valentine's day Exotic from Bonesteel Trout Hall

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Bonesteel Trout Hall corner vignette. The colorful rug is balanced with solid fabric on the chair and ottoman. Nail head accents add character. Great curtain details and beautiful plaster walls

I am still flipping through the latest House Beautiful March issue. Are you? I realized that this bathroom is from one of the design firms I like to "watch". There was such a creative use of tile in this spa-like bath. Very beachy and cool. It prompted me to click over to the Bonesteel Trout Hall website to see what they have been up to lately.

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House Beautiful, March 2010. Bonesteel Trout Hall Laguna Beach Bathroom. Photo by Victoria Pearson

Some "take me away" images struck me. Known for their fresh and stylish liveable interiors, BTH seems to step outside of their California cool and onto another continent. I like it. Yes, I do.

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Bonesteel Trout Hall Moroccan flavor Living Room

Click on over HERE for more.

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Beautiful light play in this exotic bathroom. Ceiling tile detailing is brilliant.

valentine's day Couple of Things I've Been Working On:

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Secondary Bath in Contemporary Ranch House

Sometimes life throws us a curve ball, or lemons, if you will. If we are lucky, we do catch a glimpse of it coming. Last winter, the recession had hit Sacramento particularly hard,and it had a big affect on our family. The position I had held for 10 years as Senior Designer with another design company was eliminated at the end of last year. I had seen it coming. I had prepared myself to make a go of it and open my own design studio. Call me crazy....open a business in this climate?!?! But I felt I had a few things going for me: I had just finished a remodel of my home which included a large home office/studio space (so no overhead to speak of), I had a pretty good reputation in the area, I had a couple of clients that came with me with the "OK" from my ex-boss, and I had started my blog, katiedid, almost two years prior. I cannot tell you what a huge help the blog has been to me in so many ways.

Perhaps most important to my design business, I have been very fortunate to have wonderful, wonderful clients. They have been staunch supporters, and such a pleasure to work with. I wake up everyday thinking how lucky I am. I have been busy with so many fun projects of all kinds, and some of them are almost ready to "show off".

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Secondary Bath

So here are a couple of preview pictures of a house I have been working on with a couple who have become good friends in the process. They purchased a midcentury contemporary home that was in need of a face-lift. Most of the house was gutted, but the terrazo floor in the sunken living room remained intact. These are a just a couple of photos of the Kids' Bath and the Master Bath.

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Master Bath

I have also been working on a beautiful Prairie Style Home which is nearing completion as well. Totally different style, and so much fun to work on. I promise to have pictures of this house when it is done!

I just want to say "Thank You" to my magnificent clients. You make my day!

The Lemonade is tasting better every day.

valentine's day Bathroom Analysis: Kara Mann

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Metropolitan Home March 2009, Photo by Nathan Kirkman

Kara Mann, the Chicago based designer that has taken the design world by storm, has a spread in the latest Metropolitan Home. Ever since I saw her own home in Metropolitan home's May '07 issue, I have been a huge fan.

The home she designed for a young couple who bought a house in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, is full of her edgy urban sensibility....but I have to say the Master Bath is what really caught my eye.

So what is it exactly about this space that is so "good"? I have been thinking about it, and have come up with a list:

1. The use of a neutral color palette with high contrasts creates a much more dynamic space than shades of all one color. Examples here are the black fabric on the stool, the dark wood mirror and iron table used against a very light back round of white marble and very pale walls.
2. The classic style of all elements and the contrasting use of contemporary or traditional pieces will transcend "trends" and help this bathroom keep it's style for many years. Examples here are the never "out" use of white marble, chrome plumbing fixtures, traditional moldings used in a very clean way, and white sink and tub. Even though the sink is very contemporary, it is also very simple and clean. This will help keep it current, unlike the typical vessel sinks that have been the trend through the early '00's.
3. Mann's attention to detail is really wonderful. She has lined up the height of the counter perfectly with the wainscot. She has also hung the mirror at the same height as the cabinet to the left of the sink. There is a very nice balance of positive and negative space on the sink wall. This attention creates a sense of harmony without one even realizing why.
4. Mann has also not tried to match every finish. She has used different metals and wood finishes to create a much more interesting space. I don't think one has to match everything...and much prefer the "unmatched" quality here. The faucet is chrome or polished nickel , as are the sconces. She has also introduced an antique brass metal on the stool and the cabinet hardware. And then there is the oil rubbed bronze or steel on the table. And there are two wood finishes as well: the cerused oak cabinets and the dark wood mirror frame. A much more interesting mix!
5. I like the cleanliness of no window treatment in a bath. It seems so much more soothing with Mann's use of obscure glass for window privacy, which she echoes in the milk glass in the wall cabinet.
6. Speaking of the wall cabinet..it is a very nice alternative to the typical medicine cabinet. The glass gives a feeling of more spaciousness, while hiding toiletries away neatly.
7. Mann's adds interesting accents like the stool, the crystal vase and other black accessories on the table next to the bath, and little perfume tray and the variegated plant, all a bit unusual and very nicely contrasted.
8. The light fixtures are very well done as well. The sconces are clean and classic: a modern take on a traditional form. The fixture above the bath is white and adds to the light neutral back round while adding needed texture.
9. Then there is always the white marble. It is always beautiful!

That is my take on the "why" this bathroom appeals so much. Kara Mann continues to turn out great design every time. Be sure to checkout the latest issue of Met Home to see the rest of the house. You will not be sorry! I would love to hear your thoughts!

valentine's day $35,000 Toilet?!?!?!

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"Dagobert" Wooden Throne by Herbeau. Constructed entirely of solid ash and decorated with hand painted Moustier Polychrome designs. The musical chime "Le Bon Roi Dagobert" begins playing as the lid is raised. MSRP: $14,123 plus shipping.

It seems there has been a bit of confusion about a $35,000 "commode" that found it's way into the office decor of one notorious Mr. John Thain, (ousted Merrill Lynch CEO) via the talents of recently announced White House decorator Michael S. Smith. For an excellent and comprehensive article about the scandal, visit Joni at Cote de Texas for her fascinating report.

Now, back to the now infamous "commode". Yes, a "commode" can be defined as a "toilet". And there are many toilets out there that come close to, and even far exceed the $35,000 price tag. And even though the "commode" in Mr. Thain's office is NOT a toilet, but instead a low chest of drawers, as illustrated in Joni's article, it is amusing to speculate as to what a $35,000 toilet might look like.

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The "Isis" toilet by Jemal Wright Bath Designs has been decked out with 50,000 Swarovski crystals and retails for about $75,000

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The "most expensive toilet in the world" this 24carat gold and be-jeweled toilet can be found in a Hong Kong jewelry store and has become quite a tourist attraction. Estimated to be worth $7.5 million.

Mr. Thain might be interested to know that, now that he might be looking for a job, he can still get his very own "throne" here.

valentine's day The Bathtub

The Bath. A time to relax and rejuvenate. There is nothing quite as soothing. It is small wonder that this time tested ritual has become a focus of beautiful design. I was reminded of how important a bathtub can be when enjoying the latest issue of Elle Decor and seeing this brilliant example of a "bathing room":

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Elle Decor, September 2008, Photo by Grey Crawford

What struck me about this space was not just the beautiful tub (Waterworks Candide tub), but the very beautiful and witty tub filler dreamed up by the home owners/designers Fisher Weisman. A stream of water flows down from a shell encrusted "chandelier" reminiscent of the unique creations of Tony Duquette. Question....just where does one turn it on? No matter...this is my idea of luxury.

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Another master of the bath is Axel Vervoordt. Bringing that European sensibility, he never fails to bring a certain sophistication and fresh simplicity to this kind of space. Here he has placed a nineteenth century zinc tub in a bedroom. Heaven.

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Another of my favorite bath spaces was created by Vicente Wolf. I think that combining different styles and periods will always make a space more interesting, and Mr. Wolf accomplishes this with great style. His Baccarat sconces and English eighteenth century mirror are the perfect foil for the blue glass walls and contemporary concrete tub.

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Another designer who never disappoints is Michael Smith. This example of his authentic style takes me to another time.... one where things were slower. And isn't that what one would want when trying to unwind in the tub? Look at the details: the basket of magazines, reading glasses on the stool, the fresh towels, slippers at the side of the tub. And of course Rover waiting patiently. Perfection. (All bath fittings and fixtures designed by Smith for Kohler).

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House and Garden, December 2000, Photo by Melanie Acevedo

This bathroom was created by Juan Pablo Molyneux for jewelry designer John Landrum Bryant. The bath here is adorned by Bryant's signature tiger heads on the tub face as well as the filler (Custom created by Bryant). The fantasy comes through, but in a way that is not overstated. Very "chic" I think!

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Veranda, January-February 2005, Photo by Hickey-Robertson

This bathroom has all of the elements necessary for a long relaxing soak. Designers, art dealers and home owners Cynthia Cage McClain and Robert McClain thought of everything: candles, reading material, a little wine, flowers. Mix these with such personal, beautiful art and photography, and one feels like this is really home.

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House and Garden, October 2005, Photo by Francois Halard

Milan based designer Roberto Peregalli created this amazing Master Bath for Claudio and Maria Luti of the famous family firm Kartell, most well known today for the production of the Philippe Starck Ghost Chair. I love the Robust-patterned marble flooring with the striped Venetian stucco walls. The dramatic Carrara marble tub surround contrasts so wonderfully with the Kartell Eros chair here.
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Veranda, September-October 2006, Photo by Alec Hemmer

This bathroom just says "California" to me. Designed by Napa Valley designer Barbara Colvin this space is beautifully done. I love the French Doors off the garden and the stone floors. The simple elegance and connection to the outdoors creates such a wonderful spa-like atmosphere.

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House Beautiful, July 2006, Photo by Karyn R. Millet

One of designers I am following lately is Ken Fulk. This California designer created such a pleasing space here using the Vintage Bath form Kohler, the owner's leaded glass pendant, and the Greek Key trimmed Roman Shade. Victorian side chair from Swallowtail. Very pretty!

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Southern Accents, September October 2008, Photo by Pieter Estersohn

I love this bath with it's Loius XIV mirror and antique Swedish chandelier. Designed by Amelia Handegan for a couple in Charleston, it has a very European flavor. The pale gray-blue and white palette with the pewter and gold metal colors seems to be something I am drawn to time and again.

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Southern Accents, July-August 2008, Photo by Roger Davies

Phoebe Howard decorated this beautiful bathroom for a vacation house in Ponte Verde Beach, Florida. A custom mosaic floor and hand-painted mural are what make this bathroom unique. So very pretty. The tub in this room seems to show up quite often in bathrooms that catch my eye. It's classic style works in so many places. Like in this all white bathroom:

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House Beautiful, November 2006. Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Sally Markham created this vision in white for a couple in Connecticut. White glass mosaic tile line the walls and the floor creating quite an ethereal effect. One could float away to dreamland here. The heart shaped chair becomes an exclamation point against this white palette. Lovely.

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House and Garden, July 2005, Photo by William Abranowicz

In contrast to the more traditional western aesthetic, this bathroom incorporates a decidedly Eastern influence. The architect William McDonough creates a sanctuary in the style of a Japanese country house. One could sit forever in this custom tub from Concrete Works looking out at the meadow of native grasses on South Carolina coastal island.

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House and Garden, July 2005, Photo by Jonn Coolidge

The Master Bath in this Spanish Colonial Revival home takes on the California Craftsman flavor through the artful use of custom tile by Ann Sacks. Designer Jarrett Hedborg created a wonderful, cozy bathtub alcove here. I love the arched window echoed on the interior with the tiled arch. Beautifully done!
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Elle Decor, July-August 2005, Photo by William Waldron

This is such a fun loving design for a bathroom by designer Robert Couturier. He combines glass tile and mosaic pebble floors with fresh and vibrant colors. This tub is is the Paris tub by Water Monopoly.
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Elle Decor, July 2003, Photo by Dominique Vorillon

Then we have the classic claw foot tub. There is a nostalgia about it that cannot be put aside. This beach house bathroom in Malibu designed by Kerry Joyce is brightened by the sunny yellow-painted tub. I love the mosaic floor with the label identifying it as the "boys" bathroom. The surfboard is a fun touch.

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Elle Decor, August-September 2003, Photo by Simon Upton

Another example of the classic claw foot provides quite a contrast to the way it is used above. This elegant New Orleans bathroom was designed by Ann Holden of the two Ann's of New Orleans: Holden and Dupuy. I love the New Orleans feeling here of the rustic painted wood plank floors paired with the silk drapery panels. The claw foot here was found at a salvage shop. The sink and fittings were original to the house. I love the photo reflecting the room through the antique mirror.

This is a round-up of some of my favorite tubs and the spaces they occupy. To get going with your own private sanctuary, you can start by looking at the Waterworks website. Many of the tubs can be found there. And for those on a budget, salvage shops are a great way to go. I hope this room, one of the most often used, can become a place for more than just the everyday chore of getting "ready". I hope it can become a place to relax and spend some down time.

valentine's day Lovely, Lovely Bathroom

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Browsing through the latest Martha Stewart Living, I happened upon this bathroom and said to myself, "if only..."! If only I had the space, I would put this table in the middle of my bathroom, with just that same glass footed bowl with that same magnolia flower. I would put that same bench at the end of that same tub. I would choose that same Waterworks floor tile and the same Waterworks tub fixtures.....if only I had the space.

Perfect and lovely.

Martha Stewart Living, Sept. 2007, Photo byWilliam Abranowicz