Style in the Bathroom

October 2, 2013

 

There is nothing better to me than a great bathroom. It does not have to be large or grand. It can be simple and small in size. But the details that are put into it will show as creative and stylish.

Great bathrooms

Onyx bathroom vanity

The details around the walls and vanity can transform the look. Clapboard walls or detailed molding is always a way to bring dimension to a space. The wainscoting in this bath is painted a contrasting color and raised around the vanity to add a backsplash.

Vanity for bathroom

Mirrored Detail behind Bathroom Sink

Vanity with vessel sink

A vanity in the bath can be a piece other than your typical built-in cabinet. This can transform your bath from ordinary to stunning and be a big payoff in the end. Finding a cabinet, table or console piece to serve as your new base is the starting point. Check the height of the piece than select the appropriate sink or vessel sink to complete the look.

 

Vanity made from piece of furniture

 

Vanity made from old piece of furniture

 

Interesting vanity for bathroom

 

The smallest of details count. Extending the backsplash up the wall and adding the wall-mounted faucet and vessel sink gives this bath a new look.

Free-standing tubs have been and still remain an outstanding feature in any bath. If the space allows, I feel a free-standing tub is the best choice.

Freestanding Tub

 

 

Bathroom with freestaning tub
And who doesn’t love a good view…this is definitely the way to start or finish your day!

 

View from the freestanding tub

 images via pinterest

Filed Under: Bathrooms Tagged With: ,

Fireplaces & Mantels

August 9, 2013

For any room that has a fireplace, this is typically the focal point of the room. The fireplace and mantel and its surroundings should be considered when designing this space. In today’s world, many mantels have televisions over the space, but if this can be avoided, I prefer the television elsewhere.

 

 

Fireplace and Mantels

 

A symmetrical approach is sometimes taken in accessorizing the mantel. Scale and proportion need to take a lead role in this space just as it does in the rest of the room. One approach is to place art or a mirror in the center and matching accessories on either side or just the center object can stand alone.

 

Fireplace and Mantels - Interior Walls Designs

 

 

 

Many times art or a mirror is leaned against the wall of the fireplace. Other pieces and objects are placed in a random, yet well-thought out, manner. This can be a time to use pieces that are in the same collection or relate to one another in one designated space.

 

Fireplace and Mantels

 

Fireplace and Mantels - Interior Walls Designs

 

 

Fireplace and Mantels

 image by Designer Nate Berkus

My design style says that fireplace mantels need to include accessories  that a person can view easily, and that are in scale with the room and mantel. For instance, family photos, especially those that are small in size and detail, would not work high on the wall for they cannot be easily viewed by anyone.

This two-story fireplace is well-designed in my opinion. The wooden skis become sculpture or art for the second level of the space. They blend perfectly within the space and do not detract from the stone. They also add that extra dimension or layer, that when done right, really showcases the entire space. Not every fireplace can handle this type of treatment so again, it depends on the space.

 

Fireplace and Mantels

 

 

Mirrors are used in many situations for they can open up the space. Be cautious for sometimes they may reflect an area you don’t want to emphasize or they may reflect blinding sunlight certain times of the day.

This mirrored wall above the mantel is a great look for this space. The white mirror on top of this mirror adds more dimension without feeling heavy or cluttered.

 

Fireplaces and Mantels

Other option is to design and install a molding detail around the mantel area. It can add character and dimension to the space.

 

Fireplace and Mantels

 

Fireplaces and Mantels

 

I personally gravitate towards a space that is decorated in an asymmetrical style. I feel the pieces can tell a great story and offer more of a “collected” look when it is in this format.

 

 

Fireplaces and Mantels

image via Elle Decor

 

 

Fireplaces and Mantels

images via pinterest

 

Filed Under: Fireplaces, Mantels Tagged With:

Accessories for the Cocktail Table

July 9, 2013

Accessorizing any room or space in your home can be overwhelming to most people. It is the the final layer of the room that can sometimes make or break a space.

 

Accessorizing the Cocktail Table

 

Accessorizing the Cocktail Table

image via House Beautiful

Most people fall into one of these two schools thoughts on this subject. They tend to have nothing in the room but the essentials or they put everything they own and more into a space. Less is more, in my opinion. Editing a room is an essential ingredient to a creating a successful space. And using pieces and items that are personal to the owners makes a house become a home.

Accessorizing the Cocktail Table - Interior Walls Designs

Coco Chanel, the famous French fashion designer, is known to say ” before you leave the house, take off one thing”, meaning a piece of jewelry or accessory. That is how I feel about most items in a room. Edit, edit, and edit again. Negative space, the area or wall that you leave empty, is just a important as the positive space, the area or wall that you accessorize.

 

Accessorizing for the Cocktail Table - Interior Walls Designs

 

Accessorizing the Cocktail Table

There are many approaches to styling a cocktail table, therefore there is not a perfect equation for this task. Many will say that styling in groups of three is what works the best. I agree with that but I also know that in design, rules can be broken. Sometime I use five pieces on a table; sometimes only two, and other times a collection of items. I like tables that have a balance of high and low objects and but prefer less objects to an overabundance of items.

 

 

Every space is different and it is hard to stick to a steadfast rule. I would rather you have less items than the wrong items. Scale or proportion are critical in making the table feel balanced.

 

 

If you have a grouping of items or a collection of pieces, a tray can be used to group these items together and then that tray becomes one item on that table.

 

 

Books on a cocktail table can add the height that you need depending on how many books are stacked. Flowers or greenery, and I prefer real plants and flowers, add the height and the natural warmth needed to make the table and space inviting.

 

Interior Walls Designs - Styling a Coffee Table

images via pinterest

Filed Under: Accessories, Cocktail Table Tagged With:

Chevron and Herringbone Patterns

June 30, 2013

As with any design, the attention to details is so crucial and vital. The thought and execution of these details can take a space from ordinary to amazing.

Chevron and herringbone patterns have been used frequently in design for the last decade. A chevron pattern is a line or stripe in a V or inverted V-shape. These patterns are available in wallpaper, rugs, dinnerware, and fabrics.

 

Chevron and Herringbone Pattern

 

Chevron & Herringbone Pattern

 

To add that extra detail to your space, consider the use of chevron or herringbone pattern by creating the pattern using tile, wood or brick. This living and dining area is one of my favorite rooms. It is so simple and clean in its design with great attention paid to the details like the herringbone patterned floor.

 

Interior Walls Designs - Chevron vs. Herringbone Pattern

Chevron & Herringbone Pattern

 

The chevron wall in the above living area adds so much character and interest to an otherwise plain wall.

There are differences between a chevron and a herringbone pattern. These two patterns are sometimes not referenced correctly.

Chevron patterns are those in which pieces of material are cut into rectangles all the same length. The ends are then cut to a desired angle and laid in a “V” pattern. Chevron edges are mitered.

 

 

Chevron & Herringbone - Interior Walls DesignsChevron Floor - Interior Walls Designs

 

 

A herringbone pattern edges are not mitered. Here again the pieces used are rectangular and are cut to the same length. They are then laid into the “V” pattern where the pattern overlaps. The pieces are laid at a right angle to the each other to create the pattern.

 

 

Herringbone Pattern - Interior Walls Designs

 

Interior Walls Designs - Herringbone Pattern

Carpet tiles are very popular in both hospitaltiy and residential spaces in that a tile can be removed and replaced if needed. These carpet tiles by Interface show how a herringbone pattern.

Herringbone Pattern

Outdoor spaces need the attention to details too. Patterned terraces or walkways are a great way to add needed interest to any space.

Chevron & Herringbone Pattern - Interior Walls Designs

images via pinterest

Filed Under: Floors Tagged With: ,

Library Lights…New Uses!

June 11, 2013

Library lights have been used to illuminate bookcases and library walls for probably a century. Today, that same type of light can be used in a more modern fashion and in other areas of the home.

 

Library Lights - New Uses!

 

Library Lights

 

Library Lights

Library Lights

 

Outside of the library, there are many areas that this type of tasking lighting can work to freshen any design or space. For instance, instead of the recessed lighting that is used in some many kitchens today, think about adding the lights to the wall to shed more light on your kitchen counters. These lights typically have a directional arm so that it can be adjusted for any area of the wall or countertop.

 

 

Library Lights

Library Lights - Interior Walls Designs

Library Lights - Kitchen

Library Lights

 

The typical bar of lights or recessed can lighting you sometimes see in a bath can be updated by changing them to a library light. They can either be mounted above the mirror or like a sconce to either side of the mirror.

Most lights are hardwired, meaning they need a junction box to function. Some lights come with a cord cover and can be mounted to the wall, for instance on either side of a sofa, and then plugged into an outlet below.

 

 

Library Lights

 

Library Lights

 

Library Lights

 

 

These lights come in so many great finishes and colors. Mostly seen in metal finishes like brass, bronze or chrome, there are sometimes seen with fabric shades and glass shades as well.

 

 

Library Lights

Library Lights - Interior Walls Designs

 

The lights used in these bedrooms are such a interesting and unique change to the typical lamp one may find on a nightstand.

Adding these lights on the fireplace wall allows you to direct the light in any direction desired as opposed to a sconce where the light stays in one place at all times.

 

Library Lights

Library Lights

 Library Lights

images via pinterest

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