Bathroom Tile

Here are some of my favorite bathrooms I designed while living in Arizona. Don't get caught on the vanilla train, as I like to call it. Use different textures and colors,mix glass with stone. Have fun!! If you can't have fun with the tile in your bathroom then when can you?

Off the Shelf

One thing that drives me crazy is when you see bookshelves that are totally packed wall to wall top to bottom with books. This may sound crazy, but blank space is such an easy and simple design concept. Do one shelf with books, one with a picture frame and one with a small stack and open space. Give the eye a place to rest. Its like Coco Chanel said, " put out all your accessories and then take one off." Edit your shelves and rearrange often to give your room a revamping.

Short and Simple

Keeping it short today, just started my Twitter Account, @Intdesignchick. Follow me and I'd love to follow you! Also, check out my info on consulting services. Anything you need, just ask.

Babies on My Mind

Yes, I am already planning my future baby nursery (don't tell Chris he might freak out, maybe I should get through the wedding first) For those of you looking to do something different, or are tired of the same old pink and blue, try these colors. It is a very classic palette and is often used in french design. I would do a white chair rail at about 1/3 of the way up the wall. Paint it a soft blue on the bottom and a creamy peach on the upper part of the wall. I would introduce touches of buttery yellow as accent pillows or even a painted chest.

This palette is perfect for a boy or a girl. I love the chandelier and feel like everyone needs a little glamour and sparkle in their life. I also am obsessed with the gold mirror. The best part about this color palette is that it can grow with them for years and your husband will also appreciate not living in a world of pink. All you men out there, can thank me later.

Thinking Clearly

I am obsessed with the Lucite Ghost Chair. It's not exactly a new idea, but Lucite furniture is making a comeback. This chair is such a fun accent chair and would fit perfectly as a side chair in any room. I also would love to use this as a dining chair. The great thing about Lucite is that it works great in a small space. It would be perfect for all those breakfast nooks as it doesn't appear to take up a lot of room. It will make your space feel larger and the best part is that this chair will work with any color palette.

Inexpensive Custom Art

I did this project yesterday and I am loving it. Its a very inexpensive way to incorporate art into your room. All I did was buy a $6.00 a yard fabric and frame it. It is so simple. I am always changing my mind and the style of my rooms and this way I can change things without spending a lot of money. Any fabric will work and I have also used wall paper before. Find a fabric that has some of the colors of your room and frame. Think about mixing colors and patterns. Often times wall covering and paint stores have discontinued samples that they give away for free.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

This was Dan's design from HGTV Design Star last weekend. He was sent home and it's no wonder why. So, what is wrong with this? Scale, Scale, Scale...I am all for galleries but this one does not work. Scale is Design 101 and I am shocked he made it on the show. When doing a gallery of frames, they should be hung closer together and fill at least 2/3 of the wall space you are mounting them on. I would have added about 5 or 6 more frames to fill those gaps.

Also, consider using larger frames, no smaller than a 5 x 7. Consider using different textures but painting them all one color. Or mix up the frames and use black and white photos. He's who we voted to go home too. Can't wait till next week to see who gets the cut next.

Judge the contestants your self www.my.hgtv.com/design-star-judge-the-designs-2010

It's All About White

Tired of the same old brown bowls and vases? Freshen your home with white accessories. Shiny and crisp white accessories add a modern and fresh accent to your home. I love these white vases from Z-Gallery. If these are out of your budget, I always have luck at Marshall's and TJ Maxx Home Goods.

If you're like me and hate to waste anything, get on the green movement; get a can of white spray paint and paint your existing vases and sculptures. The key is to make sure the paint has a glossy finish. For only $3.95 a can you can completely change the look of your room. Anything will work, old trophies, glass vases, baskets, bowls, or even shells. Just make sure to ask your sales guy if a particular product will work on the existing finish of your piece.

Speaking of Summer

This goes out to all my friends in the northwest. Want to infuse a little sunshine into your life? Add a little yellow. I am going crazy right now for the color combination of yellow and grey. Yellow is so warm, inviting, and happy; and with a touch of warm gray this color goes from the country gingham we had as kids to hip and modern. I just bought this bedding set and can't wait to dress my guest room.

For those of you ready to jump right in, new bedding, drapes, and even wall color is the way to go. I would do a warm grey on the walls and little touches of yellow black and white throughout the room. A little more timid? Try a few throw pillows or bedding like I did. Adding it to your already neutral room will give you that pop you've been looking for. Don't worry if it's the right color or pattern, if you like it then it works.

Bedding by Nate Berkus