Sometimes simple IS better....

especially in the bathroom. There are endless ranges of tile choices and pricing out there. But I am definitely a fan of simple white bathrooms that don't have to blow the budget. Patterns and colors can be trendy and really date your bath 10-15 years down the road. Choosing simple white tile will always be classic and with a little bleach can always look fresh and great! Home Depot and Lowe's have plenty of options that are affordable. Playing with grout colors can also have a great impact. These photos below tell the story.....

White on White on White Bathrooms

My sister in law is currently designing her new master bath and while we were talking last week about bathrooms, I realized how much I love all white baths. There is a crisp and spa feeling like when I peruse white bathrooms online and since I have been stuck with the green accent color for almost 14years! I can't wait to get back to a neutral palette again. I love the idea of just using pops of color with towels and fresh flowers!

Below are some great examples of what I am talking about......

Kitchen Help Please!

So you may remember, last week I posted some ideas for a galley kitchen. A reader wrote to me for some help with a small kitchen renovation. Originally they wanted to keep with the wall structure already in place BUT she wrote back and they are thinking of taking out a wall that holds the opening to the dining/living room area. I immediately thought of this layout......

OR.....

What I think is great about these two kitchens above is the practical layout for a smaller kitchen....

and these views of the kitchen from the dining/living room are magnificent!

The island with the kitchen sink and dishwasher is a really good design. It keeps the one and only wall open to hold the range and refrigerator. There is also extra storage, seating and counter top space in the island, love that!

Here are some other samples with the same layout below!

via Here

Reinventing A 1795 Clapboard Home!

My heartstrings are pulled when I look at these pictures because I love historic clapboard homes so much! Ours dates back to 1849, not as old as this one but the restoration gives me so many great ideas. The down side to these homes is dark wood and low ceilings. Take a look at how these issues were addressed, it is amazing! Please leave a comment on your favorite photo and why, I would love to hear your ideas!

 The owner ripped out the ceilings and plaster off the walls which allowed wider door openings and taller ceilings. Great ideas that make a huge difference!

A gray and white palette and the absence of upper cabinets makes the room feel airy and open.

Less is more. The amazing antique blue mantel becomes a focal point because everything else is a creamy white back drop. Beautiful!

A glass of wine and a hot soaking bath!

Lovely soapstone sink in the mud/laundry room!

(Photos courtesy of Country Living)

Ohio Farmhouse Revival That I Love!

Country Living is one of my  favorite magazines of all time! We own, as you know by now, a historic colonial and live in such a fantastically quaint  historic area! I just fell in love with this farmhouse restoration below in Ohio featured in Country Living!  It reminds me of home. There is a simplistic, crisp and modern flare that works so well together, it is inspiring! I hope it does the same for you!

These great cabinets are painted a sober charcoal grey (Ralph Lauren's Surrey). Classic marble emphasizes the utility of the Viking range.

I love the french doors that make the outdoors seem like part of the inside. The sisal rug and upholstery keep the feel more casual.

This fabulous dark paint (Ralph Lauren's Grange Hall) really distinguishes this space. Like Kevin the owner, try not to use no less than three and no more than five paint colors in the similar tones to create a flow through out a smaller home.

Dark ebony stained floors are consistent throughout also to create flow.

Salvaged doors and the original claw foot tub add that historic charm but they don't all have to match in the home.

Classic white paint is the perfect choice for the outside!

Design Tip of the Day! White Paint

Elsie de Wolfe said "Believe in optimism and plenty of white paint." The women who invented interior decorating were full of big advice.

For years I wanted to paint an entire room white. So many people talked me out of it every time I mentioned it. Well, last winter I finally did it with the help of my husband and once it was finished I was so excited! I loved it! The most challenging part was choosing the right white for my bedroom. I wanted a calming and soothing effect without the clinical feeling that some whites may have. I searched out some advice and settled on Benjamin Moore's Dove White, we were not disappointed! We added some white linen drapes, a sea grass rug and some other accent pieces and just loved the complete result!!

Below I am going to share with you some favorite whites used by designers along with some rooms that I think are splendid! 

FARROW & BALL POINTING 2003

BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE OC-17

PANTONE PRISTINE 11-0606TPX

 White paint is used in these rooms below as a backdrop or blank canvas for their artwork, lovely furniture pieces and decorative items. If you have a favorite white room in your house email me a picture and I will post it for all to see!

Target's Best Bedding!

One of may favorite duvet covers and shams actually comes from TARGET!  Without spending hundreds of dollars, the bedding featured below has the look and feel of its counterparts in Anthropologie and Pottery Barn. The cotton fabric is so soft and light and it isn't hard to keep clean.

Simply Shabby Chic Smocked Duvet Set in White www.target.com/Simply-Shabby-Chic-Smocked-Duvet

Target's Version $89.99

Anthropologie's Version $208.00

Discover Aidan Gray!

You will see Aidan Gray designs in specialty design shops all over the country. The secret is Aidan Gray doesn't only sell to trade retailers but to the consumer like you and I! A friend picked up this wonderful candelabra wall sconce in Pennsylvania that had such a presence in her foyer. One day while I was researching unique chandeliers on the web, I stumbled across the manufacturer of it! I called her to confirm and was thrilled to find out it was the exact one! Below are some of my favorite finds on the site. Let me know which ones are yours!

 The first candelabra chandelier was exactly what I was looking for and it is only $324.00!

http://www.aidangrayhome.com/