MORE DIRTY DETAILS

So, not only have I been mesmerized by console sinks, but also by beautifully styled toilets and sinks. I know this seems so random, but I enjoy paying attention to the small details that most people over look. Like I mentioned, our guest bathroom is super tiny so I am trying to maximize counter space, but I can't help to think the sink and toilet look so empty without some sort of decor. It's as if they are screaming style me, please, I feel naked! Do you feel this same way? [If you don't please disregard this post - I know a lot of people aren't as OCD detail-oriented as me. I promise, no hurt feelings!]  Here is some inspiration that has been helping me accessorize both of Melrose's bathrooms.


I have been toying with the idea of installing a shelf above our sink in the guest bathroom for counter space, but right now I have a small soap dish mounted. The candy bowl filled with nail polishes is a fun, colorful idea - and fresh flowers always add a punch of color. 

Another shelf concept with fresh flowers and apothecary jars.

 I wish I had the room for a stool - here's an example of a styled tray for guests

And here is what I have been collecting items for in our master bathroom - some sort of tray filled with bubble baths, salts, perfume, scented soaps, and some personal touches.

Do you use your sink and/or toilet for accessories, or do you go for the minimalist look? 

METAL CONSOLE SINKS

I'm back from my vacay! I still wish I was there, but it's back to the real world for me. Well, the other weekend I followed through with painting my bathroom Benjamin Moore's Newburg Green. It really looks great and is still as bright as ever in the daytime. I am finishing up some last minute touches before I share before and after pictures, but accessorizing the bathroom really got my inspiration wheels turning. Since this bathroom is tiny and lacks any counter space, I have been researching optional shelving. I didn't find too many solutions besides the ordinary, but I have become fascinated with metal console sinks. What is your opinion on them? 


Yes, you do loose storage/cabinet space which may not be ideal for all bathrooms, but boy are they gorgeous! They give the impression of industrial style with the exposed pipes and metal legs, but chic and modern at the same time. Whether it is marble, tile, or a painted wall, these look beautiful in a clean white space. Check out these fabulous bathrooms below. 

This cute blogger has glamourous style and taste - check her home tour - you won't believe the before and afters! I was fascinated with her sources too - a perfect balance of spending your money on the big items that make the most impact and saving in other areas.

via white + gold

designed by Suzanne Kasler for Architectural Digest April 2012 via splendid sass

 a darker approach, but just as gorgeous

 via lonny mag

 what beautiful combinations of marble in here - do I spy three different styles?

Jenna Lyons' former bathroom via simply smitten

all other sources via my pinterest board

Are you sold? Would you give up your private storage under the sink to install one of these? 

WOODCUTS

I stumbled upon this beautiful book, Woodcuts, the other day and as I flipped through the preview I started to think that the pages would be perfect for framing in a grid. Unlike the predictable botanical or Audubon book (which I love as well), these woodcuts are unexpected and intriguing - they aren't your typical pressed flower or nest of robin eggs. The Connecticut-based artist Bryan Nash Gill created large-scale relief prints from cross sections of trees. Their rings create the most unique, detailed patterns that have always been a beautiful mystery. Here is how he creates the prints,

"The artist rescues the wood from the property surrounding his studio and neighboring land, extracts and prepares blocks of various species—including ash, maple, oak, spruce, and willow—and then prints them by carefully following and pressing the contours of the rings until the intricate designs transfer from tree to paper."

I know buying a collection of nice prints can be pretty pricy, so a great alternative is finding a gorgeous book and carefully removing the pages to frame yourself. You can arrange them like these to make a dramatic statement and occupy a lot of space without paying an arm and a leg for a piece of large artwork. Here are some snapshots of his beautiful work:

KITCHEN HARDWARE: gold

I would absolutely love to modify a few things in Melrose's kitchen - lift the cabinets to the ceiling, add an open shelf, change the backsplash to subway tile, Carrara marble for the counters, add a range hood for the stove, and the list could go on! But, while our kitchen may not be my personal design taste, it is in great shape and I'm actually pretty happy with it, for the time being. 


One easy solution to give our tiny Homewood cottage a face lift, would be to replace the cabinet hardware. I would love to update it with some fancy gold knobs and pulls ... you all know I have a love affair with all things gold.  I have not accomplished this yet - I can't seem to find pulls wide enough! - but I have definitely had it on my mind. Here are some fabulous inspiration of photos of kitchens sporting gold hardware.

the mix of black and white cabinetry here is delicious

 again, black and white combo

 and black and white paired with gold

 I love these campaign inspired pulls

 perfection

 a fireplace in my kitchen? yes, please!

 can't get enough of that subway tile, open shelving, and gold accents

 love this overall look

all sources on my pinterest board 

 What's your choice and source for hardware?

HANDWRITTEN ART

Melrose has an open, narrow wall before the hallway that is dying for a large piece of art. Ideally, I would love a chest for this space for extra storage, or a bench below a piece of art, but anything with depth would protrude into the doorway. Large pieces or original art can be so pricy, so I have been brainstorming a budget friendly idea for this space. I am really thinking about using my calligraphy and painting a large canvas with a special quote. 


Basically the only expense would be the canvas and paint. And, I actually like a lot of the stark white examples, so I would just need black paint and a thick brush. Here are some inspiration images that have sparked this idea.

handwritten quote by alanna cavanagh via the marion house book

alisa burke

via

nate berkus' home via kristen kerr

I quickly (the messier the better!) sketched out my quote and this is my plan:

"May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. may all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!"
AN OLD IRISH BLESSING

MASTER BEDROOM: sources

Hi all! I have had some interest regarding a few "sources" for our master bedroom so I wanted to share the items in case you are wondering too!

1. THE OVERSIZED FRAMES: I bought these "assemble yourself" frames from our local Hobby Lobby months ago. I snagged them quickly because the gold is no longer sold and they were on sale for $2 each - but they still carry the black. If you don't have a Hobby Lobby in your city, these are very close to what I bought. I also used these same frames for our coral gallery wall in the den and the framed prints above my bar. I find them super easy and convient because you just buy the width and height desired for your picture - it makes framing odd sizes a breeze! I then got my matt board and glass cut from a local shop based on the size of the picture frame. 

2. THE "FAN-DELIER": I purchased it at a local fan shop - Dan's Fan City in Birmingham - and I know it sounds cheesy but it really is a neat store. The owners (and the website) basically walk you through "designing" your own fan from the motor to the blades, down to the the lighting attachment ... the options are endless! 

3. THE LAMPS: I had my mind set on these from the get go and were probably one of the first "new" items in the room. I knew I wanted mirrored lamps with a square shade and luckily I found these at Pier 1 imports. I wish they were still available because they were such a good price and can match any decor. 


If you are curious about any other items, don't hesitate to email me! Thanks again for all the sweet comments and interest in the room! 

INSPIRATION BOARD: melrose's guest bedroom

I know, I know ... you are thinking "Wow, KB just finished her master bedroom and she is all ready moving onto the guest bedroom!?" Well, I am. But I have been thinking about these rooms simultaneously and they are such a process to "complete" that it is fun to bounce back and forth between rooms. So, I have been gathering inspiration and items since I started the master and I am ready to move forward. 


For this guest bedroom, I wanted to do something different since the other guest bedroom is your typical set up with my great grandmother's bedroom suit (pictures to come!). Of course I resorted to pinterest to get my creative juices following and eventually found myself gravitating towards twin beds. This guest room is the smaller of the two so I thought twin beds would be nice for guests, we'd have the option to use one in a nursery, and for kids as they get older. Are you a fan of twin beds? Here are my favorite inspiration images of twin beds.

all image sources via my pinterest board

Way back when, these two pictures below were my inspiration for this room. I love the cream walls and the black iron bed in the first photo - this room influenced me to paint the walls elephant tusk by Benjamin Moore. And I really love the plaid and natural color tones in the second photo (a classic favorite by many I do believe). My final concept has not shifted too far from the photos, except for adding in the twin beds.

 via urban grace

via elle decor

This following photo is what really sold me on my color palette. I love the boldness of the black and white stripes against the natural mossy green and rustic brown tones. I think of it as a mix between the two original inspiration photos. So, my color palette is black, white, cream, olive green, caramel, and gold. I love using whites and creams in a room because of the contrast and variety they add.

Here is my "mock up" of the guest bedroom - top view and front view. Do you like my fake windows!? Ha. Unfortunately, that Wisteria dresser is no longer available so I am on the search for something similar and affordable! Any ideas?

I want to layer the cow hide on top of the jute rug for texture and the metallic gold speckles help add a little "glam" to the room! On the wall directly across from the small dresser with the two lamps will be a long dresser, but that is to be determined at the moment.

 Here are the items I hope to include in the room ... but I still need some accent pieces to decorate! Any suggestions!? 

ONE: twin quatrefoil iron beds

TWO: black and white striped duvet and pillow cases

THREE: plaid accent pillows

FOUR: ivory matelasse coverlet & sham

FIVE: gold curtain rod and rings

SIX: green velvet curtains

SEVEN: herringbone jute rug

EIGHT: beige and gold cow hide rug

NINE: cream ceramic lamp with black drum shade

So, that is my goal. What do you think? I do owe ya'll pictures of the other guest bedroom since I revealed that sneak ... so be on the lookout!