Today I spent the day in Kohler, Wisconsin home of the Kohler Company to get a few ideas for our master bathroom which we are thinking of remodeling. If you are unfamiliar with the name Kohler, which I cannot imagine as they are EVERYWHERE, I will give you a little history. John Michael Kohler an Austrian immigrant purchased a cast iron and steel foundry in Sheboygan, Wisconsin in 1873 where they made ornamental iron work, farm implements, among other things. Then in 1893 John Michael had the idea to take an iron hog scalder, coat it with enamel and make it into a bathtub; it became an instant hit and a new company was born.
Since then the Kohler name has become synonymous with quality and originality and continues to be one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. In addition to Kohler fixture the company owns Ann Sacks tiles, Baker furniture, Lombardi Engines, The American Club and The Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews Scotland to name just a few of the family holdings.
The Kohler Design Center is a feast for the senses and is a place that you cannot rush through. On the first floor there is a small display of furniture and tile from a few of the other companies they own, then you move into the actual fixtures which encompass everything from sinks, to tub, to toilets, to faucets, and more. In fact there is even a floor to ceiling installation of tubs, and toilets.
The real treat of the Design Center is the second floor which features kitchens and baths designed by some of the foremost designers of the day, to include Bunny Williams. These are a few of my favorite baths.
The lower level of the Design Center features a museum that gives the History of Kohler, its add campaigns, the Artist in Residence Program and many other interesting tid bits about this great company.
If you ever get the chance to visit the Kohler Design Center, make sure you leave time to stay at the famed American Club and to visit the Water Spa, it is spectacular! The American Club is housed in what was the old dormitories for the workers at the factory and it beautifully decorated, and appointed with old world elegance and hospitality. I was married here and it is a favorite place to visit; the service is excellent and the amenities from the spa, golf, restaurants, trails, fishing, and too many other things to list make these just a few of the reasons it is the only 5 Start Diamond Resort in the Midwest and one of the top 30 spas in the US.
Have you visited Kohler, Wisconsin and the Design Center? Did you get any ideas? Have you been to the spa, golfed or stayed at the American Club? Did you like it? Let me know, I would love to hear how you liked it.
Hope you are having a great week so far! Enjoy your day.
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I have to be honest this looks like so much fun! I love that first bath pictured. While the bathroom with the under floor lighting is my thing it looks fun. We're going to be renovating our master bath hopefully this spring. Good luck with your bathroom!
XX
Debra~
How convenient to have the factory nearby, the selection has to be better than most stores.
Karen at garden, home and party dot com
Elizabeth, dear, you were in Kohler today!! And you were married there, you lucky girl! One of my favorite places.. I think of the American Club so often, it is unforgettable. I used to work for Lauder years ago, and they sent us on a weekend workshop to the AC…wow! My mom came along and stayed in her own room..she had a chance to experience the spa! It was that much more special because she was there. This was in the Fall, so you can imagine the gorgeous foliage around the beautiful grounds of the club. I fell in love with the courtyard!
I'm so happy for you that you had a fun day..did you visit Kohler shops? I saw they have a cute Patisserie there.
I did not get a chance to see the showroom, but I'm hoping to go this Summer! Thank you for sharing the gorgeous baths…
Have a lovely Thursday, dear friend,
xoxo,
– Irina
There are some pretty cool looking ensembles here Elizabeth. In our last house, we put in the retro deep tub, l loved that bathtub! Any luck making a decision?
Jeanne xx
PS..thanks so much for your very kind comment over at Christine's blog..she is so appreciative! xx
Kohler truly does wonders in any person's bathroom with their uniquely styled acrylic bathtubs as well as other bathroom necessities. It doesn't come as a surprise that most people prefer this brand over the others.