Design Lust: Vintage Style Bathrooms

(Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

 When things get difficult, don't give up! It's truly been an amazing thing to see all of my neighbors pull together and support each other in the aftermath of the hurricane. Long Beach was hit very hard, but we are staying strong and will rebuild better than ever. 

On a lighter note, there seems to be a few rooms in my house that I now unexpectedly get to rebuild. Let's be real...of course I'm not thrilled that we just moved in 1 1/2 years ago and plenty of the work that we did has to be redone...but shall we have a look on the bright side? Due to our trouble with Sandy, my husband and I are able to start fresh and tap into what I absolutely love doing- interior design! 

Our first project: the bathrooms. We originally didn't do anything to the two bathrooms in our house other than a coat of paint after moving in. Fast-forward to now...due to flooding our entire finished basement (including the bathroom) had to be gutted down to the studs. The one on the main floor is getting a total remodel. I'm turning my negative thoughts into positive ones by fantasizing about having a beautiful vintage style bathroom where I can finally take a steaming hot bath and relax in peace and quiet. All I will have to do is light some candles...and breathe. Here are some of my recent inspirations that I've been collecting to get the bathroom reno process started.

My ideal bathroom is vintage-inspired and would stay true to the aesthetics of our 1920s bungalow. I imagine it with white subway tile, marble hex tile on the floor, and perhaps a wall-mounted sink. I'm obsessive about choosing paint color so white tile is a (classic) no-brainer! Both bathrooms are super small and will have to remain so...which means it will take some smart (and quick) decisions to increase storage and save as much space as possible. I'm looking forward to documenting each room throughout the house that we remodel, while also re-defining how we use the space. Although my in-laws are generously letting us stay with them as long as needed, my husband and I are feeling the time crunch to get the renovations completed. We can't wait to get back into our own home. What's your idea of the perfect bathroom remodel? I'd love to know if you're making any plans that you want to share. xoxo Becca

Design Lust: Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

What was once my favorite source for vintage style lighting has now become my favorite source for, well....everything. Schoolhouse Electric's site has recently grown to include a wide range of new products for the home- including furniture, rugs, and accessories.

1. I currently have two of these pendants in my own kitchen over the breakfast bar, and I love the metallic bulbs and vintage modern look.

2. Add a bold pop of color to an all-white kitchen with these industrial style blue beauties.

3. Holiday gifts anyone? Or just pop them up on the mantle in your favorite candle holder.

4. Are you planning on painting your bathroom a bold color like a rich turquoise or a bright yellow? This black and white vintage print shower curtain would be the perfect contrast, and it's oh-so-charming.

5. The Hamilton Bed in Industrial Yellow. Swoon! Yellow and grey is an absolute favorite color combo of mine, has been for a long time, and probably always will be.

6. Complete the look with this fab wool throw.

7. This round mirror is a lot of things- nautical, fresh, current, and timeless. It would add visual impact to any room.

8. Love the subtle variations in tone of this rug. It would instantly add a cozy feeling to your space and is so easy to work into most color schemes.

9. Industrial style pieces of furniture are another obsession of mine. These chairs strongly remind me of the iconic Emeco Navy chairs. Both are made of alumininum, have a classic timeless look, and are longing to be paired with a reclaimed wood dining table.

10. I have an unusual infatuation with hardware, specifically antique-looking faceted glass knobs like these. Use them on kitchen cabinets for an instant update. Or a bathroom vanity. Or the hutch in your dining room....so versatile.

If you are one of our clients, don't be surprised if we suggest styling up a room with a piece or two from here. Classic and inspiring!!!

Big up Caribbean Massive- Anya is the winner!!

photo courtesy of the NY Daily News

i can't believe that with all our talk about fashion that we neglected to mention how thoroughly thrilled we are that Anya Ayoung-Chee (my personal season fave) won the past season of Project Runway.  despite the negativity that she has had to endure because of her recently acquired sewing skills, this Trini did her thing!!   not only is she a beautiful west indian woman, she exudes her ethnicity and it is about time that fashion gives us the props we deserve.  Anya is no newbie when it comes to adversity; she admitted in one of the After the Runway episodes that she (and her boyfriend) had some personal sex tapes leaked while she carried the title of Miss Trinidad & Tobago Universe 2008.  it speaks to her personal strength that she didn't allow that scandal nor her bitchy competitors (he knows who he is!!) to keep her from destiny!  i am happy that she was able to turn everything around by winning Project Runway.  needless to say, i would wear anything that she made (except for that shirt she made for the dress the band challenge lol). go Anya!!

Design Lust: Suitcase Surprise

There are countless ways that vintage suitcases can be used throughout your home...and I am not talking about packing them for your next vacation! I've been on the perpetual hunt for a couple of vintage suitcases to make a bedside table in our guest room. They will replace the bed tray that is currently sitting on the floor with a lamp on top of it; quite the conversation piece. Totally not kidding about that, and the interior designer in me is feeling some shame. So I am loving the playful vibe that they will bring into the space, and it's always so wonderful to bring new life to an old piece. Did I mention the added storage?  Not to worry, it's only been like 6 months of searching...both online and in various shops. And who doesn't like to have countless conversations with me about the perfect size, color, and details that my nonexistent stacked-suitcase-nightstand will have? (Sure my husband would vouch for that.) But sometimes for me it's the thrill of the hunt. And if I wasn't still looking I wouldn't have come across these beautiful inspirational images. Thank you Design Sponge for reminding me that I have yet to find what I am yearning for. But I am getting closer. 

Yellow print and mustard yellow luggage- what could be better! 

Hmmm, I could also use some under-the-desk storage

Charming and simple. 

Brilliant reinvention including the luggage rack!

My favorite of the bunch- just need to get my hands on a couple of these pretties

Links: DESIGN SPONGE 

Design Lust: Beach House Art

This would be the blank wall.

Lately I've turned my attention to the big blank wall that's in my living room and what can fill it. We are lucky enough to live really close to the beach. Since I am not into clichés (i.e. you will never find lighthouses, fish wall hangings, nets, or ship wheels spread all around our house) I am trying to get that beachy vibe without being too literal. I'm thinking these could be the way to go. Any other recommendations? -becca

The yellow/blue/grey color palette is perfect for the room & I love all of this artist's work!

 Link: etsy; minagraphy

His name is Sammy, and how could you not like him? And his boots?

 Link: Wayne Pate

Swoon!!! This would be within reach purely if I hit the lottery.

Link: Michelle Armas

Design Lust: Hatchworks

Link: HATCHWORKS

Yes, we did just recently buy a house. No, none of these pictures are of the house we live in. But oh goodness, I want one of these to call home. Or maybe a vacation home? We are planning on painting the exterior of our cute lil bungalow...of which I will have to show you a pic or two soon...the current color right now is sort of a muddy white with some black trim. That just will not do for this color-obsessed girl! But we do have a lovely porch that could so eventually look like these beauties with some work. So being that I am a total color freak, and I have been known to erratically cite paint colors from the Benjamin Moore paint deck at a glance (kind of embarassing sometimes but I guess it's a side-effect from my design consultant alter-ego), I have been looking for inspiration and stumbled across this amazing site. Hello, orange stripe around my bungalow! What would the neighbors say? All I can say is, if the masterminds behind Hatchworks were based in NY, you may have a stalker on your hands. Kidding (kind of). -becca