Since it was founded by an Austrian immigrant of the same surname in 1873, Kohler has worked with materials like iron and steel to outfit our farms, factories, and — more recently — our homes.

The company made its first bathtub 10 years after its founding, and once it manufactured the first drinking water fountain (called “the bubbler”), it officially got into the plumbing business and never looked back.

Nearly a century and a half later, Kohler is quite literally a household name when it comes to bathrooms and kitchens in particular. Of its current offerings, perhaps the greatest departure from its iron-and-steel origins is its Robern collection, comprised primarily of mirrored glass.

In many elements of the Robern series, signature “Uplift” cabinets conceal the contents of a traditional medicine cabinet but in a sleeker, more modern fashion; the collection also makes use of soft, diffused lighting, perfect for makeup application.

Although more traditional, retro-modern sinks, cabinets, tiles and accessories are still commonly found in the broader Kohler collection and signature materials like marble and metal finishes sneak into several pieces within the Robern series, the highly reflective, glossy finishes seen throughout seem to hint at the general aesthetic that lies ahead for the American household classic.

Photo credits: Robern by Kohler

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