Interior Design Sense

As I promised earlier today, here is project #2 from Françoise Bollack Architects. The detail is incredible – I am smitten with the hardwood floors, the deep windows, the moldings, the kitchen…

“This project consists of the renovation of a four thousand square feet duplex in the Osborne Apartments, a New York City landmark located at 57th Street and 7th Avenue. The work includes combining two rooms to create a large kitchen, renovating all bathrooms and bedrooms. Sustainable “green” materials are used in several areas: cork for the kitchen floor, and IceStone counter tops (a green material made of recycled glass). New, properly counterweighted, double hung wood windows glazed with insulating, laminated glass will improve the performance of the exterior wall by controlling heat loss, heat gain and noise transmission. Our approach carefully knits the new with the old by using traditional materials installed with traditional methods and finishes specific to this particular building (an iridescent floor tile in the bathrooms for example).“

Jacuzzi doesn’t just do tubs; now you can enjoy a contemporary, coordinated full bathroom suite by the celebrated bathroom brand. The very interesting new Moove bathroom collection includes the company’s original claim to fame, a bathtub, non-jetted and ideal as a built-in in larger bathrooms; a basin sink, available in two designs; and a shower tray that, like the collection as a whole, is clean, simple and stylish. This modern, minimalist bathroom works with a pure white palette, and gains its main interest through unconventional shapes and silhouettes. We love the upward-swooping lip of the basin sinks. These designs are versatile and look elegant in a variety of decors like modern-minimalist, Zen and luxury spa-suite. Too see the full collection visit Jacuzzi.

If you dreamed of being Cinderella as a little girl then you’ll love these fairytale-like bathrooms by Etrusca. It’s what we like to call a dream bathroom, but unlike the fairytale these Italian bathroom designs have staying power! That’s not to say they’re neutral – each piece has its subtle nuances, some not so subtle. (Check out the silver-and-pink number – wow!) Each vanity has the same romantic, sculptural silhouette, complemented by gently arched legs. Make your statement by choosing your cabinet color, countertop and sink to set the style in your space. This collection takes you from traditional, to modern, to… whatever you want it to be. The knobs and pulls coordinate with a framed, wall-mounted mirror. Choose your hardware wisely – it can make a real difference in the look you achieve! For luxury, elegance or funky fun, the Cinderella bathrooms offer a style for every taste. Check it out at Etrusca.

Sometimes it’s our “imperfections” that make us worth knowing, and by the same token, these contemporary “cracked” tiles from Refin are worth a closer look. The Terraviva tile collection is an earthy yet contemporary design that adds a worthy focal point to any modern home. In bathrooms, living areas, office or in your front foyer, this unusual, large-scale tile is an instant attention-grabber. Designer Massimiliamo Adami plays with ceramic and its inherently smooth, contemporary aesthetic. This modern tile’s mark of distinction is the crack down the center, which according to Refin, signifies “the passing of time and the traces it leaves on its way.” Profound in look and in ideas, these tiles are available in a natural palette of colors and finishes, from light to dark, and matte to glossy. For more info go to Refin.

If you love wood so much that you’d be willing to fit your bathrooms with wooden sinks then you should know there’s a professional way of actually building those special wooden sinks. Or better said the guys at Ammonitum know how to make such wooden sinks and each sink has to go through a 12-week process of creation. The wood used in the Ammonitum sink will have to be shaped accordingly then glued, polished and varnished. But as soon as these steps are all completed you’ll end up with a beautiful, wooden sink that will make your neighbors and your friends jealous on your new bathroom design. And guess what? Ammonitum can make wooden bathtubs too, so why stop at ordering just wooden sinks?Via Ammonitum

Post from Ammonitum Wooden Sink Takes 12 Weeks to Complete But Is Totally Worth It

Can a house be so very different on the inside when the outside is a Italianate marzipan confection?  A wedding cake of a house all vanilla icing flourishes but what flavour is the inside? Seems that each layer is different. Love the kitchen. Can you imagine having that much space? Bright green doors, soaring ceilings. The bathrooms are interesting. A stylish take on the Moroccan riff but tell me truly why a bench beside the “throne”? And please someone dress the bed for the photo shoot! All said and done you’ll find me in the plunge pool with a glass of wine taking in the view. Today’s stalking house is here while the link lasts.

This request comes from Becky: “I need some help revamping my bathroom. Right now its a soft gray and I’m kind of tired of it, kind of blah. So I’m wondering if you have any inspiration for color in a bathroom? My bathroom is a medium size with a claw foot tub and white subway tile in the shower, dark stained vanity with Carrera Marble top, so a bit old fashioned however I am a lover of vintage modern so if you have any bathrooms that might meld the 2 styles I would be eternally grateful!” Now I have quite a few bathroom photos stashed away but to find some that were colourful, with traditional and vintage modern styles mized together etc etc was not bloody likely. So instead I decided to select some photos of colourful bathrooms that I think could work with Becky’s existing features (well, I think any colours would work) and I included a few with wallpaper because that could be really fun (not to install but to enjoy afterwards – LOL).

Ngoc Minh Ngo	Country Living
Lonny	Lonny
Elle Decor	Canadian House & Home
Sunset	Sunset
Sunset	oitoemponto
design*sponge	Decor Demon

This spectacular residence from Steve Hermann has it all: an enormous pool, large windows, incredible vistas and opulent, modern furniture. This is why we consider it to be a typical celebrity crib. Located in Nightingale Drive, Los Angeles, this home was sold in 2009 by American television producer and stand-up comedian Byron Allen for the sum of or $6,250,000. The residence has no less than four bedrooms and four bathrooms and the interior arrangements are truly majestic. Featuring very diverse and original wall designs, three different fireplaces and impressive contemporary decorating ideas, this house is as inspiring as it is glamorous. The pool is complemented with elegant seating items, perfect for resting and enjoying an amazing view. Even though at first it may seem like this place has all the clichés of a celebrity house, as the deep exploring begins, one may be surprised with its distinctive style.

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Except for closets, your bathrooms are the smallest rooms of your home that you occupy several times a day.  For it being the smallest room, unfortunately you have dozens of tasks to accomplish in the space and it still feels too small!  To make your bathroom feel larger and to maximize every square inch, here is a list of 20 ways to get the best use of space.  Best in this article refers to tips that are easy to accomplish and fun to do in the process.  See how your bathroom will soon become the most LOVED room to use in the house.

1.) Use a monochromatic color scheme in a small bathroom: Depending on the color you choose and how much natural light illuminates your space, one color can make your bathroom feel larger. Remember one color doesn’t mean you can’t use hues of one color. A bathroom with varying shades of one color will accomplish the same goal.  Soft, neutral tones are perfect for this eye fooling trick. If you are able to keep it clean, white will make your bathroom feel the largest!

2.) Choose smaller fixtures: Believe it or not they make all size sinks, toilets, bathtubs and shower/enclosures.  If space is inadequate in your small bathroom, consider replacing a few of your fixtures with smaller ones to gain more space to maneuver.  In a small half bathroom, instead of using a vanity sink with cabinet below, opt for a pedestal sink. They look gorgeous and take up half the space

3.) Adjustable lighting will create a multifunctional bathroom: When a space is limited to only one function it can feel smaller than it is.  For example if you only have one overhead light in the bathroom you will find only utilitarian tasks to occupy your time and then leave. Add a dimmer switch to that same lighting fixture and now you can get ready for work in the morning, and in the evening relax in the tub or shower.  Your small bathroom just got a lot larger!

4.) Use space above the doorway for storage: The next time you are in your bathroom observe how much vertical space in your bathroom isn’t being used.  Typically, the space above a doorway is vacant.  Especially, if you have higher ceilings than the minimum clearance you can install decorative storage shelves to house bath tub salts, scrubs etc… in a decorative basket. If you aren’t concerned about décor, use the shelf for storing extra toilet paper and cleaners to free up valuable storage area below the sink

5.) Use a glass enclosure at bathtub/shower area: Shower curtains can be used at your bathroom/shower but will separate your bathroom visually. Opt for a glass enclosure that creates a subtle and visual divider between your main area and your shower/tub.  For added privacy many glass enclosures can have a frosted pattern applied to them to give privacy and not get in the way of your illusion of space.

6.) Update your small bathroom with modern fixtures: Even though your bathroom is small it can still look like a bigger than life space.  Bathrooms have huge resale value when selling your home and updating your fixtures is a worthy investment.  If your bathroom feels small due to out-of-date and boring fixtures, opt for brushed chrome, bronze or copper fixtures. For a wow factor, consider vessel sinks placed on top of granite countertops. You will love to spend time in your small bathroom when it feels luxurious!

7.) Opt for larger floor tile in a small bathroom: When selecting floor tile, choose larger units and patterns that are subtle rather than busy.  Less breaking up of the floor lines equates to less visual chopping with your eyes.  Flooring should compliment your bathroom and by using small floor tile, you will detract from your goal of enlarging the space.

8.) Don’t forget the ceiling: Many bathrooms have gorgeous tray or vaulted ceilings that add volume and depth to a small bathroom.  If you are one of these fortunate people, add lighting above to bring emphasis to this architectural feature.  If your ceiling is low, you still have great color options.  Consider painting it a light complimentary color to the rest of the bathroom to bring the walls visually higher.  Are you talented with a painting a mural? A light blue background and subtle clouds will give the illusion that the sky is above… very serene when executed properly. There isn’t any bathroom that will feel small when the sky is open above them!

9.) Use mirrors to reflect light and add space: Vanity mirrors can take up the entire wall or hang in decorative frames to resemble artwork.  When using mirrors in bathrooms, consider the subject that will be reflected. Mirrors across from a window will reflect light and scenery, while a mirror across from a bathroom linen closet may not give you the impact you were looking for. Mirrors also come in etched versions to add visual interest.

10.) Maximize vertical space: If your bathroom offers you the luxury of adding vertical storage and display, then go for it! Your walls above 7 feet are usually wasted with empty area. This is a gold mine for storage of toiletries, and bathroom cleaners and sprays.  Consider having cabinetry built to extend up to the ceiling.  If you would prefer, decorations and splashes of color can also be added above mirrors and cabinetry.  Adding color at a vertical height will cause the eye to go up and therefore enlarge the bathroom space and feel.

11.) Install brighter lights to avoid dark areas: In some bathrooms the lighting is sufficient for looking in the mirror but other parts of the bathroom cast shadows.  To eliminate dark corners of your bathroom install brighter bulbs.  Consider switching to CFL light bulbs to save money on energy consumption and they emit a whiter, brighter light.

12.) Window treatments can add height: Bathrooms that have windows shouldn’t forget these important features when giving the illusion of space.  Windows not only allow natural light, but give the eye a place to wander outside of the small room.  To add height, consider adding valances or cornices that make the window feel dramatically adorned.  This illusion will draw the eye upward and away from the floor. Use coordinating colors to the palette of the bathroom, and stay away from heavy and dark materials which will give the eye an abrupt place to stop.

13.) Maximize floor space with minimal obstructions: In small bathrooms, scales, trash cans, and laundry hampers utilize valuable floor space that could be used for moving around your bathroom.  The key to this is housing these items in another location.  If your trashcan is small enough to fit next to the toilet this may solve your issue. While scales and laundry hampers may need to go in a bedroom or adjacent hallway closet.

14.) Change the swing of your door: If your current door swings into your bathroom consider flipping the door around so it swings out of the bathroom.  When doing this, ensure that the door is not swinging into a heavily trafficked hallway or space.  If you can, consider installing a pocket door that slides into the wall, and doesn’t require a door swing. Pocket doors are also visually appealing because they “hide” inside the wall!

15.) Use lighter wood color for cabinetry: If your bathroom has under counter cabinetry at the sink, consider using lighter woods as opposed to dark colored woods.  A light colored wood will allow for more light to reflect off of surfaces and will not make the eye stop abruptly at the dark cabinetry. If you are renovating, consider using a light colored sink to coordinate with the lighter wood.

16.) Use recessed accessories to free up moving around area: Consider using a recessed toilet paper holder, and create niches in the wall for holding towels, toiletries and display items. Niches in the wall will create visual interest and will help avoid objects protruding into valuable floor area. Use this same trick in showers and bathtubs to hold soap and bath accessories. If you’re renovating your bathroom, create niches in the shower wall and use tile inside the niches for a custom look.

17.) Use cabinetry with open storage: Storage under the sink is a plus and if it has open storage it can serve decorative purposes at the same time.  Open storage shelves allow towels, baskets and other decorative items to be stored without using up room in a closet.  If you decide on open storage for your bathroom be mindful of clutter and adding too many items on the shelves.

18.) Bring in natural light from above: Interior bathrooms don’t always have the opportunity to have a window in the wall.  Consider bringing in light with a skylight or a sun lighting tube. A sun lighting tube is installed from the roof down into your bathroom, and utilizes reflective material to bounce light down into the room.  You will be surprised how bright your bathroom looks when you add natural light from above.

19.) Use wall mirrors instead of big medicine cabinets: Bulky medicine cabinets visually make your small bathroom feel even smaller. Consider switching out the cabinet for a wall mirror.  If you prefer to stick with a medicine cabinet, opt for one that is low profile and doesn’t extend far outside of the wall.

20.) Use a minimum amount of accessories on the floor: Ensure floor space is kept clear and uncluttered. If you choose to use a rug, use 1 large one as opposed to several small ones.  The more separate pieces you have, the more the floor space is broken up visually.  One rug will unify the floor as one large whole and maximize your bathroom area.

Small bathrooms don’t have to be a hard challenge, in fact they can be one you embrace and love.  With these 20 tips for making your space feel larger, the cozy charm of your sanctuary can feel even better than a large bathroom. Try them out today and see if you fall in love with your small space all over again!

Freshome reader’s do you have a small bathroom that you have made feel bigger? Have any tricks that have worked for you? Share them and see if others have some tricks for you to try!

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The layout of your home is probably one of the most significant choices you will ever make regarding your home. Regardless if you live in an apartment, a condominium or a house, the layout of the rooms and how they flow will largely depend on your lifestyle.  Whether you prefer single story or multiple stories, and all the bedrooms on the top floor – choosing a perfect plan can be stressful.  Here are 5 tips to help you decide on a plan right for your family.

1.) Choose a floor plan that suits your lifestyle: In a previous post we discussed the pros and cons of having an open floor plan.  There are factors you should consider regardless of openness. Factors such as: layout of rooms with consideration of family size and ages of children is essential. Most families who have young children like to have the private spaces of the house – bedrooms and bathrooms grouped in one area of the home.  While families with teenagers and young adults prefer to have bedrooms separated from each other.  If you’re house hunting, these factors will be important when choosing a home to move into. Assess your current floor plan and what the pros and cons are.  You may like it, or would prefer to try a different one.

2.) Do you entertain often or rarely? Many home floor plans are centered on entertaining and welcoming guests the minute they step through the front door. A wide foyer opening into an open floor plan living and dining room and meandering to the outdoors would be perfect for guests visiting. Although, if you and your family are more private and don’t like your full home on display every time the front door is opened, you may opt for a formal living room adjacent to the front door. This will allow guests a place to immediately sit and feel comfortable while leaving the rest of your house private.

3.)    Single story or multistory? Many families enjoy single story homes for the quietness of no overhead foot traffic noise.  Some single story homes, or ‘Ranch’ style homes tend to group public rooms in the center and bedrooms and baths are located on the “wings” of the floor plan.  Multistory homes give the added benefit of views to the outside instead of looking directly into a neighbor’s window. Multistory homes also give each family member their own space and room to have privacy over single story floor plans.

4.)    Do certain functions of your home need special accessibility? Whether you have a live-in family member that needs extra space to maneuver or children who need extra wide hallways to run around, consider this factor when choosing a floor plan.  Older homes tend to have narrower hallways, doorways and often door head heights. Remember renovating or altering non load bearing wall locations in the future is an option.  Consider this if you fall in love with a floor plan but your family needs change over the years.

5.)    How much outdoor living do you wish to have? Your floor plan will most likely include an outdoor leisure area. Whether that is a porch, lanai, swimming pool or other amenities.  When choosing a floor plan, assess how much your family will use these outdoor leisure amenities. Similar to a large yard, it looks beautiful when you keep up with it, but can look terrible if you don’t.  Ensure you want the added responsibility of keeping up with the outdoor plan AND the indoors at the same time.

Deciding on a floor plan can be fun and frustrating at the same time.  Assess your family’s lifestyle and your preferences to how you enjoy living.  With patience your dream home floor plan will be easier to find than you think!

Freshome reader’s how did you choose the floor plan of your current home? Do you like it, or would you change it? Share with us your thoughts.

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