Dare To Be Domestic

I Should Charge To Use My Bathroom: Bringing The Spa Home

There are three types of bathrooms in the world:  The one where you lavish in its beauty, the one where you consider squatting because you really have to go, and the one where you would rather ruin your favorite pair of jeans before even taking a breath to peak at what’s inside.  What kind of bathroom do you have?

A while back I wanted to transform my bathroom into a more spa-like environment.  Now it’s one of my favorite rooms. 

Often we forget that our bathrooms are rooms too and can evoke pleasure.  They too deserve a little jazzing up, and I’m not talking about investing thousands of dollars.  I am talking about punching up the simple things like functionality, accessories and ambiance.

Here are some helpful ways to spa up your bathroom:

Display

Have everything you need in eyeline view.  Take your towels and put them on display.  Invest in some type of storage solution that allows you to have all your beautiful linens on display.  A basket, a little shelf, or even a magazine holder is an option.  The key is to make your towels seem more inviting and to actually use the towels you have on display – pamper yourself and enjoy the things you own.  Having display towels is not every spa-like. 

 

Lighting

Dingy lighting can be a downer in a bathroom.  Try a new light bulb that casts more white light as opposed to yellow.  You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new space.  Candles can also add to the spa feeling, but only if you use them.  There is nothing I dislike more than an unlit candle.  Don’t be afraid to light a few tea lights on a Tuesday night.  In fact, make every night your spa night.

Presentation

Store your everyday products in secondary containers.  Example:  I buy large, Costo-size mouthwash, but I don’t want an ugly generic bottle sitting out on my counter.  So I purchased some colorful blue glass bottles designed to store products and transferred my mouthwash to that container.  (Be sure to label.)  You can do the same with lotions and perfumes.  Small shelves are another easy way to put all your amazing bath products on display.  Get them off the counter and on the wall.

Color

Use earth tones.  Your bathroom is an extension of the earth and all its elements.  If you want to truly relax, change up the colors of your accessories to more earth-friendly tones:  browns, greys, light blue, and sea green are good options.

Scent

Change your bathroom cleaner often to keep you interested.  I don’t know about you, but when I use the same cleaning product for a long time the smell starts to take a turn for the worst.  Change up your scents and keep it fresh.

Other tips for that spa feeling:

• No cleaning products on display
• Clean and empty counter tops
• Have ample supplies in easy to find places
• Display magazines and books for your entertainment
• Keep a robe and slippers on hand
• If budget permits switch to white linens 
• If space permits, cover a chair in a large terry cloth towel
• Use some type of music player. 
• Make a bathroom playlist with classical or jazz music

So love your bathroom and it will love you back.  Here are some pics of bathrooms I can’t get enough of.  I Dare You To Be Domestic!

Get The Look: A Little Yellow Goes A Long Way

I ran across this room while searching for what to feature on today’s Get The Look.  I was immediately attracted to its most unusual color pallet of bright yellow, white, charcoal and black accents.  Upon closer inspection, I learned it was a room intended for children, designed by Zalf – kinda like an Italian version of IKEA.  Then it hit me.  What if I took this room as inspiration for a bathroom?  How would that look? 

What makes this kids room so inspiring is its use of accessories and objects to add color to a very sterile space—exactly the techniques you would apply when decorating a bathroom.  The key elements are the bright yellow focal points in the shelving and cabinetry, the charcoal grey rug, and the lacquered accessories.  If you look really close you will notice the vintage print in the background too.  Oh yeah, we can’t forget the off-white closet color that adds a level of distinction.

The result is modern, hip and daring.  I think it can carry over to any whitewashed bathroom or even kitchen.

1. Z Gallery | Couture December 1964 
2. Target | Contemporary 6-pc. Towel Set – Yellow
3. Method | Hand Wash Ginger Yuzu Soap
4. Bed Bath and Beyond | District Lacquer Black Bath Ensemble by Croscill
5. Crate And Barrel | Olivine Combed Cotton Bath Towel
6. IKEA | SAXÅN Shower curtain
7. IKEA | TROLLSTA, Sideboard
8. Valspar Paint | Colors: Warm Raffia & Grecian Helmet
9. Target | Thomas O'Brien® Bath Rugs - Rich Charcoal 

Here are some other taxi cab-inspired looks from Top Design judge Kelly Wearstler.

Now it's your turn.  I Dare You To Be Domestic.

Get The Look: Hollywood Loft Living For All

images from: LA Times
Photographer Anne Cusack

Actress Ivana Milicevic showed off her Hollywood loft last week in the Home & Garden section of the LA Times. Her Hollywood loft's interior was done by designers, Kelly Cole and Rob Montalbano. I was immediately attracted to her home because of her use of vintage finds and its unique approach to mix and matching. It’s funky, feminine yet masculine, with bursts of fiery color against white. You too can get the look for less.

1. Cb2.com | Hancock Bookcase | $199.00

2. IKEA.com | Solsta Pällbo Footstool | $19.99

3. Target.com | Table Lamp - Satin Nickel (29") | $97.74

4. Urbanoutfitters.com | De La Tour Side Table | $150.00

5. Crate and Barrel.com | Lava Vases (Exclusive) | $14.95 - $19.95

6. Homedecorators.com | Spinnaker Wall Art | $349.00

7. IKEA.com | Stockholm Coffee table (black) | $179.00

8. Westelm.com | Sheepskin rug, 4'x6' (natural) | $249.00

I Dare You To Be Domestic!

The Excitements On The Wall: Get That Look!

Here’s a fun solution to get rid of your boring white wall space. West Elm has a great line of art inserts and frames guaranteed to spice up your walls. But why buy when you can create? I Dare You to “Get That Look” by creating your very own art inserts. With a few frames and some interesting paper, create your own wall art that will be eclectic and attention getting. Check local art stores for interesting and elegant papers. Old wrapping papers with shine work really well. Cut images from your favorite magazines to add a little funk. Frame each piece separately and arrange on your wall.

It’s important to keep your frames’ style unified, but your prints should make a statement!

TIP: Arrange the layout of the frames on your floor first to avoid putting erroneous holes in your walls.

TIP: If you find an image you must have but it’s too small, stop by your local printer and get it blown up. If you live in the Los Angeles area, I highly recommend Charlie Chan Printing. They provide professional results with even better rates. I recently went to get a poster, I designed for a friend, printed and unexpectedly got to meet Mr. Chan himself. He gave me a tour of their amazingly clean and modern Sunset Blvd. headquarters. Talk about customer service. And yes they do walk-ins. A great alternative from those generic mega shipping and copy centers. I'm all about supporting the locals!

Have Fun!

Wardrobe Remix: Get That Abercrombie Look!

You'd be surprised what a little imagination and a cheese grater can do to an old pair of jeans...

Get That Hotel Look!

Where do you get your design inspiration from? A magazine, a store display, your friend’s place? How about your favorite hotel? I mean, come on, what’s more exciting than staying in a swank hotel? The clean lines, the crisp linens, the pristine porcelain. Oooh, just the thought gives me chills! Think back to your last stay at a nice hotel. Wouldn’t it be nice to bring a little of its style back home with you?

Recently one of my best friends, and DTBD creative, checked herself in at the W Westwood (UCLA’s neighborhood) to celebrate her 30th birthday. Interior design guru Thom Filicia, best known for his work on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, designed this W’s interior. It features a mid-century retro thrifty pallet – so fun! I loved the feel so much, I decided to do a makeover on my small apartment and found some great pieces at local retail stores to get Thom’s same high end look for cheap.

The good thing about this look is that it’s easy to achieve since it’s all accessory driven against a neutral backdrop. The walls, furniture, and window treatment are simple tones of tan and brown, followed by a mecca of cool art images and easy-to-find accessories.

To achieve this look:

1. Buy a lamp – A retro lamp works best. Or, save money and just change out the shade on your current lamp in your favorite jewel tone color. Don’t be scared! Think of it as an art piece. Pictured: Teal Drum Lamp, Pier 1 Imports, $50.00.

2. Choose gallery-style frames in different styles and colors.
Check out: Gallery Frames, West Elm, $12.00 each.

3. Select rustic yet modern vases in black tones.
Check out: CB2 Adagio vases, $8.95 - $24.95. I’ve also seen really similar ones at discount stores like ROSS.

4. Add a bright bohemian or floral print pillow.
I like Urban Outfitters Fresh Appliqué Pillows, $36.00.

5. Introduce a neutral wall color or textured wallpaper.
Textured Wallpaper from americanblinds.com is great!

Do you like this look? What’s your favorite hotel look? Let all of us know, please!