My Design Secrets

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!

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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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As far as an instant makeover goes, it’s hard to beat the bathroom.  It’s small (at least mine is), the elements are moderately priced and most fixes fall into the D-I-Y territory.  All these points lead you to one of the most gratifying transformations in your home.  And we’re not talking about complicated tile replacement or a new bidet.  Don’t be silly, this is more about the instant gratification of color, fabric and accessories!

Plan  – Develop a budget, analyze what can stay and what definitely needs to be replaced.  Decide on a color palette and keep the adjoining rooms in mind. Selecting a color on impulse in the middle of the isle at Target is often not a good idea.

Shop - Hit the Internet or the stores and purchase all your furnishings.  As they arrive on your doorstep the excitement will slowly mount!

Take Action - Now that you have your supplies, pick a seperate day to put the plan into action.  It is a fantastic feeling to execute your project when you have all the necessities at hand.  It also leaves you time to deal with the unexpected twists and still finish by the end of the day. 

Top Ten Turnaround List

1. Paint – Benjamin Moore Aura Paint covers in one coat (for most light colors) and dries in about an hour.  Smaller bathrooms only require one gallon. {My Perfect Color - Benjamin Moore Aura  – AF 490 Tranquility $54.99}
2. Shower Curtain – A good one sets the tone for your bath, a bad one screams “Cheap” every time you walk into the room.  Spend a little more for a designer touch.  {Pond Lilly Interiors – Chancery Blue Damak Shower Curtain $145}
3. Window Treatment – KISS - I love you all but right now I am referring to the the old adage, Keep It Simple Stupid.  Blinds, Roman shades, woven woods.  On small windows, complicated fabric treatments looks like you are trying to hard. {West Elm – Jute Poly Roman Shade in Flax – Starting at $29}
4. Mirror – If you have a hanging mirror, then consider replacing it with something more decorative than a medicine cabinet.  If you have a built in, then try adding a frame to upgrade the look. {Crate and Barrel Sutton Round Mirror $449}
5. Lighting – A new fixture will take years off the room.  Try to find the highest wattage possible and install a dimmer.  Be daring with a style that contrasts the look of your faucet. {Bellacor – Structures Brushed Nickel Two-Light Bath Fixture $165.60}
6. Towels – Be careful, don’t overdo the scheme by buying everything the same color.  Pick a color that contrasts with the shower curtain or go with my favorite, classic white.  Quality is the most important aspect.  Egyptian cotton is a safe bet and organic is even better. {Milano Organic Luxury Egyptian Cotton Towels - $118/set}
7. Rug – Skip cookie-monsteresque polyester bath mats and choose a decorative rug.  A runner looks much better than two smaller rugs. {Overstock.com Mesa Collection Wool Runner Rug $99}
8. Hardware:  Knobs, towel bar, TP holder, hooks, etc. – These are important details that really enhance the look.  Cabinet knobs by themselves are a huge upgrade. {Machiavelli Knob in Brushed Stainless Steel from MyKnobs.com $7.74}
9. Vanity Items:  Cup, tissue holder, wastebasket, etc. – Forgo matchy themes and go basic. Pick up some tips from my post, Bold Bath Accessories {Laquered Burlwood Wastebasket from WS Home $39.99}
10. Decorative Accessories – Just a few will do.  Small framed prints, an orchid, a bowl of marbles.  Something interesting that does not take up much space. { WS Home Jacquin Botanical Print - $295 each}

So mount your attack against your boring bathroom so that you smile every time you enter.  You deserve the boost too!

~Lorrie

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The rustic bronze finish has a simple country look.

Price Pfister has been designing innovative faucets with great finishes for quite some time.  I started recommending their faucets a few years ago.  Their oil-rubbed bronze finish was the perfect touch on a project when few companies were offering unusual finishes at affordable prices.  Recently I realized that a faucet I had chosen for my own home had benefits well beyond my knowledge.  I chose the Ashfield faucet because I loved the country inspired pump handle and the fact that it was single control.  (I always recommend a single control for the bathroom.  Who wants to fool around with hot & cold when you have a face full  of soap?)  Anyway, the Ashfield Collection also happens to be eco-friendly, hurrah!  It’s always nice to be green, even when it’s not intentional.

The polished chrome finish, paired with the wood top, has a nautical feel.

The Ashfield Collection offers a selection of lavatory faucets (in six finishes) certified by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense® program to help consumers save water and reduce costs on their utility bills.  Designed to reduce water consumption by 30 percent without compromising your water experience, the Ashfield faucet flows at a rate of 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) – a notable improvement over the industry standard 2.2 gpm.  I can understand people complaining about low-flow shower heads but in the sink, who cares?  It’s not like you need maximum water flow for your toothbrush.  But in all honesty, I didn’t notice any difference when I installed this new faucet so you have nothing to lose but a costly water bill!

Price Pfister faucets are available at Home Depot, Lowe’s and a number of online retailers.

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The Sliver Leaf collection from Room Service home is a softer and more glamorous version of a metal.

Short of a total renovation, the most dramatic way to jazz up your bathroom is with accessories.  That’s a bonus because it’s a lot less expensive!  Many companies are getting creative with their vanity accessories:  soap dishes and pumps, toothbrush holders, wastebaskets and tissue box covers.  Some of them have matching shower curtains, rugs and towels to boot.  The choices can be overwhelming but try to avoid the temptation to buy everything in the collection.  Too much of the same theme (especially in a small room) is definitely not going to give you the designer look you are aiming for.  But these tips will get you closer:

• What Material? - Glass, stainless steel and wood are all solid looks that will last for years.
• Kids’ Bathrooms - I would go for bright colors and and pick up a theme in the towels or shower curtain which you are bound to replace in a year or two.
• Avoid the Obvious - Shells for a beach theme or palm trees for a tropical theme can be pretty but you will tire of them quickly.  Instead consider the color palettes and textures of those motifs (Tropical: rattan, bamboo, sage green and gold)

Here are some attractive, long-lasting looks that caught my eye:

The rich wood in Croscill Yukon Collection would be at home in a modern or mountain home.

This Orange Lacquer Collection would be great in a kids rooms with a multi-colored towel set.

This Glass Bath collection from West Elm would be my first choice because I can see where everything is!

The Hana Bath Coordinate from Target are a great basic for a tropical look or to add texture to a modern look.

Shop for everything for your Bath in My Secret Database!

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Exotic red, orange and purple/blue Bird of Paradise flowers make this sink design a colorful addition to the powder room.

Looking for the finishing touch for your Powder Room?  I have just the thing.  The Decorated Porcelain Company creates one-of-a-kind decorated vitreous china bathroom sinks, toilets, tiles and accessories.  I thought I would share some photos to give you a taste.  They have a comprehensive selection of designs to choose from or they can create a custom piece to match a pattern or color of your choosing.

This little bit of leopard adds a bit of elegance without overwhelming the space.

A fun touch for the gaming family.

The decorations can only be applied to new fixtures and they are happy to help you make your selection.  Most designs can be applied to undermount, vessel or drop-in sinks.  The pieces will stand up to regular use, just don’t use abrasive cleaners.  Check out their FAQ for any other questions you may have.  They are clear with their pricing information and you can order tile samples to get a feel for the finished product.  This is yet another way that you can create a truly custom look like an interior designer!

Check out the Decorated Porcelain Company!

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I know it and you know it.  There is something in your home that needs to be caulked; some mildew in the shower, peeling around the sink, and there’s that huge gap in the baseboard.  So after months of avoidance you pull out the huge caulk gun and pray that the 5 tubes of caulk in your garage have an ounce of moisture left in them.  Of course all five tubes are bone dry and the cyle of avoidance continues…

But alas, there is a great alternative that has just made the scene.  General Electric has just introducted Caulk Singles and never before has a boring home fix it tool had such potential to change your life.  They addressed the problems that a caulk job used to present:

• Achy hands? – This nifty little tube is easy to squeeze with one hand and has no air bubbles.
• Messy Application? – Your skill level raises from a “13-year-old girl using liquid eyeliner” to a pro in a snap.
• Leftovers? – One tube will do a sink, 2 tubes for a tub, and so on.  Just buy what you need.

I read through some of the user comments on the site and most people seem quite pleased.  There is even an artist who is using them as art supplies.  They come in white, clear and paintable finishes and are available at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware and Tru-Value for about $3.  Or you can sign up for a free sample here.  According to user comments the free sample arrives with instructions in Spanish, and that really seemed to tick people off.  Come on people, if you can take the time to come to the site and complain, you can surely find the instructions on the site!  

Have fun and let me know your experience is like with Caulk Singles! 

Who said that you have to use a fuzzy wuzzy bath mat in your bathroom?  Some of them are comfy to the feet and match your decor (“match” is not a term I like to use; things coordinate or complement each other but if they “match” you are headed down the Garanimal trail) but let’s face it, they have their shortcomings.  They are less than stylish, they can slip out from under you (I totally don’t understand the ones that do not have a rubber bottom), and they are pretty expensive for a boring solid-colored puddle of fuzz.  Break free of the predictable with irresistible, colorful designer rugs!

Some wool for thought:

1. Replace two little bath mats with one long, graceful Oriental runner in front of your double sinks.
2. Select a captivating oval or round design in front of your jacuzzi tub.
3. Ditch the kitchen sink mat and replace with a vibrant Persian rug.  Don’t worry about spills.  Patterned rugs hide a multitude of sins.

Plus:

Wool is durable, hypoallergenic, fire retardant, dust mite repellent, stain repellent and it just feels good!

Jazz up some otherwise overlooked spots with a great-looking rug!

The Rugman is having a Summer Clearance that ends in 2 weeks.  Rugs up to 70% off!

Some of the simplest items in our lives make things soooo much easier:  A garbage can that is easy to open when your hands are full, soap that dispenses automatically when your hands are dirty, a paper towel dispenser that knows “when to say when.”  Messy situations like these call for quick solutions.  That’s where Simple Human steps in.

I was in Bed, Bath and Beyond last week looking for a few knick-knacks.  (It’s one of those stores that I enter with the intention of buying coat hangers and exit with a new mixer, bamboo towels and a shower curtain.)  Anyway, I saw all these cool products by Simple Human and was enthralled by their sleek design and utter simplicity.  They offer new solutions to old items such as garbage cans, adjustable shower caddies, and paper towel holders.  Who knew organization could be so enticing?

Their products are durable, innovative and easy to use.  From dish racks made with high grade stainless to quiet closing trash cans with finger and stain proof finishes, I promise that you will find any excuse to buy a few of their nifty products.  Most everything comes with a 5 year warranty.  Sounds like they plan to be around for a while… and that’s a good thing.

Visit Simple Human!

Do you love a dramatic makeover? Of course you do and I totally agree!  You would think after all these years of being a designer that the charm would have worn off, but it definitely has not.  The process of taking a room from lackluster to extraordinary really fires me up!     

The project above is the bathroom in my friend Amy’s home.  Amy and I have been friends since our 7th grade Spanish class.  Instead of conjugating verbs, we were plotting a Friday night foray at the local movie theatre.  Her guest bath (which she lovingly referred to as the “sucky pink bathroom” before the makeover) needed a face-lift.  And with so many other projects (including 3 kids and a dog) going on at her home, she was not ready to do a full renovation.  As you can see, this bathroom featured the lovely pink tiles that were featured prominently in many homes from the 1960′s.  Replacing tile is a big job!  So if you are not ready to tackle the job, then figure out how you can work with it.  A new window treatment, paint, lighting and accessories helped transform this space into a glowing retreat. 

These are the tips I gave to Amy.  I am sure you will find them helpful as a general guidleine in most bathrooms.  Just adjust the colors for your project accordingly and have fun!

• Paint the walls brown, yes “brown.”  And I don’t mean a wimpy taupe color.  Benjamin Moore “espresso” 2099-30 is very pretty, or somewhere in that family.  It is going to take 2-3 coats to do it properly.  I know Dave (her husband) is going to hate me.  Rest assured this is going to give the room the face lift it needs!
• Window:  An off-white or ivory roman shade will look great.  West Elm has a nice one.  Don’t worry that the shade is too long.   It will look more substantial if it has some fabric folded up at the bottom.
• Put simple chrome hardware on the cabinetry. 
• Install a simple light fixture that has a chrome finish.  Get rid of anything brass.
• Find a brown vase (craft store) and put an orchid in it. Fake or real.
• Artwork – If you have some good digital photos of the kids and the beach, print them out in a “sepia” tone, which is brown and white.  Then get some white frames and use either white or pink mattes.  White frames are best beacuse they will show up beatifully against the brown walls.
• Rugs – Brown

Here is an alternate plan if you want to leave the walls white.

• Just paint the walls a warm ivory.
• Brown shade from West Elm
• Brown Frames on the pictures.

Since I know you all never tire of looking at photos, I have just posted a sample of my Portfolio online for you!

Shop for great bathroom furnishings at My Design Secrets!