Dreamy Bathroom!

I wasn’t surprised when Architect and Design firm Alisberg Parker won an award for this wonderful bathroom.

The Greenwich Connecticut firm is not only exceptionally talented in creating and renovating spaces but also in decorating those spaces with the just the right materials. The effect, as you can see above, is stunning! I love how the large marble floor tile is off set by the small brick subway tiles behind the vanity. To the right is a gorgeous free standing tub and to the left a walk in shower.

Here is a closer view of the tub. It is beautifully set in a cathedral peak with lovely windows to capture the view. The lighting choice is sublime. Overhead lights would have cast a harsh glow and I think chandeliers in the bath are just getting too overdone. Here they selected wall mounted arm lamps for soft and romantic lighting - a very interesting choice which I just love!!

The walk in shower also has interesting lighting which echo's the angles and lines of the shower. Alisberg Parker did a wonderful job of incorporating the angles and eaves of the house into the shower’s design.

Here is a better view of the shower – Isn’t it a fabulous space?! Plenty of room for two!

A classic marble vanity and nickel fixtures complete the perfect bathroom. This is one to keep for your inspiration files! Excellent design – outstandingly executed! To see more of their beautiful projects click HERE.

(All content copyrighted and property of Willow Décor – All Photos by Eric Laignel property of Alisberg Parker not to be copied without permission)

Mediterranean Bath Oasis

I wanted to share with you this beautiful bathroom I recently came across by architectural firm Myers Design Inc. and wonderful designer, Letitia Holloway. I love the old world feel with the furniture like vanities, arched windows and beamed ceilings. Notice the sunken round tub and chandelier - what a luxury!

The curved shower is just stunning. I adore curved walls - they are usually expensive to create but they are always beautiful. It really evokes an European spa like feeling.

The limestone flooring and tiles really are beautiful. Also notice that the cabinetry is more furniture like rather than built in - this also adds to the room like/spa feeling of the space. The rest of the house is equally stunning. You can see more of it HERE. You can also see more of the talented Letitia Holloway's work HERE.

Decorating with Giant Clam Shells

(Julia Cumes for the Boston Globe)

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Sanibel Island in Florida. Like so many visitors to Sanibel our family got bitten by the "Shell Collecting" bug and we spent much of our time roaming the beautiful beaches hunting for shells. I am a big fan of using natural materials in decorating, especially shells, and one of my favorites items is the giant clam shell.

When I returned home I looked through my files and found that over the years I had several images of the giant clam shell. I wanted to share with you a few of my favorites. The photo above is vignette from the John Derian's summer home on Cape Cod. I love the unexpected texture the shell brings to this simple, rustic antique table.

(designingdna)

Perhaps the most obvious way to use a giant clam shell is on a table top. It lends itself well as a vessel for planting or housing a collection of fruit or decorative balls. I really love the example above. I find the contrast of the soft, willowy arrangement very striking against the rough coarseness of the exterior of the shell.

(Elle Decor)

Above is lovely living room of Ali Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos. You can see the giant clam shell in the fireplace.

(Elle Decor)

Here the shot is restyled and you can see a better view of the shell. I especially like the bold color of the back of the bookcases. It provides a wonderful contrast for the other shells which are displayed.

(coastal style living)

These next two bathrooms are designed by Barry Dixon and they are fabulous of examples of using the giant clam shell in the bath. The glass shower creates almost a terrarium like display for the shell and provides a fabulous natural element.

(coastal style living)

Barry Dixon again uses a giant clam shell and fills it with natural sea sponges. I love how the placement of the shell softens the lines of the tub. The chandelier and screen are also beautiful additions.

(Jupiter Granite)

I love to see the shells used in more unique ways like the sink above. I adore this!! Someday I hope to add a bathroom at the beach house with a giant clam shell as a sink. This particular one was beautifully executed.

(House Beautiful)

Here is a more opulent example of using a giant clam shell as a sink. This bathroom, with it's mother of pearl tiles, is located in Southampton, NY. You can read more about this amazing home here.

Finally here is wonderful vignette located on the back wall of the pool house of Antiquarian, Michael Trapp, via Joni at Cote de Texas. The giant shell adds a wonderful burst of white against the spectacular stone walls. This home is really extraordinary. You can read more about it here.

Our Sanibel vacation inspired me add more shells to our beach home decor. We came home with a suitcase filled with our beautiful finds. I am anxious to get them sorted and displayed. More to come!! Hope you all are enjoying the summer!!!

Beautiful Baths, Creative Storage

Almost every one needs more storage in their bathroom. Perhaps we all need to get a bit more organized, but if you are clutter challenged like me, I wanted to show you some wonderful baths by designer, Molly Frey. You may remember a previous post on a fabulous coastal house by Molly here.

I love the bath above. Let's take a look at some of the elements that make this bath fantastic. First, the overall design with the sink sitting upon an open turquoise glass tiled cabinet - a perfect spot for storing extra towels. The wall mirror is framed out with sconces adding the perfect lighting.

A capiz shell chandelier adds a bit of whimsy to the space. I imagine the french doors lead you outdoors to a secluded hot tub - wishful thinking? I also love symmetry and this bath is a great example.

Of course Molly's marble baths are what generally catch my eye. Here is lovely example that was published in Traditional Home Magazine. The middle cabinet is open - again a nice spot for baskets or extra towel storage. Notice that the cabinets have "feet" to give the sink base the illusion of free standing furniture. I also love the sconce in this bath.

The tub is tucked under the eaves of the home in front of a gorgeous window and next to it we see another area for storage.

Here is a more streamlined, contemporary feeling bath. Two small boxes topped with limestone add the additional storage here. By not putting small doors on these, the look stays very open and contemporary - Interesting!

A more traditional design also shows you some ways to increase storage. Here the cabinets flanking the pedestal sinks sit directly on the counters. Unlike a kitchen, counter space in the bath can be more narrow to support your toiletries. The small ledge behind the sinks also add a space for lotions and creams.
Here we see a shallow medicine cabinet with mirrored doors built into the design. Not only is this cabinet functional, it becomes a wonderful focal point. This bath also has "feet" on the cabinet base.
The final bath has this cute little cabinet on the left side. A great spot for a razor and shaving cream - or perhaps it hides electric outlets and a blow dryer.

Above are several ideas to add a bit storage to your bath. To check out more of Molly Frey's work click here to her website or here to her blog!

(all photos property of Molly Frey)

More of the Maine Beach Cottage

I wanted to share with you more of the photos Jamie Salomon of Salomon Photography, sent to me of Interior Designer, Francine O'Donnell's wonderful Beach House in Maine. Of course the blue ceilings in some of the rooms really caught my eye, but it's the whimsical, vintage decor that kept me wanting to see more.

From dining room above you can see the kitchen (and the beautiful blue ceiling) through the doorway. Notice the fabulous door moulding.

I like the use of the garden table with marble top and a mix of two different chairs. The addition of old chippy garden urns and the crystal chandelier adds to the warm, relaxed feeling.

Here you see a better photo of the table. Adding a thin stone piece on the radiator creates an instant shelf and display area for the owner's garden urns. Painted antique desk continues to enhance the cottage feel.
What an incredible eye O'Donnell has! She truly has a gift for combining vintage objects into beautiful vignettes.

Here is a closer look. Urns, statues, marble, painted tables, iron furniture, distressed mirror!! Fabulous!!

An old stove becomes a table for two antique garden chairs!! So many great ideas!!

Here is a great shot of the dining room looking in from the living room and beyond into the kitchen.

Gray walls continue from the dining room into the living room and provide a great backdrop for the interesting artwork. Clever mix of florals and painted antiques continue the cottage vibe.

Another view shows more vintage mirrors and books.

Another stone piece creates a radiator shelf.
Garden statue brings additional whimsy to this room.

The bedroom has a gorgeous antique iron bed.

Again we see a garden table base topped with stone - I love the artwork.

One of my favorites is this whimsical ampersand "framed" with two vintage frames. So creative!!

Finally the bath with industrial cart holding bath products and towels. Above vintage hand mirror becomes an art piece on the wall!

Francine O'Donnell's Maine Beach cottage is filled with great ideas for bringing a more whimsical flair to your decor!! Thank you Francine and Jamie for sharing this great home with us!