Friday, September 30, 2011

Powder Room with POP!

I wanted to to add some WOW to a client's boring powder room, as you know from past posts I love bold colors in powder rooms!

This powder room had been originally faux painted probably 10ish years ago and it just felt old and tired in there.  Also, look at the dinky sink and toilet, that is not an illusion, they really were....I felt like a giant in there.


Soooo bye bye booorrinnnng and dated....


And hello Azure Blue.....Don't you just love that name....Conjurs up a vacation on a tropical island for me....


Since we carried the new hardwoods into this powder room, I really wanted to carry that richness into the vanity.....Doesn't it look beautiful against that Azure blue?


No more white toilet...I actually first got a white toilet for the powder room and the client hated it.  So we ended up with this one, they win, I think it was a beautiful choice with the travertine sink and countertop.


This isn't just some ordinary flat paint color, it's a LusterStone, (which is sooo hard to capture the true beauty of it by camera but here is the ceiling)...See how the light reflects off of it?


Quick Tip: When painting your own powder rooms ALWAYS do your ceilings, it makes all the difference.  

Only the true diehard do-it-yourselfers should attempt this...I had my professional faux painter do this room.  But if you must here is a how to.

My client's cross looks beautiful on the wall, whether in the dark but most definitely in the light. :)

In the Dark

In the light

This color always makes me feel like I had a mini vacation, I love it!  Sooo happy that the client let me make a bold choice in their powder and of course they have no regrets...It's actually a popular visiting spot now. ;)

Friday, September 23, 2011

Solar Tubin'


Okay so it's official, I am in loooovvveee with Solatubes!  I have now added them to 3 different clients master closets that originally didn't have any daylight and now they are being flooded with it!

The innovative tube shaped designs transfer light through attic space and deliver light in ways that traditional skylights can't.  They quite literally take less than 2 hours to have installed without any structural reframing and I think they are worth every penny too.


Every time I walk into my clients closets after install I feel like the lights are on already but they aren't, clients giggle with delight in showing me, which of course I love.  It could be too that natural light can enhance mental and physical well being, boost concentration and energy levels and a variety of other unexpected perks, ie: giggling with delight. ;0


Of course there is the "green" aspect of this wonderful invention....You'll save on your electric bill by not having to turn on your lights as much and of course your heating and cooling loss from inefficient window and skylights.  In other words, installing just 1 10" tub can save about 19 lbs of carbon emissions annually.  Oh and I believe there is a federal tax credit out there for these, even better right?


Think about other places that don't have a lot of light too besides closets....A dark hallway, stairwell, laundry room, etc. pretty cool huh?



So do you get it?  Do you think these are as cool or what?

Please note:  All pictures "borrowed" off of the actual Solatube site, I had to because my pictures don't show the befores and afters correctly, might be my flash ie: me.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Wine Cellar For A Fella(r)



My client's foyer was definitely lacking some color, interest and well even some love.


The mini hall closet door under the stair case was a total eyesore and though my client isn't a big wine drinker he loved the idea of having it turned into a conversation piece if nothing else...A wine cellar with presence.



We lost the door and to play off on all the other arches already in the foyer, decided to add an arch to this new cellar as well.



We had the wine cellar insert custom made obviously to the closet, so you can easily pull it all the way out to store wines on either side as well.


Anyway, it lights up beautifully at night, but of course I haven't ever been to my clients at night WITH my camera so you will just have to trust me.



with flash, faux doesn't look as good up close and with bright lights...

It's normal look....

Sooo my client LOVES showing it off, but I am not sure if he is into wine anymore than before.....


I think it made a BIG difference though to the foyer don't you?  Oh and of course some new floors, and paint helped. ;)

Friday, September 9, 2011

Creative Bath Storage Ideas

Hi, everyone, I'm Susi and I write as a guest blogger for Design Shuffle, a fabulous social media site that promotes Interior Designers and their work from around the world. My writing focuses on things I'm passionate about; interior design, home decorating ideas, home furnishings, gardening, travel and art. I get to look at gorgeous things all day and write about them. I'm a very lucky girl!

Thanks, Marie, for inviting me and Design Shuffle to visit Decorator on Demand to talk about creative bathroom storage. I just saw the article on suzanis... and just wanted to say that I share the suzani love. Not sure if suzanis would work in the bathroom (maybe as a towel pattern), but I think I've come up with some great examples of creative bathroom storage ideas. Hope you enjoy them!
Liz Marie via
The humble, versatile Mason jar makes great storage for small stuff in the bathroom. Mounted with pipe clamps, this is a clever DIY project.
Martha Stewart via
Finding extra space for storage in a small bathroom definitely takes some creativity. Above the door is the perfect place for extras that you don't need every day.
My Home Ideas via
Walls provide ample opportunities for additional storage. A hanging basket system designed for the kitchen works to hold towels, soaps and other bathroom essentials. This is definitely one of those very useful bathroom design ideas.
Real Simple via
Reuse and repurpose flea market finds for clever storage solutions. Old wood crates have a natural vintage charm.
Better Homes and Gardens via
Colorful metal buckets make for charming cottage or beach style storage. Would be cute in a kids' bathroom too.
Beyond the Baby via
A ladder bookcase works in the bathroom to store towels and other essentials without taking up a large footprint. A vintage wood ladder leaning against the wall would work too.
Katy Elliot via
A small piece of furniture, like an ÈtagËre or side table with a shelf, makes a lovely storage space in the bathroom. Measure the space and look for small tables, bookcases and cabinets that will fit.
Boho Bed Love via
Natural elements, like these wood bowls, make for interesting storage ideas. Think outside the ordinary for creative bathroom ideas and clever storage solutions.

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