Guest Picks: Winter Wonderland

Since the snow storm hitting the East Coat shows, winter will soon be upon us. For all those Northerners, winter means spending days on the ski slopes, cozying up from the roaring fire and sipping delicious cups of hot cocoa. The things within this ideabook were motivated by the joys of the Canadian winter wonderland. — Isabelle from Pink Lemonade Design

Restoration Hardware

Mini Cashmere Warmers – $20

Made of luxurious cashmere, these warmers are a gorgeous way to keep your fingers warm.

West Elm

Embroidered Winter Branch Pillow Cover – $49

This embroidered pillow would look great on any couch or in a cozy dining room.

Restoration Hardware

Luxe Faux Fur Throw, Lynx – $99

Made of faux fur, this luxury throw can keep you warm whilst sipping hot cocoa after a day of rocky outdoor action.

Restoration Hardware

Winter Home Embossed Pillar Candle – $49

This magnificent fir-scented candle can make your house smell divine and cozy.

Anthropologie

Winter’s Perch Mirror – $148

The yummy “Winter’s Perch” mirror would add a little loveliness to some dressing table or powder room.

West Elm

Brown Owl Ornament

This beautiful decoration brings the outdoors inside, and it is a real hoot!

Anthropologie

Eiko Cabinet – $1,898

Made of exquisite reclaimed pine, this gorgeous wood cabinet is perfect for keeping all of your warm winter woolens.

Anthropologie

Pendleton Throw, Yellow – $248

This classic wool blanket is perfect for snuggling up with a fantastic book.

L.L. Bean

Ultrasoft Flannel Pillowcases, Buffalo Plaid – $29

There is no need to rely on any rebellion with these soft flannel pillow cases — they’re just dreamy!

Anthropologie

Ubiquity Lamp Ensemble – $298

This stunning acacia lamp will shed some light on a dark and chilly winter night.

Anthropologie

A enjoyable branch stopper is perfect for corking your woody-flavored wines.

Etsy

Vintage Letterpress Wood Blocks by Precious Play Time – $32

These vintage letterpress letters will look amazing in a ski chalet.

Etsy

20in Driftwood Coat Rack by Pep – $45

A driftwood coat rack will be perfect for hanging your hot parkas in the mudroom.

Calypso St. Barth

Love Suede Pillow  – $185

What more do you really need to sofa in fantastic style than “LOVE” written in gold on lavish beige suede?

Calypso St. Barth

Pom Pom Ornament – $10

These white pom pom decorations create the prettiest and most delicate snowballs!

Calypso St. Barth

Designer Coaster Silver – $12

These stunning cowhide coasters with a subtle touch of silver will dazzle your visitors.

Calypso St. Barth

Jodhpur Jaipuri – $225

This hand-loomed carpet from India will add stunning colors to your house that winter, and it’ll keep your toes warm.

Anthropologie

Rotis: Roasts for Every Day of the Week – $29.95

Keep your belly full and warm with this beautiful selection of delicious roast recipes.

Anthropologie

Lunet Chair, Plaid – $1,698

How magnificent is that this plaid chair? I could see myself reading the morning paper inside it while enjoying a cup of tea.

Anthropologie

Boro Stitch Shams – $69.95

This patchwork quilt pillow sham is superb. It might look celestial.

Next: More product collections from guest blogger Isabelle Lafleche

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Cozy Carriage House

This past year, Sarah Weinberg and her husband Eric Gindlesperger drew up plans for a carriage house behind their present 1920s home to serve as their primary residence. They wanted to build a custom home from scratch on a small budget, and lease out their other home. With assistance from architect Annabel Vaughan from publicLAB Research + Design, framers and consultants from Britannia Construction Design, TM Custom Woodwork and Alpine Pacific Construction, their downtown Squamish home became a fact. The attention to detail and character throughout the method demonstrates their fire in personalizing their home.

in a Glance
Who lives here: Sarah Weinberg, Eric Gindlesperger and their cat Meow Meow
Size: 570 square feet of living area in a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom carriage house
Location: Squamish, B.C., Canada

Newly developed structures can’t have living space on the first floor due to the possibility of flooding. The floor level is Gindlesperger’s blacksmith shop and the second floor is their dwelling area. Weinberg says that this was one of the biggest struggles of constructing their home. “I didn’t know more about the city bylaw when I was planning it,” she says. The property’s design underwent several alterations due to that. “The initial design didn’t include a shop either, until I married a blacksmith!” She says as she gladly shows off their work-in-progress shop, complete with its own bathroom.

The vintage chest of drawers in the kitchen have been employed as a cabinet for extra space. The area rugs were accumulated throughout Weinberg’s time in Chile and Nepal and the majority of the textiles are from her travels there, as well as to South America, Asia and the Middle East.

The couch features hand-stuffed down cushions made by Suzi Beyerstein and Weinberg’s mom Linda Weinberg.

A pair of tall, narrow doors leading to the bathroom and bedroom were given to Weinberg with a client. The couple’s friend Thomas Mortensen, of TM Custom Woodwork at Squamish, cut them down and framed them to match.

The seating and dining area was initially intended to function as living room, while this place was planned to be a workplace. Weinberg says, “We just moved in, so we’re still discovering the way the distances work best.”

A framed photograph of the couple’s wedding at the desert of Nevada during Burning Man is displayed atop a thrifted coffee table. Alongside some of their favourite cookbooks is an arrangement of ginseng and rosemary in a clay vase.

Their marriage in Burning Man was a spontaneous event that Weinberg says, “only should have occurred.” It was their first time in the festival, and Weinberg’s mother was able to come despite the distance and conditions. Gindlesperger and Weinberg were wed in a structure referred to as ‘Zoneatopia,’ which was convenient since they “were at the zone” Weinberg adds, “Burning Man came naturally, and the exact same love and fun that brought us there affects our home.”

The kitchen includes Ikea cabinetry and green bamboo flooring. A 24-inch gas stove was chosen for its design, size and quality.

Weinberg conveys that building and designing your own space is a continuous process with unlimited possibilites, even on a medium budget. Their next project will be to paint the walls in deep yellows and reds and to have one of the pals help tile an organic shaped backsplash in the kitchen.

Gas Range: Fisher & Paykel
Refrigerator: LG
Door panel drapes: Ikea

Weinberg’s shell collection sits on the window sill in the restroom. The shells are from world travels and her “love for the Earth.” This collection is something Weinberg has carried during her entire life in numerous houses and countries. She adds, “When I put them up (a while in the garden and a number of years at the house), it certainly means that I am home.”

Weinberg’s face lights up when I ask what her favourite room in the house is; it’s definitely the bathroom. “The shower has been my inspiration and just kind of came together. I wanted a sexy and luxurious shower experience,” She says. “The teal-colored glass tiles add the sensation of a waterfall. I reside in the cold but I really like the warm seas, warm evenings and the great wine and hot dance moves which accompany that!”

Features include built-in shower lights, a custom tile layout, an overhead and hand shower and recessed closets. Gindlesperger was careful to prevent pooling by ensuring a precise angle for proper water flow.

The mirror is a Weinberg family heirloom. Details like the abalone shell soap dish, easy hardware and crisp, clean cabinetry and sink make the bathroom a relaxing area. Aboriginal Canadian artist Norval Morrisseau painting picks up the color of the blue accent wall.

Sink cabinets: Ikea

The stairs resulting in the front door show off custom metal work by Gindlesperger.

They are are enthusiastic about the next phase of the construction. “Eric is constructing his blacksmith shop in the garage and we’re adding a covered carport/living green deck off the south side with a ‘door to nowhere’ which will cover the entry stairs,” Weinberg says.

Gindlesperger, Weinberg and their cat Meow Meow in the home.

The couple loves living in Squamish with its small town environment which includes access to the urban environment of Vancouver which includes nightlife and restaurants, and the natural environment including coastal mountains for biking and skiing. Weinberg says, “We all know our neighbors, we encounter them on the streets our friends drop by unannounced and people are here to support each other”

More:
Cool Studio at the Mountains of B.C.
Eclectic Vancouver Loft
Vintage Charm at Vancouver

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Guest Picks: 20 Stylish Serving Trays

Whether you are serving hot beverages, chilled cocktails or tasty snacks, these trays can allow you to serve your guests this holiday season at a practical and stylish way. I have got you covered to glamorous from earthy. There is a tray in this for everybody! — Jami from Imagine Design Blog

Etsy

Live Edge Black Walnut Serving – $85

Now this is precisely what I am referring to — I really like this tray. I’d serve up some tasty cured meats, fruits and desserts on this bad boy and set them with a few Belgian beer.

Contemporary Serving Dishes And Platters – $79.95

This one is lively, so that you may bring out the bling another time you sponsor. I could fully see this in my house, and I’d use it to the upcoming holiday celebrations!

Brookstone

Hourglass 14 Inch Stainless Steel Serving Tray – $35

I really like this classic little round silver tray. It is a high quality product (made from stainless steel), but it also has high design. It is easy, slick and chic.

Neo Serving Tray – $49.95

This tray is clean, crisp and contemporary — everything I love. I could envision serving a few Blue Snowflake martinis on it in a holiday party. The handles also make it effortless to carry about and serve your visitors.

Z Gallerie

Turtle Tray – $34.95

I’d really like to serve some cocktails in my next get-together with this quirky and cute turtle tray. It is unexpected and a conversation starter. Turtle power!

Crate&Barrel

Acacia Tray – $34.95

Go natural with this tiny wood specimen. Drink some hot cocoa or apple cider for your sweetie and snuggle up in front of the flame. This tray adds warmth and texture to any room.

Crate&Barrel

Camille Tray – $42.95

I love the shape and color of this Camille Tray. Blue isn’t a traditional Christmas color, but I’d really like to infuse a little this colour into my next vacation color scheme.

Pottery Barn

Speakeasy Tray – $49.50

I love this circle tray. You can have it monogrammed with your friend’s initials to turn it into a gorgeous personalized present which you can set under the tree.

Pottery Barn

Chancellor Rectangular Tray – $49

This is the perfect tray for serving up some wine or tasty snacks, and it’s easy to carry around due to the handles. Additionally, it is a wonderful substantial size so you can set lots of goodies on it to serve to your visitors.

West Elm

Rectangle Lacquer Trays – $59

I really like the sheen of this tray. It is not too in-your-face glistening, but it provides that perfect quantity of shimmer to go for a few soft candlelight. Drink some hot toddies and call it a night.

Ballard Designs

Ottoman Tray – $85

Get crazy and infuse some creature print into your holiday decoration scheme. I simply love this zebra print!

Pier 1 Imports

Cordial Stemware with Gold Tray – $25

Not only do you get the gold menu, but you also get six cordial stemware too. How perfect is this tiny setup for a few after-dinner port in your next dinner party?

Pier 1 Imports

Amber Crackle Cordial Stemware with Tray – $26.95

If you are not into the coloured cordial stemware from above, then maybe you’ll prefer this complex pair of floral crackle stemware rather than It is a gorgeous neutral color that will go well in any setting.

Pier 1 Imports

Shot Glasses Set with Red Tray – $24.95

These shot glasses are perfect for that vacation cocktail party you are casting for yourself and friends and family. Cinnamon schnapps shooters, anyone? Bottoms up!

Cost Plus World Market

Etched Metal Bar Tray – $24.99

Add some global influence to your holiday decor with this Etched Metal Bar Tray. I love the complicated design, and that I believe it would be ideal for serving cheese and wine.

Etsy

Personalized/Monogram Square Pattern White by Lovey Dovey Creations – $55

This would be another ideal customized present to bring to your hostess or host. You can have it monogrammed, include a household name or use a favourite phrase.

Williams-Sonoma

Tiled Bone Tray – $895

This one costs a bit more than I’d ever spend on a tray, but it is gorgeous and I only had to share! I love the buff and cream color palette — so chic. Share some tasty treats with this tray or just place it on display as art.

Williams-Sonoma

Slate Cheese Serving Board – $31.96

Inform your visitors about the cheeses they are being served using a chalk notice on this particular slate tray. Or if you are not serving cheese, then possibly do a few wine tastings and write the names below.

Etsy

Vintage Black Milk Glass Serving Tray by Tie The Knot Vintage – $55

You can not go wrong with black. This is the perfect holiday accessory to serve up a few cookies or hors d’oeuvres. I really like the shape and color of this tray — vintage and unique.

Target

Carved Wood Serving Platter – $20.79

Add a rustic touch for your next Thanksgiving meal. I believe this would be the ideal tray for carrying a gorgeous cornucopia of fruits, nuts and veggies.

Next: Serveware in every fashion

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Architect's Toolbox: A Room Inside a Room

Architects and designers occasionally create a room within a room to reduce the scale and supply a more intimate environment — nesting a space within a space, a little like Shaker nesting boxes along with Russian matryoshka dolls.

The best example of is St. Peter’s baldachin at the Vatican. This Bernini’s sculptural room sits inside the great space of the cathedral, breaking the vastness of the space while providing the stage for religious pursuits. Open on all sides and coated, the baldachin’s four roof and columns define a most intimate and sacred of spaces.

So next time you get under the covers of your own four-poster bed or take part in a dialogue in an inglenook from the fire, do not forget that you’re enjoying the kind of space architects are creating for centuries.

Dara Rosenfeld Design

The most common type of room within a room is your four-poster bed. This works in a room with tall ceiling. And the bed frame’s architectural treatment here suggests this is a building within a building, not just a room within a room.

Gne architecture

A four-poster bed can be a very simple and modern design and still create an intimate space in a huge room.

BROWN DAVIS INTERIORS, INC..

A modern interpretation of this idea has the bed in a room defined by absolute fabric hanging from a ceiling that is raised.

Philpotts Interiors

Not limited to Western design, the posts and”ceilings” of traditional Chinese beds create that room-within-a-room quality.

Janell Beals – House of Fifty

A massive living area can be enriched with a smaller room inside. Though the piano sits in the larger volume distance, columns along with a change in ceiling height create a more intimate conversation area.

Using a screen of columns at the side of a room generates a romantic place to see while maintaining connection to the larger room.

Dwell Design Studio

Utilizing up the step and seating structure for spatial separation — along with also the fireplace as a focal point — that inglenook is a room inside the larger context of chambers around it.

Garret Cord Werner Architects & Interior Designers

Not just an approach for living rooms and bedrooms, the idea of a room within a room may be utilised in bathrooms to create a special spot to shower or bathe.

JSL Exteriors Landscape Design/Build

A room within a room isn’t just for the interior. Some very simple lattice screening and greenery makes for a wonderfully intimate and restful way station in the excellent outdoors.

More: Homes With Houses of Their
How to Produce a Nest at Home
Creating Nests in Unexpected Places

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Decorate with Yellow Stripes

I have often heard that yellow is a stimulating color, and it makes sense. Yellow simply awakens the senses and feels as fresh as the lemon fruits which use its own color. Adding stripes of yellow is a daring, lively approach to deliver a vibrant mindset to a space. Yellow is my joyful colour. Below are a few suggestions for making it work in your home.

Emily Elizabeth Interior Design

Horizontal stripes open up a room to make a room look larger. That is a very good thing for a tight room like a bathroom.

Hint: To get a more dramatic effect in a small area, paint your stripes across all four walls and the doorway. It will make the door vanish and make the room look larger.

Scheer & Co..

This home office is so bright and cheery — what an uplifting space to get the job done. The vivid yellow ticking stripes on the wall would be the perfect shade of sun yellow.

Scheer & Co..

Bright yellow stripes in a bathroom give the room that summer cabana style.

Hint: remember that painting stripes in a bathroom is tricky with the tilework and light fixtures to paint around. Be sure to use a flat so that your stripes come out straight.

Timothy De Clue Collection & Design

To get a more traditional style, choose a softer shade of yellow for painting stripes on the wall. Then choose accents that draw on the exact same shade for less contrast, hence the stripes don’t pop as much. Here, the curtain and shower curtain mix in well with the walls.

Kathleen Burke Design

If you paint stripes of darker yellow on milder yellowish, you produce a black effect. The stripes add dimension to this bedroom, however, the layers of yellowish keep the stripes from feeling as vibrant and daring as yellow-on-white stripes. This is a mellow yellow.

Paige Merchant Designs

Wide horizontal yellow stripes add a sense of whimsy to this bedroom. The black-and-white striped pendant colour increases the lively vibe.

ducduc

The pattern in this area rug feels like yellow and white stripes. The daring yellow draws the eye in instantly, and also the pattern brings you round the space, as stripes could do.

DwellStudio

DRAPER STRIPE CITRINE RUG 8X10 – $450

This rug is in my wish list for our flat. The citron yellow stripes will immediately make our living space feel happy and look more cohesive. The excellent thing about stripes is the pattern contrasts across all styles, from country to modern.

Gretel Home

Large Yellow and White Omaggio Vase – $98

This coloured ceramic vase looks amazing on its own as a decorative thing. Or I’d display some big white peonies in the vessel — the lush blooms will balance the straight-line stripes.

More: The Case for Striped Walls
How to Mix Patterns Like a Guru

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Quick Fix: Locate Wall Studs Without an Expensive Stud Finder

Anyone who’s attempted to hang a photo or a wall socket understands the perils that include not locating the wall stud. 1 inch too far to the left or the right, and your drywall can create an ugly hole or perhaps return from thick sheets. For Philip Tiffin of 522 Industries at Oakland, Calif., this is particularly important when it comes to installing his intricately engineered steel railings and staircases. Though he maintained purchasing the maximum quality stud finders on the current market, they never worked flawlessly. Then he discovered a fast tip he is used since.

Five Two Industries

Tiffin was having an impossible time finding the wall studs onto work site with a stud finder that was $70. Then somebody on the website recommended a refrigerator magnet that was big.

When he wants to search for a wall stud, he wraps it into blue painter’s tape, leaving a flap to use as a handle, and drags it along the wall. “When the magnet sticks the wall, you have discovered your stud,” he states. “Then use a level and mark where you want to drill your hole.”

decordemon

“I have not used anything because,” Tiffin states. “It works better than any stud finder I have ever used or bought.” Tiffin buys 1-inch round fridge magnets in bulk (“The stronger the better,” he says) and keeps them whenever he is at work.

Five Two Industries

Even though Tiffin and 522 Industries uses this fast fix to install rails, staircases, and other custom steelwork, you may use this tip to discover studs before hanging artwork or shelves.

More rapid repairs:
Multipurpose Painter’s Tape
Erase Water Rings from Furniture
Correct Squeaky Floors and Sticky Doors

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Orange: Still Hot, Sexy, Sexy

For three straight seasons, orange has dominated the fashion runways. Certainly, the color is still on fad, and now that we’re in the center of autumn, more appropriate than ever. Whether such as the bold shade in an outfit or within your home’s décor, orange carries with it an unparalleled burst of energy that may radically alter the appearance and feel of your scheme.

On the flip side, because it’s such a bold color, it needs to be used properly to prevent cringe-worthy reactions reminiscent of the’70s. If you’re considering adding the color into your house, have a look at the following pics to get some inspiration from fellow ers.

Elad Gonen

There’s no doubt about it: orange is a show stopper. Employed within this setting, the orange cloth contemporizes the pure wood coffee table and games console behind the couch. Mixing orange with organic elements makes it a statement without overpowering.

Mosca Photo

If your house has a rather open design, it helps to differentiate one space from another with different colors or patterns. By using largely neutrals in the living and kitchen areas, this house’s orange dining area with contemporary floral rug feels separate and distinct.

Ed Ritger Photography

In this instance, the designer used orange to designate a seating area within this long and narrow living space, using different colors of orange on the wall and couches to make dimension. Notice the orange was pulled into the seating area with the dark couches, via area rug and lamp, to make an entire cohesion.

Create an orange platform to build from by pulling in orange through rugs bedding or rugs. From there, consider using light colors, such as light pinks or purples, or neutrals to soften the potency of the orange.

ARTISSIMO – Idit Deutsch

Here’s another example of using sofas to make a platform of orange. The white cushions and mild yellow walls neutralize the orange.

If you’re hungry for orange, then go all out, just be certain that you’ve got the big picture in your mind. White architectural details help balance the impact of orange ceiling and walls, while impartial furniture grounds the space.

Such a strong shade of crimson with dark, neutral furniture may have felt too heavy: The addition of green velvet chairs feels fresh contrary to the orange and helps the space feel much less formal.

Kimball Starr Interior Design

This orange is thicker compared to that exhibited in the previous picture, making it blend better with the darker colour of this bed. Neutral bedding and vibrant pillows round out the appearance.

Nurseries and kids’ rooms are the ideal places to exercise a bold color, since they are meant to feel a bit more playful. A natural wood crib with mild bedding tones down orange walls in this particular nursery.

Tobi Fairley Interior Design

On the reverse side, because orange can be a challenging color to wear, fashion stylists frequently recommend working it in as an accessory vs. a main bit. This principle also functions in interiors.

Based on an area’s light, arrangement, dimensions, etc.. orange as a dominant color may be overpowering. In this case, orange throw cushions or side tables may present the color and make an impression.

Cristi Holcombe Interiors, LLC

In this dining room, orange places the shelving units and wood flooring on fire accessories and also a patterned area rug.

H&H Design

Rather than painting the entire wall, then paint an orange square to act as an accent for artwork or photography.

On the lookout for an easy and cheap method to sneak orange into your toilet? Consider towels. Hang them on racks, fold them on shelves or roll them to both keep them accessible and display their prominent colour.

Integrated

Obviously, the orange accent seat is always an alternative. This seat stands out from light blue walls, white furniture and a soft, neutral shag rug.

Vision Homes & Remodeling

Or, if you’ve got a wooden cabinetry and flooring in your kitchen with slick, modern appliances, consider orange barstools for an unexpected modern addition.

Anthropologie

Le Versha Chair, Orange – $248

This wrought iron seat from Anthropologie could work outside on the patio or inside as an accent.

Modern Pillows – $140

Scatter some of them in your couches and chairs for extra comfort and a spoonful of orange.

Inside Avenue

Orange and White Ceramic Garden Stool – $290

Garden stools make for excellent end tables, and this you also supplies texture and pattern.

Naked Decor

Queen hitter in Orange – $49.95

Contain orange and your own sense of humor with this particular Queen Clock from Naked Décor.

Jayes Studio

Umbrella Stand “Coptic Trellis Orange” – $99

Need a hint of orange on your entry? This umbrella stand will prove as practical as it is decorative.

Orange color combos:
Khaki and Tangerine
Fire and Ice
Orange and Blue
Pink and Orange
Orange, Purple and Lime

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A Window Above the Bathroom Sink: Feature or Flaw?

I believe it’s safe to say that most men and women love a window over the kitchen sink. But place that window over a bathroom sink, and that I believe most people would find this to be a defect. A mirror directly above the sink is pretty convenient — you can see exactly what you’re doing when you brush your teeth or shave your face. So if you’ve got a window instead, what can you do? Check out 16 baths where that window over the sink is not a flaw, but a feature.

Browse toilet designs | Find a toilet designer

Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc..

This marble vanity stands within a bay window, and the mirror was designed to be suspended in the front of this window. What an impressive and luxurious space. The window is definitely a characteristic of the toilet, and functionality is handled beautifully.

MN Builders

Are you ready for some imaginative genius? This mirror slides on a track so that when it is positioned over the sink it reveals that a medicine cabinet. Developed by Malcolm David Architecture and constructed by Mueller Nichols Cabinets & Construction, this can be a totally custom piece.

Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

This long, horizontal window operating over the entire counter area lets abundant light into the toilet while mirrors are placed at intervals in front of it. Fluorescent lights inset into the mirrors provide light at face level.

Moroso Construction

This round mirror is held in place by a metal pole attached to either side of this window. In the morning, you’d have wonderful natural light emitting your face from all over, so you can see yourself while enjoying the view, too.

These mirrors are attached above and under the top of the backsplash and a customized header. See that the electrical has been run through the header, and wall sconces are dangled out of it involving the mirrors. So, they have ample natural light during the day and extra lighting around the face level when it’s needed.

Bosworth Hoedemaker

There’s something to be said for its simplest and low-tech approach. A freestanding makeup mirror keeps this window completely unobstructed for sun and the opinion. What a cheerful place to start the morning.

Powell/Kleinschmidt, Inc..

A large freestanding mirror solves the problem by standing directly behind the vessel sink. The faucet is offset to the right.

MN Builders

This easy swing-arm mirror is simple to pull into place when it’s needed. And it can be pushed out of the way when you’re more interested in gazing off into the distance during your morning ablutions.

David Howell Design

Attached to the side wall, that this mirror does double duty as a practical piece and sculptural accent. Oh, I would love standing there looking out at the greenery.

Northbrook Design

Hanging a framed mirror from the ceiling is befitting the conventional style and Old-World charm of this bathroom vanity.

John Lum Architecture, Inc.. AIA

This bath is firmly tucked into one of my own inspiration ideabooks for favored baths. A massive field of glass block allows in abundant light while maintaining privacy. Flat metal bars running from backsplash to ceiling hold the mirrors set up.

John Lum Architecture, Inc.. AIA

In the front of the glass block in this toilet, medicine cabinets with mirrored doors and lights are attached to a metal frame at the ceiling and countertops. Not only do you’ve got the light and mirror, but your toiletries are within handy reach too.

Jim Tetro

Shoji screens gently filter light in this modern Asian-style bathroom. The mirror is placed inside the window frame, and pendant lights dangled from the ceiling put the light directly where it’s needed to either side of this mirror.

RenovateKate

Here’s another great example of a traditional bathroom with an oval mirror hung in the front of the window. Simple is good.

David Vandervort Architects

A toiletry shelf over the vanity is the best place to prop a tiny mirror and enjoy sunlight in your face.

Inform us Do you have a window over your bathroom sink? Do you like it? Share your own photos!

Browse toilet designs

Find a toilet designer

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8 Ways to Make Your Piano Room Sing

My sister only added a beautiful black upright piano into her property. It has turned into her place into a musical hot spot for family members and friends and has me thinking about getting one. However, where would I put this, and how do I design a space with it?

If you’ve got a new or used piano or are pondering the idea, here are some hints on locating a fashionable place wherever your piano sounds and looks great.

Hint No. 1: Set your piano in a spot with constant humidity and humidity — no knots. Extreme temperature and humidity can weaken or damage the piano as time passes.

Chr DAUER Architects

Design your distance all around your piano. If your piano is a significant portion of your life, organize your furniture about it to get best listening enjoyment. The expression of your piano gets significant since it’ll be the focal point. Personalize the wall above it to represent a feeling of who you are. Also consider painting the walls and supplying it with colors to contrast your piano. For instance, in case you’ve got an ebony or dark-stained complete, keep the room bright by using soft colors and upholstery. The piano will steal the show!

Ana Williamson Architect

Put it off to one side. This provides you multiple choices — piano playing on one side along with the conversation area for fun on the other.

Jennifer Brouwer (Jennifer Brouwer Design Inc)

Put it in a living room. A living room is one room in the home which isn’t always used. So give it a fresh function and call it the piano room. Maintain the piano in the front area , away from the rest of the home, so kids and adults can exercise daily without disturbing others in the rest of the home.

Hint: You might think the basement would be a fantastic spot to put a piano, therefore practicers don’t disturb others. But basements can have high humidity levels which could damage your piano.

Andrea Schumacher Interiors

Use it to make a room appear wider. If you’ve got a narrow room, place the piano onto the end wall to create a sense of a broader room.

You can also make the piano wall a distance saver by integrating a built-in around it. This is very handy for keeping song publications framing the piano so that it stands out.

InterDesign Studio

Create a scene. The atmosphere you create throughout your piano can inspire you to practice. Hollywood stars seeing you perform isn’t a terrible crowd! Try out a bold colour as a background for dramatic appeal.

Neiman Taber Architects

Balance and enhance architectural details. If you’ve got high windows, such as in this picture, placing a piano underneath fills in the space. Pianos also balance out a rooms which have a fireplace which isn’t centered.

Never place your piano in direct sunlight. Over time, sunlight will damage the finish and heat can affect the tone.

Also, don’t place a piano near a drafty window, door or chimney draft, or near a heating or air conditioning vent. It was the rule of thumb to not place a piano onto an outside wall, but since houses can be well-insulated these days, homeowners feel comfortable doing this. The secret is to maintain your piano secure from cold air and dampness.

David Churchill – Architectural Photographer

Make the most of the room’s acoustics. A piano can sound loud and bright in an area with hard surfaces that are polished. Rugs, upholstered furniture and window treatments absorb the noise, soften the tone and provide heat. The bigger the room, the further you should be conscious of this.

In a large room, consider placing your piano in a corner so there is less bouncing of noise on other walls.

Michelle Hinckley

Modernize your piano therefore that it does not feel so heavy. Upright pianos are big and tall, so that they could take up good space in a space, but there’s no need to place it front and centre. Find a corner that is wide, deep and tall enough to your piano. Add some different components to finish the look and it won’t stand out.

Pick elements which make it feel airy like a big mirror and a lamp with a reflective base.

Have a piano? Tell us in which it is in your home!

More: Tour an Eclectic, Music-Filled Home in Sydney

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Readers' Choice: 2011's Best 20 Kitchens

In 2011, we found a great deal of kitchens that played with colour and texture in tile and fabrics. Designers have creative with storage solutions and working with small spaces. Kitchens as part of great rooms have been popular, too. Bold lighting fixtures were a must, however simple and traditional cabinetry was still existing in every kitchen fashion. Take a peek at Houzzers’ treasured kitchen photographs, then tell us: What’s your favorite?

More Readers’ Choice winners of 2011:
Bedrooms | Baths | Offices | Living Bathrooms | Patios | Kids’ Bathrooms | Laundry Rooms

Nic Darling

1. This New York kitchen was added to many ideabooks for its unique mixture of texture and colour. Matte grey cabinetry, industrial lighting fittings, walnut work surfaces, plus a steel and exposed timber drop-down table all play to some natural colour palette, whereas timeless Kartell Mademoiselle Chairs include a pop of color and pattern.

Venegas and Company

2. Folks continue to be enjoying black-and-white kitchens. A black island provides drama , without getting too overpowering, while timeless white subway tile and modern pendant lights keep the room looking fresh.

Artisan Kitchens Inc..

3. There are a lot of great built-in storage thoughts within this adorable seaside kitchen. The dog dish is a particularly clever storage alternative that keeps dog dishes out of the way and prevents your pet puppies from knocking over their food! The dog drawer bones above hold treats and food, and tagged heavy drawers to the right of the island are packaged with treats for all these lucky pups’ owners.

Charlie & Co.. Design, Ltd

4. Multipurpose rooms that are spacious, flexible, and operational were all the rage this season. Possessing a spacious kitchen and dining room is a great way to combine two spaces that serve similar purposes, and makes for a ideal entertaining area, too.

Battle Associates, Architects

5. The arched entryway and display cabinets are what attracted readers for this kitchen. Glass doors on each side of cabinetry allows light come through. Contemporary pot racks include more storage and enhance the design of the kitchen.

Urrutia Design

6. The glass pendants above the slick island within this modern kitchen caught the eye of many Houzz users. A stunning palette of black, white, gray and navy combine in rich finishes and textures to make a gorgeous and daring area.

Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab

7. While we saw fewer of these this season, all-white kitchens continue to be available on many wish lists. We love the clean appearance of the off-white subway tile within this kitchen, making the glowing white cabinetry and trim stand out.

Kitchens & Baths, Linda Burkhardt

8. Smart storage solutions drew Houzz users to the timeless East Coast kitchen. The pull-out pantry includes an amazing amount of storage and tucks away with ease. It is a wonderful solution for anyone who doesn’t have enough room to build out a walk-in cupboard.

LDa Architecture & Interiors

9. Iridescent backsplash tiles give this kitchen a little bit of glamour for this very simple kitchen. A mixture of modern and traditional finishes gives it a exceptional appearance people fell in love with.

Redbud Custom Homes

10. This kitchen combines a number of traditional elements subtle enough to keep the room still looking fresh and current. Wood surfaces warm up the distance, and subscribers loved the sage-green subway tile counter tops.

Fiorella Design

11. Houzz users were enchanted by the soothing grey and white tones within this kitchen — the tiled backsplash instantly catches the eye. Nonetheless, what our readers really loved was the open shelving above the sink. It is a simple solution to get a tiny bit of extra kitchen storage, and permits the kitchen to still feel open and light.

The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn

12. We saw lots of amazing butcher block islands this season, exactly like the one in this kitchen that made the top-20 list. Not only is this a functional countertop surface, but it is going to wear beautifully with age. We love the way that it warms up this distance and contrasts with the white cabinetry and granite counters.

Atmosphere Interior Design Inc..

13. Readers were enjoying industrial pendants in every style of kitchen this past year. We saw photos of these pendants in modern, traditional, and contemporary kitchens all around the world. This modern kitchen in Canada used three of these pendants to light the island’s white counter tops. A black-and-gray mosaic tiled backsplash provides a sense of texture and pattern to contrast with the streamlined cabinetry.

Dijeau Poage Construction

14. Here, a comparable kind of pendant is used at a classically designed white kitchen. Houzz readers loved the comparison of the white subway tile backsplash and white marble counters, as well as the convenient island sink.

Cameo Kitchens, Inc..

15. Many of the same details in the previous kitchen are integrated into this area, but using a much more conventional touch. The coffered ceilings have been a huge hit with Houzz readers, as well as the custom wood hood along with ornately carved mantle.

Charlie & Co.. Design, Ltd

16. Here’s another open kitchen that Houzz users loved. The modern design of the kitchen and built-in dining room area is minimalistic, but still comfy. Houzz users loved the use of textiles int his distance, and the hot wood grain.

Kenzer Furniture

17. This all-white kitchen includes a timeless appearance with a slightly feminine design people adore. The combination of the paneled cabinetry, marble counters, and timeless pendants make a tasteful and controlled appearance.

John Maniscalco Architecture

18. Occasionally modern kitchens may come across as cold, but subscribers adore this hot twist on minimalistic modern design. A Carrara marble counter tops and backsplash are warmed up with chocolate brown cabinetry and rustic-looking wood and iron barstools.

Joel Kelly Design

19. The show-stopping lighting fixture within this area made it a must-see for Houzz users. The stunning chandelier makes a bold statement, also stands out agains the blank, black cabinetry.

Schrader & Companies

20. The exposed wood beams within this kitchen captured the eyes of Houzz users searching for kitchen inspiration. The huge 12-foot granite island is the perfect spot for food preparation, and has a lot of room for entertaining functions.

Have your say: Which of these top kitchens is the favorite?

See the most popular kitchen photos on Houzz

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