Beauty and the Bath

Call me a bath girl.... always have been... always will be. Beautifully designed with the latest in tiles and fixtures... Soaking or jetted tubs. I've not seen a tub I can't appreciate. A beautiful bathroom is a place to experience quiet time, pamper yourself, unwind and rejuvenate. I do my best thinking in the tub. Here are some of my favorites from my style files. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do...Which is your favorite?

For the glamour girl... this is the bathroom for you. This is where I'd love to spend my bath time every night. Glass cabinets and vanity hint of old Hollywood glamour.

OK... I'm not a fan of the quickie shower but this contemporary beauty speaks for itself.

Elegance and old world charm make this bathroom a great escape.... it's rather First Ladyish to me.

Who can resist the fun in this copper soaking tub.... great use of materials to add the WOW factor.... candle light and a glass of Merlot always help one relax after a hectic week.

Slate tiles, river rock mat and warm wood counters add an organic feel that embraces nature.

This is a sophisticated and classic design by Michael S. Smith. As designer of the White House residence I wonder what he's done with the First Lady's bath.

The White House staff guest quarters bathroom received this 1952 renovation.

Dura Lee Collections

Dura Lee Fabrics is one of my favorite fabric vendors and I was so excited to receive the latest fabric sample books at my front door last week. I couldn't wait to break open the box. I caught myself oohing and awing as I flipped through the samples. These fabrics are beautiful... The patters are amazing and I can't wait to use them. The colors are vibrant, fresh, lovely...I'm imaging drapes, roman shades and covered benches.... The paint colors I want to use with these fabrics are innumerable... Hope to have a new project soon so I can post shots using them....
If you have an upcoming project and want a quote go to: Red River Fabrics... All fabrics are discounted.

The Thomas Paul Prints Collection
Book 2542

This collection is perfect for summer the fabric content is linen, cotton or a blend. We can fabricate beautiful window treatments for you in the collections featured... We discount all fabrics.

Thomas Paul Prints - Blue
Pattern 2542

Thomas Paul Prints - Turquoise
Pattern 20873

Thomas Paul Prints - Chocolate
Pattern 20877

Thomas Paul Prints -Berry
Pattern 20872

Bryant Prints Collection
Book 2672

Bryant Prints Collection - Cobalt
Pattern 42013

Bryant Prints Collection - Camel
Pattern 42025

Bryant Prints Collection - Camel
Pattern 42026

Seville - Ottoman
Cover a bench or ottoman

Garden Inspiration, Garden Design

Gardens make me happy. I can't remember ever being in a garden I didn't love...their inspirational.... full of life. I love bees, butterflies and humming birds in the garden. At least one of these elements is essential to garden perfection. Don't you love garden inspired design for summer decor... especially in the kitchen? Below are a few unique gardens and garden inspired elements to add to your summer decorating.

NY city rooftop garden...no need to leave the city up here

French doors lead to the rooftop garden...lovely

Cottage gardens are perfect in the country

Garden inspired linen napkins... Charlotte Moss

A painted garden wall blooms year round.

Japanese garden inspired wallpaper

Duralee sheer fabric will make a fantastic window treatment

Cisco is a Friend of Mine

I'm a big fan of Los Angeles furniture maker Cisco Pinedo. He started as a high school student reupholstering furniture after school and is now known throughout the country as a leader in the environmentally conscious furniture movement. Cisco Brothers pieces are well designed, well made, beautiful and sustainable. His style as well as furniture materials are mostly organic. I can't wait to get my hands on the Catalina chaise in a pre-washed cotton/linen blend for my bedroom. Most of the furniture designs in the family run business headed by Pinedo reflect his organic minimalist nature. The family house reflects a tranquil harmonious appeal that seems to block out the business of southern California and has it's roots in the sunny aesthetic...it doesn't disappoint.


Catalina Chaise

Art Dining Chair

Images:LA Times

Pinedo Family

Romantic Window

I absolutely love window treatments. Especially those created by my friend Mary at The Drapery Shop. This sheer was fabricated by Mary. Adding the glass beads made all the difference in the world. Because the client needed privacy the blinds had to stay. By adding the white sheer the blinds are softened and the sheer becomes the dominate feature at the window.

In the Bedroom

There are spaces that offer little architectural detail. But I subscribe to the thought there is no problem a little fabric and lots of color can't solve. The empty bedroom below was nothing special. It's located in a stately Washington, DC mid-rise building near the National Cathedral. The occupant has a flair for color and a strong sense of style. Sheer fabric was used to drape the adjoining walls behind the bed. Bead fringe swags topped it off... now, that's special.

(click image to enlarge)

Plum and chartreuse pillows....loving it!

A large bedroom window was draped in the same sheer style as behind the bed.

If you have a piece you absolutely love don't get rid of it just because it gets a little torn or tattered.... have it reupholstered in a striking color or pattern.

Pretty in plum

Obama Style

President Obama and Michelle Obama have made a most unprecedented decorating decision to date. They've decided to pay for the decorating of the White House private residence and the Oval Office themselves! They'll forego the $100,000 budget of public funds set aside to redecorate their quarters. Nor are they accepting gifts for the project either.
When Mr. Obama promised change...he really meant it. At a time when everyday Americans are loosing jobs and homes at an accelerated rate they're sending a much appreciated message.
I just hope those who have responsibility for corporate treasuries, pension funds, and boards of directors get it... It's a new day. Greed and self indulgence are out. Integrity and prudence are in. The pendulum had swung too far and now it's correcting itself. I've always believed good leadership leads by example, it seeks to elevate... and in our new first family the example on how leadership should respond toward the public trust is more than a breath of fresh air... in spite of the economy and the slow down in my decorating business... I'm breathing a little better.