ArchivesMay, 2012

I have a client doing a couple of bath renovations, and she is keeping the old cast iron tubs (good choice) and having them re-glazed. Her hope is to have the bathrooms feel vintage still, but fresh and updated. The floors will most likely be in marble mosaics, in different patterns perhaps with accents of a color interspersed, but nothing out of the box– timeless and classic. Think herringbone, penny tiles, basket weaves.

Walls will either be wallpapered or partially tiled and papered in quiet marble subway tiles or good quality ceramic subway tiles. Again, very very simple. The only way, except wallpaper and lighting, to inject any whimsey into these baths is to play with the vanities, which play, we plan to do. The main question is what to use for vanities? Do we find vintage case pieces like the ones below and retrofit them or build them from scratch? I think we need to explore both options and see which looks more original and has the best price value.

If this is the look you want, the is is better to build it or buy it? It’s not that tough to retrofit a cabinet or dresser into a vanity, assuming you have a good carpenter, furniture refinisher and plumber. Especially if you get a good deal.

Of course, you lose the top portion of storage, but you get a one of a kind vintage vanity. If that doesn’t work, and you have access to a great cannot maker, copy it and make a new version. Or, show your builders picture of a piece of furniture you like and translate it into a vanity. Your bath storage does not have to be cookie cutter; it is just as easy to build something fabulous as it is to build something run-of-the-mill, so seize the opportunity to do something original. Why not? It will be interesting to see how we fare– which option she chooses. I will let you know!

1. Pinterest 2. C. Bell 3. Circa Who 4. Williams Sonoma 5. Kohler 6. Rohl 7. Furniture Guild 8. Furniture Guild 9. Furniture Guild 10. Furniture Guild

I don’t know why I am telling you this secret trade source I have, other than I would love to help my friend Ginger (the owner) out and give her a much deserved plug! For a while, her shop has been an amazing source for all sorts of things, from name brand lines to one of a kind elm and Asian rustic case pieces. However, for me, the best thing about Oasis is the unbelievable customer service and attention they place on each and every order, no matter the size. These are good people.

If you are lucky enough to be able to visit her and her adorable husband in Jacksonville, FL, please hop over and tell her I said “hi”. Or, if you are a designer, shop online, as I do. You are SURE to find something you want. Dial her up and and ka-ching– it’s yours. She ships anywhere in the US. Here is what I am obsessing over lately:

I would use this as a media unit or even in a dining room with lamps on top. I love the patina and crustiness:

You can never go wrong with an Altar table. Short on depth but long on style:

Lacquer these babies if you wish, although I like them just as they are– or stick a vessel sink inside for a great powder room vanity:

I would love to do a home in all Verellen upholstery:

Stool? More like a chair with long legs. Love it:

Ginger’s real love is rugs: She has a huge collection, -tons more than she shows on the site:

Okay, I will admit it, I was not a big fan of One King’s lane from the start. But, I suppose many designers were not end users, that was actually the point: to bring trade product to the masses. And that they have done and very well, I must say. I still believe that the psychology of these Flash Sales has more to do with their success than the quality of their merchandise, but that’s a whole other debate.

From here on, I will keep my rantings to myself, but I will tell you that recently they have added a new “Vintage Finds” section that has really piqued my interest. Sort of a mini online flea market, there are some compelling goods, and I must admit I have been checking it out regularly. No triggers pulled yet, but I am watching… What used to be a repository for seconds, outlet-style “designer” goods, sort of the TJ Maxx of Home Furnishings, then grew into a celebrity branded Tag Sale shop– and now it’s got a consignment/flea market arm. Almost a mini 1st Dibs, but MUCH less overwhelming and more accessible. Now, we’re talking. Here are my picks*…

*Caution: buying things online can cause a condition known as “monitor goggles”– what you get is usually quite different from the picture you see on the screen, so check the return policy carefully before getting over excited.

Sometimes, my kind of maximalism in terms of color and pattern is not what is called for. Not everyone loves the idea of a lot happening in their surroundings. Sometimes, a simple solid palette with a punch is both exciting, calming and streamlined. This is not as easy as it appears to achieve. It can be a challenge to know where to add and where to hold back. Restraint in design is one of the more difficult principles.

Any way, this sort of streamlining can be good… But only if you are a minimalist. If you hate the idea of pattern. If you like rustic, interesting, shapely things that will give your interior some modicum of visual interest. This can be in the form of a texture, a simple pop of one solid color, an architectural element that is outstanding, like amazing floors or moulding. Whatever it is, if this is you, simple = happy.

What more do you need with those brick walls?

Texture, wood, zinc and glass; it’s all accounted for:

Here the pop of black in the huge mirror breaks up the cream; ever slightly hotel-esque, but win a wonderful way…

Absolutely no color, but a compelling visual:

Perfection:

No colors here, but that run of cabinetry with the square millwork and the soft gray backsplash makes up for it in visual interest

Sometimes, you need ducks in a row, and here they are:

1. Pinterest 2. Atlanta Brower 3. Pinterest 4. Emily Folowill 5. Pinterest 6. Houzz 7. Traditional Home