On the double: The rise and rise of the twin basin style statement

The article explores the growing trend and numerous benefits of incorporating 'his and hers' double bathroom basins into modern home design. Far from being a mere luxury, double vanities offer enhanced functionality, increased storage, and contribute significantly to the aesthetic appeal of a bathroom, transforming it into a luxurious, hotel-like ensuite. The presence of two identical basin areas creates a sense of harmony and pleasing symmetry, making the bathroom a more organized and tranquil space for couples. The article showcases a diverse range of design ideas, emphasizing the versatility of double basins to suit various interior styles and practical needs. For instance, some designs highlight built-in basins with ample storage, providing a light and spacious feel. Other examples focus on peaceful, pared-back aesthetics, achieved through symmetrical arrangements of twin basins on beautifully proportioned vanity units. These designs often feature bespoke vanities and high-quality fixtures, demonstrating how thoughtful material selection can elevate the overall ambiance. Several ideas cater to specific design preferences, such as the use of concrete basins for an industrial look, often softened by warm brass and timber elements. The inclusion of a dressing area between two sinks offers a practical solution for daily routines, blending functionality with elegance. Marble is frequently featured for its luxurious and practical qualities, with examples showing how it can be used for both surfaces and statuettes to create a sophisticated environment. The article also presents creative uses of color and material, like blue glass basin units that pick up on room accents, and graphite-toned sanctuaries created with solid marble and antiqued mirror glass, emphasizing texture and tone. Designs that incorporate antique touches, such as classic basins paired with period overmantel mirrors, demonstrate how different styles can be seamlessly blended. Graphic effects are achieved with floor-to-ceiling black tiling, providing an impressive backdrop for crisp white floating shelves and surface-mounted basins, with wall-mounted taps maintaining a sleek look. For unique architectural spaces like attics, custom-made mirror slices and double-bowled vanity units are presented as effective solutions to maximize space and enhance quirks. The article also touches upon creating an 'ensuite feel' where the vanity unit is designed like a dressing table, mounted on small wooden feet to resemble a sideboard. Material focus is evident in designs featuring Arabescato marble contrasting with dark walls, parquet flooring, and nickel fittings. Monochrome palettes with modern freestanding bathtubs and matching double sinks are highlighted for their chic, hotel-like interiors, often featuring simple ovals, marble, and micro cement floors for a serene feel. Finally, industrial-chic bathrooms with exposed pipes and vintage basins, and boho-bliss designs with ribbed-glass Crittall doors and bespoke concrete basins, illustrate the breadth of customization possible with double vanity installations. Ultimately, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone considering a double bathroom basin, offering inspiration and practical considerations for achieving both style and functionality within their home. #BathroomDesign #DoubleVanity #HomeInterior #LuxuryBathrooms #BathroomStorage #ModernDesign #MarbleBathrooms #IndustrialChic #EnsuiteIdeas

Double drenching is an emerging painting technique for 2025 that expands upon the concept of colour drenching. Coined by Little Greene, this method involves saturating all available surfaces in a room—including walls, ceilings, radiators, and woodwork—with two or more colours from the same colour palette. Unlike traditional decor that often employs white for ceilings and skirting boards, double drenching utilizes colours that are closely related on a colour chart, often with different undertones. For instance, Little Greene suggests pairing a strong green like 'Hopper' on walls with a yellowish-green like 'Citrine' on woodwork to create depth and visual interest. The core difference between double drenching and its predecessor, colour drenching, lies in the number of hues used. While colour drenching focuses on enveloping a space in a single colour to create a cohesive and immersive feel, double drenching introduces two or three similar, yet distinct, colours. This evolution allows for a more creative, sophisticated, and nuanced approach to interior decoration. Ruth Mottershead, Little Greene's creative director, notes that this technique enables the confident combination of colours that might not typically be seen together in a single scheme, reflecting a growing understanding of colour's impact on a space's atmosphere. When selecting colours for double drenching, the options are vast, with the only real guideline being the exclusion of white. Effective combinations include reds with yellows, or various shades of greens and blues. Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed, highlights that blue shades can create a striking effect in living rooms or bathrooms, while pale pink combinations can offer a relaxing and elevated feel in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms. The flexibility of double drenching allows for personalized and impactful design choices. The technique is adaptable for both large and small spaces, including bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways. In smaller rooms, using varying shades of the same colour adds depth and dimension, preventing the space from feeling one-dimensional. Ruth emphasizes that multiple variations of a colour create a more layered and dynamic look. Adjusting the hue for the ceiling, for example, can introduce a creative and dynamic element. The objective of double drenching is to fully immerse a space in colour, regardless of its size, by layering complementary shades to achieve a rich and inviting environment. #DoubleDrenching #PaintTrends #InteriorDesign #ColourPalette #HomeDecor #LittleGreene #ColourDrenching #DecoratingTechniques #WallPaint

In 2007, Joe and Katie Hollowell celebrated their wedding on Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, with their families accommodated in the charming Hardison Cottage on East Fayetteville Street. Joe, having always praised the casual, laid-back atmosphere of Wrightsville Beach, saw it as the ideal location for their nuptials, especially as their careers took them to the West Coast. Over the years, despite residing in northern California and raising two boys, the Hollowells maintained their connection to Wrightsville Beach, frequently returning for vacations. In 2020, their affection for the area led them to purchase a smaller beach home on West Fayetteville Street, further solidifying their ties to the community. Joe Hollowell, originally from Edenton, North Carolina, reminisces about visiting Wrightsville Beach even before the opening of I-40, highlighting their long-standing affinity for the Fayetteville Street area. A significant turn of events occurred in June 2021 during a family vacation with Dale Boyett and his children. They discovered the Hardison Cottage, the same property where their wedding guests had stayed, was for sale. Spurred by Boyett's suggestion to co-purchase the cottage, the two families swiftly went under contract. After careful consideration, they decided to demolish the 45-year-old structure to construct a larger, more modern home capable of accommodating both families comfortably. Completed in December 2023, the new residence, though referred to as a 'cottage,' functions as a sophisticated vacation home. It boasts two primary bedroom suites, two distinct living rooms, two laundry rooms, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views. Joe emphasized that the design prioritized maximizing the stunning ocean views, a feature they cherished from the original location. The project engaged local companies for both architectural design and construction, with RMB Building and Design leading these efforts. Bridgett Mazer and Chris Groeschen of Bridgett Mazer Interiors were responsible for the interior design, collaborating closely with the homeowners. This new home was a Gold award winner in the 2024 Parade of Homes, also receiving accolades for its kitchen and primary bath. Mack Braxton of RMB highlighted the challenge posed by Wrightsville Beach town regulations, which enforced an additional seven-and-a-half-foot setback, limiting the home's width to 27 feet. To overcome this, the exterior incorporated a combination of board and batten and prefinished composite walnut siding, offering both aesthetic appeal and low maintenance. Landscaping utilized turf to eliminate the need for mowing, and durable composite materials like TimberTech were chosen for decking, walkways, and porch ceilings, ensuring longevity and ease of care. Unique design elements include garage doors with reversed tinting by Anderson and an innovative entry stairwell featuring floating stairs with built-in lighting, a concept inspired by the International Builders’ Show. The stairwell also showcases a backlit metal print of Wrightsville Beach waves by drone photographer Chris Frick, enhancing the local theme with customizable lighting. The main living area, accessed via these stairs, offers breathtaking ocean views, complemented by vaulted ceilings with white oak beams. The gourmet kitchen, a favorite feature, is defined by a waterfall edge island and a full-wall backsplash crafted from a unique marble stone that visually echoes the ocean's depths, a discovery made by Groeschen and the homeowners. A side wet bar, made from solid stone, further reflects the water, changing with the light throughout the day. The interior design adheres to a coastal contemporary style, with neutrals, varied textures, and rich woods creating a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. Furnishings were selected during a visit to the High Point Furniture Market. The home features two primary suites on the second and third floors, each distinguished by a walnut door, steam showers (one with an imported porcelain slab), and private balconies overlooking the ocean. All bedrooms are designed akin to hotel suites, complete with king beds, private bathrooms, and custom built-ins. The color palette focuses on neutrals and textures, with any color accents drawn from the ocean, reflecting the homeowners' desire for a design that celebrates their coastal surroundings. Both families actively participated in the selection process, prioritizing both high style and durable comfort for frequent family and friend gatherings. Since its completion in December 2023, the Hollowells and Boyetts have increased their visits, enjoying the family-friendly amenities and laid-back lifestyle that Wrightsville Beach offers. #HomeDesign #CoastalLiving #WrightsvilleBeach #VacationHome #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryRealEstate #NorthCarolina #FamilyHome

The concept of double kitchen islands is gaining traction in homes with large kitchen spaces, offering enhanced style and functionality. While appealing, designers emphasize that this setup requires significant kitchen real estate to be practical. Dana Bass, owner of Dana Bass Designs, notes that double islands are challenging to implement but can be highly impactful when done correctly. Many designers, including Rebecca Sutton of Kitchen Design Concepts and Traci Connell of Traci Connell Interiors, discourage single, massive islands due to their impracticality, especially when it comes to cleaning the center, which often necessitates climbing on top of them. Instead, breaking up large island space into two smaller, more manageable units is preferred. A crucial consideration for double islands is sufficient clearance. Sutton estimates a minimum kitchen width or depth of 16 feet, ideally 20 feet, to allow for comfortable walkways between the islands. Jen Stevens, owner of Fonde Interiors, highlights the importance of ceiling height, as double islands can visually overpower a space if it lacks grandeur. However, in larger kitchens, common in areas like Texas, designers have successfully integrated double islands to address various needs. Factors such as filling a large space, creating multiple functional zones, needing diverse pathways, and increasing storage or seating capacity often drive the decision to install two islands. They can also be beneficial in kosher kitchens for food separation. Designers typically designate the island closest to the 'work triangle' (refrigerator, stove, and sink) as the primary workspace. This island might even incorporate one of these core appliances. Secondary islands are commonly used for additional prep work, staging food during entertaining, serving, or non-culinary activities. Seating arrangements for double islands are tailored to client needs; for example, a primary island might have an overhang for casual dining, while a secondary island often provides seating to allow guests to interact with the cook without being in the main prep area. Connell suggests that if space permits, a second island is a natural gathering spot. When it comes to aesthetics, personal style and the kitchen's dimensions guide the choice of shapes, sizes, and styling details. Stevens encourages creativity, mentioning a design where one island was rectangular and the other circular. Sutton advises that while islands don't need to perfectly match, they should be visually connected, perhaps through consistent cabinetry and countertops, with unique accents like lighting or millwork on the secondary island. Parallel arrangements are typical, but Bass suggests an L-shaped layout can effectively define space and usage. Combinations with peninsulas are also possible, particularly in open-concept layouts where a peninsula can delineate the kitchen from living areas, or in U-shaped kitchens to provide additional counter space. Ultimately, experts caution against forcing double islands into a space where they don't truly serve a functional purpose, suggesting that alternatives like a breakfast nook might be more suitable if the primary goal is simply aesthetics. The key takeaway is that while double islands can significantly enhance a kitchen's style and functionality, careful planning regarding space, workflow, and aesthetic coherence is essential. Homeowners should consider their specific needs and how this layout genuinely supports their lifestyle rather than just replicating a visual trend. #KitchenDesign #DoubleIslands #HomeInteriors #KitchenLayout #InteriorDesigners #HomeRenovation #FunctionalKitchens #SpacePlanning

This article explores the ongoing debate among designers regarding the optimal number of sinks in a primary bathroom. While conventional wisdom often favors double vanities, some experts argue that a single sink can offer significant advantages, particularly in terms of maximizing counter space and accommodating diverse lifestyle needs. The discussion is framed by insights from Meghan Fox, principal designer at Fox Design Studio, and George Markoutsas, CEO of ABLAZE Design Group, both of whom present compelling arguments for their respective preferences. Meghan Fox highlights that many clients, even those with ample space, find a single sink more practical. She notes that couples often do not use the bathroom simultaneously due to differing schedules, such as one partner going to bed early and the other late. This observation led her to reconsider the necessity of a double vanity, suggesting that the additional sink often occupies valuable counter space that could be better utilized. One of Fox's clients, for example, preferred having a dedicated makeup vanity with a chair instead of a second sink, emphasizing the desire for functional space to get ready. Another client, whose husband is a doctor with unpredictable shifts, chose a single-sink setup to allow her to get ready in the bathroom without disturbing her sleeping partner in the bedroom. This approach underscores a growing trend towards customizing bathroom layouts to align more closely with individual routines and preferences. Beyond makeup vanities, the article introduces innovative uses for reclaimed counter space. FreePower, a wireless charging solution that integrates directly into countertops, is presented as a prime example. This technology allows multiple devices to be charged cord-free, offering a practical and modern amenity. FreePower, which gained recognition on 'Shark Tank' and won 'Best in Show' at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), is currently available in Cosentino’s Silestone and Dekton surfaces and through partners like James Martin Vanities. This integration of smart home technology further enhances the functionality of a single-sink bathroom design. Conversely, George Markoutsas of ABLAZE Design Group argues that while a single sink might be suitable for smaller bathrooms (60 inches or less), a double vanity becomes a requirement in larger spaces. He cites a project for the Lake Forest Showhouse where a single-sink vanity was converted to a double, significantly enhancing the bathroom's utility. Markoutsas acknowledges the resurgence of makeup vanities but expresses caution about providing excessive counter space, which he believes can lead to clutter. His firm prioritizes meticulously designed storage solutions, such as shallow drawers and separate cabinets, to keep toiletries and essentials organized and out of sight, thereby preserving the aesthetic and functionality of double sinks. This perspective emphasizes efficient storage as a means to maintain a tidy bathroom, regardless of the number of sinks. The article concludes by highlighting a broader trend in bathroom design: increasing customization to suit individual lifestyles. Beyond the sink debate, designers are observing a rise in requests for features like steam showers, often integrated into basement bathrooms to create private wellness retreats. Markoutsas also mentions a demand for double water closets in primary bathrooms, indicating that the desire for personalized and highly functional spaces extends beyond vanity configurations. This trend suggests that homeowners are increasingly seeking bathrooms that not only serve their basic needs but also cater to their specific habits and enhance their daily routines, even exploring unconventional ideas like multiple toilets. The central theme is that modern bathroom design is less about adherence to conventional layouts and more about thoughtful personalization to optimize user experience and comfort. #BathroomDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #SingleSink #DoubleVanity #SmartHomeTechnology #WirelessCharging #StorageSolutions #Customization

This article presents a lookbook of ten diverse bathroom designs featuring double sinks, emphasizing their role in providing personal space and a luxurious feel. The designs showcase various contemporary interpretations of double sinks, suitable for different aesthetic preferences and spatial constraints. Each example highlights unique features and materials used in the vanity units, basins, and surrounding bathroom elements. One design from a Louisville Road apartment by 2LG Studio features a coral-orange vanity unit with luted-lacquer-coated doors, contrasting with baby-blue taps and matching floor tiles. Another example, from a house in York by Studio Ben Allen, adopts a utilitarian theme with twin basins, exposed brass taps, and copper piping, complemented by arch-shaped mirrors that echo the project's overall motif. StudioAC's Candy Loft in Canada showcases a wood-clad double sink unit that is wall-mounted and illuminated from below, set within a minimalist bathroom with white walls and subtle tiling. The Triangle extension by Yellow Cloud Studio in the UK positions a freestanding bathtub between two concrete sinks and pastel-green vanity units, utilizing an original chimney stack for a symmetrical layout. In Casa Campo, Ibiza, by Standard Studio, a concrete partition forms a low wall around the double sink, creating a contrast with rustic stone walls and a timber counter in an off-grid home. Ampuero Yutronic's Casa Hualle in Chile features pale plywood walls and a dark concrete floor, with circular sinks raised on a simple wooden stand and aligned with a window. David Adjaye's 130 William show apartment in the USA incorporates serrated grey marble tiling for the walls and floors, extending to the bathtub and double sink, with black tap fixtures and a black wooden vanity unit providing contrast. Workstead House in Charleston, USA, by Workstead, includes independent sink units in a darkly painted en-suite bathroom, overlooking large double-sash windows. AML Apartment in Brazil by David Ito Arquitetura offers a unique arrangement where two vanity units face each other from opposite walls, combining wooden cupboards with black fittings and floor tiles, and white wall tiles and marble in the sinks and a two-person bathtub. Lastly, the Vallirana 47 apartments in Spain by Vora feature a more modest double sink with two basins divided within a single pale marble unit, sharing a white vanity and grey marble counter. This compilation aims to inspire readers with various approaches to incorporating double sinks into bathroom designs, ranging from minimalist and utilitarian to luxurious and rustic, while addressing the practical need for individual space. #BathroomDesign #DoubleSinks #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #VanityUnits #ModernBathrooms #ResidentialDesign #LuxuryBathrooms #SpaceSaving

The article discusses the emerging trend of double kitchen islands in home design. This concept involves incorporating two islands into a single kitchen space, one typically designated for dining, acting as a breakfast bar or workspace, and the other serving as a prep area for cooking and chopping. The author notes the increasing visibility of this trend across design platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. The rise of open-concept floor plans is identified as a primary driver behind the adoption of double islands. As kitchens increasingly function as the central gathering area in homes, there's a growing demand for features that enhance entertaining capabilities, such as additional dishwashers, secondary butler sinks, and expanded seating options. Designer Courtney Thomas highlights practical benefits for large kitchens, specifically those exceeding 350 square feet. She explains that a single, oversized island can create inaccessible "dead space" in the middle. In contrast, two smaller islands can provide significantly more cabinet frontage and storage options, optimizing the functionality and layout of extensive kitchen spaces. The article also touches on the aspirational aspect of this trend. The author expresses a sense of awe at the sheer scale required for such kitchen setups, humorously questioning where these "airplane-hangar-sized kitchens" are located and the professions of their owners. The double island trend is presented as a marker of ultimate luxury and achievement in home design, suggesting that acquiring a kitchen with two islands signifies a significant personal milestone. Ultimately, the piece positions the double island as a somewhat extravagant, yet aesthetically pleasing and functionally beneficial, design choice for exceptionally large kitchen spaces. While acknowledging its luxurious nature and the significant room requirements, it underscores how this trend caters to the evolving role of the kitchen as a central hub for both daily living and entertaining in modern homes. #KitchenDesign #HomeTrends #InteriorDesign #KitchenIslands #LuxuryHomes #OpenConcept #HomeDecor #KitchenLayout

A significant kitchen design trend for 2024 involves the integration of two kitchen islands into a single kitchen space, moving beyond the traditional single-island setup. This concept, highlighted by HGTV's "Rock the Block," specifically in the "Kitchen Renovation Rumble" episode, suggests that an additional island can substantially enhance a kitchen's functionality and aesthetic appeal. HGTV star Sarah Baeumler, during the episode, anticipated the importance of a double-island layout, a prediction that was validated by the positive reception of the transformed kitchen featuring two long islands. For homeowners inspired by this trend, a careful evaluation of several factors is essential before proceeding with such a renovation. Financial considerations are paramount, as the installation of a single kitchen island typically incurs an expense of approximately $4,000. Consequently, installing two islands, especially if the kitchen previously had none, could cost around $8,000. This substantial investment necessitates a thorough assessment of one's budget and commitment to the trend, suggesting that starting with a single island might be a more prudent approach for those hesitant about a significant and costly change. Beyond the financial aspect, the benefits of a double-island kitchen are notable. This configuration offers enhanced versatility, allowing one island to serve as a dedicated dining area while the other retains its traditional function for food preparation. For households with multiple occupants or those who frequently entertain, the provision of two distinct workspaces can significantly improve kitchen efficiency and personal space. The ability for individuals to each have a designated island can streamline cooking processes and reduce congestion. However, potential drawbacks must also be considered. The physical dimensions of the kitchen play a crucial role. Introducing two bulky islands into a smaller kitchen can lead to a cramped environment, impeding movement and disrupting the natural flow of the space. Such an arrangement might compromise essential walking and cooking areas, making the kitchen less practical despite its trendy appearance. Therefore, homeowners must critically assess their kitchen's spatial capacity to ensure that the addition of a second island enhances rather than detracts from the overall functionality and comfort of the room. Furthermore, the long-term appeal of the trend is a consideration; homeowners should reflect on whether they will continue to appreciate the double-island layout beyond its current popularity, ensuring that the investment aligns with their enduring design preferences and lifestyle needs. #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesignTrends #DoubleKitchenIsland #HGTVRockTheBlock #KitchenRemodel #HomeImprovement