Category: vanity

Happy New Year! Some gorgeous spaces to inspire a home cleanse…

I ended up taking a longer break than I expected, as I had a lot of work to finish up for my web design business. But, I’m glad to be back, and I hope everyone is having a great New Year thus far. Here are some little projects I am undertaking to sort of “cleanse” my home and start fresh.

Clear your surfaces! In general, I think people have too much stuff on their shelves and surfaces. Remove all of your tchotchkes, candles, trays, vases, etc., and put them in a bin. Then, slowly add back a few carefully edited pieces. A few well-chosen objects are all you need. It might look sparse at first, but once your eye adjusts, you will love the clean, mind-clearing look of a more minimalistic homescape. Keep any unused objects in a bin, label accordingly, and when you’re aching for a refresh, swap out what you have on display now with another round of objects. This method works great for me, and I make less purchases, because every 6 months or so I “rediscover” the objects I had packed away!

Embrace bright white. Leave at least one area of your home white. The best spot to do this would be anywhere you really have to focus, concentrate, write, or create. It might seem counter intuitive, but a space of lower visual stimulus will be less likely to distract you, and foster a steadier mind for getting work done.

Hang your artwork! Someone once said, art is like jewelry for your home. For me, I finally feel like a room is complete, or feels like home, when I have hung my art.

Style your book shelves. This concept is in the same vein as hanging your art. There is more to decorating than arranging furniture, details such as arranging your books and objets d’art makes a big impact.

Carve out a permanent space for something you do often, or for something you’d like to do more of. Do you enjoy the process of putting on makeup? Carve out a small vanity area – and make it gorgeous! Wish you could sew more put don’t because you have to pull out your sewing machine every time? Dedicate a small desk or table as a permanent sewing station. If you want to do it enough, and even if it means changing the purpose/function of an already existing piece of furniture, you can make it work. Spending more time on things that make you happy will make you happier!

What are your 2019 plans for your home?

1. Adore Home 2.-3. 91 Mag, 4. Angie Hranowsky, 5. BHG, 6. Rue Mag

January 3, 2019
Chic Bathroom ideas

Chic bathrooms

Hubby and I will be giving our master bath a little refresh next month. Nothing major just re-caulking, painting, a new pendant, and new hardware for the vanity. I still thought it would be fun to find some chic bathroom eye candy for motivation and any potential last minute ideas.

Loving the dark matte tile with the wood and marble vanity.

What do you think of the coral pop of color brought in my the mirrors?

Clean and classic white bathroom.

Not crazy about the floor tile in this one but I love that shower!

Another classic bathroom with a modern twist.

Loving the concrete wall.

via DecorPad

January 25, 2018
Using Exclusivity to Drive Sales and Brand Your Online Furniture Store
A lot of Decorology readers actually own their own boutiques for furniture and home decor, from etsy online shops to actual brick and mortar stores, so I thought this article might be interesting.

via Apartment Therapy

While there’s an abundance of furniture in the world, there’s always room for new brands, designers, builders and sellers to enter the industry. How can that be? Luckily, online furniture stores rarely target the exact same audiences. There are shops at every end of the spectrum, from accessible home goods brands selling inexpensive furnishings for dormitories and starter apartments, to high-end styles more appropriate in dream homes.

via UO

If you want to tap into the furniture market, you’ll need to master using exclusivity to drive sales and brand your online furniture store. Part of doing so is coming up with a unique selling proposition (USP), also known as “a statement that succinctly outlines how your business, product or service is different from that of your competition.” Yes, you want to sell furniture. But why should shoppers buy it from your store? What exclusive edge do you offer your audience?

via discoverattic.com

Consider these examples:
- Handmade furniture from local materials
- Mid-century modern revival furniture designs
- Free domestic shipping on any order over $1,000
- Vintage-inspired designs for creative decorators
- Compact furniture for urban spaces
Each one of these USPs has an angle on an otherwise broad industry. In just a few seconds, your USP lets shoppers know how you stand out from the crowd. It’s something to think about from the moment you start a furniture business because this critical decision will come to shape so much of your brand identity down the line.

via House & Home

Posting your USP on your home page somewhere after your page title but before your CTA is a great start, but you also need to consider how you can infuse your marketing and branding efforts with exclusivity. Vagueness is a lost opportunity for racking up sales and customer loyalty. If you have something only your brand can offer shoppers, make sure it’s garnering eyeballs in social media posts, email lists and blog articles.

In the spirit of offering shoppers something unique to your furniture store, how about a gift? As Huff Post points out, this is a great way to motivate shoppers to convert while clearing out excess inventory. And, since it’s the thought that counts, this move will boost social goodwill between you and the customer, tapping into the psychological concept of reciprocity. You may offer something small (and convenient to ship) like a desk lamp with the purchase of something larger (like the desk or office chair itself). If a customer buys a bookshelf, throw in a free nightlight. Or, simply tantalize customers with a mystery gift over a certain threshold using a banner promising a freebie with a purchase surpassing a certain dollar amount.

via Anthropologie

Furniture brands can also promote exclusivity through the content they offer users. Taking the time to create videos outlining how to assemble popular products will impress customers even after they place their first orders. You can write helpful how-to guides about styling certain pieces. You can create content outlining the sustainable materials used in your furniture, or the history of modern design. This content should not be overly promotional; rather, you’re providing genuine value to your target audience. This bodes well for the fact only about 20% of your social media content should be about your brand—the rest should be purely useful, enjoyable and/or timely.

When you start your web-based furniture company, you may feel intimidated at first because there are many others within the same market. But using exclusivity to drive sales and brand your online furniture store will set yourself apart from the pack and give customers something they can only get from you.
October 11, 2017
Luxurious Bathrooms to relax and refresh

Luxurious Bathrooms

I have never had a bathroom worth writing home about in my years as a renter, so on the rare occasion that I get to travel, I always appreciate a hotel with a clean, well-stocked, and zen bathroom. If I’m lucky enough to have a room with a whirlpool tub, or a walk in shower, it is something I always remember.

How luxe is that shower!?!

So how does a hotel take a bathroom to the next level?

For rooms that house two guests, the minimum in luxury bathrooms should be twin basins and mirrors. Bathrooms boasting marble surfaces, spacious baths and showers with steam or sauna options and mirror cabinets with inbuilt televisions are elements that are sure to impress guests. Whirlpool baths are another luxurious pleasure that come in all shapes and sizes to suit varying room sizes and the corresponding number of occupants.

Faucets are often underestimated in terms of their impact on user experience and therefore hotels can deliver plenty in regards to this element in the bathroom – just as long as it is still useable. I hate it when a sink is too shallow to wash my face. In some instances, faucets tie together the entire design and level of opulence of the room. Designer taps with sensor operation, single lever operation or floor standing options all offer a luxury experience for guests.

I’d feel like a princess using this bath located in Kenya.

What do you think of that tree sculpture?

This Cape Town hotel bathroom couldn’t have a better view.

Same with this hotel in Capri.

What makes a hotel stand out for me is to offer indulgent bathing experiences to the same degree that they offer indulgent eating experiences. Who wouldn’t remember a spectacular whirlpool bath tub, spacious enclosures or indulgent walk-in shower?

Do you remember a hotel bathroom that really stuck in your mind as being absolutely fabulous?

1 – 4 via Elle Decor, 5-7 via ABC News Explore

*disclosure: This post in partnership with ACVA.co.uk

May 9, 2017
Dream bathrooms: Layout, storage, materials, and decoration
Dream bathrooms galore!

I’m a sucker for a good bathroom. I love a good soak, especially in the winter, and now with a toddler, my bathroom is a well-needed refuge. The perfect bathroom isn’t achieved through one element, rather the combination of a great layout, adequate bathroom storage, well-considered materials, easy to use fixtures, and lastly the decoration used to personalize it. The amount of choices you’ll have to make when planning a bathroom can be overwhelming: pedestal sinks, double vanities, freestanding tubs, and corner shower stalls abound! Hopefully the bathroom guide below can be a little help or at least provide some inspiration!
1. Bathroom Layout
  
  To begin with, your bathroom layouts need to be efficient because they are often tighter on space than other rooms in the home. Not space for a freestanding tub and a corner shower means you will need to plan for a bathtub shower combo. A good place to start is the National Kitchen and Bath Association for planning guidelines, and of course, your favorite internet sources for inspiration. If you have a large family, separating the toilet from the shower and sink area allows multiple people use of the bathroom at the same time.
A double vanity tucked in a corner provides space for a beautiful walk-in shower, which are usually space hogs. Wall space is utilized by a large mirror, reflecting more light into the space.

2. Adequate Bathroom Storage

Secondly, Especially important if you have a small or even normal-sized bathroom is making sure you have storage! The smaller your bathroom, the more creative you will have to be at coming up with storage solutions. This is where the internet will be your friend. Try to find ways to utilize your vertical (wall) space. Built in shelves, hanging shelves, mountable cabinets, you name it. Whatever solutions will get things off of the floor are your friends!

The narrow vertical shelves behind the door and and the build in shelves in the shower create much needed storage space for towels, toiletries, and other bathroom necessities. Isn’t the gray marble tile absolutely beautiful?

Nothing beats the bathroom vanity when it comes to adding under-sink storage, but don’t forget is can also create wall storage also! Look into vanities or cabinetry to go on the side of your mirror and above the sides of the sink.

3. Materials

Since one can only get so creative with the layout of your bathroom – toilet in the shower?? No thanks.., materials are where you can really stand out with your bathroom design. Tiles come in such a wide variety of colors and styles these days. Backsplashes aren’t just for kitchens, you can add sophistication through a backsplash behind your bathroom sink. HATE cleaning grout? Consider stone or granite in your shower. Materials also includes hardware, for which there is no shortage of variety these days either. Cabinet knobs, come in every style and finish, lighting comes in every style and finish, and then faucets and shower heads also come in a never-ending array of styles and finishes. Whatever you go with, make sure that the materials and finishes match your lifestyle. If you know you won’t be able to keep grout mildew-free or shiny finishes polished, than chose a finish and material that are smudge-resistant and/or more resistant to mildew.

It doesn’t get more beautiful than marble and marble tile in my opinion, and this bathroom is proof. The pendant light over the tub is really beautiful as well, and it’s brass finish adds warmth to the space. The crown moulding and built-in-shelves are thoughtful details. I’m not sure about how durable marble is however, as I believe it can etch, so it might not be something I would consider for a children’s or high-traffic bathroom.

4. Decoration

Lastly, This is where you really get to have fun. Since decor is generally less expensive, you don’t have to worry that your decisions are set in stone. Artwork, mats, and towels can be changed with the seasons if you desire. Don’t forget paint colors as well! Keep this in mind when decorating a child’s bathroom. Since children grow up all to quickly, decor that is easy to change out or grows with them will be another choice you’ll have to make.

This bathroom goes from pretty and patterned to dramatic with a glossy forest green ceiling. The glass cabinet is a perfect way to add style and storage to this bathroom.

Honeycomb patterned penny tile takes centerstage along with a mod chandelier. The freestanding clawfoot tub with gold finishes also lends itself to the elegant aesthetic. The floor to ceiling drapes, 3/4 height tile, and navy wall also all add to the elegance and sophistication to the bathroom.

I love the layering of textures in this bathroom. The ornate tiles with the oriental rug over them ads a lot of bohemian charm.

This post in partnership with Decoraport International
January 23, 2017
Decorating with Velvet for a touch of luxe

I’m definitely not into frilly and fussy when it comes to my home decor, but sometimes a girl just needs a little luxury in her life. Especially as the temperatures drop and we spend more times indoors, it’s nice to have your home feeling a little more indulgent and comfortable.

Enter velvet, beautiful color, amazing texture, and when done right just the right amount of chic.

Here are some examples of velvet used in decorating that I love.

How beautiful is that blue velvet chair?

More is more with a chesterfield in velvet and a faux fur throw to boot.

For just a small touch of glamor try a velvet ottoman.

via Pinterest via Studio McGee

Really scared of going overboard? With velvet pillow you can’t!

This green velvet ottoman on the pink rug is a fun combination, and keeps the room from taking itself so seriously.

If you’re into more is more, nothing is more luxurious than a velvet headboard in royal navy!

Do you have any velvet in your home?

all images via Elle Decor unless otherwise noted

October 5, 2016
Vintage Accents in Modern Bathrooms: How a Touch of Timelessness Will Enhance Your Modern Aesthetic

Bathroom technology and design have thankfully come a long way in the last century, giving us more comfortable, utilitarian, and efficient furniture. Bulky vanities, ugly shower heads, and inefficient toilets have given way to sleek cabinets, beautiful chrome fixtures, and super efficient toilets! A fresh coat of paint and simple lighting have taken over the home decor trend by storm.

The modern bathroom is truly a high point in the history of bathroom design. But sometimes all the modern stuff just starts to feel a little too clean. Too functional. Too efficient. It makes the bathroom feel more clinical. I guess you can say that the modern bathroom sometimes can feel a bit boring.

Bathroom trends that focus on the sleek modern look are much better than we had before, but adding a touch of character with a vintage piece can be even more stunning than before. Seamlessly fusing the past and present together is a great way to create vibrant focal points in your bathroom, and if done well, can create an ambiance that is truly timeless. Just a touch of vintage can go a really long way toward perfecting your bathroom design!

An elegant, antique trim mirror against a simple white wall may be beautiful, but a rustic wood vanity will make your modern bathroom drastically warmer and more welcoming. Farm style basins perfectly offset sleek glass-and-steel shower enclosures and modern vanity cabinets. Shiny chrome accent pieces are sophisticated and a little futuristic, but paired with rich wooden wall tiles they become absolutely stunning!

What do you think? Can you imagine a great combination of vintage and modern?

If you’re looking for the perfect rustic vintage accents to add to your modern bathroom, be sure to check out Bathgems.com for a huge selection of high quality vanities, tubs, vessel sinks, and more!

This is a sponsored post.

June 29, 2016
Going Modern in the Bathroom

Most would assume that going modern in a bathroom would make it look even more cold and sterile than it already does, but they haven’t seen all the options yet!

via decoist

The right lighting can make any room feel warm and plants get it a fresh look that bring a sense of comfort and color to the room.

via bhg

Using neutral colors along with the modern materials can give it that warm feeling you are looking for paired with some great mirrors makes it even brighter. I love that tile!

via hepock

Even with the darker tones for a more manly bathroom doesn’t have to look cold and miserable. It still looks modern and sleek with a hint of color and I love it!

There are some great vanity and shower tub options that are on Modern Bath that can help you match these looks.

via smittenstudioonline

You could even mix the modern with the vintage for a completely different look! It’s a great mix of new and old that comes to life when it’s together.

October 27, 2014
Sleek Bathrooms

Most bathrooms have a more traditional feel to them. It’s the like the standard bathroom vanities are the most common you’ll see, why not switch it up a bit and add a different feel to the room:

Just because it’s standard size or smaller than that – doesn’t mean you need to have standard features! Make it feel larger with a floating vanity.

Make it stand out with a contrast in color, or an open shelf. Keep the pulls simple so it doesn’t clutter up the room. You can find some great choices at tradewinds.com that give it a more modern feel.

Or tie it in with a simple color that fits nicely with the overall theme. Why skimp on a room we wake up to every morning?

September 24, 2014
Necessary Nooks

Everyone needs a spot in their house where they can “get away” from it all. My favorite homes have little nooks and cranny’s where you might not originally know what to do with the space, it may just become the perfect oasis!

February 11, 2014