You may have heard claims that minimalism is dead, but this simply isn’t true. To make these claims is to misunderstand what minimalism is and its lasting effects.
Minimalism rose in popularity over the last few years. Followings of YouTubers, bloggers, and personalities such as Marie Kondo, The Minimalists, and Matt D’Avella skyrocketed as everyone clamored to figure out how to get rid of their stuff the right way.
But COVID-19 lockdowns have left some people in barren homes that they don’t love and yearning for more possessions. Many regret stripping their closets, kitchens, and art supplies now that the outside world is less accessible.
Does this mean minimalism is gone? No, of course not. Minimalism existed before you heard of it and it’ll live on, even if the mainstream focus shifts away from it.
https://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Maison-by-COCOON.jpg13652048Sara Gilmanhttps://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SPH_logo_final-1-1030x309.pngSara Gilman2024-11-27 20:20:422024-12-03 19:09:09COCOON Unveils New Maison Collection
COCOON Beverly Hills showcases new bath collection
As one of the most important trade shows in Los Angeles, WestEdge Design Fair brings together artists, designers, architects and collaborators in the industry. The three-day event offers the best in modern design, with product displays, panels and networking to discover what is new and relevant.
Taking place in the fall of 2023, WestEdge was held at the iconic Santa Monica Barker Hangar. As an exhibitor, we were proud to present plumbing fixtures by Piet Boon and John Pawson, alongside the free-standing tub, carved from a solid block of marble. The design elements of the display are true to COCOON’s brand of Scandinavian minimalism with earth tones and natural elements.
The Design Fair was also an introduction to the Maison Collection by COCOON, designed by Tim Derhaag. Derhaag is an award-winning product designer, creating concepts for interior design, including lighting collections, tables, storage modulars and more. He brings real-world expertise to his product concepts, as an interior designer for hotels and residential projects.
PB Bath COCOON Beige Marble
Carved from a solid block, weighing 1,300-pounds, Piet Boon designed the PB Bath with his signature Keke corners. This tub is offered in stone, as well as, solid surface material. Each tub comes paired with the wooden shelf for a luxurious soak. Seen here with the new PB 40 in raw copper, a free-standing tub filler and hand shower in PVD lifetime finish.
Purist Basin with John Pawson Spout
This free-standing basin is made from Natural Grey stone, a limestone sourced for COCOON’s collection. Seen here, it is paired with the JP 36, John Pawson’s floor-mount sink spout. It is controlled by using the JP 01 EXT, a progessive mixer handle on the wall in dark grey finish. The Purist Basin is offered in ten different stone options and the John Pawson collection is made in Dark Grey, Brushed Gold or Brushed Stainless Steel.
Concrete Tub with Brushed Gold Fixtures
Newer to the COCOON tub collection is the Atlantis and Zen free-standing bath tubs made from light-weight concrete. They come in eight different concrete colors with either an organic exterior finish or polished to match the interior of the tub. On display, the Atlantis-Concrete-05 tub is fitted with the JPSET25THERM free-standing spout and fixtures.
Maison Collection Basin + Spout
This collection is made from marine-grade 316 stainless steel. It offers the first deck-mount faucet setup by COCOON with hot + cold valves. You can also pair the valves with matching marble stone caps to match your basins and vanity.
View the Image Gallery to see all the photos from the event.
Missed the Design Fair? We welcome you to visit our showroom, COCOON’s U.S. Flagship Showroom to see these beautiful tubs, basins and collections in person.
Welcome to the U.S Flagship Showroom + Distributor for COCOON
As we continue to expand our showroom and brand, we’d like to re-introduce ourselves to the design, architecture and real estate development industry. This year marks our 25th anniversary as a family-owned, small business, with three showrooms in Los Angeles, one location in La Jolla and California expansion plans in the near future. Specialty Hardware + Plumbing is the parent company of COCOON Beverly Hills. We are a full-service plumbing and door hardware distributor, focusing on modern and European brands.
We partnered with COCOON over seven years ago, and are honored to open the U.S. Flagship Showroom for COCOON in Beverly Hills. We work exclusively with the brand, offering our expertise and customer support to help fulfill the COCOON bathroom of your dreams. With our Los Angeles warehouse, we keep the rough-in valves in stock, as well as other items to make sure your project can be completed on-schedule. As the U.S. resource for COCOON plumbing products, we understand the code approvals, functionality, and bring our technical expertise to your projects.
As a distributor, we can help source and provide modern and minimalist plumbing brands to match your design aesthetic. Let us be your one-stop shop for faucets, showers, bath tubs, toilets, vanities, shower drains, accessories, and even door hardware to match COCOON’s finish, fit and scale.
The COCOON Showroom is located in Beverly Hills, California, conveniently located near the LA Design District. We welcome you to visit, as we’re open Monday – Friday 10:00AM – 5:00PM. No appointment is necessary, but feel free to call ahead if you’d like to schedule some time with a Sales Professional.
You will find on display at COCOON Beverly Hills, the John Pawson and Piet Boon bath collections. The faucets, shower sets and tub sets are paired with COCOON tubs, basins, vanities and large format stone tiles. As we expand our showroom, we’re adding the newly anticipated Maison collection by COCOON.
Take a Tour
If you’re not able to visit our showroom, we’re happy to help assist with a virtual appointment. In addition, let us help with finish samples, architectural samples and personalized design expertise.
https://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/COCOON-Showroom-scaled.jpeg17072560Specialty Hardware and Plumbing Teamhttps://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SPH_logo_final-1-1030x309.pngSpecialty Hardware and Plumbing Team2024-05-01 22:03:572024-10-04 17:14:42COCOON Beverly Hills: An Introduction
Discover the Essence of a Piet Boon Kitchen with the COCOON Faucet Collection
Every Piet Boon kitchen is designed with a passion for natural materials and an eye for detail. Studio Piet Boon incorporates a kitchen concept “tailored to taste”, by being unique in form, material, texture, color and finish. The kitchen needs to be a functional space, but also an extension of the main living areas.
Dutch designer, Piet Boon continues to collaborate with COCOON to produce award-winning styles for the kitchen and bathroom. They embrace his signature aesthetic of beauty meets function. To learn more, click this article.
Custom Designer Kitchen by Piet Boon
Made to meet personal needs of the client
Structure each element to function perfectly
Kitchen Flagship Stores to see choose products in person
Serene color palettes and timeless design
Offering related products for a full-suite of the kitchen
PBSET 11 Piet Boon Kitchen Faucet by COCOON
Made from marine-grade stainless steel, this swivel spout and deck mounted mixer by COCOON can function as a kitchen or bar faucet. It is offered in additional PVD colors, including gun metal black, raw copper, and brushed gold.
Deck Spray for Kitchen Tap
From the Maison Collection by COCOON, the MSN 24 is a deck-mount spray that pairs with the PBSET 11 kitchen faucet. That way, you can have a fully functional pull-out spray for your kitchen area. It is produced in the same marine-grade stainless steel finish with matching PVD colors.
PB SET01
The Piet Boon wall-mount spout and mixer, PB SET01 can be used in kitchen, pantry or bar area. Offered by COCOON, this faucet is made in marine-grade 316 stainless steel with PVD finish colors. It comes in three different spout lengths.
PB SET11.Micro
A new offering for the Piet Boon kitchen area, COCOON added a new, smaller deck-mounted spout. The PB SET11.mirco is a versatile, swivel faucet that is perfect for a smaller countertop space or coffee nook.
Additional Piet Boon Kitchen Products
Step inside the Piet Boon design world in the flagship showroom. You will find ten Piet Boon concepts within 16 different kitchen setups including:
Lines
Frames
Mass
Signature
Edge
Minimal
Brutal
Contour
Landscape
Mono
Element
Are you designing a kitchen with Piet Boon by COCOON?
COCOON Beverly Hills, U.S. Flagship Showroom and distributor for COCOON, can assist with quotes, specifications and recommendations for how to design the kitchen of your dreams. We can share our expertise to match finish, fit and style with complementary kitchen plumbing products, such as sinks, pot filler, air gap and accessories. Stop by our flagship store, or reach out for more information: BeverlyHills@byCOCOON.com
More Information on the Piet Boon by COCOON Collection:
https://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/piet-boon-kitchen-sink.jpg6591396Specialty Hardware and Plumbing Teamhttps://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SPH_logo_final-1-1030x309.pngSpecialty Hardware and Plumbing Team2024-03-14 17:41:562024-10-04 17:14:42Piet Boon Kitchen: The Heart of the Home
We are excited to announce a new collection from the COCOON Lab, presenting the Atlantis, free-standing tub and Bowl 1.1 sink in several concrete finishes. COCOON is a bath ware brand that focuses on quality, innovation, durability and sustainability. With a minimalist and modern aesthetic, COCOON features world renowned designers, Piet Boon and John Pawson for their collections of faucets, shower and bath sets, including basins, vanities and tubs.
Concrete Tub Material by COCOON:
Up to 80% lighter and more flexible than traditional concrete tubs
Little maintenance, as no wax or oil is needed to seal the tub after usage
Heat-resistant
Will not crack
Built to last a lifetime
According to the COCOON Lab Concrete Material Guide, their concrete finishes are made from a special, natural mixture and hand polished. Each tub has its own unique look, with a visual patina and variation in color. >>Shop COCOON Tubs<<
Top Characteristics of a COCOON Concrete Tub and Sink:
Texture & Air Pockets: Due to the nature of the casting process, some air can become trapped within the concrete finish, causing small holes to form at the surface. These can vary in size, which adds to the natural, custom handmade process and overall unique beauty of the tubs.
Concrete Surface Variation: Each COCOON concrete tub is unique – no two tubs are the same. Keep in mind that there will never be a solid block of the same finish color, due to the variables within this specialized concrete mix. If you are looking to achieve a more smooth surface, there is an option of “Polished Concrete”, which gives the treatment an extra polish to smooth out the surface area.
Textural Flow Lines: The concrete mix is liquid when being poured into the mold of the tub or sink bowl, so textured flow lines can be expected some times. These lines are more visible when manufacturing the Atlantis bathtub, and is considered a part of the unique nature of a custom-made concrete product.
Exposed Fibers: The COCOON baths and basins are manufactured using Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete. In some of the cases, the fibers are visible within the surface of the material. These are not structural defects; the fibers add to the strength of the product to better reinforce it.
Concrete Colors by COCOON:
Concrete 01
Concrete 02
Concrete 03
Concrete 05
Concrete 08
Concrete 09
Concrete 10
How-To Guide to Care for your COCOON Concrete Tub:
Only use mild non-abrasive cleaners. Do not use scour pads, which will scratch the sealer
Avoid products with high levels of PH, such as bleach, nail polish remover, etc.
Wipe down after usage; don’t leave moist or wet products directly on tub for long periods of time
Direct sunlight can lead to discoloration over time
Looking for a Quote for a COCOON Bath Tub?
Each concrete tub product by COCOON is custom, made-to-order. The production is 6 – 8 weeks with another 2 weeks for shipping, direct to your door. To quote the price of the tub or bowl, we’ll need to add an export crate, plus include shipping costs, customs and duty fees.
For more information, email: BeverlyHills@byCOCOON.com or call 310-935-3229
https://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/concrete-tub-cocoon.png6191169Specialty Hardware and Plumbing Teamhttps://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SPH_logo_final-1-1030x309.pngSpecialty Hardware and Plumbing Team2023-04-19 20:39:092024-10-04 17:14:42Handcrafted CONCRETE Bathtubs By COCOON
One challenge interior designers face is communicating the value of luxury to their clients, or, in other words, helping clients understand the significance of selecting high-quality products, materials, and services for the project.
Why is this a challenge? The word “luxury” can be associated with flashiness, extravagance, and unnecessary spending. However, luxury interior design transcends these assumptions and instead seeks to create elevated, customized living experiences that will last.
Read on to learn how we communicate the difference to our clients.
Connect the Product to the Desired Experiences
Interior designers may find success when connecting the luxury product, material or service to the desired experience.
Let’s Take a Look at an Example
Many of our luxury clients are stressed in their daily lives and are looking for serenity and relaxation in their homes. That is why we present many of our products as providing a spa-like or even a luxury hotel-like experience for our clients. For instance, our free-standing tubs.
Installing a bathtub creates the opportunity to elevate a bathroom space and create the calming, spa-like experience the client desires. Additionally, COCOON tubs pair elegance and functionality with a design built to last a lifetime.
The greater we imagine a product will enhance or facilitate a positive experience, the greater value we’ll see in it.
Associate the Luxury Products with Solutions to Your Clients’ Problems
Generally, luxury clients value their time and are looking for ways to spend it more efficiently. This is why we find great success in solution-based selling to our luxury clients.
We like to begin by asking our clients questions such as:
“What do you like about your current space?”
“What do you hate about your current space?”
“Does your current X help or hinder you?”
“What about this process frustrates you?”
These questions can lead into “because you said you didn’t like “X”, I thought you’d like Y.” In this statement, it can be easier for the client to understand the value of the luxury item; it is a solution to the needs they have previously stated.
According to Forbes, “Solution-selling is about maintaining an ongoing dialogue and being recognized as an expert with a valued opinion… During a presentation, don’t just do a product demo—focus on the challenges the customer is experiencing… They will perceive you as part of their team when you show interest in their work, listen to their pain points and look to find a solution instead of focusing on the sale.”
An Example
For instance, one concern we may hear from our clients is: “the hardware at our beachfront property constantly shows wear and needs to be replaced.”
What solution do we offer? Some of our luxury products with a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish.
We may suggest this COCOON Piet Boon Wall Mount Rain Head that will maintain the same look and feel without showing wear as a result of its durable PVD finish.
Shifting the conversation beyond the topic of price to creating value with your clients leads to deeper, more meaningful engagement.
Frame Your Product and Service as Aligning with the Clients’ Values
Today, many buyers choose luxury products because they may assert their status but because the brand aligns with their values. For instance, clients may pay more for products that are:
Environmentally sustainable
Crafted by an artisan rather than machine made
Created by companies that treat their employees well
Made by companies that give back to the community
For Example…
At Speciality Hardware & Plumbing, we frequently encounter customers who prioritize sustainability. For these clients, we offer solutions such as COCOON concrete tubs.
Why? These concrete tubs are:
Resistant to humidity
Versatile
Able to be paired with a range of accessories and fixtures
Long-lasting and incredibly durable
Up to 80% lighter and more flexible than traditional concrete tubs
Little maintenance, as no wax or oil is needed to seal the tub after usage
Heat-resistant
Will not crack
Built to last a lifetime
According to the COCOON Lab Concrete Material Guide, their concrete finishes are made from a special, natural mixture and hand polished. Each tub has its own unique look, with a visual patina and variation in color.
When speaking with a client, it is important to introduce and explain the values associated with a particular product or brand.
Visit Our Showroom
Specialty Hardware + Plumbing is proud to be your resource for timeless, minimalist, luxurious design. Our expertise lies in our experience creating the most impeccable designs for the highest quality homes and establishments.
https://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/iStock-1272277308.jpg14142121Specialty Hardware and Plumbing Teamhttps://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SPH_logo_final-1-1030x309.pngSpecialty Hardware and Plumbing Team2023-01-08 09:30:002024-10-04 17:14:42Communicating the Value of Luxury
Luxury kitchens take the center stage in many modern homes and are considered the most important selling point in home buyers’ decision. In fact, according to research, homes listed with “luxury kitchens” sell faster and command a higher selling price than similar-sized homes in the same ZIP code.
Whether you’re an interior designer looking for inspiration or a homeowner thinking of designing their own luxury kitchen, you may not be sure where to start.
Read on for tips for luxury kitchen design as well as an inside look into some of our favorite faucets and hardware. Let’s dive in.
Prioritize Choosing a Perfect Faucet
Forbes deems kitchen faucets “perhaps the most overlooked, yet most critical function in the kitchen.” Why? Homeowners likely use the kitchen faucet dozens of times each day. This means that the fixture not only has to be aesthetically pleasing and cohesive with the rest of the design, but must be durable and functional as well.
Let’s take a look at a few of our favorite faucets.
MGS Cucina Vela SD
This is the MGS Cucina Vela SD Kitchen Faucet with Pull-Down Spray Stainless Steel in Matte Gold.
The VE-VD-KF-SSMG is made from premium materials, this Pull Down Kitchen Faucet offers great function and value for your home. This fixture is part of MGS Cucina’s Vela SD Collection, so make sure to check out other fixtures to accessorize your room.
The PBSET11 is made from premium materials and offers great function and value for a home. This fixture is part of COCOON’s Piet Boon Collection, so make sure to check out other fixtures to accessorize your room!
Moreover, this piece is available in four finishes:
Vola carries white faucets in two finishes: White 18 (a polished white) and White 28 (matte white).
What is special about these pieces? Take it from Vola:
“The key elements of bathing are surfaces, taps, spouts and water. Water defines the experience but surfaces, taps and spouts can shape and steer the experience. Touch can transform everyday moments into quietly satisfying rituals that enhance the user’s relationship with the natural world and ease the complexities and stresses of contemporary life.”
Don’t Forget the Hardware
Choosing the right hardware can make a significant difference in achieving the look of your luxury kitchen. From cabinet knobs to drawer pulls to door levels, we understand there are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to designing a modern kitchen.
One of our favorite brands is Designer Doorware. Let’s take a look at some of their pieces.
Designer Doorware recently joined Forte Brands Group. Forte sources the world in search of the best and most desirable hardware brands.
The full product line can be selected by use, including: sliding/pocket/barn door hardware; external door hardware; interior door hardware; kitchen hardware; bathroom hardware; show door hardware. Let Specialty Hardware + Plumbing help guide you through the selection process from beginning to end of your project.
Bullet + Stone Concrete Collection
The Bullet + Stone collection by Designer Doorware introduces three fresh designs of concrete door hardware. The three door designs, including the Concrete Club Lever, Concrete Niki Knob and Concrete Quad Lever, come in 18+ special finishes.
Concrete Luna Grey
The concrete appearance for the Bullet + Stone Concrete Collection will have variations of shade and color patterns. The finish is called “Luna Gray.” Custom finishes are also available upon request.
The Monte Timber Collection
The Monte Timber collection by Designer Doorware combines a touch of American white oak or American black walnut hardwood with a solid brass mount.
Need Help Bringing Your Luxury Kitchen Design to Life? Visit Our Showroom
Specialty Hardware + Plumbing is proud to be your resource for timeless, minimalist, luxurious design. Our expertise lies in our experience creating the most impeccable designs for the highest quality homes and establishments.
https://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/iStock-1366314278.jpg14142121Specialty Hardware and Plumbing Teamhttps://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SPH_logo_final-1-1030x309.pngSpecialty Hardware and Plumbing Team2022-12-25 09:13:002024-10-04 17:14:42Designing the Luxury Kitchen of Tomorrow Today
COCOON offers a 20-year warranty on their stainless steel and PVD taps and accessories. This is for residential use only. There is a 5-year warranty on COCOON’s solid surface basins, bathtubs, concrete material and natural stone products. The warranty begins from the date on your invoice, and you must provide an original receipt. The warranty does not include natural wear and tear and is void if damage occurred during poor maintenance or installation.
COCOON Does Offer Replacement Parts for:
Thermostatic or mixer cartridges
Flow control cartridges
Ceramic disks
O-rings
Flow regulators
Check valves
Aerators
Flexible hoses
Warranty Exclusions:
Warranties are terminated if Products are not properly installed, maintained and used in accordance to instructions, manuals or cleaning advice. Not limited to, neglect, intentional damage due to poor maintenance, damage due to pollutions, poor water quality, or calcification, damage by the use of detergents, removing products from their original installation location, damage due to Products being altered by a Third Party, or damage due to weather conditions (frost, extreme heat, moss, etc.)
Since most of COCOON products are produced with natural materials that have their own characteristics, that lead to the following criteria, conditions and specifics for warrant must be considered:
PVD colors applied on stainless steel may vary in color between components.
Stone and wood are natural materials that are prone to variations in color, pattern and density that add to the beauty and charm of the material.
Warranties do not cover color differences between samples and delivered products of natural stone, wood and concrete.
Cleaning & Maintenance of your COCOON Bath Products:
COCOON faucets are made with anti-fingerprint technology, but they can still leave watermarks. Never use aggressive detergents, bleach, scouring powder, steel wool or other harsh abrasives. Wiping with a damp cloth and gentle cleaning agent is recommended. Any deposits of shampoo, liquid soap or body lotions should be rinsed away with water immediately.
Care & Maintenance for COCOON Solid Surface Tubs & Basins:
Watch our video on how to clean solid surface material and buff out any scratches.
Care & Maintenance for COCOON Concrete Tubs & Basins:
COCOON recommends similar cleaning techniques used with their stainless and PVD taps. Use a mild, non-abrasive cleanser for their lightweight concrete tubs and basins. Do not use scouring pads, as it can scratch the product and break down the sealer. Avoid exposure to high levels of PH, such as bleach and nail polish remover. Do no leave wet products on the concrete for long periods of time. Direct sunlight can slowly discolor the concrete material over a long period of time. If a scratch occurs, COCOON can provide a refresh kit with simple instructions to fix any damage.
For additional help and information, please contact COCOON Beverly Hills.
With the new year just a few weeks away, we have our eye on the hottest luxury bathroom trends for 2023.
That’s right — today we’re talking about spa-like bathrooms with free-standing tubs, marble, concrete tubs and basins, elevated hardware and more. Let’s dive in.
Marble, Marble, Marble
Most luxury bathrooms have one thing in common: marble (and usually, lots of it!). Why? Marble represents luxury, glamor, and did we mention it never goes out of style?
Let’s take a look at a few of our favorite marble pieces.
The PB Bath by COCOON
Designed to be a free-standing bath, each piece is unique and carved from a single block of marble (or natural stone, if you prefer). Piet Boon’s signature shape, the KEKKE, is recognizable by its rounded corners.
Homeowners have the artistic freedom to specify their own custom bath from 10 different stones from COCOON. Learn more about the PB Bath by COCOON here.
The COCOON PB Cabinet 120
We’re proud to present this Chalk White Wall Mount Vanity, by COCOON. The PB-Cabinet-120-20-Chalk-White is made from premium materials, this Wall Mount Vanity offers great function and value for your home. This fixture is part of COCOON’s Piet Boon Cabinet Collection, so make sure to check out other fixtures to accessorize your room.
We adore the Natural Stone Free Standing Soaking Tub from the John Pawson COCOON Collection (shown above). The tub, shown in Pietra Griggio above, is available in many shades, such as natural sand, for those who may love the tub but prefer a lighter finish.
Concrete Basins and Sinks
Just like concrete tubs, concrete basins and sinks have become increasingly popular amongst designers. They have several positive characteristics, including:
Each concrete basin is unique: there will never be a solid block of the same finish color, due to the variables within this specialized concrete mix. If you are looking to achieve a more smooth surface, there is an option of “Polished Concrete,” which gives the treatment an extra polish to smooth out the surface area.
Style and textural flow lines: the concrete mix is liquid when being poured into the mold, so textured flow lines are expected and can add to the unique look of the piece.
Strength and durability: Each concrete sink is pre-sealed before it is brought into the home. Users can expect the sink to last for decades –likely over 50 years, in fact – with the correct care and maintenance.
Let’s talk Elevated Fixtures
From bath fillers to drains to basin mixers, the details can make a significant difference in the design of a luxury bathroom. We recommend taking the time to find elevated fixtures that complement each other while allowing attention to the eye-catching pieces in the space: the vanities, tubs, and showers, for example.
Let’s discuss a few of our favorite fixtures.
The Piet Boon 10 Spout
The Piet Boon 10 Spout (PB10) is a simple, yet elegant wall mounted tap, faucet or tub filler for your bathroom, kitchen, or even outdoor spaces. The PB10 offers the flexibility of pairing it with any of the Piet Boon mixers and now comes in different lengths for your design needs: PB13 – 130mm; PB18 – 180mm and PB10 – 220mm.
The COCOON John Pawson Floor Mounted Bath Filler
From the award-winning John Pawson by COCOON Collection, this piece combines elegance and minimalism. Check it out, here.
White Fixtures and Hardware
Vola carries white faucets in two finishes: White 18 (a polished white) and White 28 (matte white).
What is special about these pieces? Take it from Vola:
“The key elements of bathing are surfaces, taps, spouts and water. Water defines the experience but surfaces, taps and spouts can shape and steer the experience. Touch can transform everyday moments into quietly satisfying rituals that enhance the user’s relationship with the natural world and ease the complexities and stresses of contemporary life.”
Designing a Luxury Bathroom?
Specialty Hardware + Plumbing can assist with pricing, design options, and finish match recommendations. For samples and more – stop by our Beverly Hills showroom or send us an email for more information.
Marble or natural stone has been used in classic architectural design for centuries and the use of this prized material has continued into modern architecture. Known for its beauty as well as its durability, marble has stood the test of time and tradition.
What is Marble, or more commonly referred to as Natural Stone?
Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms naturally when limestone is subjected to immense heat and pressure for long periods of time. The result of this natural rock formation process is a beautiful, translucent stone that allows light to enter and produce a soft “glow”. A pure marble would be nearly completely white or very light in color. The presence of mineral deposits (or impurities) during the transformation of the limestone to marble bring about different marble colors and the unique veining of each slab.
Marble in History, Art & Architecture
The material of choice for Greek and Roman sculptors and architects, marble became a cultural symbol of art, class, luxury and elegance. This was not only because of its natural beauty, but also because of the technical skill required to carefully extract and work with natural stone. This still holds true to this day, making natural stone a timeless architectural feat.
One of the earliest marble statues is the statue of a kouros (youth), which was carved in Attica, Greece approximately in 590-580 B.C., more than 2600 years ago. The oldest standing marble building in Rome is the Temple of Hercules Victor, was built around 120 B.C – that’s more than 21 centuries ago. And the reason why we know this is because they still exist to this day.
Marble’s Beautiful Range of Colors:
Marble comes in a variety of colors depending on its origins and the natural process it has undergone. Marble would be one solid color were it not for the presence of mineral deposits during the natural transformation process. It is these “impurities” that bring out the distinct character, luxurious color and beautiful patterns. And, because of this, no two slabs of stone will ever be exactly the same.
What is the difference between honed and polished marble finishes?
Honed marble has a matte, unpolished finish and will have a more natural look. Because of its rougher surface, honed marble is not prone to visible scratches. However, because the surface is more porous, it can be prone to staining. Polished marble has a smooth, bright, reflective surface. It might be more prone to visible scratches because of its shiny surface, however, it is more effective at repelling liquids and stains. Each stone is still sealed using a water repellant product made to protect the surface.
COCOON Custom Natural Stone Products:
COCOON offers luxury, bespoke baths, basins, and vanities from the Piet Boon, John Pawson, and COCOON Lab collections in minimalist yet luxurious designs. Versatile and sustainable, they are fabricated in Spain using the world’s best natural materials and one-of-a-kind natural stones. Each custom order from COCOON is a piece of art, fabricated by skilled masons in Spain to last a lifetime.
Premier Marble Stone by COCOON:
Carrara Supreme – cool white stone with thin, feathery veins
Griggio Amsterdam – beautiful watercolor grey and beige with branching white veins
COCOON Bianco – classic, veined white marble
COCOON Beige – a creamy beige marble with various shades and soft white veining
Pietra Griggio – a muted charcoal grey and black toned natural stone with bold white veining
Nero Marquina – a strong black natural stone with bold white veins
Primary Stone or Limestone by COCOON:
Natural Sand – a neutral tone that resembles soft, smooth grains of sand in color, appearance and texture
Natural Beige – a smooth stone with soft beige tones and subtle mineral deposits all throughout
Natural Light Grey – a smooth, warm grey resembling natural rock in color, appearance and texture. Offers a nearly consistent shade of natural light grey color and pattern.
Natural Grey – a smooth dark grey stone, speckled with various minerals and subtle swirls of a lighter grey.
How-to Care for your COCOON Stone Bath Products
Do you already own a COCOON Stone Bath Product? Are you hesitant about purchasing from the COCOON natural stone collection because they seem “high maintenance”?
Marble or natural stone products are actually relatively easy to maintain following these simple guidelines. Properly caring for your COCOON Stone Bath Products will ensure that you enjoy your basin, bath, or vanity for a lifetime.
Here are some easy guidelines to remember:
Avoid using any acidic, corrosive, or abrasive cleaning materials on or near your COCOON stone.
Immediately clean and wipe away any substances or stains on the surface
Do not leave wet objects directly on the surface for a prolonged period of time. Use a coaster if needed
Do not place hot objects, such as hair irons, on the stone
Do not use your stone product as a cutting surface to preserve its smooth finish and water repellant properties
To clean your COCOON stone products, simply use a clean, soft cloth with warm water. You may also mix in a gentle liquid soap and wipe away any dust or dirt. Then, using a clean, dry cloth, wipe down your stone product to dry it.
To maintain its water repellant seal, you should have your stone product re-sealed by your local stone mason once a year.
Find out more about COCOON’s bespoke luxury stone products
As the premier dealer and distributor for COCOON in the United States, Specialty Hardware + Plumbing has worked on hundreds of design projects to specify COCOON basins, vanities, baths and bath accessories. We are well-versed with U.S. plumbing standards, and can work with homeowners and their designers and contractors to customize their requests.
We also invite you to visit our COCOON Beverly Hills showroom located at 205 S Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211. Experience the COCOON collection in person and explore our complete stone samples portfolio.
We’re here to help make your luxurious bathroom design dreams a reality.
Contact us at BeverlyHills@byCOCOON.com or 310 935 3229 to set an appointment, request for samples, or just ask any questions.
https://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/JP-Bath.jpeg15001500Specialty Hardware and Plumbing Teamhttps://specialtyhardware.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SPH_logo_final-1-1030x309.pngSpecialty Hardware and Plumbing Team2022-11-28 23:06:342024-10-04 17:14:43Marble: A Classic Architectural Beauty
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