Bathing Beauties

Along with the kitchen, bathrooms make an incredible difference in the appearance of your home. A bathroom renovation will also increase the overall value of your property.

Every morning most of us sleepily stagger out of our beds and into the bathroom, so shouldn't it be a clean, inviting and functional space? Here are some inspiring ideas and images from the Shelter style files, some are grand and very pricey, a few are simple and quite attainable.

Images from top: House Beautiful, Domino, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Web image - Designer Showhouse, Elle Decor, Domino, Elle Decor

Take me away....

This happens every year, it's only mid-January but somehow after three snowstorms and a handful of icy mornings it feels more like the end of February...I need an escape, a break from the cold....so I thought I'd dream with you for a moment. If I were going away {sadly I'm not} I would love to lounge by this pool, with a few friends and a cold cocktail {or 2}....{I love everything about this image, especially the modern take on "the cabana"}...oh and I would of course have to buy a few new items for my trip....here are my choices...

Michael Kors

{although looks like you have to be 6'-2", 105 lbs. to pull this one off}

Henri Bendel

Gucci

Maybe next year!

Image: Elle Decor.

Thank You...

I was cruising through a few of my favorite design blogs today and came across Decor8's Big Cartel round-up featuring Holly's favorite shops. I then of course linked to Big Cartel, {putting of, what I should be doing, the books for my business, but that's so blah} this week's featured artist is SUSY JACK. Her graphic style is fun, full of color and environmentally friendly {she prints on recycled paper}...Susy Jack's note cards are perfect for all of your holiday thank yous.....Happy Saturday!

FRIDAY FINDS..I'M LOVING...

I saw this movie during my holiday break, and still can't stop thinking about it!!! It's an amazing love story, see it if you have the chance!! LOVED IT!

I've mentioned in the past that I'm a huge fan of over sized jewelry, check out the fabulous pieces by Tom Binns I'm currently coveting.

I had a reader remark she loved the light fixtures pictured above {see 1.5.09, Edit and Organize post}; coincidentally I found something very similar on Circa Lighting's site. They have a vast selection of lighting!! The Paris flea market chandelier is new to their collection this month.

More evidence that green and royal blue {my 2009 color predictions} are HOT, HOT, HOT. These photos via Domino magazine are of Mary McDonald's crazy gorgeous guest home!!!! For more eye candy visit Domino!! I can't even begin to tell you how much I love her place. Perfection.....

OF NOTE

Duffy

image: iamduffy.com

Simply put, I LOVE MUSIC, so when I come across something amazing, I feel the need to share it.
This post isn't directly related to the visual qualities of design, but I firmly believe that great music goes along way in creating an environment. Creating dynamic spaces involves the five senses, not just the visual aspects. I always tell my students design is an overall experience, not just an aesthetic one.

I have been very into Duffy's music lately, she has been nominated for three Grammy awards!
{The 51st annual Grammy's will air on February 9th}

For 2009, I have decided to add a new sidebar list to my blog. I will list a new favorite song(s) of the week, it may be new or old, in any case, it will set the perfect entertaining tone for your home. Hope you enjoy the addition.

At the moment, Syrup and Honey is my favorite!

click links for sample, cheers!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnDC6Mt5ulQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVS28enoB68

2009 - Color Trend Predictions...

Royal Blue

This year we are going to continue to see an array of fun, bold hues, with
royal blue, rich kelly green and a mix of hot pink and red being the favorites.

Everyone is still craving comfort from the craziness of last year, you will continue to see people shying away from showy opulence {Hollywood Regency styles, if any, will be mixed with opposite elements and toned down} Naturally chic environments will take center stage this year; warm textures, metallics and natural fibers are going to be continually used! I'll be curious to see if my predictions pan out!!

A combination of royal + natural and royal + green

Sophisticated tones of cream, natural, ebony and metallic

Pink + Red




Kelly Green


Images: top: Town and Country {Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses, Robert Cavalli skirt, Eres bikini, Tito Perini ring, Celesina shagreen clutch, Taryn Rose flats}; WS Home
second row: lft, Elle Decor, O at Home,
third row: House Beautiful Feb. 09, House Beautiful Jan. 09.
fourth row: Domino Mag, Kate Spade
fifth row: mirror, Line Vautrin via Met Home, Jan 09., O at Home

HAPPY DECORATING!

RESOLUTION 2 - CONTINUE MY INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY

Modernism Rediscovered - three book series

I know that may sound corny, but I am constantly trying to grow as a designer; another one of my goals this year is to take a photography class. I am inspired by so many photographers, and so many types of photography...I thought I would post three suggestions of work for my book(s) of the month recommendation.

The first, is the work of Julius Shulman, Shulman has been photographing modern architecture around the world for nearly eight decades. His work is amazing, I'm sure you may recognize his famous photograph of Richard Neutra's Kaufmann house. {pictured below} Secondly, I've included World Architecture, The Masterworks, by Will Pryce, this book contains a visual treasure trove of inspiring architectural photographs!

Neutra's, Kaufmann House 1947. Julius Shulman

NEW YEAR - RESOLUTIONS - EDIT + ORGANIZE

This snapshot is so clean, each piece looks better than the next. I love fashion, clothing and shoes, with the best of them, but to think of all the money I have wasted on what I thought at the time, was an amazing bargain, kills me....buy only what you love + what loves your body type!

I know, I know, every year the plan is to organize your life, closet + home...
This year I am determined to make it work...Here are some ways to get you started!

"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." - William Morris

-If only I had the extra storage and dresser to sort my jewelry like this!

-Organize your clothing by color, everything will be much easier to locate!!

I'm all for layering beautiful objects within a room, just know when to stop, these rooms are perfectly edited.

Images: Top: Town and Country

lft to right: group of four images: Domino

Bottom four: Domino, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, House and Garden