THE POWDER ROOM: SMALL SPACES WITH BIG IMPACT

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />It's not a very large room</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />but it's one your visitors are sure to see</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />and you know what that means...<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/10494/interior-design-by-Norman-Design-Group--Phil-Norman--ASID-CID---Bathroom-traditional-powder-room-los-angeles" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="interior design by Norman Design Group: Phil Norman, ASID CID - Bathroom traditional powder room" border="0" height="608" nbsp="nbsp" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/10494_0_8-3839-traditional-powder-room.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">it needs to look great</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/powder-room-small-spaces-with-big.html#more">Read more »</a>

THE POWDER ROOM: SMALL SPACES WITH BIG IMPACT

It's not a very large room but it's one your visitors are sure to see and you know what that means... it needs to look great Read mo...

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HOME DECOR: My Happy Place

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Design makes me happy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Can't help it, </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />just does.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />I have an archive of photos</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />because a picture is worth 1,000 words</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67BBpfBbrYHT8nbDYrHHbxeuTgY2tGIJdV9DZc2ABmpOLJ5K0TynqxyF9hnUOGVsjQbuSlsu-atr7zG4veqHJTpqwu-x8pqvDm7pWbBqtHGvtaqy1ipBh3MWL18KUX3NuXWToDlQNbOub/s1600/0d5bd364888f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67BBpfBbrYHT8nbDYrHHbxeuTgY2tGIJdV9DZc2ABmpOLJ5K0TynqxyF9hnUOGVsjQbuSlsu-atr7zG4veqHJTpqwu-x8pqvDm7pWbBqtHGvtaqy1ipBh3MWL18KUX3NuXWToDlQNbOub/s1600/0d5bd364888f.jpg"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />and its easier to show people what you mean</div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />than try to describe it</div><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-happy-place.html#more">Read more »</a>

HOME DECOR: My Happy Place

Design makes me happy. Can't help it, just does. I have an archive of photos because a picture is worth 1,000 words and its easier to sh...

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HOME DECOR: KITCHENS - THE SINK

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had to take a little break from the kitchen series - it was taking over my life....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but, here is the final posting in the series - a look at sinks and faucets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyvFEqM3ns8dwPuuEKhH1X92LtMolocZ_55FOg-pdGrJujAwJHMAapegl9q3e-ViVDhEnUF4gtHNv24H8_kufy9qfZV9q0I3AhT1OkMTPF3l5jbXqOiULwdx4bYnkunGJIygx3hNDJNVT/s1600-h/ss_100114484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyvFEqM3ns8dwPuuEKhH1X92LtMolocZ_55FOg-pdGrJujAwJHMAapegl9q3e-ViVDhEnUF4gtHNv24H8_kufy9qfZV9q0I3AhT1OkMTPF3l5jbXqOiULwdx4bYnkunGJIygx3hNDJNVT/s400/ss_100114484.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The country apron sink (undermounted) is more popular than ever</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it provides a unique look whether in porcelain</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAsE7fz9uf7AqHrDkNyTlebjzXlqG8SjVmeZnmHTLGVcNxEFBjjrWUSHuejGncg-c0-bsaJVLN1MCGJT7ozjT7kjqsMUfwJsMsu-UErW7D8eeV8o2M-pYxbjADAYURK5Gc6TgxR4QanaN/s1600-h/APRON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAsE7fz9uf7AqHrDkNyTlebjzXlqG8SjVmeZnmHTLGVcNxEFBjjrWUSHuejGncg-c0-bsaJVLN1MCGJT7ozjT7kjqsMUfwJsMsu-UErW7D8eeV8o2M-pYxbjADAYURK5Gc6TgxR4QanaN/s640/APRON.jpg" width="545" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">stone </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(brushed nickel bridge faucet with sprayer and soap dispenser)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05LW1mU_1gZ43z1xij4vTIefIMyqkk-LAV1_KfgfKNcJl8DWBdO7wd7V1paFRgEfZ4qSjbicLTdZDODnH4dyA7zaIeqjos44U5KZ8D6RPaTAMOWvRl_abo-pclpkev0orixa0V8IR_6AS/s1600-h/AE46FBAC-0522-4589-A35F-0CA7D287F0FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05LW1mU_1gZ43z1xij4vTIefIMyqkk-LAV1_KfgfKNcJl8DWBdO7wd7V1paFRgEfZ4qSjbicLTdZDODnH4dyA7zaIeqjos44U5KZ8D6RPaTAMOWvRl_abo-pclpkev0orixa0V8IR_6AS/s640/AE46FBAC-0522-4589-A35F-0CA7D287F0FB.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">or copper</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">(double bronze single hole faucets (one for purified drinking water on the left)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW28rXkjenrXb6DdbE-DpSaYqiWU7PzRLrVF9u-Upgltu4s1S4Nyt8Fh3EF1ir9xtIC60ifJnJy3_VwhThe9GtW80_m1F_l7VAIiwMl8DMWqd9vap_En_Mp2ESCalI0iqjJvag3PEWQgXo/s1600-h/granite%2520countertops%2520and%2520stone%2520backsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW28rXkjenrXb6DdbE-DpSaYqiWU7PzRLrVF9u-Upgltu4s1S4Nyt8Fh3EF1ir9xtIC60ifJnJy3_VwhThe9GtW80_m1F_l7VAIiwMl8DMWqd9vap_En_Mp2ESCalI0iqjJvag3PEWQgXo/s400/granite%2520countertops%2520and%2520stone%2520backsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">stainless steel (undermounted) divided sink (it is just me or does this look on the small side?)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">(I really like the industrial look of the faucet and sprayer)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Consider your view when installing a sink.  If you have to face a wall, make it a little more interesting than this one!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCna1rPek-68sQ7_KWISjnz1h7uGRLRgxkPNgUDeJ58WDpXkdZR96kJJlGpEjAjF9wrLXeINTtiiwY0VP8hWwTzWO7v0wek3AQWdKz_sTWrqMAhB0ezx9Fs4RRRRuHOrYmEvyJFi0OR1_M/s1600-h/Hillhurst%2520-%25202712%2520-%2520Kitchen%2520Sink%25202_480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCna1rPek-68sQ7_KWISjnz1h7uGRLRgxkPNgUDeJ58WDpXkdZR96kJJlGpEjAjF9wrLXeINTtiiwY0VP8hWwTzWO7v0wek3AQWdKz_sTWrqMAhB0ezx9Fs4RRRRuHOrYmEvyJFi0OR1_M/s400/Hillhurst%2520-%25202712%2520-%2520Kitchen%2520Sink%25202_480.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Undermounted granite divided sink - kind of gorgeous</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">the undermount provides an easy to clean surface</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">(also love the tiny mosaic backsplash)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">(single hole polished nickel faucet with integrated sprayer)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of view - this location lets you be a part of the family while cooking or cleaning up, as it faces into the adjoining family room</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeDtKqhLeaoCKzfrKSdZOYQFhOg20IfRwZGieoo8vtMhk3iOr4W3pTeu2jZaYzpL8mQssJ2y1Z1KnKPKrCeklcBKJG06mtiBUnNa9uGxt_ZTFnFtwcqn9Q5bQ6yfr19tRdVV2Dstj_qBV/s1600-h/imagesCAI2CWE2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeDtKqhLeaoCKzfrKSdZOYQFhOg20IfRwZGieoo8vtMhk3iOr4W3pTeu2jZaYzpL8mQssJ2y1Z1KnKPKrCeklcBKJG06mtiBUnNa9uGxt_ZTFnFtwcqn9Q5bQ6yfr19tRdVV2Dstj_qBV/s640/imagesCAI2CWE2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">vintage look bridge faucet in bronze on an undermounted</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">apron sink</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRZXcCQAxGVe-Lt615ElS4vlMdTfUYuQsG2LyCq2JDGpo5KUfBie6mKyLYkVITb3jJm1q870IbNQhyMkY5Xg8ooyJjwaU2ULFff8JQ6-MscMQr3T_SZ6fcAaqqp3wMdVQIaFnQp9RnMWO/s1600-h/ss_100022398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRZXcCQAxGVe-Lt615ElS4vlMdTfUYuQsG2LyCq2JDGpo5KUfBie6mKyLYkVITb3jJm1q870IbNQhyMkY5Xg8ooyJjwaU2ULFff8JQ6-MscMQr3T_SZ6fcAaqqp3wMdVQIaFnQp9RnMWO/s400/ss_100022398.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Another undermount - this porcelain sink is assymetrical - larger on one side than the other to accomodate larger pots and pans</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">(chrome single hole faucet with sprayer)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwjQI0k5MiyM-q3N3KjG3nNHwzc8nD1Kzy-cnaC0RIa9tRdkFNWqQ9uFV3HkgJHd8-f44nHSe1OSjyI37HL3yl6PWVJnCuw15VxR90IoEsNUfSvL857zhhx38RgonHYBGO9NhSI3Ybsuc/s1600-h/ss_100109991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwjQI0k5MiyM-q3N3KjG3nNHwzc8nD1Kzy-cnaC0RIa9tRdkFNWqQ9uFV3HkgJHd8-f44nHSe1OSjyI37HL3yl6PWVJnCuw15VxR90IoEsNUfSvL857zhhx38RgonHYBGO9NhSI3Ybsuc/s400/ss_100109991.jpg" width="391" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This extra long stainless steel sink, undermounted in marble, accomodates two full-size faucets for busy kitchen prep.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrpKix9MSX1NN9oDGh0UxKcDc7hNxH-AZVDWQjpbiSCsfW5yI5kzrY8kKVhFtwvRLWi_K88TBTc9WM0EAQWvJkqHIsqgy7XwSr_3tSaroAK0k7cf2Y_f_EVNEi5GbiZAD4pGzSn2iVVKs/s1600-h/ss_100631366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrpKix9MSX1NN9oDGh0UxKcDc7hNxH-AZVDWQjpbiSCsfW5yI5kzrY8kKVhFtwvRLWi_K88TBTc9WM0EAQWvJkqHIsqgy7XwSr_3tSaroAK0k7cf2Y_f_EVNEi5GbiZAD4pGzSn2iVVKs/s400/ss_100631366.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">country apron sink gone industrial - this updated stainless steel version would fit into any style kitchen</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">an additional stainless steel sink in the island increases the prep area.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhEu0spP4O0sENE2JmQDPK39AI0y99FQW4f-XFV7flguhhE_D8opvYQegvCCJBu-N7tyHae1VSSBtC2Vo9H7LDwy6XRBt7I1WYV4qTYVQOecSAArHnLyelZS3NE2LzUIfO6wmnDvqkA0P/s1600-h/ss_100671225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhEu0spP4O0sENE2JmQDPK39AI0y99FQW4f-XFV7flguhhE_D8opvYQegvCCJBu-N7tyHae1VSSBtC2Vo9H7LDwy6XRBt7I1WYV4qTYVQOecSAArHnLyelZS3NE2LzUIfO6wmnDvqkA0P/s640/ss_100671225.jpg" width="620" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Dark hand oiled bronze bridge faucet with sprayer on an extra deep single undermounted sink</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtUjLKywngLs0vThAL5BYa1wnca6j-uavS0mxP5PXDuvkF3IwjxeE0iOTlRM-wbnmCmJJCRgVcGjltXZAs89ogSPDcthR6ML6SsnUC1NnAMEqvpJD0mAZiMlXg07TjhbME9Xeks0L1AZE/s1600-h/ss_101097331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtUjLKywngLs0vThAL5BYa1wnca6j-uavS0mxP5PXDuvkF3IwjxeE0iOTlRM-wbnmCmJJCRgVcGjltXZAs89ogSPDcthR6ML6SsnUC1NnAMEqvpJD0mAZiMlXg07TjhbME9Xeks0L1AZE/s400/ss_101097331.jpg" width="383" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">ceiling mounted pull-down faucet over a long stainless steel sink - </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">for a commercial or industrial style kitchen - maximizes counter space</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_orkyBXDY5GJyhBpc33BK7AHjhy0nZfO2visXsQqS8x0Zf23ZRFM3RekIwqJyD9eC3u8qwmKkx4ik2GjpmqI1ih5bEYWJMaKDTxIM2FjjsHHXKjN1zxPom3LdyECd-y5R8cKtWNiGJID/s1600-h/ss_SIP910733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_orkyBXDY5GJyhBpc33BK7AHjhy0nZfO2visXsQqS8x0Zf23ZRFM3RekIwqJyD9eC3u8qwmKkx4ik2GjpmqI1ih5bEYWJMaKDTxIM2FjjsHHXKjN1zxPom3LdyECd-y5R8cKtWNiGJID/s400/ss_SIP910733.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Another stainless steel option - divided sink with larger and smaller basins</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">chrome faucet</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPbZN3tLAXP5rkbmkJRwZVIzbtnpTzRI4EwaQyJW7P-YRXquc5aTcId4NKpTHCoBOse0RJAXx106QSsedeyePauXhrcGPZ-PD01m8Wl8xCsHUD7uc7KNRMZo7ixphdgo4y_t42_JbApId/s1600-h/ss_TDH713330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPbZN3tLAXP5rkbmkJRwZVIzbtnpTzRI4EwaQyJW7P-YRXquc5aTcId4NKpTHCoBOse0RJAXx106QSsedeyePauXhrcGPZ-PD01m8Wl8xCsHUD7uc7KNRMZo7ixphdgo4y_t42_JbApId/s640/ss_TDH713330.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">or how about two equal size stainless sinks</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">the bridge faucet here needs to be extra large to cover both sinks</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5d0EIooPt_riyHQlgr8AMviW0GmMSv-klFTgmYJPPwzJH0ks7Eud5sLRuFa1EAEB3862hR-Q8KdM84JINAe0wFpDiMsCeH-yWwJszcRHCW6OUyq8bDrcM0ywKdlkhSGAxY7OZN3rfgSM/s1600-h/STONE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5d0EIooPt_riyHQlgr8AMviW0GmMSv-klFTgmYJPPwzJH0ks7Eud5sLRuFa1EAEB3862hR-Q8KdM84JINAe0wFpDiMsCeH-yWwJszcRHCW6OUyq8bDrcM0ywKdlkhSGAxY7OZN3rfgSM/s400/STONE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">where's the sink?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">the granite sink in the same material as the counter top creates an almost invisible effect</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hZOf9hfLeB11Ql2LRGYFbifnmbdXErmzzVMZ_cD-c1MQ5qtosg9XROvDcvS5i4dw180I-xo4ENxa0inOweKaO4ZMO5F7Tuvo0uwd1IhZDUlkruHkwfKOTYEO1GKaDfNRzw5QriM1pfuW/s1600-h/sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hZOf9hfLeB11Ql2LRGYFbifnmbdXErmzzVMZ_cD-c1MQ5qtosg9XROvDcvS5i4dw180I-xo4ENxa0inOweKaO4ZMO5F7Tuvo0uwd1IhZDUlkruHkwfKOTYEO1GKaDfNRzw5QriM1pfuW/s640/sink.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The divided undermount sink in porcelain - larger and smaller sinks - undermounted</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">old fashioned style brushed nickel faucet</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTAEeSuatDGp0um1HN8z4bBrdXNlj-IuFxUnio4r1AUxDEqL7qf2FOf6U2L6RYTV-pHTO9VpXarMVLqVMts70txurXtOfax1iXtAaVj7Rz3MU1rIud8DTDs6ODum7HCKHpaRPiOz2l8a3/s1600-h/ss_100675671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTAEeSuatDGp0um1HN8z4bBrdXNlj-IuFxUnio4r1AUxDEqL7qf2FOf6U2L6RYTV-pHTO9VpXarMVLqVMts70txurXtOfax1iXtAaVj7Rz3MU1rIud8DTDs6ODum7HCKHpaRPiOz2l8a3/s640/ss_100675671.jpg" width="633" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This stainless divided sink may look equal in proportions, but has a shallow and a deep side </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmirp4x-SZt6R6lcWEW3sXKTk6GHXVDwCbTLnsukWj3bun8xn5Mu8JujMO6Vqt0987ooiw4aIgmCKnl0qJh0EflfQ4utVwWh6omEX7KRKh8rwqyf6QwOabYIPSVNTbGoc6bdF6GWHUvLuG/s1600-h/conour-sink-closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmirp4x-SZt6R6lcWEW3sXKTk6GHXVDwCbTLnsukWj3bun8xn5Mu8JujMO6Vqt0987ooiw4aIgmCKnl0qJh0EflfQ4utVwWh6omEX7KRKh8rwqyf6QwOabYIPSVNTbGoc6bdF6GWHUvLuG/s640/conour-sink-closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I like a deep single basin sink.  This one, undermounted in a marble countertop with spread chrome fixtures</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">What is your preference?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Do we need a divided sink? What was your favorite look?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Or your favorite style of faucet?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though I like a country kitchen - I really like the industrial and clean lined faucets</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">That might be an interesting mix..... eclectic!  See, you can get away with almost anything if you call it eclectic!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">DROP ME A LINE OR LEAVE A COMMENT ON WHAT SUBJECT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ON A POST!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>

HOME DECOR: KITCHENS - THE SINK

I had to take a little break from the kitchen series - it was taking over my life.... but, here is the final posting in the series - a look ...

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HOME DECOR: Spa-Like Master Bath

Barbara's master bathroom hadn't been touched since the 80's when her beach-close home was built. While she and her husband had made beautiful changes to most of the rest of their home, the bathroom remained locked in a time warp. <br /><br /><br /><br />Navajo white with 1980's brass fixtures, white cultured marble countertops and a roman tub with white tile surround. Barbara's style was dark woods, minimal decoration, clean lines, and contemporary european style cabinetry. <br /><br /><br /><br />There were changes to be made! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZblI56HBu5dzqM-_0GKgt-6td5EHtYkFuMrDpESI4HvlqLMxoAE4Kqkf6wFs8Etjc8N1m-PwxryX6CrJMZtCS8cXhzYqGMKxeDuB4iWWV_B6H2Fwc7lI34_4Qi1Erj_9jcwHsIFST_s/s1600-h/Master+bath+5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334820156396779186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZblI56HBu5dzqM-_0GKgt-6td5EHtYkFuMrDpESI4HvlqLMxoAE4Kqkf6wFs8Etjc8N1m-PwxryX6CrJMZtCS8cXhzYqGMKxeDuB4iWWV_B6H2Fwc7lI34_4Qi1Erj_9jcwHsIFST_s/s640/Master+bath+5.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="426" /></a> We did away with the 80's vanity, replaced it with custom cabinetry, raising the height and extending the cabinetry to the floor to maximize storage. The before photo here shows the dated style vanity, cultured marble counter top, contractor's standard glued-to-the-wall miror and white tile floor. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEZ1B45ZiRJl8rvcSjBOx_nKHa7M27lLyx4nBCfMGd_GqQB7NTe0O8c8Ajc9-Tsbf1pf9-tCLA4dwrpI1FnVrkZowlaxegKbxL_IaZf0yZQsw1zOzKHw8X7WpRYdvLLuSG6TqxwNlVYE/s1600-h/IMG_3216.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334820152932605266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEZ1B45ZiRJl8rvcSjBOx_nKHa7M27lLyx4nBCfMGd_GqQB7NTe0O8c8Ajc9-Tsbf1pf9-tCLA4dwrpI1FnVrkZowlaxegKbxL_IaZf0yZQsw1zOzKHw8X7WpRYdvLLuSG6TqxwNlVYE/s640/IMG_3216.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="426" /></a> A beautiful difference! We chose dark chocolate (a custom color stain) european style custom cabinetry with brushed nickel contemporary handles.  The countertop is a solid travertine slab and the floor is 18 inch noce travertine tiles. We chose an opaque lustre glass tile backsplash in tones of honey, gold and brown. Brushed nickel single arm faucets continued the contemporary spa-like feel . <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVG2pY7qGGSGXQdvfdu-H7Yqj6TbeIsU6iX3dov_TVjKe7eWdtfSP7XeLKTNwRULSYCrLumaqIuAjIiuE2V03CWVR0xzhD60TtXLQFuRHsYO464VasRjvt3RDq5OLdpMfhh9i5zp7ANE/s1600-h/IMG_2944.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334819824860936418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVG2pY7qGGSGXQdvfdu-H7Yqj6TbeIsU6iX3dov_TVjKe7eWdtfSP7XeLKTNwRULSYCrLumaqIuAjIiuE2V03CWVR0xzhD60TtXLQFuRHsYO464VasRjvt3RDq5OLdpMfhh9i5zp7ANE/s640/IMG_2944.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> Barbara loved her roman tub, and since it was in excellent shape, decided to keep it. The brass faucets had to go, as did the dated mini blinds.  However, privacy was an issue with the oversized picture window and neighboring homes just a few feet away. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXwT3gV1LeOPGnigt9eNrzMBG0o_b5m4_2rk5h3LMfYZx5vTwduoP7DGN1eucjDK7I2BvEd5P0_p2_CbidpEHsNETGlDdjkUgvlINza6aMjGKaaf6qB2l2SHTeZ1vMPeLqbQIB-l3tSM/s1600-h/IMG_3218.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="623" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334819823566493202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXwT3gV1LeOPGnigt9eNrzMBG0o_b5m4_2rk5h3LMfYZx5vTwduoP7DGN1eucjDK7I2BvEd5P0_p2_CbidpEHsNETGlDdjkUgvlINza6aMjGKaaf6qB2l2SHTeZ1vMPeLqbQIB-l3tSM/s640/IMG_3218.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> So we put in a new vinyl window with opaque glass for privacy. We carried the mirror and the backsplash wall to wall to open up the space. The tub surround was tiled in 12 inch noce travertine, which we carried up to backsplash height and partially framed the window. To change things up a little, we selected an oil rubbed bronze contemporary faucet (not an easy thing to find - oil rubbed bronze in contemporary style) for the roman tub - an idea that Barbara had seen and liked in an upscale hotel. The old plumbing resisted being removed and I was afraid we would have to replace the roman tub because I was certain it was going to crack before they got the old faucet off. In the end, we had to saw the old faucet off, and managed to do so without destroying the tub. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TgQLtecHS92AfFbkNBssyG98QGY94QC_UxY1blpPceEeTPA6pPpJDfkYBrs_RcEn3Sdw-WQtIXzflkYWCHNqJCv1G2ds2UHbLP4uIGnvDJUAZrD_tbqE3lmfLyPjWBB4rvuzl0WMY8Q/s1600-h/IMG_2946.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334819821925376258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TgQLtecHS92AfFbkNBssyG98QGY94QC_UxY1blpPceEeTPA6pPpJDfkYBrs_RcEn3Sdw-WQtIXzflkYWCHNqJCv1G2ds2UHbLP4uIGnvDJUAZrD_tbqE3lmfLyPjWBB4rvuzl0WMY8Q/s640/IMG_2946.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> Here is another view of the roman tub as it appeared before the renovation. <br /><br /><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_eEjHtmS1aU0Dwdm9oRcFUg2JEUa9bTn_tNDThjmt-mPtkBWZdoRTihL1711RMbDJAZTfdfRIK0p0s-px5pXKHJb8NPaEUFdj_uPBetaaNFwuM1X4tw0uYKXiDHybC7guVk8OKd_yLg/s1600-h/IMG_3223.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="464" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334819817066420274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_eEjHtmS1aU0Dwdm9oRcFUg2JEUa9bTn_tNDThjmt-mPtkBWZdoRTihL1711RMbDJAZTfdfRIK0p0s-px5pXKHJb8NPaEUFdj_uPBetaaNFwuM1X4tw0uYKXiDHybC7guVk8OKd_yLg/s640/IMG_3223.JPG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>Note how the area - sink, tub and shower - is unified with the backsplash and carrying the backsplash into the roman tub area, and eventually into the shower. </div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECf3Y8zk6Z8zlXV_vbFfrKFZu8yvp2ghAFBYWxIzOw5Gsne8n8cqRQJosMKMEpOFkuCQc8kXfsoHiSxZZigAk6QG5Oi8civEZG8gTwxpblCvhPz-4kFxdtS3UYmT0VIWkArwSHsiw4p4/s1600-h/IMG_3220.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="451" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334819810389401538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECf3Y8zk6Z8zlXV_vbFfrKFZu8yvp2ghAFBYWxIzOw5Gsne8n8cqRQJosMKMEpOFkuCQc8kXfsoHiSxZZigAk6QG5Oi8civEZG8gTwxpblCvhPz-4kFxdtS3UYmT0VIWkArwSHsiw4p4/s640/IMG_3220.JPG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> The room is full of light, but warm - not sterile.</div></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EHzCShAQNskUB5Eugz8XF09y3jSo2QWsIKvDXmY3CVlBDoWki6cb_SHQmAC8e1zA8aLcvDzCYtZJdVupPp0R3YE2e1qf0xGDeq6PcSjFUUy9v8yelfsogD3_bJpYdaOm4oJkYbqBpjE/s1600/IMG_2945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EHzCShAQNskUB5Eugz8XF09y3jSo2QWsIKvDXmY3CVlBDoWki6cb_SHQmAC8e1zA8aLcvDzCYtZJdVupPp0R3YE2e1qf0xGDeq6PcSjFUUy9v8yelfsogD3_bJpYdaOm4oJkYbqBpjE/s640/IMG_2945.JPG" width="420" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The shower was white 6 inch tile with brass framed sliding glass doors. The shower head came to the neck of anyone of normal height. We demolished the entire shower and to our surprise found that the subfloor beneath had not been waterproofed. We hot mopped the shower pan and waterproofed the shower. Since we had the wall open, we checked the 20+ year old plumbing and made any repairs needed. (A wise thing to do when redoing a shower - can you imagine putting in all that wonderful tile or stone and THEN having a leak in the pipes?) </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQv3FW4U5dsRqYlgMhkurHx9KOOc42d89fu1r2BzLonhsa0rcMRtvdkEeUM6sgVTlC0KgZ7kgBU79uwT8X-Ms08kSWoKZlXtrTpjbT9pWSzMGmorRaVIS68_VXT_hTvE26Sh468tCuMc/s1600-h/IMG_3221.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334818673101879138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQv3FW4U5dsRqYlgMhkurHx9KOOc42d89fu1r2BzLonhsa0rcMRtvdkEeUM6sgVTlC0KgZ7kgBU79uwT8X-Ms08kSWoKZlXtrTpjbT9pWSzMGmorRaVIS68_VXT_hTvE26Sh468tCuMc/s640/IMG_3221.JPG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="425" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We created a shower nook for soap and shampoo and used the opaque lustre glass tile inside the nook and as a border in the shower. The walls are tiled in 12 inch noce travertine, the floor in a 4 inch version. New shower head, thermostat and a separate hand spray in brushed nickel were installed. We raised the height of the shower head, so that washing hair didn't require a stoop. </div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Frameless glass shower doors allow the beauty of the tile to shine through. The door swings inward or outward and the glass was customized to wrap the tub surround. Unseen in these photos is a built in seat inside the shower. </div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Kw9tVmvzjydDj9_6H7SrVifsJ7OKhOevSdonuBlB8GHSTa0YAKowQcoBnUs_J-hoI-NKGYyU8GebLN_lu8hxf2eSq0AeIZwyJ1GcK2dGXyxmHQPUhdqM4Pc0gqmBpz1Vg44ax9m5if8/s1600/IMG_2943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Kw9tVmvzjydDj9_6H7SrVifsJ7OKhOevSdonuBlB8GHSTa0YAKowQcoBnUs_J-hoI-NKGYyU8GebLN_lu8hxf2eSq0AeIZwyJ1GcK2dGXyxmHQPUhdqM4Pc0gqmBpz1Vg44ax9m5if8/s640/IMG_2943.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At the entry to the bath, white painted linen cabinets and counterspace were demolished and custom cabinetry and drawers in dark chocolate installed in their place.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5df7-u9e0JI_onGbQzE26hEyrIBBqWoj3Fj1HFh-dXHudQqbrG3oIOTWxLzCMAnN-sqPoAEJXqPNYK4nTeK4_EhC0clCESQBVrWv5QqMUq5ZiXmJQ1xRlnhVMWecDgcOz25BJPQCva4/s1600/IMG_3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5df7-u9e0JI_onGbQzE26hEyrIBBqWoj3Fj1HFh-dXHudQqbrG3oIOTWxLzCMAnN-sqPoAEJXqPNYK4nTeK4_EhC0clCESQBVrWv5QqMUq5ZiXmJQ1xRlnhVMWecDgcOz25BJPQCva4/s640/IMG_3217.JPG" width="308" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The same european slab front cabinets and drawers make a rich toned statement with brushed nickel pulls. We also added valuable storage here by installing drawers and doing away with the countertop. </div><div><div><div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div><div>The photos here are devoid of the finishing accessories, added after I took the photos, but I think you can see how beautiful the project turned out. </div><div></div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

HOME DECOR: Spa-Like Master Bath

Barbara's master bathroom hadn't been touched since the 80's when her beach-close home was built. While she and her husband had ...

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HOME DECOR: Updating Bathrooms - The Most Expensive Room in the House

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61ZWz_pvka2buAmJ0yyPfVlsauWk60b7qXK1GNNXml1ohVO5bayNRjVt1Z1eK0jvBGkK0narZaLQ-Qit6ufjCdNTMW5j_OUKzk1pDQWxNx2cpQD2n9SawvDURcGvke0Xp-_052bQLB6w/s1600-h/IMG_1231.JPG" onblur="function onblur()<br />{<br />try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}<br />}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239862629092684450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61ZWz_pvka2buAmJ0yyPfVlsauWk60b7qXK1GNNXml1ohVO5bayNRjVt1Z1eK0jvBGkK0narZaLQ-Qit6ufjCdNTMW5j_OUKzk1pDQWxNx2cpQD2n9SawvDURcGvke0Xp-_052bQLB6w/s640/IMG_1231.JPG" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="408" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Per square foot, the bathroom is the most expensive room in your home to remodel. Even if you keep all the plumbing where it currently is, the cost of new fixtures, toilets, tub, shower enclosures, tile, cabinets and labor costs can be daunting. When it is necessary to move plumbing, it gets worse. The bathroom is, however, one of the most rewarding rooms to update. You will nearly always increase the value of your home over and above what you spend.</span> <span style="font-family: arial;">For such a small room, the variety of materials and design possibilities is surprisingly abundant. Flooring alone ranges from natural stone, woods (engineered plank flooring and laminate are resistive to moisture, but not impervious), mosaics, or durable porcelain tiles in a large variety of colors and styles. Some mimic natural stone so convincingly it is hard to tell them apart. Even more choices are available when it comes to materials for the shower, walls and counter tops. Ad</span><span style="font-family: arial;">d ceramic and glass tiles, patterned mosaics and metals to the floor options and you have a beginning. When it comes to the materials and the combinations in which they can be used, you are limited only by your imagination. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">When I have a client about to embark on a bathroom remodel, I take them to my favorite place, a showroom for the trade in Laguna Niguel, Surface Concepts, that </span><span style="font-family: arial;">specializes in all the materials needed to transform hard surfaces. I always feel like a kid in a candy store as I explore the huge variety of products there. T</span><span style="font-family: arial;">he possibilities are delicious. On my last trip I discovered an etched stone tile that looked as if it could have been pulled off of a decaying italian villa. There are irridescent glass tiles and handcrafted mosaics and frescos. Old world to contemporary the selection </span><span style="font-family: arial;">is enormous. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Taking a</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> client th</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ere is an e</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ducation in possibilities. Suddenly, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the client has choices beyond the products they</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">discover at their local home improvement store.</span> <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Here are some helpful tip</span><span style="font-family: arial;">s for m</span><span style="font-family: arial;">aking your bathroom remodel a success: </span><span style="font-family: arial;">1. Always hot-mop a shower pan. Water will find its way through grout, and stone is porous. I have spent a good amount of time trying to match 80's and 90's style tile after making repairs for leaks, necessitated because the shower floor was not waterproofed. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">2. Make sure there is an adequate moisture barrier under any flooring on a second floor bath. Backer board or cement board is a necessity. It reduces the flexing of a wooden sub-floor (murder on tile mud and grout) and creates a moisture barrier if water gets out where it shouldn't. Once again, repairs, repairs, repairs. Make sure your contractor knows what he is doing. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">3. Whenever you change out a plumbing fixture and open a wall, replace the stuff (technical term) inside the wall. It's pro</span><span style="font-family: arial;">bably old, and you don't want to be tearing out the beautiful new tile or stone you just paid to have installed when the old stuff springs a leak. There is an amazing variety of </span><span style="font-family: arial;">fixtures </span><span style="font-family: arial;">to choose from. Metal choices range from polished </span><span style="font-family: arial;">chrome to b</span><span style="font-family: arial;">rushed nickel and bronze and everything in between. Also amazing is the price range. Shop around for a good price. I have used the internet to some success and savings. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">www.Efaucet.com is a good source with a large variety of products. Pacific Sales has quality fixtures at a reduced price. Take your decorator with you for a further discounts on most products. Expo has a good variety of fixtures both in their off the floor sales and their special order section. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Purchase the best quality that you can afford. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Consider components such as shower heads (do you want it to rain softly or blast you with invigorating massage?) hand held wands, diverters, mixers, and multiple heads. Your budget will determine your selections, but do get the highest quality that you can afford. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">4</span><span style="font-family: arial;">. It's also a good time to make changes in windows if that is on your agenda, especially if you will be installing tile around one. The new windows are more energy efficient, as well as better looking and can be installed with a variety of opaque glass styles for privacy. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">5. Review the lighting in the room. You will need both overhead and vanity lighting. Overhead lights the room. Vanity illuminates your face. Remove any outdated fixtures and install can lights overhead and a vanity light that beautifies the room. If you have a double sink vanity, consider lighting over each sink. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">6</span><span style="font-family: arial;">. A new vanity can make a world of difference. You can purchase one that looks like a piece of furniture, or have the cabinetry cus</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJok1u9L0Oj7zUfoqtcSRo3dorf_d8JvC0ZWbjzakV6SSuu2lvfgtZM9ZniduuqKed2zY9p1rgXwsJpzWsb2BzX6TUDmXLjy85yA9G7U6pjBQOVIHRK7CMxr577suEfrG_jpGfM3gXtq0/s1600-h/IMG_1247.JPG" onblur="function onblur()<br />{<br />try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}<br />}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239860901665622370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJok1u9L0Oj7zUfoqtcSRo3dorf_d8JvC0ZWbjzakV6SSuu2lvfgtZM9ZniduuqKed2zY9p1rgXwsJpzWsb2BzX6TUDmXLjy85yA9G7U6pjBQOVIHRK7CMxr577suEfrG_jpGfM3gXtq0/s640/IMG_1247.JPG" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" width="480" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">tom made. Home improvement stores have semi-custom cabinets in a variety of finishes and configurations </span><span style="font-family: arial;">that have nice cabinetry details. An antique or used piece of furniture can be a great choice for a vanity. A carpenter should be able to make alterations and cut a hole to drop a sink into. I have used all of these choices and they have turned </span><span style="font-family: arial;">out beautifully. If a new vanity is not in the budget, consider painting the existing one </span><span style="font-family: arial;">and change the hardware for a fresh new look. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">7. Counter top options range from a solid stone, such as granite or marble, to any variety and combination of glass, stone and tile. Most bathroom vanities can accommodate a prefabricated granite counter top, which is helpful on the pocketbook. You will still need to have a fabricator cut the holes for the sink and faucets and install for you.</span> <br /><br /><br /><br />8<span style="font-family: arial;">. Use skilled craftsmen. Make sure you include the cost of demolition and dumpster rental in your calculations. If you are removing a cast iron tub, let you contractor know ahead of time. He will need to bring more </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSDeS_0YkCLuRV8iWhK5EsBYRmAB9pckElU-roQ-max_AUUPBQklpTunJsM3S6Ae2Q3mGrmQdAd1GMVdtYafoYsrJu-a5IM-OBR_WryHP5yBqsLdg0A-ItuNSzRJARFwLWUmlaFmU91Q/s1600-h/IMG_1248.JPG" onblur="function onblur()<br />{<br />try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}<br />}"><img alt="" border="0" height="581" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240563543485276034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSDeS_0YkCLuRV8iWhK5EsBYRmAB9pckElU-roQ-max_AUUPBQklpTunJsM3S6Ae2Q3mGrmQdAd1GMVdtYafoYsrJu-a5IM-OBR_WryHP5yBqsLdg0A-ItuNSzRJARFwLWUmlaFmU91Q/s640/IMG_1248.JPG" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">help to move the 400 lb. monstrosity out of the house and cart it away. Stone-layers should be able to install your stone with as little as 1/16 inch </span><span style="font-family: arial;">grout line. Ceramic tile requires a large grout line, but a good tiler can also lay porcelain tile almost as close for an authentic stone look. (No one likes to clean grout!) If you want a specific design discuss this with your craftsman before ordering your tile as some designs may require more tile. More elaborate designs may cost more to install because of the cuts</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> required. Make sure they seal the grout and stone with a proper penetrating</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> sealer. Remember, a tiler or a contractor is not a designer. Don't let them talk you into their design for your bathroom. (That's a pers</span><span style="font-family: arial;">onal pet peeve). If you need help</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> with the design and materials, hire a decorator.</span> <span style="font-family: arial;">Your decorator will talk to them about details like where seams should occur and how to center a design. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">9. Get rid of the old sliding shower doors on the metal tracks. I don't know anyone who enjoys cleaning those monsters. Invest in a frameless glass enclosure. It is well worth the extra cost. It looks elegant and will truly showcase the new tile or stone you have installed.</span> <span style="font-family: arial;">Depending on the size of your bathroom, you may be able to do without a shower door. Careful placement of the shower head and shower wall may allow you to have an open style shower. </span><br /><br /><br /><br />10<span style="font-family: arial;">. Mirrors are essential. Invest in a wall to wall and counter to ceiling one for a clean, modern look. If you are able to keep the one currently glued to your wall, frame it in molding for a custom framed look. You can also purchase beautifully framed mirrors to hang over each sink.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">11. Paint is a way to add color and warmth. Fresh fluffy towels add color and texture. Baskets, accessories, soap dispensers, florals, window coverings and artwork can give your space great personality. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">12. Find a way to bring some fabric into the room. With all of those hard surfaces, towels provide some softening and color, but more can be added with valances, shower or door curtains and rugs. Don't limit your towels to those hung over the racks. Rolled up in a basket or folded and stacked on a bench, they can add a luxurious spa appeal. Is it worth it? Yes. By updating your home you increase its value and your enjoyment of your property. It will pay dividends when it comes time to sell, but the best dividends are those you enjoy daily as you live in a beautiful space.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">i would love to hear about your bathroom project - leave me a comment! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Until next time, happy decorating! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Claudine </span>

HOME DECOR: Updating Bathrooms - The Most Expensive Room in the House

{ try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {} }"> Per square foot, the bathroom is the most expensive room in your ho...

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