Finding holiday refuge - perfectly peaceful bathrooms

I really do enjoy getting to see most of my relatives over the holidays, especially my three sister, as we're spread over the east coast. However, ever since I was a child, a room or house full of people can start to leave me feeling a bit suffocated after awhile. Whether or not you're like me in this characteristic, it's still important to take a little time for yourself to recharge. My personal favorite is a hot bath with some candles, because it's so comforting and peaceful.

love this quaint, vintage bathroom.

I don't know if I'd ever pick such bright colors for my own bathroom, but I still think it's really striking.

I've never seen a bathtub at an angle like this!  I love "real" furniture in the bathroom, like the upholstered seat you see here.

*Love* this tile and the chocolate

Okay, so I'm not sure if I actually like this bathroom or not.   The color palette is interesting - maybe it's all just a bit too country for me.  What do you think?  Do you like this palette? Like the style?

so luxurious! I could spend a long time in here.

Which bathroom is your favorite?  Do you use the bathroom as a personal sanctuary?

via BHG

my favorite images from my favorite blogs...

Happy Friday! Time to relax and enjoy a little eye candy. Presented in no specific order from some of my favorite blogs...


some beachy beauties from Completely Coastal...

oh my...to have that beach so close by...

The four below are from Providence Ltd. Design

so cool

fabulous kitchen.  who knew a kitchen could be so luxe?

The last three are from my friend Liz's blog(s) Chomp Chow Chew, and Special Delivery.  She's a fellow RISD illustration department grad.

I love visiting with her and her boyfriend because I know that, aside from catching up, I'm in for some great meals.  They always know the best restaurants and markets.

 Liz has an amazing color sense.  Isn't her palette a work of art in itself?

 mm....Real ramen...

A chic and elegant renovated Brooklyn Brownstone

I used to live on the ground floor of a brownstone in Brooklyn and loved it. They have charm, history, and excellent construction. Check out this renovated beauty.

The navy blue wall is so luxe.




The bathroom is modern but I love that the mirror is a nod to the age of the house and time period in which it was built.


via Rue Magazine

The CL 2010 House of the Year - and it's all eco-friendly (and beautiful)

Eco-friendly is getting prettier and prettier every year, making it not just easy on the earth, but easy on the eyes. Country Living put together this idea house full of inspiration. The house is actually a modular, pre-fab cottage, and available for purchase by the public. Read all the details for the house, rooms, and resources here.

What do you like about this house? Not like so much?

I LOVE the entryway. What a great space to see first thing when you walk in the door after work.

What do you think of wallpaper on the ceiling?




You may think all of these framed prints cost a fortune, but really all you need to accomplish this look are some basic frames, and then a used book of botanical or nature illustrations. Carefully remove the pages that you like and insert them in the frames!








A dream closet

Stunning interior photography from Dan Duchars

I think these photos speak for themselves...

I love the color on the walls, but I don't know if I'd ever have the guts to use it on a wall...maybe I'd test it out in a bathroom or hall...have you used a color this bold?

...soooo pretty




What do you think of these?


All photography property of Dan Duchars

Homeowner Basics

Hi guys. So I thought we might do a little Homeowners 101 post and get back to basics. So the great folks that are sponsoring this post have put together an article on the proper way to install a towel bar. Also find some yummy bathroom eye candy below.

Before installing a towel bar you should do a little pre-planning. Here
are some of the important points that you need to keep in mind-

• the towel bar should be placed in such a way, that all the family
members including the children could readily access it.

• make sure the towel bar is placed somewhere the towels won't get wet

• keep in mind that if you install it behind the bathroom door, the bar might become damaged or, damage the door and the adjoining walls since repetitive opening and closing

The standard height at which the bar should be places is 48 inches or about 4 feet off the ground. This height is recommended especially when you have smaller children. Any higher and they won’t be able to reach the towel bar on their own. Any lower and the towel bar can get in the way
of mobility.

Read the instructions for the installation of the towel bar to install. Use a measuring tape and mark with a pencil the four points or the two points where the fasteners or the screws for the towel bar will be.

After that, hold the hand drill straight and make small holes for the screws. Now install the screws and the fasteners, securing them well.

Terrys Fabrics is online store where you will get range of quality products of ready made curtains and curtain fabrics to compliment with curtain poles and window blinds available at the best value for money.



I really like "regular" furniture in the bathroom - like the sideboard you see on the left.
via BHG

via Elle Decor

via Kitchen Details and Design




Above 4 via House Beautiful


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post