Beautiful Bathrooms

Bathrooms can evoke such a great energy and are just as important as any other room in the house.  They are the room that gets us ready for the day just as much as a place to shower or bathe and unwind.  Use a mix of materials such as stones, ceramics, glass, metals and wood to create an environment that is truly captivating to you.  Here are some of my favorite baths:

 First, I would like to show a David Hicks Bath to the left and a Hicks inspired bath by Vogue to the right.  His style is so timeless as we see it today in various styles; classic, country and modern versions.

 I love the use of chandeliers and ornate or large mirrors to dress up the bathroom..

 I love the style of this bathroom and the one under it.  Both are from a Tuscan estate called Castello di Reschio.  The architect, Count Benedikt Bolza, and his mother, Countess Angelika Bolza, who runs the interior design studio have done such an amazing renovation.  Seamlessly combining classic and modern, each room carries its own presence and gracefully moves you to the next.  Visit the site at Castello di Reschio.

 

Another bathroom similar to the one above but with a more modern style.  Although, I wood have used a dark wood or marble flooring..

Speaking of marble, I love the use of a lot of marble throughout a bath..

 

And I just had to add this one.  It is from Paris's swanky hotel, Le Meurice Hotel , and was voted the best hotel bath or salle de bain in Europe.  It was designed by Phillippe Starck, of course.

 

 Here are some more contemporary bathrooms to throw into the mix.  Just as beautiful in their own right.  This first one is from a New York high-rise and has elements of wood, poured concrete,and stone/pebbles that give it a zen feeling.  The wood and the fireplace also make it feel warm and inviting..

This is Dona Karin's bath in NYC and was featured in NY Times Magazine.  It’s made of crosscut white travertine treated with a clear resin. Karan’s architects, Bonetti/Kozerski Studio, designed it as an extension of the apartment’s wraparound terrace.A door at the end of the bath leads to the terrace; at the other end (not visible) is a shower that can become a steam room when a glass partition is closed.

 I love, love open showers especially to the outdoors.. everyone should have one, even in New England.

And lastly, just a few more modern baths that I couldn't pass up...beautiful bathrooms and amazing views!

 

 

 

Cool Accessories

Accessories are a great way to update or refresh a room.  Accessories should complement the room and not crowd it.  There should be placement and balance without being too contrived.  They should reflect your style, interests, and personality.
It is worthwhile to have one or two expensive pieces to set the room but the rest can be fun, inexpensive and versatile.  Here are a few of my suggestions and starting with the most expensive.. click on the links to find current pricing.


For the expensive elements,  I suggest owning a good quality soft cashmere or abaca throw.  It will look great, last through use and be special for you and your guests.   I recommend the Hermes Signature H Throw.  It is classic, timeless and super comfortable...expensive but worth it.

 

A Shagreen Decorative Box.  This antique box from Modest Designs is wrapped in shagreen with an ivory border and inlay. France c 1930.

While Tiffany's is obviously known for their jewelry, they have just a few home accessory items that fit the bill...wish they had more.  I love this  Elsa Peretti Thumbprint bowl, infact, I have a large one in sterling silver at my kitchen and a small cobalt crystal in my bedroom.

Pillows can be more expensive than people realize but a good decorative pillow goes a long way.  You'll know once you have purchased the difference.  You want to be sure to get goose down pillows (or inserts).  Here are a couple cool pillows.  The first is a hide pillow from Jason Home and Garden.  The second are Belgian Linen Knit Pillows from Restoration Hardware soft, have nice colors and can be mixed and matched.

Mirrors are a great accessory and can open up a room or just show a beautiful reflection. This simple, clean lined floor mirror with its aluminum frame from CB2 can go in any room.

Candle Hurricanes are perfect for indoor and outdoor ambiance, I don't think you can have enough of them.  These hand-blown crystal hurricanes from Lucca have a smooth look and are suited for both.

These ikat woven baskets from West Elm are attractive for storing blankets, laundry, magazines, plants or on their own.

Books are a another great accessory and you may have some of them already but they are just tucked away. Stacked vertically with a cool pair of bookends or horizontally with an object sitting on top.  Group a few books that have hardcover and similar size; stacked equally on sides.  If you don't have good substantial books then they are a great purchase. So called coffee table books can be of any interest you may have such as photography, art, travel.  For example, a of Picasso from Philippe Dagen ..

 

Both the blue/green (on the far left) and the white (on center) make interesting vases for flowers.  I like using wide diameter vases and creating a full bouquet.  Some of my favorites are peonies.

And lastly, just can't say enough about candles... I love these Diptyque candles from Paris..

Lighting

When selecting lighting for your home, be sure to consider the right scale of the fixture and how it will hang in the space.  Here are a few guidelines in determining dimensions and heights before you head out shopping.  Be sure to check on the available length of the chain or rod that comes with your hanging fixture.


In determining the right size chandelier for your room, add the dimensions of the room together.  The sum equals the diameter of the lighting fixture you will want. So, if a room is 10' x 14' then the diameter of the fixture should be at about 24 inches. 
Here are few rules of thumb:
A room smaller than 10' x 10', use a 17" 10 20" wide fixture.
A room that is 12' x 12', use a 22" to 27" wide fixture
A room that is 14' x 14', use a 24" to 32" wide fixture

Hang the chandelier approximately 7' off the floor.  Same applies for the foyer and if it is an open, two story foyer then the fixture should not hang below the second floor.  If you want to hang it a bit higher then consider adding a few inches to the diameter so it doesn't appear small.

Dining room chandeliers should be between 1/2 to 2/3 of the width or diameter of the table.   Hanging the chandelier should be between 30" and 34" off the top of the table assuming you have an 8' ceiling.  For each foot of additional ceiling height , add 3" to the suspension height. If you want to hang two chandeliers then select chandeliers that are 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the table.

 

For Kitchen islands, the fixture should hang with a 30"- 34" clearance between the top of the counter and the bottom of the fixture; remember that counter top heights can differ.  The size and number of fixtures can vary here, just set them at even widths apart based on the maximum diameter or width of the fixture.  Be sure to leave at least 6 inches of counter space on each end once it is hanging.

For wall sconces, the bottom of your sconce should be a minimum of 60" from the floor and should be at a level where you are not looking directly at the interior bulb.  If you are placing sconces at your bedside over overhead then the best way is to literally sit in your bed and determine what the best height is for you.  There is no guideline here as overall mattress heights vary quite a bit.

Slipcovers

Slipcovers are an easy way to update and give character to an existing chair or sofa.  They are easier to maintain as they can be removed and washed.  Just be careful not to shrink the fabric if it was not pre-washed before production.  Washing the fabric before production will give a more relaxed, softer look.  Slipcovers will create an elegant and casual feel to a room.  While kick-pleats, ties, tape and trim will add a touch of detail, a simple cover will look great when it is done correctly.  Here are some of the slipcovers I keep on file..


I love how the ties and the skirt look like a couture-fitted dress..

I like the two-piece, tailored slipcover here. It works better for the shape and scale of these chairs..

A shorter skirt here fore a more casual look..

These tailored slipcovers show off the finials of the chair..

A French-style pleated skirt and ottoman..

Slipcovers for more contemporary chairs..

A simple slipcovered sofa..

I love the fabric added on the skirt here. A tape would work as well..

Love the ties hanging on the padded arms..

This chair is beautifully done with the ties over the flat back and the perfect length on the kick-pleated skirt..