Classic Bathroom Design

I'm going to be straight with you folks, I had planned to do at least three posts like this one for month of February. As you can see there are only two days left in February and this is the first bathroom renovation workbook posted. It turns out posts like this take a long time to put together. I'll leave it up to you guys, if you'd like to see more posts like this I will most certainly do it. Or you can just email me with specific design requests and I can whip mood boards for you. I'll let you all decide. So, let's get started.

I decided to start with a classic bathroom design because it's the style I'm most drawn to. It might have something to do with how much I love older homes that tend to have subway tiles on the walls, basket weave tile floors and maybe even a pink sink. They'll be so pink sinks in this workbook but I have included many resources that will help you create a classic bathroom.

flooring resoures - wall tile resources

I prefer to stick with a white & black color scheme when it comes to floors, walls, and fixtures. Installing tile is labor intensive and can be expensive depending on the materials you choose. Choosing black & white or even all white means you can change out inexpensive accessories for a new look and anything will work. It's also important to consider the value of the space you are renovating. For my condo I would probably go with basic white penny tiles but for home you intend on enjoying for years it would so worth installing those delicious marble basket weave floor tile. A few rows of penny rounds or a Greek key mosaic pattern will add great visual interest to a wall of subway tile.

faucet resources - sinks & tub resources

A pedestal or console sink will look great with the flooring and wall tile options above but will leave you with no room for storage. If you prefer having a vanity I love this one from Restoration Hardware. Restoration Hardware can be pricey so shop places like Overstock.com and Ebay which are both excellent places to find bathroom fixtures. I hope this post was helpful to you if you are planning a bathroom renovation and feel free to shoot me any questions you have.

A Few More Nautical Accents

I was checking out Melissa Loves Cheap & Chic post earlier this week and spotted a drop dead gorgeous necklace that would look great with my blue and white finds from this month. Melissa's link brought me to where else but Anthropologie where I found a few other fabulous accessories made from cotton rope. As much as I would love all four pieces that might be a little overkill. I think I'll go with the headband, it's very Blair Waldorf which is just my style.

1. necklace 2. belt 3. bracelet 4. headband

Related Post:

Crushing on Blue & White

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A Place for Everything...

I'm sure you all spent the weekend scrubbing your hearts out with the home made concoctions we learned about from homemakers of yore. So now that your bathrooms are spic and span and free of all those nasty harsh chemicals there is the issue of stuff to deal with. Bathrooms are stuff traps. With all of the cleansers, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, cotton balls, makeup that we need accessible everyday is hard to figure out the best and most pleasing way to store it all. Michelle Engel Bencsko shared photos with me of her recently renovated master bathroom and I spotted a lot of great storage tricks that would work well in any bathroom.

Apothecary jars in various sizes keep items used daily neatly contained but still right at your finger tips. Michelle chose to store the more unsightly items like toilet paper and her toilet brush in decorative vases. Functional and beautiful, I love it!

Installing this modern floating sink created a ton of storage space below. Michelle now neatly stores all of her bath and hand towels in baskets stashed underneath the sink. Hands down my favorite feature of this bathroom makeover is the slim floating shelf installed above the sink. I'm a big fan of getting things up off of counter space and this does that very effectively. Toothbrushes are still with in reach but housed in pretty cups and up on a shelf they look more like a display and less link clutter. Great job Michelle, I love what you've done!

Photo Credit: Michelle Engel Bencsko

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Creating a Clean and Green Space

When I set out to create today's posts I had originally imagined it would be a roundup of green cleaning products that would help you replace those harsh chemical cleansers that are so commonly sold for bathrooms. After a rather inspiring conversation with a very smart women last night a little light bulb appeared over my head. I don't need to put together long list of new things you need to purchase. We're a smart group and I bet with a little research I could find simple and effective recipes for creating greener cleaners at home. I knew just where to start my search. This is such a riot, you're going to die when you see this book. I picked it up a flea market for $1 thinking it would make a funny wedding shower gift but I couldn't give it up.

How much do you love that it says "This cover is washable"? The book was published in 1941 so I figured at that time women might still be whipping up concoctions at home to use for cleaning. I flipped to the section about bathrooms and it turns out almost the entire bathroom can be cleaned with scouring powder, a cellulose sponge, and a long handled brush. My guess is commercially available scouring powder is what we now call Ajax but I'd like to believe my 1940's homemaker was making batches of her own scouring powder follow a recipe similar to this one:

1 cup baking soda

1 cup borax

1/2 cup salt

10 - 20 drops of a citrus essential oil (optional)

Tip: an empty Parmesan cheese container with a shaker top is a great place to store your homemade scouring power.

If you prefer a cleanser that is more similar to Soft Scrub you can try this instead:

1/2 cup soap flakes

2 tsp. borax

2 tsp whiting (calcium carbonate, a degreasing agent)

1 1/2 cup warm water

You can use either of these two cleansers on the tub, toilet, sink and tile surround. You'll need a few more supplies to get those faucets and mirrors sparkling but they are really basic and really cheap. To clean rust stains from faucets just rub with a cut lemon. Yup, that's it. To make your own glass cleaner you can try 2 tbsp. of white vinegar mixed with 2 quarts warm water or if the smell of vinegar bugs you try 1 tbsp. borax with 2 quarts warm water. The key here is to use a lint free cloth to get those mirrors spic and span. One last tip I learned from this book that is extremely helpful is to get in the habit of flushing your sink and tub drains with boiling water about once a week to keep them clear of hair. This way serious clogs won't develop and you can avoid having to use a seriously harsh drain cleaning solution like Draino or Liquid Plumber.

I had to include this shot of Order of Work for Cleaning Bathroom. Get a load of that Daily Care list?! There are ten activities that it suggests should be done every day to keep the bathroom clean. Ahem, you must excuse me I have to run. It looks like I have some serious catching up to do.

Have a great weekend. Hopefully you don't spend the entire time cleaning your bathroom!

Photo Credit: Michelle Verdugo

Occasional Indulgences

A large majority of the posts I write here at Design Evolution are focused on affordable design. I like to share as many resources as I can that will help you create a beautiful home at any budget. But it's no fun to worry about pinching our pennies 24/7. Every now and then you have to allow yourself the occasional indulgence. For me, this usual means skincare products which is why I am so happy to have been introduced to Amala. Amala creates their products using high potency plants sourced exclusively from global fair trade farmers. Each plant ingredient is grown organically and sustainably in its native habitat. It is extremely rare to find a company so dedicated to its social and environmental ethics in this world full of green washing.

My current product favorite is the purifying toner. Magically, without a hint of stinging, dryness, or overwhelming alcohol smell it manages to remove any remaining makeup residue and reduce excess oil. I should also mention that there are no chemical fragrances added to any of the products. Actually Amala uses no synthetic ingredients at all, pretty amazing. And if you're a sucker for packaging like I am you'll love the tactile paper and cork container that many of the products come in. Though I consider $48 for the 3.4 mL bottle an indulgence when you consider the excellent quality it can hardly be considered expensive. Plus if you break that down into cost per use it ends up being cents per day which how I like to justify a purchase ;)

Design Evolution does not accept products in exchange for reviews. Any positive review seen here is based on personal experience of a product I have purchased.

Reader Question: What is the Best White Paint?

I often receive questions from readers in the comments section of the blog that I usually answer in a follow up comment. It dawned on me recently that many other readers may benefit from the answer to that question but might miss it since it's tucked away in the comments of an old post. From now on if a reader asks an interesting question in the comments I will create a new blog post with the answer. This way everyone benefits and it also gives you the opportunity to add any additional helpful information you might have to help answer a fellow readers query.

"What is the best white paint?"

-Anonymous

Pictured above are a few of my favorite white paint colors. Swiss Coffee and Swan Wing are very similar paint colors so it's just a matter of brand preference. They are both just slightly off white and a little warm. If what you are looking for is totally pure bright white you can't beat Ultra Pure White by Behr. With some research and polling I've discovered that Ultra Pure White is whiter and brighter than Super White and Decorator White by Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams Extra White.

What is your favorite white paint?

God Bless Fake Holidays

I actually have the day off from work today and I find myself not sure how to effectively utilize these welcome free time. I just decided that I am also going to make today a blog holiday. There will be no new posts today but I will be busily working behind the scenes to bring you excellent posts for the upcoming week.

If you are also blessed with the day off I hope you find a great way to spend it. I'm going to get myself off this sofa and try my hand at making green tea macarons with vanilla buttercream filling.

Photo Credit: Michelle Verdugo

Kell on Earth Dish - Week 2

Week 2 of the Kell on Earth dish is up now at TheBubbReport. Head over to listen to Becky and me ramble on hilariously and to interject your own insights. That's right I said insights in reference to a Bravo reality TV show. This is important stuff people.

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Kell on Earth Dish - Week 1

Picture This

I recently collaborated with photographer Diana Brennan to create a room design inspired by one of her photographs. I was drawn to this Still Pond photograph and this modern room design quickly evolved around it.

The most fun part of this project is that Diana has taken my room design and using Google Sketchup created a 3-D model to show how it would all look in place. Check out Diana's blog to see how it came together. This idea came to Diana after having several clients who were unable to visual a print in their space or couldn't decide what size print to order. Is this is a genius idea?!

A Place to Powder Your Nose

Sometimes the smallest rooms in the home are the most fun to decorate. This can be especially true for the powder room. We may not all be blessed with this extra 1/2 bath especially for guests but if you are one of the lucky ones why not have see it as an opportunity to be bold with your decorating choices.

domino - elle decor

This is your opportunity to cover the walls with your favorite color. Pale pink, rich brown, or brilliant teal might seem like over kill in your living room but applied on a smaller scale room like in a powder room these colors can be really special. I also love the idea of turning a powder room into a gallery space like the photo from Elle Decor. Want a chuckle? Check out this art work that Nichole as decided to hang in her powder room.

simply grove - domino

I like to think of the powder room as a little jewelry box and it's sparkling gem - a great, over sized, statement mirror. You can go modern in a shiny bright color or rustic like the fabulous mirror from Domino made of driftwood. As a matter of fact this is one idea that I don't think needs to be saved for the powder room and can be carried over into the master bathroom.

nacho polo - d magazine

Feel like being really bold and want to more than just paint the room a rich color? Go for a patterned wallpaper instead. I love a geometric wallpaper like those available from Graham & Brown. The photo above from Simply Grove shows a really creative use of wallpaper in a powder room, it is applied only to ceiling. Since this is not a high moisture environment like a standard bathroom you won't have to worry about the wallpaper peeling.

my marrakech

And finally, it's your space so do whatever with it makes you happy. This is of course what it really comes down do in any part of your home. I love how Maryam, author of the blog My Marrakech, filled an entire wall with little handmade bits and bobs that make her smile and other other walls she hung some curious pieces of art work. I may not do this in my own home but I would certainly be happy to be a guest in her space.

Update: I just spotted this Small Bathrooms Gallery on the Canadian House & Homes website that I thought you would enjoy. There are a lot of great ideas for small spaces in it.

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A Little Shopping Always Helps

Stay in this Valentine's Day

With all of the hype surrounding Valentine's Day couples often feel the pressure to over perform. The celebration can get out of hand with expensive dinners, flowers that triple in price for just one day, and gifts that you don't really need. You don't need over the top plans to show the one you love that you really care. As a matter of fact you don't even need to leave your house. Here's a few ideas for a romantic and fun Valentine's Day.

• If you are the couple who isn't afraid of some healthy competition why not organize a game night. In our home the game of choice would be backgammon but a Wii bowling tournament could also be a lot of fun.
• If you get excited by the idea of spending the night playing video games then you are obviously a kid at heart. Feed that inner child with some delicious comfort foods.
• Serve grilled cheese sandwiches with a grown up twist. My favorite is sliced apples, brie, and some grainy mustard. You might want to try these sandwiches with Manchego cheese and Serrano ham or sage and fontina cheese.
• Accompany those yummy, gooey sandwiches with a Belgium beer like Chimay. Check out their website to see with which cheeses it pairs best.
• What better for dessert than chocolate chip cookies? I love Jacque Torres's cookie recipe but I've never had complaints when I decided to just follow the recipe from the back of Nestle's Tollhouse chocolate chips.

• If you are looking for something a little more romantic rent a stack of romantic foreign films like Molière, Stolen Kisses, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Jules & Jim, and Like Water for Chocolate.
• Light a bunch of candles and grab a blanket just big enough for two so you can snuggle close on the sofa while watching the films.
• Snack on a selection of cheeses and drink you favorite wine. You may want to try a Pinot Grigio like Satori that is great tasting but really affordable.
• If you're feeling really ambitious give this sourdough baguette recipe from Chocolate & Zucchini to serve with the cheese.

• Who says Valentine's Day has to be a one on one evening with your significant other? You probably see each other every day. Instead, invite your very best friends over for a rousing good time.
• Make a play list for the evening of only the corniest love songs you can find.
• Play silly and sometimes suggestive games like Twister and Battle of the Sexes.
• Mix up this delicious Rose Sangria - 3 cups of Rose wine, 1.5 cups pink grapefruit juice, 3oz Cointreau, 3oz brandy or tequila, 3/4 cup club soda, garnish with cubed lemon, orange and cantaloupe.
• Serve your guests assorted easy to prepare tapas like grilled chorizo, mushrooms and aioli, ceviche, and bite sized meatballs.

However you decide to celebrate or who ever you celebrate with I hope you have a wonderful evening.

Photo Credits: Game Night - The Kitchn; Movie Night - Sunday Suppers, IMDb, Toast; Friends - Taste.com.au

Crushing on Blue & White

Just about this time every year I begin longing for Spring and wanting to stock up on all things blue and white. I've always been a sucker for a navy and white striped shirt but throw in a boat neck and three quarter sleeves and I must have it. If you ask me it is the perfect wardrobe staple that can be styled a little nautical with wide leg jeans and wedges or a bit more Parisian with skinny ankle length pants and cute ballet flats. Someone made a crack on twitter lately about the striped shirt being the bloggers uniform and it made me laugh out loud.

tote - jeans - shirt - pillow - bangle - heels

The tote, shirt, and pillow in this second grouping are more affordable option to those I included in the first collection. The tote is from the etsy shop reiter8 and is made from a recycled sail, it doesn't get more awesomely nautical then that.

tote - pillow - cardigan - umbrella, ella, ella - shirt

What's on your wish list for Spring? Are there any trends you're loving that you can't wait to snatch up?

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The High Seas Are Calling

A Little Shopping Always Helps

First up for Bathroom Month is a round up of chic bathroom accessories. If your bathroom looks anything like mine, new accessories may feel like putting lipstick on a pig but a full bathroom remodel may not be in your budget. Freshing up the space with some new accessories may help you to ignore that ugly, outdated tile for just a little bit longer.

The collections below contain accents that will coordinate with many different decor styles so whether your bathroom is classic, modern, spa like, or really feminine you should find something that you will enjoy.

1. ring holder 2. pump 3. 3 piece set 4. tumbler 5. baskets, set of 2

6. natural brush 7. waste can & tray 8. basket

1. carafe 2. amber bottles 3. vipp can 4. trinket dish

5. canisters 6. soap dish

1. tissue box 2. chemist's jar 3. tumbler 4. pump 5. soap dish

6. trinket dish 7. canister 8. hanging soap dish

If an entire bathroom overhaul is something you have been planning and are looking for some inspiration you can look forward to full room designs in next weeks bathroom post.

What's New at Design Evolution

I had one of those great creative and introspective weekends. I spent a lot of time developing a more refined vision for Design Evolution and brainstorming the direction that I would like to take the blog. My head was in a great place thanks to the insights of some great teachers and because of this the ideas were really flowing. I had stacks of old magazines all over the floor around me and I was writing down one idea after another. I even starting working on an editorial calendar. How I ever worked on post ideas without doing this in beyond me.


This mornings Delight Deal Alert is just one of the smaller features I'm introducing to the blog. I've decided that, for about the next 10 months, each month will emphasize a variety of posts focused on one particular room in the home. First up will be bathrooms because, well, I hate mine and this gives me the opportunity to daydream about a more spa-like retreat. Fear not, every single post this month will not be about the loo but there will be at least one bathroom related post per week. Keep your eyes peeled for more new features and for the return of some oldies but goodies that some how got left behind.

Loves,

Michelle

Photo Credit: Michelle Verdugo

Delightful Deal Alert

Delightful Deal Alerts are a new feature for Design Evolution. When I come across a great item at a great price or a sale I think you just shouldn't miss I will be sure to share it with you.

Today's item is a simple one but a lovely one none the less. You may be more inclined to get your home office organized if you had some beautiful folders like these for your files. Visit Wisteria to snatch up these bird folders. I hope you like this new feature.

Favorite Post of the Week - February 5, 2010

I received a vintage globe as a gift this Christmas and I found this post supremely helpful when attempting to date it. To be clear, I did not try to take my globe out for dinner and a movie I was just trying to figure out how old it is.


This graphic is from the blog hindsvik where they also provide a pretty extensive timeline of what the names of the countries existed in a specific year. Head over and check it out and while you're at it you'll probably also want to visit the hindsvik vintage online shop. I want pretty much everything in the shop. Enjoy!

P.S. Please don't buy that blue floor lamp. I'm saving up for it. Thanks, love you, bye!

Image Credit: hindsvik

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In Sight, In Mind

For lack of a better and less cliché phase, in our home "Out of sight, out of mind" is definitely the rule. If the yogurt ends up in the back of the fridge it doesn't get eaten; stash the backgammon away in a drawer somewhere and we never play it; and as is the case with my jewelry collection, buy some pretty and inexpensive jewelry to spice up the wardrobe, wear once, stick in a dresser and never wear again.

Hopefully this will no longer be the case. If I keep the jewelry on display right next to my closet there is a chance that I will actually wear it more often. And a bonus, it's pretty to look at. I'm sure I could have come up with a DIY solution but, as we discussed yesterday, I'm not allowed any new projects until I finish the ones I've already started. I didn't want to wait until then to tackle this little problem so I found a simple solution. I ordered this birdcage inspired jewelry organizer from Urban Outfitters this week and I love it.

If you are thinking about working on a DIY solution for your jewelry storage a quick search around the web turned up a bunch o great ideas. Follows the links for more information about each project pictured below.

left: mom generations right: paisley wallpaper

top: homemade by jen bottom: paula wessells

Photo Credit: Top 3 photos - Michelle Verdugo; All others linked below photo

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