This reader request comes from Lia: “I take possession next week of a little urban cottage in Overbrook. I have pretty much no cash to do much of anything, but have to do some renos (redo hardwood throughout; upgrade electrical; paint, of course). I had a designer give me a hour’s consulation re: colours, but beyond that… I’m on my own. I’d like the place to reflect my artsy bent and be a sanctuary for my daughter and I. Do you have any ideas for a space of about 800 square feet, including an eat-in kitchen (70’s style brown wood-type cabinets, I’ll keep the linoleum for now, 10 by 14 feet), 12 by 14 foot living with with non-functional fireplace (brown brick and slate), the smallest bathroom possible (with pink and black tiles with white toilet and walk-in bath – that will have to be replaced), and a bedroom for myself (12 by 9) and for my three-year-old (10 by 9)? Do you have any images of cottage-sized, girl-pretty places?” What dug around my photo stash and found all sorts of small-ish spaces with a girly touch, which hopefully will inspire Lia to create a gorgeous little home for her and her daughter. A chick pad. 🙂 I found enough photos for 2 posts so here are some living rooms and bathrooms and tomorrow will be kitchens and bedrooms.
Bolig Magasinet | design*sponge |
Sally Conran | Martha Stewart |
jj Locations
The Cross Decor & Design
Domino
Marie Claire MaisonHouse to Home
House to Home
House to Home
Tara Larkin
Living Etc.
The New York Times | Bolig Magasinet |
Apartment Therapy | Domino |
Domino
House to Home
I received an email this morning that totally made my day. Here’s what Dylan wrote: “I just wanted to write as a local Ottawan and say that I am a big fan of your blog and follow it daily. If you’re interested, I’ve attached a couple of pics of my bathroom that we completed last year. I’m a future designer (currently in school) and this is my first real project. It is in keeping with the style that your blog seems to feature (neo-baroque?). Anyhow, thanks for posting so many amazing pics! Its nice to see good design does exist in Ottawa!” This renovated bathroom is straight out of my dreams. And since I have 2 totally awful bathrooms to redo eventually, I think I’ll be looking Dylan up for some advice and sources. Be still my heart. (Dylan, you’ve got an amazing career ahead of you).
Ian wrote us last week with a request for some ideas for this bathroom: “I’m trying to get my bathroom lighting sorted and I’ve decided against harsh overhead lighting with the plan of having the mirror lit either side instead which is a much more flattering light. However, I’ve looked everywhere and can find barely any ideas! I was thinking of a couple of Glo-balls coming out of the mirror, or recessed lighting, or a pair of Tolomeo lights coming out of the wall etc. Anything other than a horrid downlighter above my head! I wondered if you may be able to help me and post some much needed inspiration on your site?”
I went through my photos of bathrooms and selected some that hopefully give Ian some ideas. I personally think 2 glo-ball-like lights hanging on either side or wall-mounted Tolomeos would look fantastic. (I’ve got Tolomeos on either side of my range and I LUV them!). Examples of these and others are below.
Cossman_de Bruyn | Ami Mckay |
Dolly Howarth | IFI |
Location Works | Kate Hume |
House Beautiful | mlk studio |
Better Homes and Gardens | Jeff Andrews |
Nothing dates a house more than an outmoded bathroom (that and an aging kitchen). I couldn’t resist posting these 80s bathing beauties. Come on! What’s not to love? In 25 words or less “Why I hate these rooms”. Your time starts now. Making the most of Bedrooms & Bathrooms, by Mary Gilliatt, Orbis Publishing, London, 1983 is the source.