Classic with a Twist

My visit to Coastal Living's 2012 Ultimate Beach House

Things are going my way-

(no, this isn't my pool... but-)

As luck would have it, on the last day of our family trip to

Rosemary Beach, Fla.... guess what opened?

Yes sir!

Coastal Living's 2012 Ultimate Beach House!

Not many people would get so excited over this, but other

designers and home enthusiasts- get it.

I didn't have to twist the arms of my mom and sister in law to join me-

their jaws dropped along with mine.

Such a nice beachy feel- all soft, coastal colors

from Pratt and Lambert Paints

If you haven't been seeing the fabulous shower systems by

Kohler, start to drool. Sweet surprise- many of the plumbing

fixtures were antique brass

Yes, the seat is round

Most of the upholstery is made out of Sunbrella fabric. You've known it for

the outdoors, but it is huge for interior furniture as well. Soft and sumptuous

and easy to clean with soap and water (and bleach if needed!).

Striking tiled wall and mirror by Madegoods

Somehow missed taking full photos of the kitchen, but all of

the fabulous light fixtures are from Circa Lighting

Local photographer taking pictures for

the newspaper... he took lots of shots

of me taking photos too. (I got his name

and number for pure business reasons)

Part of the prep kitchen... loved the Target dishes with

the beaded edges (who knew?).

Let's Get Real in the Laundry Room

This is what happens when you put your kids
in charge of the laundry during the work week...
Really? UGH!

For those of you who have your clothing under control,
you can think past the clutter and enjoy the space
where you spend soooo much time-

Laundry Rooms...
the place you hope no one ever looks in, and you wish you didn't cringe
when you walked in yourself! If only we ALL had the great big spaces like this:

Beyond the heaps, I do think that a laundry
room CAN be a pleasant place. Even by just the change of a
wall color, or ORGANIZATION, you can make it a great room of the house!

Add some art...or decor! No one ever said you couldn't
decorate your laundry room!

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Bins, bins, and baskets. Get that clutter put away!

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Build in your washer and dryer into your cabinetry!

Paint your cabinetry so the white or stainless steel of your washer
and dryer are an accent!

bhg.com

Any type of storage that you can fold away for
small spaces is a plus!

Compartments, compartments!! If you are lacking in the "desk space"
create that above your washer and dryer!! Ah, adorable.

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And last but not least...don't be afraid to HIDE!

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Good Luck and Happy Washing!!

Until next time,

Sunday, June 17, 2012 Comments: 1

Fond'a Ronda and I are at it again!

The blue prints for her custom home are finalized (after numerous changes...
better now than later, right?) and it's time to get to the pretty part.
We started at Renaissance Tile and found inspiration from her current
china that she uses daily. This will be a stunning combo
using gray white with a pop of yellow!
The possibilities are endless...

We've booked another day this week to scour many more
tile showrooms to add to her collection... Ann Sacks is definitely
high on the priority list.

Read more about her project here and here.

The backsplash sets the stage for your entire kitchen.

DRESS IT UP!

Here are a few ideas using the ever popular
Glazed Tiles:

Something that has taken a new look and
gone from traditional to TODAY!

Many of the high end tile manufacturers are coming out with
incredible designs of ceramic glazed tiles.

They are incorporating them into backsplashes and even FULL walls!

Ann Sacks carries this beautiful interpretation of the traditional hexagon design.
With it's inverted and exposed edges, this tile gives much dimension to the room!

A new fad that is here to stay is the use of glazed "subway" tiles.
This is used in 2 different ways -- one with a white grout and one with dark grout.
Both give off different looks that take a traditional bath or kitchen to something
new, transitional and fresh!!

Walker Zanger carries this beautiful tile.

Another Walker Zanger tile is this teal glazed mosaic.
I love this contemporary take on the linework and design of the pattern.

Many of Walker Zanger's speciality tiles have gold or
silver leaf incorporated into them in some way. Talk about flashy!!

Ann Sacks carries this elongated hexagon alternating height glazed tile!
I think this is absolutely amazing. They depth it creates along with the
glazed look gives it a very sophisticated look.

This metallic backsplash is made for a very specific type of client!
Anyone out there brave enough??

Lastly, Walker Zanger is wonderful about bringing COLOR into a room.
Use this glazed ceramic as a wall accent or a small backsplash border.
Either way...you get incredible color and forms.

A white, glazed ceramic tile can give a room and very fresh, clean look.
Let's get to work on YOUR kitchen or bath now!!

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With all these great looks, who knows what I will be tiling next:)

Until Next Time,

Saturday, May 12, 2012 Comments: 1

Banister Features: Same ole' Spindle?

Knee deep in remodels and custom builds these days

and finding my clients wanting to spruce up their stairwell...

to what? Iron balusters... (yawn).

I have to say... they are not for everyone!

For those who like to step out of the box a bit,

keep reading for ways to attract the WOW! factor.

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Banisters…is their only purpose to help you up the stairs?? I don’t think so…
this is an excellent place to feature something unique! Something different, and new!

What an adorable lakehouse stairway!