Inspirations

A Sweet Shop for Designers: Balineum’s First Studio and Showroom (in a Residential Victorian Flat)

Balineum—the Latin word for bathhouse—is a bathroom supply specialist unlike any other. Founded by Sarah Watson in 2007, it’s already established as an insider’s go-to for luxury bathroom furniture and fixtures, including handmade tiles, lighting, mirrors, and cabinets, hardware and washstands.

This month, Sarah has opened the doors of her first showroom, which is housed in a residential Victorian building just below her own apartment. “When our downstairs neighbor said she was moving out, we jumped at the chance to take over the space,” she explains. Never have we wanted to visit a bathroom specialist showroom quite so much. Let’s take a tour:

the entrance to the new studio and showroom is painted in dulux’s bitter 9
Above: The entrance to the new studio and showroom is painted in Dulux’s Bitter Chocolate 2. “The marble column in our foyer area was an unexpected surprise,” says Sarah. “It was hidden behind a built-in cupboard. Once uncovered we knew we couldn’t cover it back up, so we then engaged Magda Gordon to paint it in a faux marbleized style with a gaudy embellished-style top.”

The new studio space was designed with Nadine Bartholomew and architect Ariana Vieira of Studio Noam. “Nadine and I have worked together on several Balineum projects over the years,” explains Sarah. “Whenever I need someone or something more elaborate than a product launch, I work with Nadine.”

In a little over 13 months, the design-focused team has painstakingly transformed what was an unremarkable apartment into a series of rooms that beckon designers, creatives, and remodelers from far and wide.

the display frames showcasing the metal accessories were made using brown felt  10
Above: The display frames showcasing the metal accessories were made using brown felt and dark oak frames. The cabinets were custom made and feature Balineum’s own icebox handles and hinges. The checkerboard rug is by Vanderhurd.