Interiors Series - Bathrooms

The other day my husband were both in our Ensuite at the same time which actually rarely happens, different schedules, different habits . We were each at our own sink doing our nightly routines when it struck me that the life of the bathroom has certainly come a long way in the past 100 years. From a pitcher and jug of water and an outhouse in the first part of the century to the mid century when one main bathroom was the norm for any large family, to the present day when just about everyone in any given house has their own sink. Even our kids have their own bathroom. Does this generation know how lucky they are? Not only do we now think there should be two sinks in any given ensuite, but this functional room has become one of the most well-appointed rooms of the house. There is nothing more satisfying than a well designed bathroom, it releases an incredible feeling of indulgence, the perfect way to start and end your day.

Years ago my design partner and I had the pleasure of meeting celebrity designer Vincente Wolf in one of the largest and most prestigious showrooms at High Point. Soft spoken and gracious, he accepted our profuse gushing in the most surprisingly humble manner. I have long admired his inate talent and incredible ability to do contempory design in such a timeless and luxurious fashion. After all these years my respect has only grown as I have noticed he stays true to his vision without being sidetracked by current trends or distractions. Do you know he has a most popular blog {click here} where he actually takes the time to answer reader's questions? Now, what does that tell you? Note the well-executed details in one of his more recent bathroom projects. The custom limestone tub is partially raised and enclosed by a glass wall and his skill in bathing the room in diffused light. The incredible refinement seen in his vanity design, am I gushing again?

If you actually take apart these design elements, you can see that this is a classic example of it isn't how much you spend, it's how you bring it together. Designer Karyl Pierce Paxton brought together the elements perfectly and exucuted the design with a pleasing restraint. That vanity could have been a standard vanity at one time but may have been given a coat of black paint and a new Carrera marble top. The floor the classic black and white tile pattern. The porcelain footed tub is maybe the original. The artwork and chandelier could be found at any price point. The chair or something similiar could be easily duplicated. I make it sound so easy, but this kind of talent for taking the right components and mixing them up in a pleasing way is what separates the good from great. Though it might be hard to find the fabulous view out those doors, this understated bathroom overlooks a private courtyard.

The Romans did know how to indulge in bathing, mind you in a more social way, but they did know their stuff having invented plumbing and all that. Borrowing classic Roman elements will always give any bathroom an elevated dose of refinement. Designer J. Randal Powers used the symmetrical placement of an architectural cabinet feature on the rear wall along with the round window to capture the essence of a Roman bath. It's all in the details when planning a bathroom build or reno and this room illustrates that careful thought will always bring stunning results.

Bringing in unexpected accessories, in scale and style, add the extra level of style. Isn't that oversized ginger jar just perfect there? Notice how the floor tile is laid to match the main angle of the vanity and the architectural detailing around the room perimeter.

I loved the suggestion of fun in this bathroom. The Ann Sacks glass mosaic tiles manage to be sophisticated and whimsical at the same time. The symmetrical treatment and rigid tile lines designed by designer Jay Jeffers is perfectly crossed by the unexpected mirror shapes. Sometimes it's good to colour outside the lines. Or think outside the box, however you want to look at it.

The right wallpaper can make or break any room, no wonder we spend hours deliberating on it's choice. And you should. This choice goes to show you that the most daring colour choice can often be the most spectacular. Designer Amanda Nesbit uses a raspberry Manual Conovas pattern to take basic white to a whole new level in one wallpaper application. If a colour moves you, find a place to use it.

Design 1 by Paolo Moschina/Design 2 by Vicente Wolf/Design 3 by Karyl Pierce Paxton/Design 4 by J. Randal Powers/Photo via The Inspired Room-Cottage Living/Design 6 by Jay Jeffers/Design 7 by Amanda Nisbet. All photos via House Beautiful.

Interiors Series- Library

As soon as the leaves turn autumn coloured, my thoughts turn to creating a library space. I don't have a library but I do have a beautiful living room with the perfect space that is being underused at this time in our lives. This has been on my mind for a few years as I love the imposed learning suggested by a library setting. I see it in my head. Looking out to a snowstorm, bathed in the warm glow of a beautiful lamp and surrounded by piles of reference books, stationery, maybe a jigsaw puzzle (I don't know where that is coming from lately) and the whole weekend stretched out ahead of me. So the hunt is on for a large and slightly-distressed library table, a fabulous and huge lamp, a great chair and it (almost) makes me want the snow to start falling. It is all about that hibernating mode I feel coming up.

Look closely at this vivid original artwork used in a House Beautiful show house. The image of Andy Warhol by artist Robert Moody was created using Koi fish? I have always favored black cabinets and love how designer Filicia paired it with the yummy butterscotch leather and book jackets in vivid colours. Leaning artwork on bookcases is easy and so effective.

My brother who is a commercial pilot would love this painting and setting. A small bar cart and the attendant accouterments can instantly add a civilized, Mad Men element to any library. It almost goes hand-in-hand don't you think? I can totally see Don Draper in this restrained room.

Lighting, the moody yet practical kind is hugely important in libraries. Not only do you need good lighting for reading all day long (and who is going to move once settled in?), but multiple types work best in a room full of books. Picture lights, wall sconces, and lamps, the more the better.

When Canadian (now international) superstar designer Brian Gluckstein first showed his brilliant version of a library-bathroom years ago with that curved bookcase, everyone went crazy and then anyone who reads wanted one. He is a master at architectural detailing. I bet there is more than one Toronto home with a variation of this design. It is the best of both worlds and really, does it get any more civilized than this?

My perfect library table setting.

Photos 1 and 2 by Filicia via House Beautiful/Photo 3,via HB/Photo 4 -designer Alessandra Branca via HB/Photo 5 by Gluckstein Design/photo 6 by designer Myra Hoefer via HB

A Bit of Monday Glam

~ Photo by Polly Wreford ~

I feel refreshed today, took some time out from this intense website project and did my favorites things. Took the hose to my house, veranda, and driveway to bring some semblance of order to all this construction mess (almost over), read the Toronto Saturday papers on my clean veranda, cycled away about 4 lbs I think and had a speed breakthrough, enjoyed a luscious grape ice-cream cone on a cycle break, and then made Sunday dinner for my Dad and in-laws and told them we were on our way to their lakeside location. I can be quite intense when I have a task at hand, but even I know when I need a break. You can also tell I am a woman of simple pleasures. To make it even more perfect is to have a little dose of blog glam (which I miss) and pass it along with a big hug to all the readers and new followers who commented in the past few weeks. You are simply the best.

My four friends and I always do the movie-and-dinner night for our birthdays. The dates are nicely spaced throughout the year and the birthday girl gets to pick the movie. Off we went to see The Proposal and it was one of those chic movies that require no effort to watch and a peek at some great clothes. Sandra Bullock wears this severe, but stylish mix of clothes quite well (and carries some great bags) and that had me going in a black fashion direction for days. I like chic movies for what they make me do.......inspire me to get back on track with a bit of fashion style and pay a bit more attention to my choices

~ Photo by Sandra Lane ~

I'm a blond so thankfully I wear black fairly well. I say thankfully because I have a great deal of it handing in my closet. There is a bit more colour hanging these days, like everyone else I've been influenced by the fashion lust for colour the past few seasons. And I love colour ( like no one else I know) but black still gives a more polished look to the styles I wear daily in my home studio. My style of clothing has changed dramatically in the past few years and limited clothing funds mean I need to be more practical so I'm heading back to black. It just seems to work for me.

This is a look I would wear all winter long. Comfy but stylish, this Yves Saint Laurent Cap Sleeve Cardigan and sleek pants would look really good with............

............the Circus Cutout Bootie by Christian Louboutin that captured my eye for fall fashion. They would go with any of the outfits I've picked today. Like I could wear these......sigh. Maybe if I keep cycling.

I am more than intrigued by any creation by jewellery designer Ranjana Khan. This draped Crystal Bib has me hunting down the black outfit (just for fun) that would highlight this work of art. There's nothing better than accessorizing black outfits.

Remember me mentioning the black Wedding dress by Vera Wang? This is it and I still don't get this idea, I don't care how many times someone is being married.......sorry Vera.

I sure do get this Vera Wang Rosette Necklace. Oh my! How fabulous!

I love a white blouse or shirt and especially this wraparound one by Donna Karan. I'm going to need another speed breakthrough to wear this great belt.

I know I am due for a hair makeover. Something a bit less maintenance as well. I had this older Carrie Bradshaw photo in my haircut file and I like the easy look, something simple to go with all this black and white I see in my future wardrobe. Mind you, if I had her hair it would never be this short.


~ Fashion Illustration by David Downton ~

Though I can't quite believe it, I am coming up to my 100th post really quick. So just in case you think I'm not as much fun these days, I'm going to add some fun with a lovely giveaway. Something beautiful to enhance your Gift Wrapped Life. Stay tuned.

1st and 3rd photo from Sarah Kaye/Clothing photos from Neiman Marcus

Birk's Box Re-Gift

You know how my wrapping inspiration goes by now........I love this room by designer Alison Caccoma who's gorgeous work I found one day browsing the House Beautiful website. I wanted to capture the sumptuous feel of that velvet pillow and colour scheme. For Canadians, the blue store box shown below is our version of a Tiffany box, or was, we do have Tiffany here in Canada now too. It's not the exact blue, a tad less lively but the same message......something lovely inside. A friend gave me a gorgeous sterling double photo frame for photos of my two "boys" and I thought I should try a re-gift on our Canadian blue box.


The silver Birks box logo is quite small so a 2" wide double face satin taped to the lid underside covers it nicely. I layered it with a turquoise grosgrain ribbon just to give this monochromatic colour scheme a bit of dimension. If a store box has a extended lid as seen here, it can be awkward wrapping in gift wrap paper. You just aren't going to get nice crisp corners, best to bypass the paper and just work with the box colour. If the box is a good colour, you don't always need gift wrap too. PS. I don't know why lately I am getting this peach tint on my photo background, but working on upgrading my skills. It's on the list.

There is actually two layers of thin velvet ribbon at the bow. Because velvet ribbon is one-sided, it sometimes needs a bit more to better show it's colour and texture. There is one bottom bow, then a length knotted over the bow to give it some extra presence. This re-gift shows a very simple gift wrap technique that even the ribbon-impaired (not that there is anything wrong with that!) can do. It's also a nice way to use any lengths of satin that might not be long enough to wrap a whole box.

I order ribbon spools in 50 or 100 yards rolls as I go through it quite quickly. Right now I am working on selecting and coordinating my gift wrap papers and coordinating ribbon to be available in the new Wrap room section of my website along with a collection of my embellishments. Though I use 100 yards rolls, I am going to offer the ribbon spools in smaller spools (10 yards) so you can build up a nice gift wrap signature look of your own. I am also going to be running custom gift wrap papers with a distinct designer look. I think some of them will surprise you!

One more try............just wanted to see what happened if I added a pattern in the way of a small

turquoise taffeta check beside the velvet.

Top photo from House Beautiful/Middle and Bottom photo by Sande Chase ~ Oooh la la Cadeau

Gorgeous File- Turquoise on Monday

Vogue photographer Arthur Elgort captured the vintage mood right down to the well-manicured canine companion with his highly-civilized owner. Taken in 1999 at the Patisserie Cadorin in Paris. Image via Conde Nast.

Just a glimpse of a silk strap..... The Strap ~ an image by Jane Heller at Etsy. She loves to photograph the small, unnoticed details of life with a dreamy quality and grainy blur. Not so unnoticed at all.

I love the look of a chunky necklace with an open shirt collar, when it sparkles even better. And I love the delicate hint of colour in this JANIS necklace by Janis Savitt, it would go with everything.

Of course I can't wear it category, but isn't this Tulip Dress dreamy with these funky coloured eyeglasses. Silk Fabric Petals layer in a dreamy Robin's Egg Blue by Sarah Seven at Etsy.

Look how these patterns work together, who would have quessed? And keeping that shameless look of well-worn upholstery on the head and footboard, it's so glamorously shabby chic. Photo by Polly Wreford.

Dogwood photograph by Kristy Bee at Etsy

This Carmen Marc dress and that Janis Savitt necklace shown above?

Perfectly glamorous.

Jay Strongwater designs always capture my attention and this Krya compact is one of the loveliest I've seen. I'd be checking the lipstick every chance I got, yes.... in public! A perfect and personal gift for a wedding attendant or the bride. Much better than a cakeplate.

Ghost Story photo by Jacqleen Bleu at Etsy.

More petals, this time by Valentino. Wouldn't this Petal Dome Bag look great with

the pool-lounging outfit below? It even looks wet.

This photo makes me smile and want to buy pool toys, great big fun ones.

And I don't even have a pool. Photo by Emily McGregor (no source found).

Working beads from Amy Butler Studios.

If someone gave me this aqua leather Symthson sewing kit, I would learn to stitch properly once and for all. I borrowed this sewing kit from Stylecourt who had it on her blog last week. So tidy and gorgeous, I just couldn't resist.

I love it when dogs turn their head and look at you like this way.

This bulldog looks positively glam sitting in this well-appointed entry

from Domino Mag Files at Flickr.

I was never too fond of verdigras as I thought the faux application got so overdone way too quickly and in all the wrong places, but I would change my tune pretty fast if I got my hands on these gorgeous sconces. And look at that stone tub (comfy?) so gorgeous and perfect in this distressed setting by New Orleans designer Ann Dupuy of Holden & Dupuy (via Southern Accents). I take my verdigras-bias back but only because this talented designer has done it perfectly.

Everybody can have a piece of John Derian these days, a limited collection of his tray designs are available

in melamine at Target. The Paris Crystal Dome paperweight is the real thing that collectors covet. $60.oo on his website.

Though there is obviously a photographic colour adjustment here, I love my hostas even if they aren't this turquoise colour. It also reminds me they are well-overdue for a splitting as they got too big last year. When this road construction is over I plan to add other hosta varieties and get my garden splendor back. Photo by Lisa Cohen.

Gorgeous File ~ Glam Monday

Isn't this a glamorous pose? This is an image from Vogue from 1948 photographed by John Rawlings. Look how they used the pale blue gloves with this black taffeta dress. I love that type of collar on a party dress. I don't know about you, but gloves are making sense these days, especially in airports. It's about the only fashion item that hasn't come back in full force (I'm not talking about winter gloves), maybe they should?

I always have to borrow some glam from Judith at Paris Atelier, she posted this image last week and said it reminded her of me, it gave me a good chuckle and let me guess is it the colour or all those bows? The funny thing is.....my friend and I started a few of these wired ribbon dresses (my friend was looking to use up all my ribbon cuttings) a few months back but we didn't think of bows! We spent the afternoon layering and glue strips of ribbon into dresses on mini forms. Oh my.....Judith has me thinking in a whole new direction. Though I might need a larger dress form for all those bows.

Ooooh.......I love this dressing area. I always thought vanity areas should be as glam as you can make them. Nothing like paneled or fabric-tufted walls, satin drapes, fur throw, and mirrors to make it all happen. And it sure is happening in this gorgeous setting by designer Graham & Greene.

Fuchsia metallic pink and those signature red soles, that Christian Louboutin loves women doesn't he?

So gorgeous in it's simplicity.

The refined glamour of pearls, this 16-strand is from Slane & Slane for $3,850.00. I have a better idea, I'll just use what I have and put them all together, I must have at least 16 strands from the last 30 years, all sizes and lengths, and most of us do I bet. Wouldn't they be perfect with this Stephen Dwek ring? At $490.00 not too outrageous I didn't think, not that I'm buying a ring right now.

No you won't believe it either, but this flirty dress was created with pages from a phone book. Artist Jolis Paons is thinking outside the box (or would that be in-the-book?) to create this exquisite creation. Another paper dress from French Blue blog, you know how good she is with finding these paper creations. And how good I am at borrowing dresses.

Gorgeous is a shoe that you can't stop staring at......of course I can't wear them! I don't need to, I just like looking at them. Feathers and a duplex satin ribbon......to say nothing about the colour! So inspired.

Gorgeous is this dress from the wild side. When I saw this glorious creation on the Coco & Kelley blog this week, I knew I had to borrow it from her for the day. Look at the shoes with this dress! And I love that touch of turquoise in the bracelet. Dress is from a current Marie Claire photo shoot.

Gorgeous is the simple shape of this candle by Modern Alchemy, especially since it has a black satin bow on the box. I love this type of product presentation....it's make for a special gift for that woman of refined taste.

I don't know if it's the swan topiary, the blue sky, the white cotton, or those well-behaved and manicured dogs...........but I find this July 2005 H & G Fantasy Garden so outdoor glam. We were hoping to do our veranda more glam this year, but we are in ground-zero of a major road construction that will have us spending more time indoors. I am not happy about this at all, I repeat, not at all happy. And yes, the relentless dust even gets indoors.

Gorgeous is a thoughtful friend who goes out of her way to find another Laduree shop in Paris (as the first one was a long, long line-up), then carries home two boxes of fresh macarons, gets her jet-lagged body out of her cosy bed the next morning and brings them to my door and stayed for some lovely Paris chat. Not so fabulous is my nocturnal son who ate most of them that night while I was sleeping. He thinks they are the best thing ever and says he couldn't stop himself. He really likes my friend, he coached her into getting a hole-in-one on the links one day so they have that golfer bond. And now she brought him macaroons.

Nothing more glam that a good reading area. I wouldn't care if the sofa is white, I'd be curled up nice and cosy for days. Our married-student life loveseat was a green leather version of this style and it brings back happy reading memories, something to keep quietly occupied while my husband studied. We should have kept it and recovered it as above. It is a classic style.

Since it's gorgeous Monday I would want to glam up the comfort level while I read-and-recline with this

gorgeous silk pillow from Annechovie, the queen of stylish chairs. It would look sublime and scrumptious on that tufted white sofa. Anne shared this Etsy pillow find {click here to read her post}.

A glam way for event designer Preston Baily to go from job to job. When I see this photo I always think to myself "if I was driven around like this from job-to-job, I would still be in interior design". No wonder he's smiling. I think he should give the wild-girl outfit a ride, that outfit would look fabulous in this setting.

All photo sources listed with image except for 4th from bottom (two ladies) .Photo from PhotographersLimitedEditions via Beautiful Things To Share