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......

Bathroom Beauties!

Bathrooms are on my mind for several reasons....wanting to redo our own bathroom and I am currently working with a client renovating their hallway bath. There are endless options to choose from but the baths I have featured below meet the practical needs of a bathroom used every day. I think the challenge for some homeowners is getting the storage that most desire without losing the details that bring interest into the room. The common thread below is muted neutrals and white and storage vanities. I will be doing a follow up post with color to contrast. Do you have a preference?

Thinking of Changing Up Our Bathroom........

I am starting to gather some ideas for our one and only bathroom. When we moved in 1998, we used some old tile left over from another job and some free tile that was given to us. Like many baths in the late nineties that medium marble green is found on our floors and shower walls, I am not loving it now and I didn't love it when we put it in but funds were low. So, I think we are going to try to remodel it this coming year. Yes! Dreaming......

Because of size and storage needs these are more like it!

via Decor Pad

Bold Colors!

I am loving some of the bold colors being used in interior design lately! These inspirational rooms below highlight the use of blue, navy, yellow and black. What is noticeable is that white is used in all the rooms either in the linens and on the ceilings and walls. The pictures are compliments of fellow blogger Caitlin Creer and others! If you need any source information for these rooms, leave a comment for me! Enjoy your weekend!

Accent with Wall Paper!

Wallpaper is a huge commitment and I have to be honest with you all and tell you that not one wall in my home has wall paper on it. I tend to be more conservative in my choices for my home but I do love the color and variety that is out there right now. Wallpaper is back and it is being used by many designers as an accent instead of doing every wall in the room. It is making me reconsider my fears of using it and just maybe I might become brave enough to do it. When I do, you can be sure that I will share with all of you! Do these images below inspire you like they do to me?

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!