Before ~ Dated, drab and choppy.

Recently I pulled off a quick and affordable bathroom makeover that I just love.  My clients purchased a home with a wonderful layout, lots of light and easy indoor/outdoor living.  But many of the details in the home needed updating.  So we prioritized.  Some of the must-have’s…a new kitchen and new flooring throughout.  But then there were details that  just needed a quick face-lift and their master bath was one of them. 

The Good News…it’s a nice size bath with his and hers vanities and beautiful plantation shutters. All the permanent fixtures were in light tones.  

The Bad News…dated vinyl wallpaper and pickled wood cabinets that highlighted the cultured marble counter-tops.  Not my favorite combo.    

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After ~ Serene, cohesive and classic.

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The key here is highlighting the good features (large room & plantation shutters), creating a simple color palette (ivory and blue) and updating the less desirable features (the mirrors and cabinets).  So this is how we did it.

4 Easy Steps to a Quick, Easy & Affordable Bathroom Makeover

Step 1 - Remove the wallpaper and paint the walls a spa-like blue. (See how the soffits virutally disappear?)

Step 2 – Paint the cabinets Benjamin Moore Linen White. (My favorite warm white.)

Step 3 – Replace the knobs with something simple and classic.

Step 4 – Install frames on the existing mirrors to tie in with the cabinets. (I have Excellent Sources for mirror frames in My Secret Database.)

So if you are not happy with your bathroom, really take a good look.  Does it have good bones but just needs a few tweaks?  Chances are you might be able to pull off most of the work yourself and be relaxing in your spa-like bathroom in no time at all.

My Secret Database should be your first stop on your decorating journey!

Join Today!

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If you have a open bathroom like this, then coordinating fixtures from the same collection is a smart choice.

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My clients are very grateful for help when it comes to selecting  fixtures for their bathrooms.  They want to create a custom look  for each bathroom without breaking the bank.  While your bathroom is not the main showplace of your home, it’s a room that almost all your guests will visit and the fixtures are attached the floor so we all respect the cost and semi-permanance of the situation.  If you are selecting plumbing fixtures for your new home or renovation here are some pointers that will give you a custom look that you will be happy with for years to come.

Always Upgrade

An upgrade in plumbing fixtures is more affordable than you think.  Figure out what you are comfortable spending and then see what collections are in your price range.  Many builders and plumbers use the cheapest and most boring toilets available so they can mark them up and make a little cash.  So, do your homework.  There are lots of resources on the web to compare prices.  Now bear in mind that the low prices you see on the web usually mean the fixture is drop shipped to the curb of your home (or inside if you are lucky) and you will have to be home for the delivery.  Look out for hidden cost.  Freight and delivery can be substantial on heavy fixtures and your local showroom may be able to give you a better deal on the total package.  Whoever is doing the leg work deserves a little markup but it should not be outrageous.

Favorites

Kohler is by far my favorite vendor.  They have a broad selection items that range from the affordable to the extravagant.  They also have great customer service and will readily provide you with parts and instructions if anything needs to be fixed.  You can create an account for yourself with folders for each room.  It’s also easy to browse finishes and search for a product using very specific parameters.  They show all the suggested retail prices so you can ask your local showroom what discount they will give you and then you can figure out your budget at home.  They do not sell  to consumers online but will direct you to a showroom or dealer in your area.

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The Memoirs Pedestal Sink has a good basin size and a nice deck to hold purses and makeup.

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Fixture Selection

Sinks

Pedestal Sinks – Pedestal sinks can be very attractive but if you lack additional storage in the room, the extra TP and all the other supplies pretty much ruin the effect.  If you have extra storage and decide to go for a pedestal, make sure it’s one that has a nice size flat rim so Powder Room guests have room to put down their makeup or rest their purse.

Vanity Sinks – I like under-mount sinks best for all types of solid surface countertop material (Granite, Marble, Corian, Recycled Glass).  They look neat and are easy to clean up.  If your countertop is laminate or tile, you are going to need a self-rimming sink which means there will be a edge on the countertop that you need to keep clean.  Vessel sinks are a nice touch for modern bathrooms but I feel they will go out of style fairly soon.  A good size for any sink is at least 16″W x 10″ deep, otherwise you are going to get a lot of extra water on the countertop.

Toilets

There are so many toilets on the market right now that I could devote an entire post to just that!  You need to consider comfort, flushing technology and the environment and then we get to style!  For our purposes we are going to stick to comfort and style.  One thing I recommend across the board is getting the comfort height and elongated bowl.  The average seat height of a dining chair is 17-18″ but most older styled toilets only have a 14.5″ seat height!   You might think a couple of inches is no big deal but believe me, you will find the comfort height (16.5″H) much better.

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Now Kohler offers tubs that blend light, sound, bubbles and sparkling water. A night club in your bathroom!

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Tubs

Your choice is going to depend on a many things including space requirements, whirlpools and accessibility for children and those with disabilities.  In general your choices will be acrylic or cast iron.  Cast iron can run twice the cost of acrylic but it wears like, well..iron.  I purchased an acrylic tub 10+ years ago and it’s done its job but now it has cracked twice and may be beyond repair.  Remember, the cost of replacement is not just the tub, it’s the renovation as well. 

As far as shape goes, some modern tubs are squared off and very sleek looking but our bodies are pretty organic in shape.  Curved tubs are more comfortable and will cradle your body.  If you love a good soak than make sure you do your research.  Oh, and the optional headrest they offer, so worth it!

I hope this got you thinking about the important aspects of selecting new bathroom fixtures and the fact that you should take your time in making decisions.  Chances are you are going to live with these fixtures as long as you are in the house and since they are used each and ever day, they are worth the research and subsequent investment!

Next week we will talk about hardware including faucets, shower-heads, towel bars and more!

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Are you ready to start looking  for new bathroom fixtures? 

My Secret Database is the place for you!  Lots of members tell me that it’s saved them time and money.  Here’s a list of all the products represented in just our Bathroom Category!

• Bath & Shower Accessories
• Bath Furniture
• Bath Mirrors
• Bath Towels and Mats
• Cabinetry
• Countertops
• Faucets, Shower & Bath Fixtures
• Grab Bars
• Knobs, Pulls, Towel Bars & Hooks
• Shower Curtains, Rods & Rings
• Sinks
• Toilets & Bidets
• Tubs, Whirlpools & Showers
• Vanities & Consoles

Stop the frustration with endless search results and join My Secret Database today!

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Potential clients often ask what my “Style” is.  While I am happy to share how my home is furnished, the important thing is how I will use my expertise to express their style.  After all, this is about my client, not me.

There are some designers and decorators who have a “look” and they use it over and over again.  That works for people who are unsure of what they want and feel more secure in just pointing to a photo.  Personally, I think the real value of hiring a designer is allowing them to use their talent to translate your style into a wonderful new design.  As a designer, my job is to help you identify a style that you find beautiful and comfortable for you and your family; and then, bring it to life!

When I was still in design school, I started working as a decorator.  Fortunately, I have some very trusting friends and family members who allowed me to test my talents in their homes.  For the most part (barring a few mistakes that were promptly fixed) the designs came out very well.  Over the years, it’s been my ability to translate the tastes of my clients that has brought me much success.

Today I am sharing some photos with you of my mom’s home.  I am very thankful to her for allowing me to renovate (once) and decorate (multiple times) her home.  I have noticed that when it comes to family and friends it’s tempting to make assumptions about their personal taste.  But beware, this can put you in dangerous territory.  To make sure my mom got the home she wanted, I asked a lot of questions (What did she want to keep? What colors did she love?  Which ones had she grown tired of?) and gave her many different options. 

The result: a home that possessed sentimental elements of her personal history but at the same time expressed the wonderful person she has become over the years.

So whether you hire a designer or decorate your own home, give it the time and attention it deserves.  My designs take time, patience, and careful consideration.  Tastes change over the years, so let your home be a reflection of where you have come from as well as where you are going.

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

This beautiful hand-painted mural sells for $139. Enter below to win!

Congratulations to Lynnette V. from Melvin, Michigan for winnng the Jerusalem Pottery giveaway!

Brothers Stepan and Berge Karakashian, and Hagop Karakashian, are a family on a mission: Bring gorgeous, hand-painted tiles to the world.  The craftsmanship they offer goes back to 1919 when the brothers’ father, Megherdich Karakashian, and several other Armenian potters were brought to Jerusalem from Kutahia, Turkey.  These craftsmen were appointed to repair the tiles covering the external walls of a treasured cultural landmark, the Dome of the Rock.  To escape persecution, which many Armenians experienced in Turkey during this time period, they settled in Jerusalem.  Today, the family tradition continues and has extended its reach to the United States.  They still craft tiles that are prominently featured on the street signs throughout the Old City, but lucky for us they are also creating gorgeous accent tiles and backsplash tiles that we can purchase for our own homes!

An example of the street sign tile the brothers have created

Their shop is a sunny space in the Old City filled with unique plates, bowls, candlesticks, mugs, and tiles in many shapes and sizes.  These tiles are a unique way to add a splash of color to your kitchen tile or bathroom wall; with motifs of peacocks, trees, flowers, and animals.  The designs are graceful and the colors are vibrant and rich.  They can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, gardens, fireplaces, or for table tops.

A joyful colorful garden scene - a pomegranate tree with peacocks. This tile mural is hand painted on 12 six inch tiles.

All the decoration is done by hand.  The tile murals are first designed on paper with pencil, and then they are hand painted on the tiles, glazed and fired using traditional methods.  The colors are still mixed according to the same recipes that their father used fifty years ago.   The Karakashians take great pride in their work (it shows) and in maintaining their standard of craftsmanship.  They look to the future with the hope that Karakashians will continue to supply their unique pottery for generations to come.

Would you like to win this Hand Painted Tile Mural?

To Enter Simply…

1. Visit Jeruselum Pottery and browse around.

2. Leave me one comment below telling me what item you would use to help create your Dream Kitchen, Bathroom, Fireplace, etc…

If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 

One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Wednesday, November 18th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

One of my favorite prints is Ocean Breezes. A more classic take on the brown and blue combo with both colors having a gently worn feeling.

My Design Secrets is the perfect outlet for my obsessive habit of collecting decorating sources.  Even with a busy design practice, and the homes of my friends and family, I still have overflowing amounts of advice and sources that are here for the taking!  Today I stumbled onto a site that makes me giddy.  Saffron Marigold carries exotic, handmade, eco-friendly bedding and linens that are bursting with gorgeous colors and good Karma to boot! 

A versatile tablecloth that goes from everyday to festive and then just throw it in the wash.

This black and white shower curtain lends some modern flair to this traditional paisley.

The owner, Anisha, is a girl after my own heart.  She has a Masters degree in Human Resources but her love of Indian Textiles was so overwhelming  that it led her to create Saffron Marigold.   It’s a small business run out of Petaluma, California that has a large heart that extends over the Indian Ocean and into Pune, India where the magic happens.  All of their products are hand-crafted according to traditional block printing techniques and each piece is an original work of art distinguished by the work of the artisan, the particular lot of dye, and even varying weather conditions.  They work with a couple of artisan studios with whom they have a close relationship.  They visit the studios to make sure they follow Fair Trade practices that Saffron Marigold values, as well as helping the craftspeople become more economically self-sufficient.

These white lace curtain panels are perfect for a soft touch that's a bit more sophisticated than most country curtains.

A 17" x 17" pillow cover is only $19.99. This is the most stylish sofa makeover bargain you are going to get!

With a broad selection of bedding, shower curtains, table linens, pillow covers, and sheer curtains you are sure to find something to spice up your home.  Cool blue and turquoise, spicy saffron and cinnamon, and breezy white on white. You can shop by the item or by prints with names like Lavender Dreams, Paisley Au Lait or Memories of Shalimar.  You will enjoy browsing the site and the fantastic prices are a wonderful bonus.

Enjoy!

~Lorrie

Patrick J. Baglino, Jr.

Get ready to take notes boys and girls.  Or at the very least, bookmark this page!  You are about to get a lesson in good design with Washington D.C. based interior designer, Patrick J. Baglino, Jr.  Patrick is not only sharing a few photos from his portfolio (which you must see), but he has also been kind enough to answer a couple of my questions. 

Working out of the trendy and vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood, Patrick has established himself as one of the premier interior designers in Washington D.C.  His interiors - he refers to them as ”Urban Sophisticated” - are innovative, eclectic and traditional with a contemporary twist.  Welcome Patrick!

Some of our readers, including Alicia’s husband,  are under the impression that furniture should be purchased as a “set” and should “match.”   I should note that Alicia vehemently disagrees with her husband!   

And I do too!

Patrick, in this living room that you designed, which is fabulous by the way, you have incorporated a variety of different materials and finishes.  Can you explain to our readers why this works?

I enjoy an eclectic mix in most rooms I design. I believe the use of different materials and textures add visual interest and excitement.  This living room combines dark wood finishes along with painted finishes as well as metal, mirrored glass and natural stone. Additionally, leather, damask, embroidered satin, smooth silk and velvet fabrics are employed in this design.

These different finishes and materials not only look beautiful individually, but they work well together to create a harmonious mix.  The red velvet chair and crimson painted bench adds dramatic “punch” to the room.  The painted tables provide a nice foil to the java wood finishes.

A graceful swirl design is found in the silk tufting of the rug, the stone ivory lamp, the legs of the coffee table, the curve of the klismos chair back and the base of the metal mirrored side table.  While the materials of each of these pieces are different, they all share one common element or theme.  They are united by the flowing curves and swirl design.  This commonality is best defined as harmony in interior design.

Next, let’s tackle lighting!

Patrick, our readers express their frustration when trying to achieve the proper balance with lighting.  The common complaints are that it’s too bright, too dark, provides no ambiance, etc…  You have done a nice job of striking a good balance in this particular bathroom you designed.  How were you able to accomplish this?

In order to properly light any space it is always important to consider different types of lighting methods.  Generally, a well-designed room will benefit from general or overall lighting, task lighting and accent or decorative lighting.

In this bathroom, I used recessed halogen lighting in the ceiling to provide general lighting throughout the space. These lights are on dimmer switches. (I am a strong believer in the use of dimmers, as they have a magical way of adding instant ambiance and comfort to a space.)

In order to provide crisp, bright lighting near the sinks and mirrors, I installed task lighting fixtures in between the mirrors.  The lights, which are essentially glass cylinders, provide up-lighting, down-lighting and is the perfect task lighting for applying make-up, shaving, etc.

The open shower also has a light set into the ceiling which not only balances out the recessed lighting and the fixtures at the mirrors, but also provides additional task lighting for the shower area.  This light looks great when left on while all the other lights are turned off.  It is the perfect night-light or accent light.

Thanks for the great decorating tips Patrick.  Have a great day everyone!

~ Lorrie

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Win a $200 JCPenney Gift Card!

Who says you have to put "bathroom lighting" in the bathroom?

Lighting

• Overhead lighting – The best overhead lighting is a ceiling-mounted fixture or chandelier.  Recessed lighting is more expensive and the layout has to be done exactly right.
• Wall Lighting – The best wall lighting are sconces mounted at eye level.  Over-mirror lighting casts too many shadows.
• Dimmers - Install a dimmer switch on all lights.  This allows you to create a relaxing atmosphere and provides safety at night.
• Finishes - Choose finishes that coordinate with the hardware and cabinets but don’t try to match them exactly.

*Always take the necessary precautions when working with electricity and leave it to a pro if you are a novice.

The Roped Antique Solid Brass Euro Toilet Paper Holder is easy on, easy off. $28 from Bellacor.

Hardware

Well-coordinated hardware gives your bathroom a real boost and the sources online way outshine anything you will find in the big box stores.  Let’s talk about towel bars, toilet paper holders and hooks.

• Towel Bars  - Wet towels need a place to dry and that’s not in a pile on the floor.  Hang a towel bar above the toilet and another elsewhere.  Heated towel stands are great not matter what your climate.
• Towel Rings - Put one by the sink and it will always be in easy reach when washing your face.
• TP Holder – Remove the in-wall TP holder and reaplace it with a euro-style one.  You will thank me when the spring loaded rod is not shooting across the room. 
• Hooks - Hooks are great for hanging your robe, a wet towel or your clothes.
• Knobs – Don’t forget the knobs on your cabinets for the finishing touch!

There are few small luxuries in life as divine as a warm towel. $99.99 from Improvements.

Paint

Painting the walls or the cabinets can make a tremendous difference.  It’s a small space, but it adds up to a good amount of detail work, so take the time to prep and do it right.  The results will be well worth it.

• Cabinets - Painting your cabinets a solid color is your best bet,  leave faux finishes to the pros.  I recommend a neutral color like ivory or white in a satin finish.  It opens up the space and gives you design flexibility.  Here’s a good step-by-step articles on painting cabinets.
• Walls - Take some time to consider the look you want for the room and don’t go too bold.  The wow factor of a red or orange bathroom wears off in a hurry.

Check out the Before and After photos at Mirror Mate.

Other Details

If you have tackled the above items but are still raring to go, here are some additional ideas:

• A great new faucet takes years off a bathroom.  There are tons of stylish, yet affordable options at Home Depot.
• Upgrade to a curved shower rod.  The addition of a few more inches makes a tremendous difference.
• Buy new towels and rugs.  A simple luxury that you enjoy day after day.
• Give large, boring mirrors a facelift with a spectacular decorative frame.
• If you have the room, add furniture that provides additional storage so everything has its place.

I hope this gives you some inspiration to start working on your bathroom and giving it some long-needed attention.  You will be able to enjoy the results each and every day without breaking the bank!

~Lorrie

Win this Gorgeous $32o Lamp!

I first saw Vetrazzo countertops on an episode of  Living with Ed .  This amusing and educational show features Ed Bagely Jr. and his family trying to live in the greenest way possible.  Ed is quirky to say the least and his wife, Rachelle Carson, is VERY patient with his endless experiments and constant research on eco-friendly living.  As Hollywood lifestyles go, they live a very modest existence and it’s refreshing to say the least.  Anyway, Rachelle knew is was going to be difficult to convince Ed to purchase new countertops for their kitchen.  But she’s pretty savvy and she found a material that would meet his high standards.  She chose Recycled Glass Countertops from Vetrazzo and they are lovely.  Many people think that when you go green you give up on style and performance but nothing could be further from the truth with this product. 

Alehouse Amber features glass that may have come from your recycling bin.

Features of Vetrazzo Surfacing

• Made from 85% recycled glass, cement, pigment, binder and other recyclable materials.
• Smooth like polished granite.
• It comes in 14 colors.
• It is heat resistant, scratch resistant, and stain resistant.
• It can be used countertops, vanity tops, tabletops, bar tops, hearths/fireplace surrounds and tub decks.

Cobalt Skyy - The vodka makes great cocktails and the bottle makes a beautiful surface.

How do you take care of it?

It’s very durable and most spots can be cleaned with a mild detergent.  You should be polished a couple of times per year and resealed every year or two, which is an easy procedure.

Beyond the material that makes up Vetrazzo, the product is also eco-friendly because its made in the US and does not require petroleum to manufacture.  Many people don’t realize that while stone counter-tops are indeed natural and come from the earth, they are far from eco-friendly.  It requires a tremendous amount of energy to extract stone from the earth and many times this is done in an work environment with unfair wages poor working conditions.  There have also been recent concerns about radon levels in granite.

So if you are in the market for a new countertop, you might want to give Vetrazzo some much deserved consideration.  It’s beautiful, durable and earth and family-friendly to boot!

Visit Vetrazzo to learn more!

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

The teak bench and etagere shown here are from the Williams Sonoma Home Del Mar Bath Collection. I love the minimalistic look and the ample storage.

Many new homes are sporting spa-like bathrooms with multi-jet tubs and large showers, but when it comes to functionality they kind of fall flat.  Many of them fail to include a shower seat and ample storage for products and towels.  And forget about sitting down to shave your legs!  That is where teak comes into the picture.  Teak benches, storage units and mats are the perfect material for the warmth and high humidity of the bathroom.  Let me tell you why…

I like this teak bath mat from Viva Terra because instead of the typical slat pattern, it sports a maze-like design.

You are probably most familiar with teak for outdoor furniture and that’s the big tip-off.  Most teak wood is sustainably harvested in Southeast Asia and has natural oils in it that make it well-suited for the outdoors.  The furniture lasts for years indoors or out and it remains beautiful even if you don’t lift a finger.  After a few months it will weather to a beautiful gray and you can leave it that way for years and just clean it off periodically.  But if you want the teak to retain its beautiful golden color, then you wipe it down periodically with a mild bleach solution and re-oil it. You may see some products made of Western Red Cedar or Brazilian Cherry that look like teak when they are new but don’t be fooled because they will not be as resilient or long lasting in wet areas. 

This bath bar gives you a nice little resting spot for your iPod or a cocktail. :-)

Teak also has the added bonus of being a fantastically beautiful wood.  The tone and grain and are warm and coordinate well with many finishes.  Plus it has a smooth touch that only gets softer with time.  You may start using teak because of how resilient it is but then stick with it because of its striking good looks.  Give it a try.

This little corner bench wouldn't take up much space in a medium or large walk-in shower. Notice the stainless steel basket for storage and a place to shave your legs.

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