The 10 most luxurious and expensive bathtubs in the world

The history of mankind bathing in self-made containers goes back nearly 6000 years to the Indus Valley in India, where archeologists have found copper water pipes within the ruins of a palace. In ancient Crete 3000 years later, the wealthiest Greeks bathed in pedestal tubs made of hardened pottery and almost 5 feet long. The Roman Empire took the indulgent ritual of bathing to new levels from 500 BC to 455 AD with lead and bronze popes, marble fixtures, and luxurious bathhouses.

In early 20th century U.S., the plumbing systems were sorely lacking, with only 1% of homes enjoying indoor plumbing as late as 1921. Most people still used outhouses, and it wasn’t until the housing boom post WWII that most houses had bathtubs – usually claw foot tubs at first.

We’ve come a long way, as these days almost every home has multiple bathtubs and showers as well. But luxury home builders, designers, and owners are getting back to the therapeutic and regenerative powers of bathing, with high-end bath tubs that are sure to impress.

To celebrate the art and aesthetics of bathing, here are the top 10 luxurious and most expensive bathtubs in the world:

10. EAGO  by Blue Bath

Price: $4,699

This 6’ long ultra-modern bathtub delivers all of the amenities and luxury of more expensive tubs, but easy to install and at a price that’s reasonable for the average luxury homeowner. The EAGO even has a TV screen on board!

9. Le Cob Glass Bathtub

Price: $34,000

Designed by Joseph Licciardi, this unique minimalist tub is made of transparent glass, acrylic and metals, and curved to match the contours of the body. One side of the tub is slightly lower to crate an infinity pool effect, with a sheet of water cascading down into a bed of pebbles.

8. Diamond Bathtub

Price: $39,000

It took designer Lori Garner three years to complete this iconic work of bathing art, with the outer layer alone highlighting 45,000 individually-arranged Swarovski crystals. With some custom overhead lighting, these crystals will reflect and refract in a million distinct patterns and colors, creating a unique visual experience.

7. Kallista Archeo Copper Bathtub

Price: $67,557

This tub may appear modest at only 5 foot long and 2.5 feet wide, but it was actually designed by the same people who refurbished the Statue of Liberty’s torch. This solid copper bathing vessel can hold 71 gallons of water and emulates the look of ancient Greek bathtubs.

6. Serenity Bathtub

Price: $76,658

Only two feet long, this Serenity Bathtub is constructed from bronze, with gold and silver embedded stones. Only a small number of these limited editions tubs were ever made, ensuring they are luxury collector’s items.

5. Baldi Amethyst Bathtub

Price: $122,000

Following the trend of custom carved gemstones in the luxury home world, this tub is carved entirely from pristine amethyst, with 24K gold legs. You can even purchase matching amethyst lotion dispensers, soap dishes, and other accouterment.

4. Baldi Malachite Bathtub

Price: $222,000

This exquisite tub was made by iconic designer Luca Bojola, built entirely from fine turquoise malachite with 24K gold legs. Legend has it that the Malachite crystal emits energies that protect children, but you don’t need to be superstitious to enjoy this elegant crystal vessel.

3. Baldi Rock Crystal Bathtub

Price: $790,310

Another notable tub by the Italian interiors firm, Luca Bojola for Baldi, only three of these Rock Crystal tubs were ever made. Each one spans more than 8 feet and was carved from a 10-ton Amazonian crystal, then garnished with diamonds for good measure.

2. Golden Bathtub – Price: $990,000

The first tub to reach the near-million dollar mark, the legendary Golden Bathtub was first commissioned by the Kominato Hotel in Japan, where it was available for select high-end guests. Weighing in at more than 175 pounds, made from pure gold and carefully guarded by security, it would seem that it was immovable, yet the Golden Bathtub was stolen from the Kominato Hotel in 2007, and still no arrests or even leads exist.

1. Le Grand Queen

$1,700,000

With a nearly two million-dollar price tag, the Le Grand Queen is considered the most expensive bathtub ever produced. Designer Simon Krapf carved the Le Grand Queen from 10 tons of a rare gemstone called Caijou, thought to have mythical healing properties, with a shape inspired by a traditional Indonesian canoe. Caijou is so precious and rare that Krapf kept the source of their mine a secret, even when it was purchased by an anonymous Arab buyer at the Dubai International Jewelry Festival for $1.7 million.

***

If you've enjoyed these bathtubs, look for part two of this blog where we introduce 10 luxurious bathtubs you can afford to put in any home! 

15 Tips to designing a magazine-worthy kitchen!

No matter how big or elaborate the rest of our homes, the kitchen becomes our de facto gathering area, the warmest place to congregate and entertain. For that same reason, if your kitchen isn’t planned out well or has serious flaws, it can make the cook’s job difficult or be so uncomfortable that your family scatters to other areas of the house. So whether you’re remodeling your present kitchen or redesigning a brand new dream kitchen from the studs, here are 15 tips to make it the best room in the house, worthy of a spread in a home design magazine!

1.         Layout

There are three standard ways to set up the layout of your kitchen. They style that is right for you depends on the shape of your existing kitchen, how often and who will use it, and the balance of functionality versus aesthetics.

-Galley or corridor style.

A galley style kitchen has two straight “runs” on either side of an island or table. Usually, the sink is on one side and the oven range on the other. This is the typical setup for a kitchen that is long but not wide and a perfect rectangular shape.

-U-Shaped Kitchen layout.

U-Shaped kitchens are a product of modern kitchen design, as people need more counter and storage space and ease of movement.

-L-Shaped layout.

An L-Shaped kitchen segregates the work area off the main kitchen space, which is ideal for entertaining guests or family in the kitchen without intrusion of the practical cooking and food prep areas.

2.         The work triangle.

When planning your kitchen, start by laying out the work triangle – that is the placement of stove, sink, and fridge, the most commonly used appliances. It’s recommended they form a rough triangle all within 6’ or less so you don’t have them all lined up on one wall or too far away. Once you have your work triangle carefully planned, the rest of the kitchen will fall into place.

3.         Sink.

Consider a sink that’s bigger and deeper than standard, but no set back so it’s hard to reach. Remember to get it plumbed correctly so the dishwasher fits in beside it. It’s also convenient to have more than one spout or a sprayer, or spigot for filtered drinking water. A sink is well-placed right under the main window in the kitchen. If you have a separate drink preparation area or large island, consider putting in a second, smaller sink.

4.         Fridge.

The refrigerator will probably be the largest continuous single surface in the kitchen. Make sure it’s placed so it won’t stick out too far past the cabinets and the doors have plenty of clearance when opened, even if other drawers are open around it. Have the proper plumbing line installed for an icemaker and water. Even if you don’t have one, you’ll want it if you get a new fridge down the road. While stainless steel is a popular choice for fridges, consider slight surface and design alternatives so it doesn’t dominate the kitchen.

5.         Counter tops.

Think simplicity and practicality when choosing countertops. Too often, people install granite with distracting complex patterns or tile with grout lines that collect dirt and mold. There are many evolutions of synthetic counter tops that look neutral, modern, match with many design styles, and are easy to clean and maintain. You can never have too much counter space but sometimes we design counters way too deep (where no one can reach) or too shallow. Make sure you have countertops around the cook top and beverage counter/bill paying desk, etc. in the kitchen. And don’t forget about the backsplash! Don’t be afraid to install backsplashes with surfaces, textures, patterns, and colors that differ from the countertops, but go well with them, as well as the cabinets.

6.         Islands.

Build an island into your kitchen but don’t make it too big, or too dominated by cabinets underneath – break it up with a wine fridge or that’s a great place for your microwave. Realize that there are two different heights – working counter height and then a height convenient to sit at, so know the purpose of your island. If you expect people to sit there, like a breakfast bar, first pick out the standard height stools you want and make sure they fit in comfortably. If there isn't room for an island, consider a nice butcher block, which can serve the same purpose but be rolled out of the way.

7.         Cabinets.

Too often, people install elaborate and colorful countertops but then very plain (and cheap looking) countertops. But if anything, keep a neutral countertop and go with rich or ornate cabinets, as they are the best place to express your kitchen’s personality. Use fogged or glass doors to break them up and bring in light. These days, they have beautiful cabinets in just about every color, style, and surface you can imagine!

8.         Storage.

Too often, people squeeze so many cabinets into their kitchen but forget other areas for storage, like Lazy Susans, pantries, or taller areas for brooms and the like. Designate one corner of the kitchen for alternative storage cabinets. Also, don’t forget cabinets next to or underneath the sink where the garbage and recycle bin can be retracted so you won’t have to have them sitting out.

9.         Lighting.

A kitchen can never have too much light, but it needs to be in the right place. Consider using mini-canned lighting that you can rotate to focus in different directions, not standard wide canned lightings. Make sure there is sufficient light over the sink, stove, and work areas, but other areas aren’t too bright. The light fixture over your table or island should be your signature piece, so have fun with it but make sure it matches your appliances and other hardware. Install under-cabinet LED lighting to keep everything illuminated.

10.       Appliances.

Like cabinets, appliances are one area you won’t want to skimp. That doesn’t mean you have to over spend on the newest and latest technology, but invest in something you like, that blends well into the kitchen design, and that you’ll use for a long time. Don’t try to salvage the fridge or stove, etc. and replace the other appliances – it’s all or nothing. But to differ the cost, you can sell your old appliances. Come to think of it, make sure your contractor removes your cabinets intact so those can be sold as well. Lay out the correct electric (like 220) and gas lines where your appliances will sit.

11.       Colors.

Don’t be afraid to use some bold colors in the kitchen, but make sure they work well with the counter tops, cabinets, appliances, and flooring. If you’re going with bold and colorful elements, you might want to tone down the walls to neutral beiges, off whites, etc. Remember that there usually aren’t large open spaces on the kitchen walls because wall space is chopped up.  

12.       Range hood.

Consider the range hood when you are both picking out the cooktop range and also your signature lighting piece over the kitchen table or island. Match them up the surfaces and styles so they compliment each other. A good range hood isn’t cheap but it will be worth it as it ventilates the kitchen effectively and quietly.

13.       Flooring

Like countertops, the right flooring isn’t just about how it looks but its practicality. Standard tiles have grout that can look aged and dingy after a while. Hardwood floors look great but are susceptible to damage if water gets on them and they’ll wear out in higher-traffic areas. Some natural stones are not a good fit for kitchens because they have many pours that can accumulate junk and they need to be constantly resealed. Choose a flooring material that is non-slip, easy to maintain, and easy to clean but still neutral enough to blend into the rest of the room.

14.       Transition.

The most beautiful kitchen in the world will still look awkward if it doesn’t blend well into the adjoining rooms. So make sure you consider the style and design of neighboring areas and make it a smooth, gradual transition so it’s not even noticeable to the eye.

15.       Personality.

Why is it you’ll personalize every other room of the house with family photos, artwork, and personal memorabilia, but our kitchens end up the most generic room in the house? Reverse that trend by warming and humanizing your kitchen with personal affects. Get creative and treat your kitchen like your own personal restaurant, complete with its unique personality and motif!

15 Crazy. fun, and funky home furnishings!

1. Turn your hanging painting into a table - and back again!

2. Tree branch book shelves.

3. Floating cubes coffee table that will mystify your guests.

4. For you old-school computer nerds - a 3.5" floppy disk coffee table.

5. Or for the Star Wars fanatic in your home or office a desk with Han Solo frozen in carbonite!

6. Relax on a ergonomic wooden lounge chair while water jets spray you from below and shower you from above.

7. I love this one for a kid's room - a chandelier made from 1,500 Gummy Bears!  

8. If the floppy disk isn't for you, how about a cassette tape coffee table?

9. When the boss steps away, turn this conference table into a ping pong game!

10. This ultra modern kitchen completely folds away into a wall of cabinets.

11. Guys - buy your wife or girlfriend this "Little black dress" cabinet for Valentine's Day!

12. And don't forget about the family pet - who gets his own mobile home!

13. If funky, modern chairs are your thing, this one will turn heads.

14. Send your child to college with this fun one-unit bed/sofa/desk/entertainment center.

15. End your day with a relaxing soak in this bathroom hammock - completely suspended off the ground! 

Do you love these?  Which are your favorite?  Comment or drop us a line if you want to see more or get information where you can purchase these fun home furnishings!

The 10 hottest trends in modern home architecture.

Glass walls
Looking out at the world is in vogue like never before as glass walls blur the lines between private living spaces and grand views. Advancements in glass technology and building techniques allow for ultra sleek, UV resistant transparent walls and roofs with seamless corners.  Worried about privacy?  They even have specialty tinted glass that can dim or become one-way with electronic sensors based on the time of day or your preferences.

Rooftop pools and living spaces
Wasting space is out and making the most efficient use of every single square foot of your home is in.  That’s why rooftop gardens and solar panels are a hit, though now you can add rooftop pools to that list.  There’s no better way to take advantage of the space on your flat roof than by installing a swimming pool up there.  Pools, balconies, rooftop bars, and barbecue areas can be fitted to just about any structure, plan, or size – just be sure to tell your architect or builder ahead of time so they add extra reinforcements for the weight.

Blocks and Cubism
Pablo Picasso, the father of Cubism, would be proud of this post-modern architectural trend.  Where as block housing used to have an Eastern-European feel devoid of any personality, today’s right-angled abodes are designed to create a dynamic complement to the curves and shapes in nature, creating a perfect masterpiece.

Modern cabin
If ‘glamping,” or glamor camping, is the hottest thing in enjoying nature with enough convenience for any city slicker, then the modern camping style of architecture is sure to please.  Also called the contemporary camping form of architecture, it integrates natural elements like open space, natural light, sky views, and fresh air into the living experience.

Recycled elements
Architectural ‘rescue’ is a hot trend, where homeowners or designers find components of past homes or icons of the neighborhood from bygone eras and build them into the plan.  Old doors and windows are popular, as well as refurbished wooden garage doors, signs, statues, copper shingles, tiles, or badging, brick and wood from historic homes or buildings, and other elements that bring in history and organic personality.

Eco friendly
Nothing is more notable than the marriage of a beautiful home that expresses the value of conservation and care for clean energy.  Self-sustainable homes make it fun to live again, with water pumps, wells, solar panels, wind power, geothermal drilling, composting, edible gardens where front lawns used to sit, and just about any other energy efficient or natural design that enables us to live well, and live clean.

Pods and mods
What Ikea did for furniture, some homebuilders are doing for housing, adapting simple, modern dwellings into existing urban spaces for efficiently and inexpensively.  Pods and modular living spaces are often pre-designed and at least partially prefabricated, able to confirm to the tightest spaces or go up with ease right on the site of your ideal natural retreat.  They may be short on square footage but they’re designed with absolutely no waste or void in comfort.

Modern country
As the pendulum shifts back to fresh air and open spaces in nature, living in the country is the ideal counterbalance to the ills of urban overpopulation.  But that doesn’t mean homes need to be boring, as architects take advantage of almost-unlimited space and the ideals of rural tradition to blend a perfect modern-country retreat.

Hillside
For half a century or more, ocean front living has been the most desirable for the crème de la crème of society.  But now, a lack of space, environmental consequences, and exorbitant price tags have created a new class of homeowners – those who prefer the hills.  If you can’t be on the beach, have a terrific view of the sunset and fantastic breezes, so the thinking goes.  Hillside homes follow some incredibly funky and fun floor plans as they work around the challenges of steep terrain and a shortage of horizontal space.

Stilts and stacking
Whether building over the most precipitous cliff or on a flat expanse of lawn, modern designers get to show off their artistic creativity when planning vertically dominant homes.  Stacking, layering, imbalance, different motifs on different floors, and the use of stilts and decking are puzzle pieces they use to create unique and breathtaking houses.