What's kitchen character? It’s the idea of using one unique element to make a kitchen memorable. Too often these days I see kitchens that are sadly cookie cutter. They often look so similar they become formulaic whether they are the classic all-white kitchen, black and white, wood tone, or one of the popular muted colors such as gray or pale green. Creating kitchen character … [Read more...]
Bathroom Barn Doors
The sliding door trend is in full swing with bathroom barn doors showing up in style. Sometime in the next year I’m planning to expand our powder room into the garage to create a full bath on our first floor. That would entail adding about 6 inches to the existing doorway. A sliding door makes sense. So bathroom barn doors have been on my radar. Three examples I found show … [Read more...]
Shoe-Centric Closets
One long-running joke at my house is about my shoe closet. Yes, I’m a shoefanista, plain and simple, and because my collection has been in the three figures ever since I was a teen, an accessible and efficient shoe closet was a must-have, then and now. Looking around, it’s clear I’m not alone. The thing is, shoes can eat up acres of precious closet real estate so it’s always … [Read more...]
Handwriting on the Wall Kitchens
Chalkboard paint kitchen walls do double duty: decorative and useful. Last week we showed a bathroom with chalkboard-painted walls and handmade chalk designs that looked like wallpaper. However, chalkboard paint kitchen walls are for family handwriting as well as décor. Blackboard paint also can add dramatic contrast to a conventional kitchen. Plus it’s quick and easy to erase … [Read more...]
Floating Vanity Oversized Mirror
A masculine oversized bathroom mirror in a beefy frame falls in love with a feminine vanity. Almost every designer has a signature feature they like to use. Montreal's Julie Charbonneau combines two -- a floating vanity and an oversized bathroom mirror. In one master bath [top], the marble-topped double vanity is cantilevered or floating. What's most surprising is that it's … [Read more...]
Unusual Plate Display Locations
Plate display is a centuries old form of décor -- what's new is the unusual locations. No longer is the dining room or kitchen the only place for plate display. One case in point is the arrangement of white ironstone and black transferware above a headboard. Those dishes contrast nicely with the bedroom's charcoal walls. Plus the crisp hotel-style linens, a zebra rug and … [Read more...]
Repurposing Vintage Wooden Shutters
How detailed exterior vintage wooden shutters can be remade for interior use. After I shared my search for os de mouton chairs, I received several emails asking about the vintage wooden shutters door to the right of our fireplace. The space was originally intended to be a guest coat closet. Since we were able to add a closet to our back hallway, we had another use in mind … [Read more...]