Small-Scale Sinks for Small-Scale Bathrooms

When you have a small bathroom with minimal space, it can be challenging when time comes to renovate. Remember, less is always more in these situations though that does not mean less style. Here are some fresh-looking design approaches that are available in smaller sizes. The red beauty pictured above is available as small as 27.6" W x 16.9" D x 3.2" H. The rolling storage below it comes slightly larger.

Small and hip, this frosted glass wall mount lavatory can be most effective in a modern powder room. This example by Robern comes in a compact size that will fit virtually any small bath; size is 18" x 18". The towel rack is well placed making for good efficiency.

The Flex ceramic sink from Bissonnet can be wall-hung by itself, set in a shelf (pictured) or if you have a larger space, use two side by side.




A solid wood console with a vessel sink that is available in a small size and not custom. This small but striking combo is 15.7" W x 15.7" D x 28.7" H. For more information go to; http://www.bissonnet.net/

Decorative Concrete Tile

Pattern can be outrageously beautiful in the right location and when used in the right amount. The entry hall above is a beautiful example of where to add a splash of pattern to your home. Your entryhall is the first place a visitor will see when you open your door. This can provide a peak of what's to come.



This kitchen backsplash is another perfect location for texture and pattern. This is especially so if you keep your countertop material peaceful and warm. This particular pattern also gives the kitchen an Old World feel, looking for that pasta pomodoro sauce on the stove!




The bathroom floor is yet another perfect location for pattern. A strong pattern can be very forgiving when there is the need to cut around the base of a toilet or tub in a small space. It can also be very effective to take an element of the design from the floor pattern and carry it into the backsplash.

For more information on these fabulous tiles check out; http://www.granadatiles.com/index.php

Creating an Outdoor Room

Outdoor rooms are typically designed with a specific function in mind such as lounging, dining or outdoor cooking. Your outdoor room can be located almost anywhere around your home though it is best to keep it in the most secluded area. It is important for any outdoor-room project to take into account four basic fundamentals: wind, light, view, and privacy. Remember, you want gentle breezes, not whipping winds. Bright sunshine is great, but not when its baking heat. To filter the heat of the sun, you can use either a large colorful umbrella, canopy or add a pergola if it is possible.




Typically, an outdoor room requires some sort of floor to establish the footprint. Examples of this would be painted concrete, pea gravel, or paving stones. To create an overall parameter of the space, add large pots filled with palm trees, bamboo or add a rock wall. The location of an outdoor room depends primarily on its purpose. A dining and entertainment area, for example, should be close to the house to minimize the hassle of carrying food and beverages between indoors and out.



The closer an outdoor room is to the house, the more important it is to maintain the consistency of existing materials including architectural details. By doing this, you will visually tie the two spaces together. Just remember an outdoor room can take on any form you desire as long as it it peaceful such as this front porch respite.

Inspirational Upholstery Fabrics

Upholstery can and should be fabulous, it should speak...






Above a mix of contemporary patterns made up in a textured raffia.






A new take on classic striped velvet mixed with a muted colour palette, fresh!






Stunning jacquard velvet very pretty done up on a lounge chair, would be outrageously beautiful in drapery.






Retro modern, fun and hip, the use of patterns adds to the visual stimulation.






Beautiful contrasts in a sublime tone of sable and rich creme... This and more wonderful options are stocked through Osborne and Little showrooms.

Great Chairs

I don't know about you but I love chairs. I have a habit of collecting them because I love one more than the next. The chair above is called the Soba Chair, it is eco-friendly, and perfect for lounging. I can see a number of these hanging out together in a spa reception or hotel lounge.




This slipcovered number is a Brazilian version of a Bauhaus classic. Exceptionally comfortable, the Paulistano flexes slightly as you sit and can be adjusted for upright or relaxed sitting positions by shifting the sling up or down the frame.






The Mademoiselle Chair by Kartell speaks loudly yet in a hipster kind of way. Great pull-up chair in a sitting room mixed in with a quiet sofa, or in multiples around a swanky wood table.





The Swan Chair. Originally designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the chair's swivel base permitted guests to spin in their seat, thus becoming active participants in the busy hotel atmosphere. Timeless and very comfortable.






The Stomach Rattan Lounge chair by PIE, is a functional work of art and eco-friendly. Interesting name for a really unique chair

Recycled tables...wow!

Check out this amazing find, a designer, welder and metalworker who has the ability to create beautiful tables from pieces of junked cars and turn them into beautiful pieces of art. The following examples can work in a modern San Francisco loft or even a hip boardroom.

Mixing interesting textures, finishes and styles is how you can create one of a kind artistic environments. I must say, when items such as this come under my radar, I do love to visualize where they could be used. The surface if sealed properly could become a very interesting countertop for use in a bar or really cool kitchen. Could be very beautiful...

Can't forget to mention that these are all made from 20+ year old American automobiles headed for the junkyard. This guy has an inventory in which you can choose materials, determine finish, and create a fully customizable table. Just visualize a shag carpet under this table.

And he does beds too!

To see additional product examples or to contact go to http://joelhester.com/

Garden seating not just for the garden.

Ceramic garden stools have been around for centuries and they are not just for the garden. These little garden stools are hardworking little accessories which are easy to place indoors or out, but let's be honest, they are not the most comfortable for seating. You will welcome them in handfuls around the pool, as bunching tables in the living room, or in solo next to your favorite chair. Below are some great-looking designs with suggestions on what to pair them with.

This garden stool has a hip bohemian bop to it. Use in front of a small chaise in a sitting room, in pairs at the end of the bed as a pretty accent, in the garden next to yellow or white wicker.

http://store.plantationdesign.com/12194bl.html

The metallic silver is really appealing here as this finish approach takes the garden stool to the next level. These swanky little stools can look exceptional bunched around a modern low-slung sofa or chair. I like these indoors.

http://store.plantationdesign.com/fbr001si-asst.html

Macao garden seat designed by Tony Duquette for Baker furniture. The open fretwork design will give you a lighter feel in your room allowing the eye to pass through it. Also, creates a bold pattern against rich solids. Beautifully refined enough for indoors indeed.

http://www.kohlerinteriors.com/baker/1_1_5_0_coll_prod.jsp?brand=Baker&prod_id=4636050&prod_num=1616#

Tall Tree Trunk garden stool, I love the faux bois approach (fake wood). This style has become mainstream and is available in many furniture options such as benches, or console tables. This style can bring a rustic element to your garden or home. Will add great texture to a casual outdoor room.

http://www.forgottenshanghai.com/tatrtrgast.html

Classic barrel shape with pierced design is pure imitation of a Chinese original. The simplicity lends itself to modern or traditional environments. Adds a refreshing splash of color to a garden and looks great with the clean lines of contemporary outdoor furniture.

Brilliant blue and white patterns based on classic ancient design, place this outside and mix with outdoor bamboo dressed with in rich navy and white cushions, add a splash of orange to rev it up.

Selecting color

Color can have a wonderfully calming or stimulating effect on any environment. That is why it is so important to get it right. Getting color right is a very individual experience because color affects all of us very differently. That said, we all agree when we see a color we love.

Photo: Copyright Saucy Design, 2009

Being one of the happiest colors of all, yellow is also one of the most difficult to select. Every person has their tolerance level when it comes to yellow, luckily there are many shades to choose from. Yellow can be intellectually stimulating, it encourages creativity, and it never fails to make you feel warm and content even on the foggiest of days. 

Photo: Copyright Saucy Design, 2009

Red is a powerful color and let it be noted that red is the only color known to raise the pulse. Red encourages good conversation and eating, thus making it a perfect option for a spirited dining room. Your guests will love the experience and so will you, it's like having dinner in a jewel box.

Photo: Copyright Saucy Design, 2009

Soft blues and warm neutrals are naturally calming. Just look to the sky and water, the sand on a beach.

Photo: Copyright Saucy Design, 2009

Nature and all of her colors are very soothing. Most all colors that are naturally occurring in nature can be used effectively everywhere. For me, it is always a consideration to encourage color from nature into your home. 

Photo: Copyright Saucy Design, 2009

Always remember blues or slightly cool colors can be used to your advantage. If you have a small space such as an entry or long narrow hallway, blue can push the walls outward making the area appear larger. Depending on the amount of natural light, a dark room that is painted blue will always appear bright. 

Walk with me through my garden

The morning fog has a way of feeding the garden with much needed moisture...



Always surround yourself with plants and flowers... they are a way to express yourself...



Gardens have a way of lulling you into serenity...



Objects in the garden add texture, color and always curiosity...



Gardens are an environment of constant growth...everyday is a fresh start.

Decorating with bold florals

Following are some sweet ideas I came across while surfing on livingetc.com a fab source for unique ideas. After reading the article, I realized that most of my clients have cringed at the mere mention of using bold florals in their homes. Well, be ready to change your mind on this forever.






Using florals as graphic flooring such as in this bathroom can be a truly beautiful option that can be custom design and produced for residential and commercial applications by flooring company Harvey Maria, email @ info@harveymaria.co.uk






Taking a large pattern and creating a windowshade is just too easy and very effective!






Using existing art and enlarging it so it becomes the entire size of the wall is just too breathtaking for words. I love it so much, I'm considering which wall to do first in my home. This approach to walls, window shades can be custom created by http://www.surfaceview.co.uk/bespoke/







Lastly, you can simply apply a modern floral to all of your walls keeping your furnishings neutral and peaceful so the paper takes lead. Stunning! Look to Osborne and Little, or Designers Guild for some real beauties.

A jewel of a pendant

This little beauty is just 5 x 5" in size but what this small pendant light lacks in size it gives back in style. I would use this gorgeous pendant as an artistic statement in multiples over a kitchen island or hang it over a bedside table in the boudoir, it could be fabulous! For more information go to www.unitedglassblowing.com.

Nautical Signal Flag Accent Pillows

These colorful graphic pillows not only give you a lift, but their patterns represent actual code flags which were used when signaling ship to ship or ship to shore. Visual fun to liven up your sofa or chair during the hot summer months, I want all four! See them online at Wisteria.com