Skip to main content

Granite basin.Baloncici/Getty Images/iStockphoto

The question

"I am in love with a black granite vessel sink for my new powder room. Would a matching black toilet be a mistake?"

The answer

Your black granite vessel sink reminds me of the late eighties, when I was just starting out and working with Gordon Ridgely, the famous Canadian residential architect who passed away this month. He would have embraced your black granite sink and paired it with a stainless-steel toilet; a white one would have been too stark and he wouldn't have opted for all-black, even though the black Kohler Rialto toilet was all the rage back then, offering a low profile and a large seat. Personally, my preference for bathroom fixtures is always white.

A glass toilet, on the other hand, could be interesting, but the closest thing I've seen is a fixture with a glass toilet tank that doubles as a fishbowl. I would venture (and Gordon would agree) that a fishy toilet will not stand the test of time – it is the decor equivalent of a one-liner. But having said that, Gordon was always up for a joke; I can still hear his roaring laugh. He was a fabulous character who will be sadly missed.

Dee Dee Taylor Eustace is an architect and interior designer. Follow her on Twitter: @ddtaylordd.

Have a design dilemma? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.

Interact with The Globe