The Perfect Bath Book with Waterworks Co-Founder Barbara Sallick

Have you ever been to a Waterworks store? It’s basically like walking into heaven, if heaven were the most glorious bathroom you’ve ever seen in your life. From tiles to textiles, fittings to fixtures, the 38-year-old company specializes in every detail you could possibly desire to create the ultimate spa escape in your very own home. Now, Waterworks co-founder Barbara Sallick has released a compendium of everything she’s learned in her decades in the business, complete with inspiring images from Waterworks projects over the years. She’s here today to give us the inside scoop on The Perfect Bath book, as well as her must-have dream bathroom essentials!

So many aesthetic styles are represented in the book! What are the hallmarks of a great bathroom, no matter what design sensibility its owner ascribes to? A great bath reflects the personality, style and taste of the owner. However, a classic and timeless design narrative includes a coherent layout, exquisitely layered materials, thoughtful storage solutions, well-engineered lighting and high-quality fittings. Finally, the hallmark of a perfect bath is an impeccable installation.

Bathrooms are like the nexus of self-care in the home; nothing is more calming and grounding than a personalized bath ritual. What does yours consist of? I am a shower person, so having a dependable powerful shower with a hand shower is essential to my ritual. We have installed a thermostatic shower valve so I can achieve a precise temperature. My shower is accompanied by eucalyptus scented shower gel (at the moment I love Malin+Goetz) used with a loofah. Our Waterworks Gotham Bath Towels, especially ones with my monogram, are toasty after my shower. I always seem to be on a schedule so I keep a silver clock on the bathroom shelf to keep me powering through my routine. Finally, the essential luxury for me is my heated floor. I love it even in summer.

There is no doubt that this is a book of bathrooms to aspire to. For those of us who are a few years away from creating the bathroom of our dreams (perhaps we rent our home, for example), what are some ways to bring a sense of luxury and customization to our bathroom? Well-chosen accessories go a long way to giving an ordinary bath personality. Incorporate vintage finds, family treasures and inexpensive prints along with a new coat of paint to improve the bath’s appearance. Towels, bath rugs and shower curtains can freshen the space, as will a new mirror and sconces. Go bold but keep it neat!

Thanks so much Barbara for hanging out with us and talking bathrooms today! Check out The Perfect Bath book and put it at the top of your list for Santa—or add it to your cart for the favorite bath lover in your life. Splish, splash!