintain visitation rights]. The floorplan of this perfectly-sized cool casa was designed with entertaining in mind. During our tasty gathering, we meandered the ample yet intimate living spaces, replete with two amazing fireplaces for major coziness. It was an ideal space for a good old-fashioned gathering, and we assume the new owners will take full advantage.
One of the best parts about what we do is connecting with the amazing people behind the beautiful spaces—those that make our city so damn sensational. Michelle Marthia of Heal Courageously is one of those inspiring individuals; the kind that makes us want to be better humans…that reminds us to live each day to the fullest. She founded the non-profit organization, which powerfully documents a person or family’s journey through cancer or other life-changing illness, all through the lens of volunteer photographers. The portraits get right down to our very core—they capture love, hope, healing, strength, and a thousand other nearly inexplicable emotions involved with the process. Quite simply, they embody the courage of the organization’s namesake.
“My world was opened by this experience to the power of kindness and connection”
Michelle learned of cityhomeCOLLECTIVE and our obsession with community, and when it was time to find a new home she was all like, “who you gonna call?” [we’re the new Ghostbusters]. She’s enlisted my help to find the perfect space to write a new chapter [more on that later, as she’s busy sealing the deal on a sweet Sugarhouse bungalow with a deep, cozy porch we just can’t wait to sip some wine on]. We had a good, old-fashioned sit down with Michelle to learn more about the important work of Heal Courageously so we could share it with our COLLECTIVE homies [you might want to grab a tissue, folks]…
Tell us about the mission of Heal Courageously and how you were inspired to start this beautiful thing: The catalyst for the Heal Courageously project was my own journey through cancer treatment. My world was opened by this experience to the power of kindness and connection, and left me in awe of the strength required to move through a life-threatening illness. My transition from healthy to chemotherapy to brave bald woman, took me by surprise. So I decided to have professional photos taken to document that phase of my life. It quickly became clear to me that the path through illness deserves to be honored in a more significant way than snapshots on our smart phones. But in the midst of illness it may not occur to a family to create these records of where they’ve been…they are dealing with so much already. That’s where we hope to quietly slip into their lives. The mission of HC is to provide patients, caregivers and survivors of major illness the opportunity to document their journey in photographs at no charge.
“We aren’t documenting birthdays and weddings. This is the tough stuff.”
We love the tag line of Heal Courageously’s mission, “honoring the strength needed to get through the night-side of life.” Where did that come from and what does it mean? Our tag line, “Images from the night-side of life” was inspired by a Susan Sontag quote from her book Illness as Metaphor. She wrote, “Illness is the night-side of life, a more onerous citizenship. Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship in the kingdom of the well and in the kingdom of the sick. Although we all prefer to use only our good passport, sooner or later each of us is obliged, at least for a spell, to identify ourselves as citizens of that other place.” When I read this for the first time, it resonated on such a deep and authentic level, and I knew it was a way to communicate our story. We aren’t documenting birthdays and weddings. This is the tough stuff. We are invited to witness moments with families while they’re on a path that requires great reserves of strength and courage…the night-side of life.
The portraits are all so powerful — in addition to strength, we see a lot of other emotions reflected, including humor. Can you share some of the ways you’ve seen participants face their experience as it’s reflected in the photographs [and tell us what’s going on with that red thong!]? As I work with each participant or family, we discuss the people who are most important to them and locations that will make this experience meaningful. If that means a favorite room of their home, the park they enjoy with their children, or a hillside someone loves to mountain bike, that’s where we go. We want these images to capture the essence and heart of those we work with, while making the experience comfortable and simple, allowing their personalities and emotions to be revealed. This can be the comfort brought to a very sick young boy by his favorite stuffed Tinker Bell. A mother playing piano with her dying son. A fresh henna tattoo on a beautiful bald head. Or a mother and son laughing with abandon as he holds the red thong she bought him to wear as a surprise for the radiation technicians.
“To be invited into this sacred space is truly an honor”
It’s clear that you connect with each and every one of your subjects through the creative process. Share with us if there are any particular individuals who’ve stayed with you over time: Our stories are all intertwined now and each experience is surprisingly unique. I hold a special place for the families we’ve had the privilege to work with, but those who remain closest to the surface are those we’ve lost. To be invited into this sacred space is truly an honor, and we are humbled to offer this gift at such a difficult time. Garrett and his family have had the most profound impact on me personally, and his mother said this about the experience: “At a time when it is hard to get your bed made, let alone orchestrate and pay for a family photo, Heal Courageously offered a pause from the pain and honored what really matters…our relationships with each other. Garrett’s life is a precious memory now, made sweeter by the photos from Heal Courageously.” The vulnerability required to be fully present during difficult times is eased by the knowledge that I have walked the path of illness too, and that allows participants to feel connected and supported even though I’m a stranger. Although, we all become intimate strangers pretty quickly. That’s the gift the families give back to me, and it’s amazing.
Who are the volunteer photographers with Heal Courageously? How can the community of SLC get involved to support the mission? This work could not be done without the generous donation of time and talent by the professional photographers involved with Heal Courageously. Our current volunteers are Alex Adams (alexadamsphotography.com), Brittney Massey (brittneymasseyphoto.com) and Jackelin Slack (jackelinslack.com). I love these amazing ladies and their hearts are connected to this project in such a meaningful way. This work requires sensitivity, respect and great care. I am fortunate to have them on the team that helps make this all happen.
Our community can support Heal Courageously in a variety of ways. Please share our story. It’s that simple. We all know someone facing the challenges of a major illness and we’d be honored to provide them this meaningful gift. We are a registered 501(c)(3) and donations will ensure we continue to provide this service to our community. You’ll find a link to give at www.healcourageously.org. And if you’re a photographer, graphic designer, or social media expert…call me! As all nonprofit organizations know, we stretch to do as much as possible with very little, so we cherish our volunteers.
“what stands out is their authenticity”
What do these portraits mean to the participants and their families? Has anyone shared anything about their photographs that surprised you or inspired you to continue doing this work? How do people react when they first see the images? This work nourishes my soul and allows our team to give back to the community. Responses to the images have been overwhelming, but what stands out is their authenticity. Our photographers are tremendously gifted at capturing the essence of the spirit and personality of each participant, and I think this often surprises the families. At a time when someone may not feel their best, we reflect back to them their inherent beauty and strength. Words feel woefully inadequate when you’ve captured a young father playing with his small children in the snow just months before his passing. A woman embracing her beauty in a body that’s been physically altered by cancer. Or a daughter walking with her father while Alzheimer’s slowly steals him away from her. The families don’t need to find the words to express what this means to them…we can clearly see the gratitude reflected back to us.
You’re working with Leigh Anne to find the perfect new home. What’s important for you to find in your new space? What made you want to work alongside cityhomeCOLLECTIVE in your search? I became a fan of cityhomeCOLLECTIVE and their love of our community long before I found myself looking for a new space. My life entered another transitional phase and I knew working alongside Cityhome COLLECTIVE would be a great fit. What I didn’t expect was how amazing Leigh Anne would be over the long haul. She has been extremely patient with me during a time when I’ve found buying groceries to be difficult, much less a new home. She stayed with me as I veered off course and has been a consistent guide as I became distracted by bright shiny kitchens. I am now under contract on a home that fits my personality, will nourish me as I heal, and hold the people in my life that are dear to me. That now includes Leigh Anne. The front porch is a perfect place for a glass of wine with new and old friends.
Though we COLLECTIVELY mourned the closing of Plum Alley, Copper Common has swooped in all cool as a cucumber to fill the big shoes that were left behind without any trouble at all [in fact, they’re wearing the hell out of them]. We intend to pick the brain of Rachel Hodson, lead designer for Copper Common, within the next couple of weeks, but first up: a feature on our client and pal, Gabe Llanos. He and his wife have recently returned to our stellar city from goodly Brooklyn, at which point cityhomeCOLLECTIVE [via Leigh Anne] helped them find the perfect pad. Gabe is also one of the mouth-water-makin’ chefs you’ll find in the Copper Common kitchen developing the next signature taste, which will probably involve a locally-raised, “big, gnarly hunk of meat” or something of the like.
“I’m happy to be in a city that’s getting excited about food”
Copper Common is a bar first: a beautiful, bustling, amply-stocked bar [whaaa…no Zion curtain?], where the on-duty mixologist will happily whip you up a bangin’ version of a classic cocktail. But it’s also quickly stamped itself as ‘that new joint where we should totally eat every damn night of the week.’ The deviled eggs, alone, are worth a visit, but you’ll likely be thrilled to stick around for the meatballs, chicken croquettes, fresh-shucked oysters, and everything else. It’s no wonder this is the spot where our talented chef has chosen to feed the hungry foodie masses. We had a chat with him to find out what makes him tick. And cook…
You recently moved back to Utah from Brooklyn to be a chef at the Copper Common; what lured you there? How does it differ from your experiences as a chef in NY? After moving back to Salt Lake about a year ago, I started out at the Copper Onion. Ryan and I had worked with some of the same people in New York, and it just felt like the right fit from the start. I considered some other options, but knew this was the company I wanted to be with. There are a lot of great projects on the horizon, and I’m stoked to be a part of it. The restaurant industry in New York is kind of a pressure cooker, and new restaurants come and go all the time. It’s all about “what’s hot now”. When I thought about the kind of future I wanted to have, I dreamt of having a cool little neighborhood joint that would stick around for awhile. I’m happy to be in a city that’s getting excited about food, where the market isn’t totally saturated.
“I’m excited to teach my kids about growing food – “yard to table”, I guess.”
What was most important to you to find in your new home? Do you have a favorite part about the space yet? Anything you can’t wait to change or put your own stamp on? For us, the neighborhood was most important. Somewhere walkable, close to parks and stuff. Coming from so many years in the city, we didn’t think we’d be happy spending a lot of time in the car. The backyard sold us on the house. It has a rad patio for the grill and table, and plenty of space for planter boxes so we can get a little vegetable garden going. I’m excited to teach my kids about growing food – “yard to table”, I guess. The former owners have a great playset and they’re leaving that for the kids, so they’re all set. We’re pretty much planning on living outside until it snows, and then I’ll just grill dinner outside and bring it in. Being a chef, of course I’m looking forward to tweaking the kitchen a little.
What is your favorite thing to cook [either at home or at the restaurant]? Any secret ingredients or things you cannot live without in your cooking? I love to braise things. My favorite thing is to get a big, gnarly hunk of meat and throw it in a pot with a bunch of shit and cook it for hours until it turns to magic. In the summer, I love to grill. A grilled rib eye with chimichurri and vegetables is my definition of summer. For ingredients, I know it’s a cliché, but I love sriracha sauce and I love to mix it with mayo. It makes the best fry sauce ever. I also have to mention coriander. I love dried spices, especially this one. Mixing dried coriander with fresh cilantro is fun because they come from the same plant but have very different flavors.
“I hand-wrote about 4 pages going into detail describing the experiment…”
With all of your free time [note the sarcasm], what are you excited to do/see/travel to in Utah? I love the outdoors. Really looking forward to taking the kids camping for the first time and doing a lot of fly-fishing and mountain biking. My family and I took a whirlwind trip to Moab over Presidents Day weekend, and it was beautiful. Hoping to do more of that.
Tell me again about that cool tattoo on your forearm! I’m kind of a math/physics nerd, and that’s where some of my tattoos come from. The one on my forearm is actually from a photograph taken in a bubble chamber. I hand-wrote about 4 pages going into detail describing the experiment, but I think this is probably sufficient. It was also on the cover of that one Strokes album.
“Then the food world found me.”
What is your favorite part about being a chef? If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? My favorite part of being a chef is that I get to play with food. I get to create. Putting different flavors together is a lot of fun. As a kid I loved science and wanted to be an astronomer, and most of what I read now (aside from cookbooks) is science or sci fi. I started out being an engineering major in college, but didn’t like structured education. Then the food world found me. So I guess if I wasn’t cooking and I liked school more, I’d be a physicist.
What do you think is Salt Lake City’s best kept secret? I’ve been away from Salt Lake for almost a decade so it’s changed a lot and I don’t know it as well, so I’m looking forward to finding that out.
Standard [stan-derd]: used or accepted as normal or average. See also, boring.
In my renovations, ‘standard’ does not always work for me. I find this to be true in bathrooms, in particular. For any who have renovated a home built at the turn of the century, you may have found yourself sneaking inches here and there, trying desperately to fit current standards into a space that was designed for folks that were either tiny, or far less focused on grooming efforts. For that reason, and a boatload of others, it’s best to think a bit differently when it comes to vanities. Below is the route we took in my own [recently and beautifully] renovated home; it’s one option that will enable you fit a vanity into a less-than-standard counter depth, as well as bring a unique, eclectic style to your bathroom.
a piece this unique effectively turns ‘house’ to ‘home’.
1st Step: I found this terrific sideboard at one of my favorite local haunts, C.G. Sparks, and it was only 15.5″ deep. It added a much-needed 6″+ of space that completely changed that crowded feel of the space.
2nd Step: I needed to find a sink that would work with the piece without ruining the look of it. It’d be a shame to cover something so lovely, so I picked this beauty from Porcher. Though I tend to shy away from vessel sinks, it was an unavoidably perfect fit. Obviously, choosing a sink that matched the depth of the piece required a wall-mounted faucet, which made for more space saved. Double win.
3rd Step: Mike is my favorite plumber, so I enlisted his help. He and his dad [I get the pair of them when I am lucky] humored me throughout the process with design thoughts and opinions on all matters plumbing-related or not. Once I explained the goal, Mike made it work, drilling holes and sourcing the perfect chrome p-trap and other plumbing accoutrements. With the full-glass front, having pretty hardware was critical.
All told, this solution is far more appropriate for the space, works with the style of the room and the home, and serves as a pretty/functional double-threat. It also happens to be a custom Leigh Anne Bernal [and friends] piece. When designing your space, don’t confine your thinking to ‘standard’; with a touch of effort and time, a piece this unique effectively turns ‘house’ to ‘home’.
