Domestic Diva

I visited the quaint village of Kohler this past weekend and while there checked out the Kohler Design Center. I admit, I’m not in the market to design any kitchens or bathrooms in the near future, but this museum/design center was worth a look. Its three levels (36,000 square feet!) are chock-full of, well, Kohler products and history. The main level is the product pavilion, showcasing sinks, faucets, toilets, bathtubs, whirlpool tubs, showers and more. Kohler offers the most innovative products for the fashionable home; in fact, they’ve got great print ads if you’ve ever seen them.
One sink I liked was the “Ipanema.” It’s got a psychedelic sixties-ish floral design of bright orange, yellow, pink and brown—you have to see it to believe it. I have a feeling that if one bought this sink it would be akin to donning a pair of fabulous leopard or fuchsia stilettos: you wouldn’t overdo the rest of the look by loading on more colors or patterns; that pattern would stand on its own!
Probably one of the more amazing attractions in the center was the entire back wall—it was hung from floor to ceiling with more sinks, toilets and tubs I’ve ever seen in the one place.
The third level is everything and the kitchen sink—literally. The Designer Gallery is a beautiful collection of over twenty-five rooms designed by nationally acclaimed designers. View a Zen-inspired bathroom, a neo-classical kitchen with all the amenities, or perhaps a “Gentleman’s Retreat,” complete with cherry millwork and an up-North look. I’ll tell you my favorite dream kitchen and bathrooms: A Couture Kitchen (stainless steel tile, mirrored walls and cabinets complete with a Diane von Furstenberg dress on display!); A Private Retreat (blush-painted walls, a sparkling chandelier and brocade shower curtain); A Shell Collector’s Bathroom (sparkly black countertops, iridescent pink tile and shell accents). I know, I know, they’re a bit over-the-top, but a girl can dream, can’t she?
Kohler Design Center, 101 Upper Rd., Kohler. 920-457-3699. kohler.com