A great shower: It's the little things that make a big difference

Last summer, the kind folks at Brizo Faucet Company flew nearly 200 designers and bloggers to Memphis for a reunion of the various "Blogger 19" groups. For 3 or 4 years prior, they had been bringing together small groups of 19 to New York for fashion week and to share their newest products lines. So, the opportunity to all get together and take a tour of the huge Delta/Brizo faucet factory, be wined and dined, see old friends and make some new ones was a one in a million opportunity. As a generous parting gift, we each received our choice of a beautiful new shower head from their <a href="http://www.brizo.com/bath/baliza/shower-faucets/86200-PC.html?showPhotoGallery=false#.U_Ozi1b-rwJ" target="_blank">Baliza Hydrati 2|1 Shower</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/a7/69/90/a7699021707a26f5092efe004296735d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/a7/69/90/a7699021707a26f5092efe004296735d.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />They had demonstrated how their new H20kinetic technology works, which is pretty amazing. You can see it in this video:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lxWeyd-pnK8" width="640"></iframe><br /><br />The existing handheld faucet in my new little rental cottage was of the very generic plastic variety. The nice thing about shower heads is how easy they are to replace.  In my Mom's house last year, the existing hand held needed replacing (there must have been a lot of built-up deposits inside because the flow was practically non-existent) and I used a Kohler rain shower head that I had kicking around. The difference was amazing. As we all know, a great shower can be both invigorating and relaxing - all for a relatively small amount of money.<br /><br />So, even though I'm in a rental, I didn't hesitate to have my still in the box shower head installed. Not only is it beautiful to look at and immediately upped the look of the shower (good-bye nasty used plastic thing)  but I am also treated with a fantastic shower experience. There are difference water settings on the handheld which are activated with the push of a button - versus having to rotate the head - and it easily docs back into the shower head. The water pressure is amazing and yes, as the video says - it's very warm as well. I actually have to keep lowering the heat setting.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmcpzBo5Q6Uee7c8eA-VGHAMNXyJiN2L2HSlwU_KolJTn7yMD4WfEaEyK_QY1T8SVydUyiha3PY8ivz-PZms4B8ZAUA_0hmllcl9xdLuM6LtSSKQxHP-L1LDbADMykAbx9KZ4SIvB6yk/s1600/IMG_4978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmcpzBo5Q6Uee7c8eA-VGHAMNXyJiN2L2HSlwU_KolJTn7yMD4WfEaEyK_QY1T8SVydUyiha3PY8ivz-PZms4B8ZAUA_0hmllcl9xdLuM6LtSSKQxHP-L1LDbADMykAbx9KZ4SIvB6yk/s1600/IMG_4978.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />Even in a rental or other temporary situation don't hesitate to make some changes that could make a big difference in your daily routine. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSxXPgOnI3FRifPc8iSVsicIxMtm3IrfH4pyTYgtwX1z7FlMZbZM059BIq2CFAM15m8Id_06eG8o6DtO-HUFi9BfG5mu0giF3n8iMF2ZeG5u3nr7C9hLQk-LEKuhOeCIJDOm-XZqpw_s/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSxXPgOnI3FRifPc8iSVsicIxMtm3IrfH4pyTYgtwX1z7FlMZbZM059BIq2CFAM15m8Id_06eG8o6DtO-HUFi9BfG5mu0giF3n8iMF2ZeG5u3nr7C9hLQk-LEKuhOeCIJDOm-XZqpw_s/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br />

A great shower: It's the little things that make a big difference

Last summer, the kind folks at Brizo Faucet Company flew nearly 200 designers and bloggers to Memphis for a reunion of the various "Blo...

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Small Spaces: Dark vs. Light

Common thought is that a small space should be painted a light color so as to make it feel bigger. Is this fact or fiction? Well, it depends on the circumstance. As designers, we love a bold and dramatic space, even in a bathroom. As a matter of fact, we often think "especially in a bathroom!" because it's not a space one spends a huge amount of time in, we can afford to go bold. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/1f/c4/14/1fc414ecfcd05c44fd61c88e64a3b775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/1f/c4/14/1fc414ecfcd05c44fd61c88e64a3b775.jpg" /></a></div><br />Of course, dark can be dramatic and sexy. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e0/db/5f/e0db5f07be6188636d8ddd221d7f075c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e0/db/5f/e0db5f07be6188636d8ddd221d7f075c.jpg" /></a></div><br />Masculine and the perfect background for displaying art. (via <a href="http://www.remodconsult.com/index.php/gallery/bathroom-remodeling#1-Heffernan_master_0012" target="_blank">Remodeling Consultants</a> of Chicago)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/16/1e/55/161e55407b90c1ad60cb3d40e3afeb96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/16/1e/55/161e55407b90c1ad60cb3d40e3afeb96.jpg" /></a></div><br />Sparkly. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b8/ce/fe/b8cefe383f108fafe5a88d8eae38d4d3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b8/ce/fe/b8cefe383f108fafe5a88d8eae38d4d3.jpg" /></a></div>Or even as just a balance to a big bright window.<br /><br />On the other end of the spectrum, light bathrooms have their own unique qualities: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/3a/25/97/3a25979aba6e248e3caf5a44f00aff63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/3a/25/97/3a25979aba6e248e3caf5a44f00aff63.jpg" width="441" /></a></div><br />Light, bright and modern cottage. <a href="http://www.styleathome.com/homes/interiors/house-tour-neutral-pale-cottage-retreat/a/56357#ss-9ef32c83-0c08-4fa3-b08d-0ae9d48b5193-slide-11" target="_blank">via Style at Home</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/be/59/78/be59784f6342a82baf378ae27f288431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/be/59/78/be59784f6342a82baf378ae27f288431.jpg" width="417" /></a></div>Clean, bright and beachy. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/97/5a/f6/975af69f368550090ea1cc8e5f39214a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/97/5a/f6/975af69f368550090ea1cc8e5f39214a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Modern rustic. <a href="http://www.bhg.com/bathroom/remodeling/makeover/bath-makeovers-under-2000/?sssdmh=dm17.742585&esrc=nwdi061614#page=1" target="_blank">Via Better Homes and Gardens</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/0f/ed/2b/0fed2bf3a5f2ebdba8494165f119edba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/0f/ed/2b/0fed2bf3a5f2ebdba8494165f119edba.jpg" width="494" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Light can be soothing and traditional. (design by Patricia Fisher, featured in <a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design/beautiful-homes/charming-east-hampton-cottage" target="_blank">Traditional Home</a>) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(All above pic pinned to my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/linda_merrill/bathrooms/" target="_blank">Pinterest bathrooms board</a>. I could not find original sources for several, but if they are yours or you know whose they are, please let me know and I'll attribute!)</span></div><br /><br />So, when I first saw the photo online of the bathroom in the new house I am renting, I was kind of interested in the dark paint in the bathroom. Hey, for a rental, it showed some flair. I thought the color a little too cobalt blue for my taste, however. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpfo8DBNLxjiO0Dh9hlQBCzYKs43iPBxwPW-KpUreWUblIEFFFb-ogQnK0V80Z31np_1uSScmBURBgJW6qYRSjJQyQNm7XY8GTSI5ihJb3Kf93MYUWy-C-9s7ebowJhTd-B1-e9oVWGU/s1600/IMG_4839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpfo8DBNLxjiO0Dh9hlQBCzYKs43iPBxwPW-KpUreWUblIEFFFb-ogQnK0V80Z31np_1uSScmBURBgJW6qYRSjJQyQNm7XY8GTSI5ihJb3Kf93MYUWy-C-9s7ebowJhTd-B1-e9oVWGU/s1600/IMG_4839.JPG" /></a></div><br />When I first saw it in person, I found that the color was really more of a peacock blue, which I prefer over cobalt. (I'm a green person, not a blue person.) I initially decided to keep the color - it was bold and very different for me, which  I thought would be fun. Plus, bathrooms are a PIA to paint. However, it also made the space feel very small and when I came back to sign the lease and take a better look around, I realized the walls were in rough condition with lots of streaks.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hTb-niYXWDUCxb3PKVNXwNo8UfS2-MqDB6C_tgP3uozX_KGIiVg7xPutYkSOOKi5RgKPWuxpTVG-qdT2Ee3bvRW_q4-aV-MhmoO3Kp9nySWN9NLJ55wUL6Ha_GLYmRQU0ipWypESK0o/s1600/IMG_4876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hTb-niYXWDUCxb3PKVNXwNo8UfS2-MqDB6C_tgP3uozX_KGIiVg7xPutYkSOOKi5RgKPWuxpTVG-qdT2Ee3bvRW_q4-aV-MhmoO3Kp9nySWN9NLJ55wUL6Ha_GLYmRQU0ipWypESK0o/s1600/IMG_4876.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />So, decision made, I decided to paint it. Pink (Ben Moore Pink Hibiscus).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V4cD8T62-B-QGMoQhI_Ao4q9Ufs3FG34JbsM1C1bLx9HCtHoMMSWgQzssdXnYLfTnE7Ivz8z8kEl9NarlB9m7Qatjw1T-qMpHtDhJQy4PpdhfaWqRPzayOrReNgTt_d1KSdXHfGxqnA/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V4cD8T62-B-QGMoQhI_Ao4q9Ufs3FG34JbsM1C1bLx9HCtHoMMSWgQzssdXnYLfTnE7Ivz8z8kEl9NarlB9m7Qatjw1T-qMpHtDhJQy4PpdhfaWqRPzayOrReNgTt_d1KSdXHfGxqnA/s1600/photo.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />And it makes it feel so. much. bigger. A friend who came with me the first time I looked at it has since said he thought the bathroom was teeny tiny, but realized it's not so bad. I think it's that the lower corners aren't cloaked in shadow anymore. My color palette throughout is pink, beige and green, with touches of black, so this fits in well. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the window yet - maybe a grass shade hung above for texture. There aren't privacy issues (unless someone wants to get a ladder) and the window lets in lots of light, which is nice. Or, I'll just take of the existing hardware and be done with it.  If I owned I'd definitely replace the light fixture for something more upscale - and maybe I still will at some point. I was going to have my painter relocate the toilet roll holder, but there's not really a better spot. The shower is on the other side of the toilet and there is no available wall space there. Still to come - window treatment (possibly) and a shower curtain. Maybe some more art. <br /><br />So, do you have a preference? Dark or light bathrooms?  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdVfH6GrRSXx9JLYmg9TttVqO5QkfR4HelsVQwFzDtvLP90Gabjwle9BpknWU-pQiaEOx47OEW25tbyAYN1mES6QLeSn7fwROxlLoX0b2JMiKtkSB_KdlfN5Tp8c8ucTjNC_nywWT6zs/s1600/Linda+sig2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdVfH6GrRSXx9JLYmg9TttVqO5QkfR4HelsVQwFzDtvLP90Gabjwle9BpknWU-pQiaEOx47OEW25tbyAYN1mES6QLeSn7fwROxlLoX0b2JMiKtkSB_KdlfN5Tp8c8ucTjNC_nywWT6zs/s1600/Linda+sig2a.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Small Spaces: Dark vs. Light

Common thought is that a small space should be painted a light color so as to make it feel bigger. Is this fact or fiction? Well, it depends...

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Bathroom makeover project - a very belated finale

So, a year ago I started giving the main bathroom in my Mom's house a quick little update. It had been looking pretty rough as it hadn't been updated since the 1980's.<br /><br />So, this was the {sort of} before:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/8755526321_fea254aaa3_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/8755526321_fea254aaa3_c.jpg" /></a></div><br />I say {sort of} because there was a faded blue wall-to-wall carpet that I pulled up before these photos were taken.  It was pretty gross. One of the few actual design missteps my parents every took. Luckily it pulled up easily to reveal a not too terrible vinyl floor, though it was discolored.<br /><div><br /></div>This was inspiration, which is a montage I did of a bunch of pretty bathrooms found on Pinterest. It's probably one of my post pinned images.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/8755526917_216a0e27dd_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/8755526917_216a0e27dd_c.jpg" /></a></div><br />While I would have loved to really re-do the bathroom, it wasn't in the budget, so a "cheap and cheerful" ensued.  These were my main elements that I planned on using.  My original plan was to paint the vinyl floor a glossy white and put a custom cut sisal overtop.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8558/8755528463_25c016855b_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8558/8755528463_25c016855b_c.jpg" /></a></div><br />I did do the sisal, courtesy of the <a href="http://www.naturalarearugs.com/" target="_blank">Natural Area Rug</a> company, which offered me a free rug to try their service.  I never got around to painting the floor or swapping out the faucet, though I did install a fab rain shower head in the shower.<br /><br />One of the biggest changes was painting the dark wood cabinet and mirror.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUtaDU6UFCgIu55XONa_VPE3-MBYY1bkcrkX9pEjhRXSL30IPRSvu3c7byhBWGraXKWsA_nYS7fn52jhjzGdKqqMx86bCs4pC50o31n5PXj2eLXU2Y5xbwfK-xAdZqZCGcuU_QSHcuc0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUtaDU6UFCgIu55XONa_VPE3-MBYY1bkcrkX9pEjhRXSL30IPRSvu3c7byhBWGraXKWsA_nYS7fn52jhjzGdKqqMx86bCs4pC50o31n5PXj2eLXU2Y5xbwfK-xAdZqZCGcuU_QSHcuc0/s1600/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>And here it is...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyPomDIyfH8TL4HEc07KMmKvqUPcP1tOJGx3IQhDaJt9FOp3EuzGw104gV4E1a-F3jTEc4Ug9OrP0DjahInMK1_WotR3YFBZAcfJSe_snfTLbWQi3n8LesGT7nXipvy2dkPi2igYrTvo/s1600/bath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyPomDIyfH8TL4HEc07KMmKvqUPcP1tOJGx3IQhDaJt9FOp3EuzGw104gV4E1a-F3jTEc4Ug9OrP0DjahInMK1_WotR3YFBZAcfJSe_snfTLbWQi3n8LesGT7nXipvy2dkPi2igYrTvo/s1600/bath1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />(real estate shot above)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ik0NqoY-HhXHXWou-I-mQHzt-67B8JjkTyWfovSJ7BLZNpRSXc9MJkN1RphSHLs4T-8NUR3JTk6opF-MVYv07ZnYJK4SBR6gcYIvaU3qA7jIoi_z8Zw5NkmhIYuJEqHCk7qP3938d1M/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ik0NqoY-HhXHXWou-I-mQHzt-67B8JjkTyWfovSJ7BLZNpRSXc9MJkN1RphSHLs4T-8NUR3JTk6opF-MVYv07ZnYJK4SBR6gcYIvaU3qA7jIoi_z8Zw5NkmhIYuJEqHCk7qP3938d1M/s1600/photo.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> And a better shot of the rug. I definitely made a mistake not ordering it right to the walls especially since I never painted the floor. But, oh well, life has a way of intervening.<br /><br />Thanks again to the <a href="http://www.naturalarearugs.com/" target="_blank">Natural Area Rug company</a> for the offer of the rug.  There ordering process was day and it's now a year old and has worn very well and gotten many compliments.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmGd4CLp1ZURwjTIhcAtsIRq8ZhGch5iXKki-qr6lQ4Yjliy_FZlwCWqbFLuyfLP66kXNg5lw0ZpNevPI5FiIdtGqw0BNqsAnP2MX0tkRLeKqKOFj4MZdp70TP52J7r4lnwV6kZwj1_Y/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmGd4CLp1ZURwjTIhcAtsIRq8ZhGch5iXKki-qr6lQ4Yjliy_FZlwCWqbFLuyfLP66kXNg5lw0ZpNevPI5FiIdtGqw0BNqsAnP2MX0tkRLeKqKOFj4MZdp70TP52J7r4lnwV6kZwj1_Y/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br />

Bathroom makeover project - a very belated finale

So, a year ago I started giving the main bathroom in my Mom's house a quick little update. It had been looking pretty rough as it hadn...

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New from Ann Sacks Tile

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.email.kohler.com/AnnSacks/2013/001257/images/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.email.kohler.com/AnnSacks/2013/001257/images/13.jpg" /></a></div><br />Loving this new Pietra collection of porcelain tile from Ann Sacks which looks like natural Calacatta marble.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.email.kohler.com/AnnSacks/2013/001257/images/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.email.kohler.com/AnnSacks/2013/001257/images/14.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.annsacks.com/common/images/jpg384/Pietra_Field_30x30_CalacattaPolished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.annsacks.com/common/images/jpg384/Pietra_Field_30x30_CalacattaPolished.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Can't wait to use it in a project soon! If you'd be interested in pricing and purchasing options, please contact me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0albvYQfX5rLWG71HytA-54a9bFpirYu0vEeQTcVgz1N8h_6q9Rzb4t2pGvmP-uXhXkbKPlMj45Bs_4irXrL23qnK3Q0tOao7xVANzaUrSwrwbgiDe_-VhF2sSyzSWBlN9toVCnh8Vow/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0albvYQfX5rLWG71HytA-54a9bFpirYu0vEeQTcVgz1N8h_6q9Rzb4t2pGvmP-uXhXkbKPlMj45Bs_4irXrL23qnK3Q0tOao7xVANzaUrSwrwbgiDe_-VhF2sSyzSWBlN9toVCnh8Vow/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" /></a></div><br />

New from Ann Sacks Tile

Loving this new Pietra collection of porcelain tile from Ann Sacks which looks like natural Calacatta marble. Can't wait to use it in a ...

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One wallpaper, multiple looks

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjQGIWBgx334FCsOL6MZl0-1y0rKpoxZBl9ZQL49uoYO1FbYQYUnMNVH1v957XiNYDMH6Xb8YGsAKYNgMl-e0iv1xBx4MCKOeHQrQrR5fCxr4DpbsTx9MuIOb4NDmVfrtpEsf6I6QfqQ/s1600/2012-11-12+15.05.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjQGIWBgx334FCsOL6MZl0-1y0rKpoxZBl9ZQL49uoYO1FbYQYUnMNVH1v957XiNYDMH6Xb8YGsAKYNgMl-e0iv1xBx4MCKOeHQrQrR5fCxr4DpbsTx9MuIOb4NDmVfrtpEsf6I6QfqQ/s1600/2012-11-12+15.05.40.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Cecelia Walker Design | Photo by Eric Roth</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I wrote a while ago about the Boston Jr. League Showhouse and had mentioned the back hall designed by <a href="http://www.ceciliawalkerdesign.com/" target="_blank">Cecelia Walker</a>. Transition spaces are tricky in show houses (really, any house) because as a designer, you want to make an impression on visitors and you only have a second to do so. When I visited the house, I thought that the wallpaper Cecelia had used, Graham & Brown's <a href="http://www.grahambrown.com/us/product/30-424/Sherwood+Grey+wallpaper" target="_blank">Sherwood Gray</a>, was visually interesting without being overdone. The exuberance of the pattern is toned down by the neutral gray colors, which I liked. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd3TOgf5Qw1Hho9QXe6dff_Omxtc6SPauhb8-YLae1L3xQQtAMOHGMVGR5-yB-wIOXRMdIHuGDe6f7JD6-Vy-z1P4O1k1_GRxOH0Pyd9iAVYDwSU2cTG80Bj-0sw6m3dGOrZemaKb_Po/s1600/2012-11-12+15.31.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd3TOgf5Qw1Hho9QXe6dff_Omxtc6SPauhb8-YLae1L3xQQtAMOHGMVGR5-yB-wIOXRMdIHuGDe6f7JD6-Vy-z1P4O1k1_GRxOH0Pyd9iAVYDwSU2cTG80Bj-0sw6m3dGOrZemaKb_Po/s1600/2012-11-12+15.31.12.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Cecelia Walker Design | Photo by Eric Roth</span></div><br />This paper is really a fun transitional pattern and can be used in a variety of spaces and styles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ideas.homelife.com.au/media/images/5/4/9/7/0/549707-1_ll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://ideas.homelife.com.au/media/images/5/4/9/7/0/549707-1_ll.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.grahambrown.com/uk/product/30-426/Sherwood" target="_blank">Graham and Brown</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://products.drct2u.com/content/images/products/nr/nr477/nr477_30-424_roomsethuge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://products.drct2u.com/content/images/products/nr/nr477/nr477_30-424_roomsethuge.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.houseofbath.co.uk/shop/superfresco-easy-sherwood-grey-wallpaper/nr477/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7517#colour:Grey/Graphite,size:" target="_blank">House of Bath</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And because I liked this paper so much, I thought it would work well in a bathroom I did recently. It's a very small bathroom with white and gray marble, white woodwood and gray floors. Happily, my client's loved it too, and so here it is!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify84GYlOZzJV81RN0vYxhpmTyzkhO9etS_v_MpIZfzgeVrJ9xPsyRfwVnjwzUUpcpwDsJxa_Dcz5Wsf5AQGSwdyoxSt5tW0BKkliNUyYNVja1ZALCpr3a6ClS8W4vsvPmP4tq23vC830/s1600/IMG_2712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify84GYlOZzJV81RN0vYxhpmTyzkhO9etS_v_MpIZfzgeVrJ9xPsyRfwVnjwzUUpcpwDsJxa_Dcz5Wsf5AQGSwdyoxSt5tW0BKkliNUyYNVja1ZALCpr3a6ClS8W4vsvPmP4tq23vC830/s640/IMG_2712.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Design and photo by Linda Merrill  </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincN9nsJrxQDvh4L817B3JS5vF3RUBvJ_j7KOYf4UbmdVuzm8EMJ9QjaHoK67vB9JBctG-oYQyzvmwvOFMWyqcgawuU4rWpKSwRtinlvgSLiXyGPhAN00lNFTOI7cuk4zIKXiGi2izJjc/s1600/_K8B6077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincN9nsJrxQDvh4L817B3JS5vF3RUBvJ_j7KOYf4UbmdVuzm8EMJ9QjaHoK67vB9JBctG-oYQyzvmwvOFMWyqcgawuU4rWpKSwRtinlvgSLiXyGPhAN00lNFTOI7cuk4zIKXiGi2izJjc/s640/_K8B6077.jpg" width="431" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Design by Linda Merrill | Photo by Michael J. Lee</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">While I normally don't like to see the same pattern or fabric in a million different venues, it's fun to see how the same pattern looks in different situations. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzM0fgH-hVmGwqqNoFytYVQIccUHJBxVrQWqgVS4w-eNslUAlvXitGpysih4jqo9zKIKdhyM0q-BzKYgFjjD55gc-oGKAZ9IkjEijnU1ag3JfNsiwvpqhg6CLxK97YPupTsCWAvvUL_4/s1600/Linda+Sig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzM0fgH-hVmGwqqNoFytYVQIccUHJBxVrQWqgVS4w-eNslUAlvXitGpysih4jqo9zKIKdhyM0q-BzKYgFjjD55gc-oGKAZ9IkjEijnU1ag3JfNsiwvpqhg6CLxK97YPupTsCWAvvUL_4/s1600/Linda+Sig.JPG" /></a></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">If you'd like help creating your dream house - <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com" target="_blank">contact me</a>! </span><br /><br /><br /><br />

One wallpaper, multiple looks

 Cecelia Walker Design | Photo by Eric Roth I wrote a while ago about the Boston Jr. League Showhouse and had mentioned the back hall design...

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Linda's Dream House: 2nd Floor Plan and Master Bathroom Design

<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchgZxKTzZLSGRrm3H6PSBMgVSC57QsXDsmSvbi124QSToCSlpdgnMtQAedYuDBw_MVUkh_4Ypo9-8SIBHmupYVs1dZutOp6pi3kq0PSQcGtJc52YDqwyF_-_Xy88mec3NaDoARGxm9TU/s1600/Linda's+house+ext+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchgZxKTzZLSGRrm3H6PSBMgVSC57QsXDsmSvbi124QSToCSlpdgnMtQAedYuDBw_MVUkh_4Ypo9-8SIBHmupYVs1dZutOp6pi3kq0PSQcGtJc52YDqwyF_-_Xy88mec3NaDoARGxm9TU/s640/Linda's+house+ext+side.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />As I've had time, I've been pecking away at my digital Dream House. I finally got the 2nd floor plan nailed down - I think!  Not surprisingly, I wanted to have a fabulous master (mistress?) bedroom suite, but also wanted decent guest rooms. While the house looks big, it's only about 2600 sq. ft. so things can't get too enormous.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUO86t_ts7cS2esJwWd6NKEsy3XNe2eeBT_0xtYjMNj_BLbXsGvsoEZHFsltD2K6YVtJBS7V2tA5-y7PRlb3RYyfpptg2fP7Qy2JqGHiOiDlbipNoe4d6CNZEjoiFalUKeoO8OIsE5zI/s1600/2nd+floor+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUO86t_ts7cS2esJwWd6NKEsy3XNe2eeBT_0xtYjMNj_BLbXsGvsoEZHFsltD2K6YVtJBS7V2tA5-y7PRlb3RYyfpptg2fP7Qy2JqGHiOiDlbipNoe4d6CNZEjoiFalUKeoO8OIsE5zI/s640/2nd+floor+plan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sorry this is a little messy looking. The software I use - Live Interior 3D Pro for Mac - doesn't generate really fantastic floor plans. The grayed out lines are the first floor walls. There is some kind of glitch that forces the upstairs to be slightly smaller than downstairs on three sides and I just don't know why. Learning process.<br /><br />Anyway, as you can see, the master suite is on the back of the house. When I lived in Newburyport (the future location of my fictional dream house) I lived on High St, which is the main drag through town. Loved the street - but it is noisy. Since all the houses sit right at the street, the master in the back is preferable. My condo's master was in the front, but after a while, I moved to the smaller back bedroom to get away from the street noise. In order to get everything in, I've ended up with an upstairs hall that has no direct natural light, which bothers me, but I'm not sure how to avoid it. Light would come up the stair well from the front hall and the stairs to the attic would be open and I think I'd want to try to force some natural light down the stairs via sky lights in the attic. The space behind the stairs is the chimney, which is why it's boxed in. <br /><br />I still have to work on making sure all the doors are at least 3' wide since I'm trying to maintain as much universal design principal as possible. Since this is a plan for me, I'm considering the fact that if I were to build it (sponsors anyone? lol) I'd want to be here the rest of my life. So, I am in fact planning room for the addition of an elevator in the rear of the house. It would be accessible from the back yard and garage, into the downstairs and then it would open on the 2nd floor in the hall between the master bedroom and bath. So if this were a real house, it would always be accessible.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWwLi-dWmSZLgOrPjc6dVKhpWMJZdR4-xwSXHXCXg1T_ZQemIMAZUgpkNoEJ_Yuc7mRJyJKgfHGprwIvkKgJu0Vvas8-NTuvnd9Tq2GO9C9SRk2S6adMy9yQqtvpQ5xgzKcIU_wUF9sQ/s1600/Linda's+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWwLi-dWmSZLgOrPjc6dVKhpWMJZdR4-xwSXHXCXg1T_ZQemIMAZUgpkNoEJ_Yuc7mRJyJKgfHGprwIvkKgJu0Vvas8-NTuvnd9Tq2GO9C9SRk2S6adMy9yQqtvpQ5xgzKcIU_wUF9sQ/s640/Linda's+house.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Of course, I've had fun planning the master bathroom. Not sure if I'd do so much marble (it might fall off the house!!!) but a girl can dream. And to be honest, it's easiest to just lay in a "material" in this software on the whole wall vs. dealing with wainscot, etc.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7E9XrGoh6wMXI8Q2Cdb1fNv-ENTahsSSIvQIxhN9ENN0LdwSi3loi5x5WJeR9rDRBkbcbrE3z77KFWXR2tPnn9ydwDiBPIZiUSZFCkTMF8p9niW34Iez5VIldtNpXBzeIC2FDy3dl21M/s1600/Master+bath+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7E9XrGoh6wMXI8Q2Cdb1fNv-ENTahsSSIvQIxhN9ENN0LdwSi3loi5x5WJeR9rDRBkbcbrE3z77KFWXR2tPnn9ydwDiBPIZiUSZFCkTMF8p9niW34Iez5VIldtNpXBzeIC2FDy3dl21M/s640/Master+bath+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Because I have an entry way below in the home office, I was able to push the tub area out from the room - which I love. I also love that I am able to get a vanity table in with natural light. There would of course be window treatments, but I haven't gotten to those yet. I played around with the tub configuration quite a lot. I like the symmetry of the faucet being in the middle, but it's hard to reach across the span to use them. However, the fact that they can more easily be reached when sitting in the tub made the center installation a winner for me. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgL7LYr-ZlYs6uIbrbzSo3EMBgjYmMCuhKSA_DNXUBkDoHS4TU_ZhyOo09FsaajZ1YOFDDdNazO6ZJib3wh4plu2kJMhoC4Ac79uJmzWkMuuI0TPILwXAGqoB8M84dZFngftDYb0kbac/s1600/Master+Bath+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgL7LYr-ZlYs6uIbrbzSo3EMBgjYmMCuhKSA_DNXUBkDoHS4TU_ZhyOo09FsaajZ1YOFDDdNazO6ZJib3wh4plu2kJMhoC4Ac79uJmzWkMuuI0TPILwXAGqoB8M84dZFngftDYb0kbac/s640/Master+Bath+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaa1BPNn3Uj8DhtHmQWZ1IugyimjVdVOuwj7lodWMm7wfkrZvfUtwdXAVjYgQLd8MN4eSRcFa3cUQ0MggUEMfvX7NF66I30G3i44GTa_dEH9IwTFaQbRm_-LJlLzaMUMxnHy6KE4N_pk/s1600/Master+Bath+6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaa1BPNn3Uj8DhtHmQWZ1IugyimjVdVOuwj7lodWMm7wfkrZvfUtwdXAVjYgQLd8MN4eSRcFa3cUQ0MggUEMfvX7NF66I30G3i44GTa_dEH9IwTFaQbRm_-LJlLzaMUMxnHy6KE4N_pk/s640/Master+Bath+6.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The shower isn't huge - 4'6"x4'6" - but it's fine. There is a niche in the rear wall for shampoo, etc. Ignore the fact that the glass shower walls and door are just floating - I know there would be hardware, but I'd want it as minimal as possible.  The door next to the shower would be a sliding door to the toilet closet. The opening is a linen closet. Decided against a door there and would either use a curtain, or just really nice baskets to hide the usual linen closet stuff. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCJCFn1JgolNOMccUbKDvr1Qg2-Wc-U6F08uGwlCpU4-RaNBef4nvBFOWh-iTa0_Kv2oKg8LwZCn5wcvyUKPn_WtTGbJO9KGOZ4z5-t4kuIz5yJF01apgQVkB-_pjP6ALGnKTlG1qm0k/s1600/Master+Bath+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCJCFn1JgolNOMccUbKDvr1Qg2-Wc-U6F08uGwlCpU4-RaNBef4nvBFOWh-iTa0_Kv2oKg8LwZCn5wcvyUKPn_WtTGbJO9KGOZ4z5-t4kuIz5yJF01apgQVkB-_pjP6ALGnKTlG1qm0k/s640/Master+Bath+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I like the mix of old and new with the simple vanity, Federal inspired mirrors and Jonathan Adler sconces.  The doors would be mirrored - possibly with antique mirror inserts. I'd also have a rug. Not yet sure about the floor, thought it won't probably be all black like this. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaa1BPNn3Uj8DhtHmQWZ1IugyimjVdVOuwj7lodWMm7wfkrZvfUtwdXAVjYgQLd8MN4eSRcFa3cUQ0MggUEMfvX7NF66I30G3i44GTa_dEH9IwTFaQbRm_-LJlLzaMUMxnHy6KE4N_pk/s1600/Master+Bath+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyFcN0wQT78khmvqaekfF-0vDN4v6WeXdLRMbK5LaVmYCCSXk1VR7pQJ7BXFzf6PmKqdP7GzDIW22wgy7qB-42573BGY4RvXXDSXSLSEcQ7-MhpZAbVRftkqKdeTZYdLugPO-3_rVJRw/s1600/IMG_3937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyFcN0wQT78khmvqaekfF-0vDN4v6WeXdLRMbK5LaVmYCCSXk1VR7pQJ7BXFzf6PmKqdP7GzDIW22wgy7qB-42573BGY4RvXXDSXSLSEcQ7-MhpZAbVRftkqKdeTZYdLugPO-3_rVJRw/s640/IMG_3937.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Here are some of the fixtures I've chosen: 1) Capiz Shell Chandelier via 1st Dibs 2) Jonathan Adler Ventana 2 Light Sconce 3-4) Virage Faucets by Brizo for tub, sinks and shower 5) X-Table vanity via 1st Dibs. See all links on my Pinterest Board <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/lindas-dream-house/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br />Working on this project really reminds me how important it is to bring in a designer early on in a building project. While I know I shouldn't get into too many fine decorative details while still figuring out floor plans, it's important to understand how someone will be living in the house, the size of furnishings, layouts, physical needs now and in the future, etc. Too often, houses are built without planning for real life needs and the rest just needs to be squeezed into the available spaces. It all needs to be done in tandem for the best outcome. <br /><br />I'd love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, etc. Also, what would you want in your dream master bathroom?<br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your dream house design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Linda's Dream House: 2nd Floor Plan and Master Bathroom Design

As I've had time, I've been pecking away at my digital Dream House. I finally got the 2nd floor plan nailed down - I think!  Not sur...

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Bathroom Makeover Project

<p> I hope everyone had a nice weekend. As I mentioned on Friday, I am starting a little makeover of my Mom's main bathroom. I thought I'd share where I'm starting from and what my plans are.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8755526321/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1369025543881.2957" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/8755526321_fea254aaa3_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> As you can see above, the bathroom is not very big and is pretty bland and outdated. The vinyl floor was actually covered with a rug until I finally pulled it up recently. Kind of gross to have a rug in the bathroom, but my Mom has a big fear of cold feet. The rug was blue, the walls and trim white, and the window treatment and shower curtain a blue and white shell pattern. Luckily, the trim is all in good condition, my Dad painted it years ago and it's still perfect. I need to touch up the baseboard moldings since his cane, then walker and on occasion wheelchair left their marks. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8755526917/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1369025543844.0051" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/8755526917_216a0e27dd_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> I'd love to be able to really do up the bathroom for my Mom like these above. So fresh and pretty. But it's not in the cards right now, so a cosmetic makeover it is. </p> <p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8756649064/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1369025543847.436" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/8756649064_0660e9ff3d_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> This is primarily a one-story house and the dining room, which Michael Lee shot for my 2011 Holiday issue of ::<a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/nov_dec_2011" target="_self" title="">Surroundings:: magazine</a>, shares a hall with the bedrooms and bathroom. The gorgeous wallpaper, which we believe is an old Schumacher paper designed by William Haines, is the featured element. I never really understood why the bathroom wasn't better coordinated with the hall, especially since the color palette is so pretty. Oh well, the time and come!</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8755528463/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1369025543871.8274" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8558/8755528463_25c016855b_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> And so, I'll be using the striped fabric above for the window treatment, as well as banding around the solid fabric shower curtain. The walls will be painted Benjamin Moore's Palladian Blue. There is already a new toilet and Toto is proving the Wyeth faucet. I'll be painting the natural wood cabinet front and mirror frame white (gone will be the knotty pine!!) and doing something with the light fixture. I'll be painting the vinyl floor gloss white or beige, and will be adding a custom cut seagrass rug. I wish I could swing a new tile or wood floor, but this is a cheap and cheerful project!</p> <p>So, that's what I'll be up to the next few weekends. Stay tuned for the after pics!</p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Bathroom Makeover Project

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. As I mentioned on Friday, I am starting a little makeover of my Mom's main bathroom. I thought I...

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Toto - People Centered Design and a bathroom sneak peek

I wanted to share a neat little video from <a href="http://www.totousa.com/" target="_blank">Toto</a> - sort of their "Highlights from KBIS" reel. It's all about People Centered Design for them. <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7N4ySo7oxFU" width="640"></iframe><br /><br />And some of my photos from their booth:  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0JShXbuKQyDwD92aEbTI9bdHIZDZAjkInBIu3SixCVa9WTDJdX89yu3S78XO871udLT5GRNLUeLeChyphenhyphenFpxT4agLHbsN5AsgIqB9Mk53JJ0e_6KsfSdxbPq0hxvDPV7Up0r4n19TW4sg/s1600/IMG_2624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0JShXbuKQyDwD92aEbTI9bdHIZDZAjkInBIu3SixCVa9WTDJdX89yu3S78XO871udLT5GRNLUeLeChyphenhyphenFpxT4agLHbsN5AsgIqB9Mk53JJ0e_6KsfSdxbPq0hxvDPV7Up0r4n19TW4sg/s640/IMG_2624.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNO0PDlUYImaKXELlwhKXN43ar-PtIY7ZE1tvfpFkM7__ujDN1LO_NLzFjylzpC6F5Vs3mNnlhWQLECugjPOprHdfGDuFPaD9m2Q5yN54GexuZIVHKXn9CERU8cmNEhsX4f8Ub14HhHDk/s1600/IMG_2626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNO0PDlUYImaKXELlwhKXN43ar-PtIY7ZE1tvfpFkM7__ujDN1LO_NLzFjylzpC6F5Vs3mNnlhWQLECugjPOprHdfGDuFPaD9m2Q5yN54GexuZIVHKXn9CERU8cmNEhsX4f8Ub14HhHDk/s640/IMG_2626.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Toma, the <a href="http://antiquesdiva.com/" target="_blank">Antiques Diva</a> herself, just hanging around a tub in heels... as you do</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7LEvLoLASSTbIVtvC17pRXUi3qgiUfIZxEjBWxTIKJAS1-60jT7b9MXnU0SfQpsjJKO9Q9QVu4wn8PCkh8d5VFgYoWlHnBjQUuSSgs-dDN7EX4quTUQNNurTRTnqa58QhMcjgiUpopY/s1600/IMG_2778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7LEvLoLASSTbIVtvC17pRXUi3qgiUfIZxEjBWxTIKJAS1-60jT7b9MXnU0SfQpsjJKO9Q9QVu4wn8PCkh8d5VFgYoWlHnBjQUuSSgs-dDN7EX4quTUQNNurTRTnqa58QhMcjgiUpopY/s640/IMG_2778.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Totally loving my teeny tiny <a href="http://www.totousa.com/" target="_blank">Toto</a> toilet flashlight.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.totousa.com/Portals/0/images/products/TL230SD_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.totousa.com/Portals/0/images/products/TL230SD_zoom.jpg" /></a></div><br />And a big thank to Toto for the gift of the Wyeth faucet to all BlogTourNola members. It's going to make a beautiful addition to the small facelift I'm giving my mother's master bathroom!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage10.ak.instagram.com/223598a4bef511e283fe22000a1faeaf_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage10.ak.instagram.com/223598a4bef511e283fe22000a1faeaf_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />And here's a sneak peek of the color palette and window/shower curtains that will be going up. As soon as I repaint the white trim, the floor, the walls, the mirror frame and vanity fronts, and do something with the seriously outdated lighting fixture...  Guess I know my weekend plans!<br /><br />Have a good one! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Toto - People Centered Design and a bathroom sneak peek

I wanted to share a neat little video from Toto - sort of their "Highlights from KBIS" reel. It's all about People Centered D...

Read more »