Pebble tile and river rocks have a natural affinity for bathrooms and spas. That's why pebble tile -- also called river rocks -- are being used as an alternative to field tiles for a back-to-nature effects. Whether used for flooring or shower and tub walls, the presence of small stones evokes the idea of brooks and riverbeds — places where running water can be soothing and … [Read more...]
Subway Tile Eurosplash Kitchen
What's a eurosplash? Tile from counter to ceiling that gives this handsome gray kitchen its unique look. When it come to kitchen tile my motto is "more." That's why the design for my kitchen began with tile. And it's likely why a New York restaurateur chose a subway tile eurosplash look for her stunning gray, black and white Greenwich Village kitchen. With five kids in the … [Read more...]
Vintage Gold Leaf Mirrors
French gold leaf mirrors are classic, versatile decorative elements at home in any room. Decorating advice often given to those furnishing a first home is not to rush: don't buy just to fill a space. It's better to wait, saving to buy better quality pieces adaptable not only to location but style. Antique and vintage gold leaf mirrors fall gracefully into this category. Aged … [Read more...]
Electric Blue Kitchen
Will blue-and-white fans love the deep hue of these blue kitchen cabinets and this modern take? Every time I look at these deep blue kitchen cabinets they make me feel that someone was inspired by an ancient piece of blue and white china. That’s silly, of course, since European-style contemporary cabinets come in many blues as saturated as this one. What makes the blue … [Read more...]
Picture Wall Sets
Picture wall sets make an impact with their multiple rows and same size frames. After a picture wall set of six antique Alexandre Bivort prints in my dining room (I purchased them at auction last January), I began exploring what to do on the adjacent wall. I still haven’t decided but a glimpse of a dining room picture wall in a favorite TV show, The Good Wife, made me think of … [Read more...]
Library Ladder Luxury
Library ladder steps can be pushed flat against the wall, then tilted out to 80 degrees for climbing. A rolling library ladder that moves on tracks across a tall expanse of a bookcase or entertainment center is an elegant luxury. They are also practical since they allow access to top shelves close to very high ceilings. Ladders can be metal but the most charming ones come in … [Read more...]
Corner Picture Walls
Corner picture walls are like visual libraries that say a lot about their owners. Perhaps more than any other type of arrangement, corner picture walls are highly individual expressions of taste and style. Each time I see a photo of a wall composed of images or objects it’s like putting one more piece of a life-long décor jig-saw puzzle into place. I always learn something … [Read more...]
Mid Century Furniture Kitchens
French designer seating and lighting set the tone for two 60's inspired kitchens. Red-tone, slab-front, wood cabinets are one element in common to these 1960s style kitchens. They also share a fondness for French mid century furniture from the same generation, particularly designs by Jean Prouvé, whose distinctive sheet metal and wood pieces are 20th century … [Read more...]