HouseBliss

Fashionista Bathroom

Michele — Tue, 25 May 2010 20:24:00 +0000

Posted by Michele

Like a little black dress, my perfect bathroom combines classic details, clean lines, a modern mix of materials and finishes with just the right amount of sparkle.

Understated glam is always in fashion and attention to detail is a must….

Granite counters, iridescent smokey grey mosaic glass tiles, stainless steel accents and a modern classic white vessel sink are all combined for a unique fashion statement. Glass pillars in varying shapes are used to display soaps and a Trina Turk beach scented candle (my fav!) of verbena, white amber and peru balsam. Smells like an ocean breeze!

A fashionista must have a special place to primp and prime! This bathroom also features an at-home-salon with a built-in appliance holder for blow dryers and curling irons, a must-have full length mirror and a hand-painted vanity for storage. The pale teal girly-girl make-up chair with accent pillow is the perfect perch. Subway tiles, grass-paper wall cloth, black and white accents with stainless details are combined with the warmth of travertine for an opulent yet tasteful interior.

Finish the look with luscious cotton towels of tranquil blues, clean whites and a pop of sunshine in classic patterns to compliment the backdrop of subway tiles, stainless and travertine. Style mix for a glam girl on the go….

Bathroom design by Michele Pelafas, ASID, IIDA. www.SpaInteriors.com.

To learn more about setting up an at-home-salon check out Michele’s featured article in Kitchen & Bath Business Online.

Cozy Kitchens in Blue

Dana — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:15:25 +0000

Blue isn’t a color you often see in the kitchen, but with a soft hue or a little pop of this calming color you can transform your kitchen into a cozy place to reconnect.

Cottage Chic KitchenA cozy country kitchen dressed in smoky blue.By Unique Kitchens of Dublin

A light blue island makes this kitchen bright and breezy.

Glamorous Dining Area

Pale blue wall covering adds style and grace to this classic dining area.

Maylek Juniper Wall Covering

Smoky blue flowers are paired with the look of aged metal. This foil wall paper has a slightly Asian feel. $21.96 per Yard at www.homespadecor.com.

Tiled Dining Table

A tiled dining room table in iridescent ice blue glass tiles adds a hint of color without being overwhelming. It’s also a durable alternative to the standard wood table.

What colors have you used to accent your kitchen? We’d love to hear your ideas and insights!

It’s Dinner Time!

Dana — Mon, 10 May 2010 20:14:48 +0000

Dinner time is a time to sit back, relax, reconnect, and, well…. eat! Whether your having a special family dinner or a gathering with friends, you can add a touch of glamor to dinner time by dressing up your table. This can be as simple as adding fresh blossoms and fabric napkins to your table. I’ve put together some beautiful spa-inspired table settings to get your creativity stirring…

Colleen Mullaney has her roots in floral design, interior design, and architecture, and creates beautiful table settings. Check out her unique style and creative crafty books at www.colleenmullaney.com.

The Pedistal Beverage Server

Serve your signature drink in style!

A simple, elegant place setting with fresh pears as the centerpiece. Layering plates of different shapes and colors adds depth and interest to your table. Add candles and natural place mats and your on your way to creating an intimate and relaxing mood.

Looking for recipe ideas? Here’s a few spa cuisine recipes to try out!

Grilled Pear Salad with Candied Almonds

By Candace www.ishotthechef.com

Ingredients:

2 pears (must be ripe but firm) peeled and sliced
3 c baby arugula
2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
16 grape tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 yellow pepper, diced
blue cheese
1/4 c pomegranate seeds
salt
pepper

1. Heat Grill pan over medium high heat and place pear slices on pan. Grill for 2-3 minutes, then flip and grill the other side for another 2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the pears, as they will get mushy. Do this in small batches and let cool. When cooled, slice, or dice depending on how you want to serve it.

2. Toss arugula with the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Arrange on the plate and scatter the grilled pears, tomatoes, yellow pepper, blue cheese and pomegranate seeds on top.

Candied Almonds:

1/4 c sugar
2 tbsp water
1 c whole blanched almonds
1 tsp unsalted butter

1. Place foil on cookie sheet and set aside. Stir sugar and water in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium and boil without stirring until mixture turns deep amber color, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 4-7 minutes.

2. Mix in almonds and butter. Immediately pour out onto foil, separating almonds with fork. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

Sprinkle over salad

Spiced Apple and Chamomile Tea

The Golden Door Health Spa

2 1/2 c. unfiltered apple juice
1/8 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
Thin apple slices
2 c. brewed double-strength chamomile tea
1/8 tsp. cinnamon

Heat all ingredients except apple slices to just under boil. Strain. Pour into mugs. Garnish with apple and serve. Also can be served cold over ice. 4 servings.

Enjoy!!

Backyard Bathhouse

Michele — Tue, 04 May 2010 02:26:58 +0000

There is something so enticing and intriguing about outdoor bathing. The sounds of nature, the open sky, the fragrant and familiar scents….

A place to call your own, some “me time”, away from the daily distractions…feels like a trip to the spa, yet just steps away.

Draw a bath, pour yourself a relaxing cup of tea and light some candles.

A spa escape: morning, noon or night. Sun, moon, stars.

Dress code: Cozy robes and comfy slippers; clothing optional.

“Beautiful Bath Addition” homeowner Kathryn Allen, Sunset Magazine

Meditation Spaces

Dana — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:09:27 +0000

In our daily lives it can be hard to find a little time to clear our heads and re-center. Daily meditation can help us relax and focus, and even increase our energy throughout the day. Creating a meditation space in your home is easier than you may think. Your first step is to find a little area that is free from distractions – a quiet place where you can clear your mind and de-stress. A peaceful view out a window and natural light are beneficial, but aren’t necessary. You can create your own beautiful view using your favorite artwork.

Meditation Corner from MyHomeIdeas.com

Once you find your quiet place, focus on making it your own. Add a table and place your favorite objects on it - anything that inspires you – seashells, smooth stones, a photo of your loved ones, a glowing candle garden, or a special sculpture that you love. Having a plant or fishbowl in your meditation area is also recommended to add living energy.
Gradually add the things that you love to your table, and eventually you’ll have a collage of beautiful things that are uniquely yours. As you pass by your meditation area throughout the day it should help you feel inspired and relaxed.

Many people think that you need to sit cross-legged on the floor to meditate, but in reality you just need to be comfortable. Place your favorite comfy chair in your meditation space, or add a big fluffy cushion if you prefer sitting on the floor. You can even use your bed as your meditation space – just be sure to sit up straight! Your posture and a straight spine will help the energy flow through you while you meditate (and your back won’t hurt when your done!)

Cozy Corner by Frank Roop Design

Soft music or guided meditation can help you ease into meditation as a habit. A CD player or an MP3 docking station is a good addition to your space. Play soft, soothing music and let your mind wander, or try a guided meditation series to help channel your energy. “Meditation Moment” by Dudley Evenson provides guided meditations for each week of the year.

Guided Meditations and Music

You can also find some short, guided meditations to get you started at Learning Meditation www.learningmeditation.com. Also check out Meditation Center’s website www.meditationcenter.com, which has a 21 day meditation start up newsletter to help you get in the habit.

Do you have a place for meditation in your home? Send us pictures of your retreat and let us know what inspires you!

Sunbeds – Chic Summer Style

Michele — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 02:10:42 +0000

Posted by Michele

A sunbed brings to mind easy, breezy and blissful sunny days, curled up with a good book and taking in the fresh air. These sunbeds take lounging to an entirely different level and are oh so chic!

A pop of vibrant color in the midst of nature will brighten the start of any day especially when the hues are streamlined and contemporary against an organic background.

Lounging with a loved one, delightful appetizers, a bottle of wine…so sweet, so chic.

Barefoot and laughter….special moments are always enhanced when relaxing in style. Here’s to hoping that the day never ends.

Light, bright and beautiful, in traditional Paola Lenti style, these sunbeds are distinct yet timeless. Pile on the pillows! The sun is setting…

Dusk til dawn, lounging in the great outdoors.

Congratulations Paola Lenti. Extraordinary designs. www.karkula.com

Kitchen and Bath Design Trends From Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine – kbb

Valerie — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:03:00 +0000

Kitchen and Bath Design Trends From Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine – kbb

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Resort Living

Dana — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:23:58 +0000

Spring break is almost here – a time to flee the wintery north and indulge in a sunny, tropical vacation! Bring the feeling of a tropical resort home with grass cloth textures, fresh Caribbean blues, balmy greens, and rich dark woods. Here’s some inspiration!

: By Barry Dixon Design

: By Windsor Smith Design

: Shala Lit Stool

Zen Style

Valerie — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:52:02 +0000

Looking to transform your interior into a place of refuge against the chaos of today’s world? It’s easier than you think to make your home into a SPA HOME. Refined simplicity, warmth, organics, multi-layer linear forms and textures, and most of all balance, balance, and balance. These characteristics truly define what a Zen inspired interior is. Focus on a warm earthy neutral color palette that is simple. The use of minimal color allows for the focus to be on the individual rather than the interior. Don’t underestimate the power of natural light and organics. The use of soft wood tones and natural light help achieve balance by bringing the outdoors within. Emphasis the idea of balance where-ever you look from the use of color, form, and texture with-in the space. Achieve a new sense of tranquility and meditation by eliminating unnecessary objects. These key concepts will help transform your space into your own spa escape, keeping it timeless, tranquil, and well-balanced. Check out these inspiration images!

Feel well-rested and at peace in this spa zen inspired bedroom. The natural color palette is balanced with the crisp white linens and soft wood tones. Simple furniture and architecture keep it clean and uncluttered.

Design: D. Denison Photographer: J. McHugh

The ultimate zen bathroom sanctuary. This truly has to be house bliss! The tranquil water pool becomes the focal point, while balanced with the fabulous wood inspired shower. Finished with a restful view sure to help anyone unwind and refocus.

design inspiration from www.kaesch.biz

Simply breathtaking! Layers of texture and forms showcase the simplicity of the pool. Reconnect with nature. Take in the surrounding water and natural air. The soft opaque shoji like screens offer privacy and a soft filtered light. The modern bath pool is reminiscent of a traditional ofuro-soaking tub but has many modern day bennefits, like chromatherapy, hydrothermal, and ozone therapy.

design inspiration from www.kaesch.biz

For additional zen inspiration, take a look at the book “The Japanese Bath”, by Bruce Smith and Yoshiko Yamamoto.

Elegant Home Retreats

Dana — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:32:36 +0000

Soft neutral tones combined with natural elements are the signature palette for a spa home retreat. Using a neutral color scheme for your home can be challenging, but by layering different textures and hues of soft colors you can create warm, understated and beautiful rooms. It’s easy to add and change accents of color with plush pillows, unique accessories, and organic botanicals. Set a relaxing mood at home by providing cozy places for you and your family to reconnect and refresh.

High ceilings, rich warm hues, and an earthy gray background are accented with pillows of soft spa blue. A combination of natural materials make this over-sized space cozy and warm. Accentuate the height of your ceilings with dramatic floor-to-ceiling curtains.
Designed by Siskin Valls Interior Design www.siskinvalls.com

This bedroom is decorated in a soothing combination of sumptuous fabrics and warm textured walls in muted, multidimensional colors, and provides a restful place to take time out during your busy day and rest and refresh at night. Layers of fabric and cozy upholstery help quiet the room.
Designed by Siskin Valls Interior Design www.siskinvalls.com

This cutting-edge and cozy bathroom retreat mixes stone and glass tile with a unique vanity made of natural wood. Frosted glass windows allow natural light to flood into the room, without sacrificing privacy.
By Murdock Young Architects murdockyoung.com

Soak your stress away with a gently curved, modern bath. Natural stone is accented with the shimmer of glass tile.The organic wood sink vanity is mirrored by a small vanity shelf on the opposite wall.Light fills this space with a unique arched window, and the distinctive ceiling makes this bathroom undeniably modern. By Murdock Young Architects www.murdockyoung.com

The serenity of an outdoor bath is reflected in this unique bathing space. Natural stones boost the twin baths, rustic mirrors reflect light into the room, and classic bath fittings add charm.
By Catherine Painvin, Aubrac, France Guesthouse