Displaying posts from August, 2022

“Overlooking the bay of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this refined, metropolitan abode is steeped in elemental materials and natural light. The restful interiors couple burnished metal with raw wood and a lush neutral palette for a look that is classic and composed, spirited yet serene.”

Just the tiniest of teasers that leaves you wanting more, so much more. Just 4 photos but it’s certainly worth it. Caroubiers by French Riviera based interior designer JeanCharlesTomas.

There are a few classic door types that have been stylish for many years, and are still trendy in 2022. Even though styles come and go, these doors remain popular for homeowners. These classics are worth considering if you’re remodeling your home or just want to update your front entryway.

French Doors

Initially popularized in the 17th century, French doors feature a pair of glass panels that open outward. Since they let in natural light and provide a clear view of the outdoors, French doors are a great way to bring a touch of elegance to any home. In addition to their excellent looks, French doors are also highly functional. 
When opened, they create a wide opening that is perfect for entertaining or moving furniture. Since they extend outward, French doors are ideal for homes with small balconies or patios. French doors can also add a touch of elegance to any home, and you can use them to create both formal and informal spaces. 
They also allow a great deal of natural light to enter a room, making them an ideal choice for sunrooms or other light-filled areas. In addition, French doors can be easily customized by companies like Doors Plus to fit almost any opening, making them a versatile option for new construction and renovations.

Barn Door

Barn doors can add a touch of rustic charm to any space and can be surprisingly practical. Thanks to their horizontal design, barn doors take up less space than traditional swinging doors. This makes them an excellent option for small rooms or tight spaces. 
Additionally, you can install barn doors with simple hardware, and they often come with pre-drilled holes for easy hanging. If you’re looking for a unique door style that’s both stylish and practical, consider giving barn doors a try.

Dutch Door

If you’re looking for a unique door to give your home some extra curb appeal in 2022, you may want to consider the Dutch door. Also known as a half door, this distinctive style features a top and bottom section that can be opened independently. While Dutch doors are often associated with farms and barns, they can also add a touch of charm to any residential entryway.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Dutch doors can also be practical, providing ventilation while keeping pets and small children safely inside. If you’re looking for a door that’s both stylish and functional, a Dutch door may be the perfect choice for your home. 

Sliding Door

This unique door style can add a touch of elegance to any home, and with its clean lines and simple design, it’s perfect for any décor. Whether you’re looking for a new entry door or a way to update your existing doors, the sliding door is a great option. Not only is it stylish, but it’s also practical. The sliding door can be used to separate two rooms or to create an opening in an otherwise solid wall. 
Since it slides open, it doesn’t require clearance for swinging, so the sliding door is an excellent choice whether you have limited space or simply want an unobstructed view. If you’re ready to make a change, the sliding door is the perfect option for your home.

Pocket Door

Pocket doors have been around for centuries and are still a popular choice for many homeowners. There are several reasons why pocket doors are so popular. First, they’re very space-efficient. Pocket doors slide into a pocket in the wall so they don’t take up any space when they’re open. This is an excellent feature if you have a small home or want to make your rooms look more spacious.
Pocket doors can also provide some privacy when you need it. For example, you can close your bedroom door to keep out noise from the rest of the house. Finally, pocket doors are relatively easy to install, so you can do it yourself if you’re handy with tools.

Glass Door

Glass doors have long been associated with high-end homes and businesses, and they can add a sense of sophistication to any space. They also have the practical advantage of letting in natural light, making rooms feel brighter and more welcoming, and are great for energy efficiency. If you’re worried about privacy, plenty of glass door options offer different levels of opacity, from clear to frosted. 
However, there are a few things to remember when considering a glass door for your home. First, glass doors can be costly. You’ll also need to ensure that the door is well-insulated to prevent drafts, and if you live in a noisy area, glass doors can amplify sound. However, if you’re willing to pay more and deal with a bit of extra noise, a glass door is a great way to update your home’s style.

Farmhouse Door

This door style first became popular in the early 20th century, and it has continued to be a popular choice for new construction and remodeling projects. Farmhouse Doors are characterized by their simple, clean lines and lack of ornate details. This makes them an excellent choice for traditional homes and contemporary homes in some cases. 
Additionally, farmhouse doors are often made from sturdy materials like wood or fiberglass, which makes them durable and low-maintenance. The farmhouse door is an excellent option if you’re looking for a classic door type that will add beauty and value to your home.

Metal Door

Metal doors have been around for centuries. They’re durable, low-maintenance, easy to install, and they come in a variety of styles to suit any home. In addition, metal doors offer excellent security. They’re difficult to break into, and they can deter burglars. 
Unlike wood doors, which can swell and warp in sunlight and moisture, metal doors are incredibly durable and low maintenance. While they may not have the same rustic charm as wood doors, metal doors come in various styles and finishes that can complement any home. If you’re looking for a long-lasting door that will stand the test of time, a metal door is a great option. 
While some trends come and go, classic home features are always in style. If you’re considering remodeling your home soon, look at these classic doors that are still trendy. By choosing a timeless design, you can be sure that your investment will remain stylish for years to come.

The project  is called “Aspire” and I cannot think of a better word to describe this confection of a bedroom. From the fresh (and pretty) colour palette to the deft use of pattern on pattern this romantic room (it’s actually part of the show house for Aspire Design and Home hence the name) is something we would all long for. A lovely boudoir by Washington-based Melissa Colgan Interiors.

Belmot House in Wiltshire is a location home available through Peagreen Locations and it is an absolute gem. So many original/period features and stunning outdoor spaces including a shepherds hut! (Photos: Paul Viant)

Hey folks. It has been a while since I shared a reno project on the blog, and today I am sharing a bit of a doozie of a reno. I’m taking you back to the beginning of my main bathroom. The photo above is from the real estate listing. Over the 8 years we have lived in this house it never really got any better than that photo aside from me painting the purple out in a pale grey and the chair rail molding in black. This bathroom had a few great features and others that were totally lacking. Great = the stained glass curved window, marble hex tile floor with off white curved trim tile (I think original to the home that was built in 1940) and off white subway tile in the shower with curved black trim tile. The problems with this bathroom were the former owners stuck a cheap, useless pedestal sink in there, so there was ZERO counter space. And there was NO OUTLET!!! We found out there was asbestos so we ended up having to gut the parts of the bathroom we were working with and able to leave the features we weren’t touching. This meant we were easily able to have an electrician put in an outlet, have a separate switch for the fan, and add electrics for a ceiling mounted light (I had one in storage I wanted to use). I wanted to keep all the tile in the shower area and the floor and trim tile because they were beautiful. Turns out this decision cost me a small fortune and would have been much cheaper had I simply replaced the floor tile, because there was a lot of prep work required when re-drywalling to set up for the new tile to be installed flush with the trim/floor tile. Anyway, it is what it is and I am happy to have maintained original features in there.

Here is a shot post-asbestos removal, after adding new insulation and electrical all set up.

This renovation started about a year and a half ago and during many pandemic lockdowns and also with this city having next to nothing in terms of fun options for renovations I did almost all of the purchasing for items in here online, and turns out most of them were from Wayfair (the sink, faucet, all new plumbing hardware in the shower, wall mount light fixture, towel bars). I did want to find a vintage cabinet for the sink, and came across this on Facebook Marketplace for $150:

We sanded it down and gave it a coat of Livos and some new knobs, fit it with a Carrera marble counter and backsplash, refit it inside to fit the plumbing pipes and make use of the top drawer and it worked out really well! You’ll see a bit further below but first a quick note on the tile. I went to a discount tile store and managed to find simple black glossy subway tile and they had plenty to do the walls I wanted tiled. It cost about $200!!! And I decided to add a little bit of colour and found a square tile in green online at Home Depot to add a stripe through the room. That cost $35! I was having a hard time deciding on how the tile should be laid but then saw something online that made me think of this pattern:

My tiler thought it was really creative and though it was a bit of a pain in the ass to prep the drywall for 2 different depths of tiles (try and avoid that – will for sure keep the cost down), I love the end result.
Enough babbling – let me show you my new Art Deco inspired bathroom!

(A couple of other sources: the mirror I have been hoarding a while from Highjinx, the shower curtain is Marimekko from Bed, Bath & Beyond, the little cabinet over the toilet is an antique watch cabinet I found on FB Marketplace, the painting is by Mike Rachlis, the rug is from Turkey via Etsy, the towels from H&M Home and everything else I shopped my house)