Creating Your Own At-Home Spa Experience

            One steady request from clients is to transform their existing master bathroom into their own tranquil, spa-like experience.  And it seems all across the board we can pinpoint a noticeable trend in bathroom renovation and remodel tending toward spa luxury at home.  There has been huge interest in creating wet room style showers featuring gorgeous tile mosaics that create a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere.  Tub trends have also changed, veering toward freestanding tubs that create an exciting structural element and focal point within your retreat.

            And let’s not forget about all the bells and whistles that scream luxury, from oil rubbed bronze fixtures and hardware to radiant tile that keep your feet warm in the middle of the night, there are so many additions to create your own perfect retreat.  Here are a few of our favorite picks today to get you thinking about the possibilities for your own spa retreat at home.

Avenue B Development

Susan Fredman

International Custom Designs

Beckwith Interiors

Kathryne Designs 

            I have had so much fun remodeling and renovating clients’ bathrooms into their own idyllic and peaceful at home spa experience.  They truly provide tranquility at the beginning or end of your daily routine or those luxurious moments stolen away from the kids!   I hope this inspires you to start imagining your own bathroom renovation or remodel.  

Have a great day,

2014 Emmy Awards

            We all look forward to seeing the gorgeous gowns every time an awards show rolls around, and this years’ Emmy Awards did not disappoint!  I had to have my morning cup of coffee looking back over each red carpet look. I felt so inspired by the texture, colors, and details, I wanted to share some of my favorite styles and their interior inspiration.

ACHROMATIC

Miles Redd

BaoBab Interiors

Atmosphere Interior Design

Nothing says sophistication and classic elegance like some of the gorgeous black and white gowns from last night.  Achromatic interiors create a crisp, sleek contemporary space or a more traditional or rustic look.  So many possibilities!

CORAL SURPRISE

 Jeannie Balsam

 Suzanne Price Design

          Warren Barnett Interiors

       Flashes of coral were everywhere on the red carpet!  I so enjoyed the fun flair it gave to many of the dresses as well as its interior possibilities. The versatility of coral always draws me in, from a fun and vivacious accent color to a deeper, peachy manifestation so lovely in traditional spaces. 

            One of my favorite parts of being a designer is the infinite amount of inspiration to be had.  I hope you were just as delighted and inspired today!

Have a great day,

Magic Carpet Ride

Morocco is certainly the place to take a magic carpet ride!

Handmade carpets by the Berber tribes of Morocco are both unique and beautiful. No two rugs are alike and an authentic Moroccan rug contains one of a kind details.  They are timeless and a true investment.

I was lucky enough to be invited into a Berber home and meet the women who weave.  It was a fascinating experience, sharing their traditional mint tea and learning the process involved in the weaving and the significance of the designs.

I tried my hand at carding, preparing the wool for spinning. It's actually a lot harder than it looks.

These Berber ladies weave the traditional  Glaoui rugs.

The Beni Ouarain rug is an organic hand woven "live" wool, meaning the wool used is sheered from live sheep.

It was such an exciting and inspiring experience to see just how these incredible pieces of art are made!  I am looking forward to planning my next trip to explore the souks (marketplaces) and more traditional Berber rugs.

Have a great day, 

Guest Post: Elemento Design

            Today I had the pleasure of perusing Elemento, located in historic Jaffa, Israel.  Elemento is a bespoke design shop, creating one-of-a-kind pieces from the inspired founder and lead designer, Yossy Greenberg.  His pieces have a distinct retro feel and his use of color, patter, and shape is bold and exciting.  I was delighted to learn that each of his unique designs are inspired by his surroundings, specifically the beautiful albeit unrelenting desert sun here.   Here are a few views of the showroom:

            It was so much fun to explore a new perspective today, especially the fun pieces I found at Elemento.  Each unique design felt so cozy and inviting, I certainly want one of everything!  And who wouldn't enjoy shopping with this backdrop:

Guest Post: The Israel Museum

            My latest adventure has taken me to the Israel Museum located in Jerusalem.  The museum boasts an expansive collection ranging from ancient artifacts to modern art classics.  The grounds also have an extensive sculpture garden with a breathtaking view of the city.   Here are just a few snaps I was lucky enough to get:

1:50 scale model of Jerusalem in 66 CE

The ancient emblem of the city of Jerusalem in the time of the biblical King David

Ancient Egyptian statues

Stunning Arabic façade

Modern sculpture in the Sculpture Garden

            Stay tuned for next week’s posts as I explore some of the famed antique markets and design shops.  I hope you are enjoying a small taste of the Middle East!