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Inspired Bathrooms: From Architecture to Zen Accents – How to Make the Most of Your Space

Calm. Meditative. Inspired. The bathroom of your dreams. Whether you’re thinking about making small upgrades or delving deep into a full overhaul, a bathroom renovation can make a big difference in how you feel about your home.

From modern and luxurious to fresh and Zen-like, when choosing a brand-new look, it’s important to make the most of your space. Create the bathroom of your dreams with these inspired design ideas.

Think Architecture

If you’re into industrial-chic, vintage farmhouse, Italian Calacatta marble, coastal cozy or another fun style, you can customize every architectural detail to fit your theme. Yes, you can even make your cabinetry Calacatta marble… if that’s your design dream. A bathroom is one room that needs plenty of storage, but often doesn’t have the space for it. If your space is small, make the most out of it with floor-to-ceiling bathroom cabinetry.

Not Quite White

If you’re looking for fresh and modern with a twist of simple and clean, the not so white bathroom may be exactly what you need. Choose your favorite color and bring it down to its lightest (almost white) shade so it is barely there. One of our favorites is an oh-so-soft blue-green hue (like these sage bathroom cabinets) that is just colorful enough to catch attention, and yet not too far off from white. You’ll not only love it for years to come, but you’ll be able to match it with darker accent shades.

Zen Accents

From an abundance of natural light, bamboo and natural wood décor to potted plants, pebble shower flooring and a view of Mother Nature outside, styling your bathroom with Zen accents can be calming, meditative and harmonious. Your bathroom can be the perfect place for a Zen-inspired theme, especially if you’re one to take a long soak in a warm bath. Don’t forget the mixed stone Zen indoor fountain to fully set the mood.

Bohemian Chic

Another fun and fresh theme for your bathroom is to take it full-on bohemian chic. From funky vintage cabinets, a clawfoot tub, heavy brocade curtains and faux oriental rugs, to Moroccan mosaic tiles, oversized plants and an inundation of art, your bathroom will be the room everyone wants to escape to—and talk about every time they visit you. When you mix Bohemian with eclectic touches, you get nothing but inspired bathrooms.

Take a Chance

One of the smallest rooms in your home can be one of your biggest places to take a chance and dare to be a little different. Go elaborate – maybe some ornate wallpaper (yes, wallpaper), bold colors, unconventional hardware, eccentric and bold flooring. Take a chance and have fun with your bathroom. Start small with your half-bath… you can always redo it later.

Best Drink Station Ideas for Your Apartment

Tackle your apartment space in style and create your own unique easy-access drink station by selecting a special space to keep your “drink essentials.” All you need is a small area where everything you need is right there in front of you, from coffee pot to wine decanter and everything in between. In no time at all, you’ll be enjoying your favorite go-to beverage while impressing your guests, too!

You can use your kitchen counter, tables, carts, a cabinet, custom bar, or other station to suit your style. Here are a few tips to help you organize and stylize your very own apartment drink station.

Side Table with Bottom Cabinets

Using a side table is a great drink station idea for a tiny apartment. This allows you to contain your drink station to a specific area that is also interchangeable – coffee bar in the morning and cocktails in the evening. Simply switch them out for the need.

Because of the cabinets, you can also close the station and hide those drinks that aren’t necessary at the moment. This allows for your space to appear less cluttered. Expert tip – a table with cabinets makes everything accessible when you need it, and out of sight when you do not… choose a cabinet that is unique and looks great on its own.

Rolling Drink Station with Shelves

Creating an apartment drink station with a wheeled cart can be the perfect option – especially if you often entertain guests in your space. The rolling cart drink station is ideal if you want to display all of the imbibing options to guests. Load it up with everything you need – important items toward the top and less-used toward the bottom. Dedicate a shelf to drink accessories. Expert tip – a cart with pullout shelves makes this an easy-access option.

Cabinet Slide-Out Station

For those with very little counter space, an increasingly popular idea is the integrated drink station cabinet with slide-out shelf and drawer storage. When the cabinet is closed, everything is tucked away inside and there is plenty of counter space. When drinks are needed, simply open the cabinet, slide out the shelf and voilà – instant drink station! If you have a nearby drawer, stock it with all of the drink accessories you most often use. Expert tip – this beverage center should include an internal power outlet for a coffee machine, blender, etc.

Custom Half-Table Minibar Drink Station

If you’re feeling creative and have a serious DIY project on the mind, here is a fabulous idea: take an old table and have it cut in half (lengthwise or width-wise depending on your wall space), add a fresh coat of paint and bolt the half-table to your chosen wall. But before the bolting begins, take the leftover table top and create an additional shelf below the counter top. The middle shelf is perfect for drink accessories and condiments. Expert tip – underneath the bottom shelf, hang a rack for wine glasses and another one for coffee mugs.

Buying Guide for Your New Dining Table

The dining room is a central and meaningful part of your home. It’s where you and your family gather every day to connect with one another over a shared meal. It’s also the place where you entertain close friends and extended family members, whether for holidays and other special occasions or just to enjoy company and good food.

With the dining table holding such significance, it’s important to choose one that fits your personal style and matches your home’s décor, while also helping to foster connection and create the mood you want others to experience when dining with you.

Follow the suggestions in our dining table buying guide below and you’ll choose a dining table that’s the perfect combination of functional and stylish.

Choosing the Right Shape

You’ll first want to choose the right dining table shape, not only based on how it looks, but also for the layout of your space. A table that matches the shape of your room will enhance balance and create harmony.

The most common dining table shapes include:

Rectangular – The most traditional dining table shape, rectangular tables fit well in long, narrow spaces. This is also a good shape to use when you have an open-plan space that you want to create separate functional areas in, such as a dining area and a family room.
Square – This shape is ideal for smaller rooms, especially square rooms, as it enhances an intimate setting.
Round – A cozy, intimate style, a round shape is an excellent choice for a smaller room where you need a good space-saving option. Since it doesn’t have any corners, a round dining table is also ideal for those with small children who can get hurt on the pointy corners on a square or rectangular table.
Oval – This shape is a more space-efficient alternative to a rectangular table.

In addition to space, also consider the primary use for your table when choosing a shape. A round or square dining table helps to create the desired ambience for candlelit meals or intimate gatherings. A long, rectangular table, on the other hand, is perfect for hosting large dinner parties or seating families of more than four people.

Also think about the most common ways you use your table outside of eating. Do you use it as an office and need room for your laptop and paperwork when checking emails, paying bills or performing other tasks? Do your children use the table to do their homework? Do you and your kids use the table as a craft area for art and other creative projects? Your answers to these questions will be important factors in determining the amount of space your table needs to have.

Choosing the Right Material

After deciding on the best table shape for your home and lifestyle, you’ll need to then choose the right material. You’ll want to select a material that blends well with your existing dining room décor and furniture pieces to create a harmonious setting and relaxed atmosphere.

Keep in mind that there’s no “right” or “wrong” choice and allow yourself the fun and freedom to experiment with materials. Having an open mind will enable you to create a space that displays your personality and style and brings your vision to life.

Some of the most common dining table material choices include:

Glass – A glass dining table is the epitome of modern and elegant. This material is best suited for small rooms or apartments where you want to give the space an open feel.
Wood – A timeless option, a wood dining table creates a warm and welcoming look and feel. This is a versatile material, as it beautifully complements a variety of décor styles and is available in numerous colors and finishes.
Stone – Stone tables, such as granite and marble, are luxurious, natural options that are perfect for modern style homes. Due to the heaviness of stone, it’s best suited for smaller tables.
Metal – Metal is a highly durable option and works well with an industrial or contemporary style room.

Before shopping for your new dining table, measure your space and keep the above guidelines in mind. You’ll find that when you take the time choose a table that meets your various practical, social and style needs, gathering at the table will be a truly rewarding experience.

Interior Designs Predicted to Rise in Popularity for 2019

Whether you’re planning a major renovation or are just looking to spruce up your home with some small updates, you’ll want to check out the interior design trends predicted to be in demand for 2019, ranging from sustainable home design to earthy color palettes.

Sustainable Furniture and Décor

United Airlines has banned the use of plastic straws and this is just one example of an increasing number of corporations placing sustainability as a top priority. This focus will also be seen in home design trends in 2019, with sustainable furniture and décor becoming even more popular.

We’ll see leftover materials (such as marble) being recomposed in smart ways, indoor plants (except for succulents) used more for decorating and cleaning indoor air for various rooms, handmade décor elements and more. All of these interior designs serve the purpose of creating a visually appealing environment, while being produced in a way that leaves very little to no impact on the environment.

Earthy Tones

PPG’s color experts have announced their 2019 Color of the Year selection: Night Watch. This color is a rich teal that symbolizes community and nature and allows homeowners to create an environment in their homes that feels protective, beautiful, healthy and calm.

A mixture of beige and grey is also coming back, as these neutral tones are a lovely complement to the on-trend, earthy deep blues and warm greens.

Orange and yellow will also be appearing in a lot of 2019 interior designs, particularly in decorative accents, furnishings and paint.

Bold Backsplashes and Wall Colors

If you’ve been wanting a new backsplash for your kitchen or bathroom, now’s the time to do it. There’s no lack of exciting backsplash options to choose from, whether you prefer a bold patterned backsplash or one with a solid, impactful color such as orange or yellow.

Bold colors will also be popular for walls. Since interior design is moving away from the accent wall trend, you’ll want to choose a color you’ll love to use for an entire room.

Terrazzo and Light Wood Flooring

Terrazzo was a popular material choice for flooring, countertops and backsplashes in 2018 and is predicted to continue to be a trendy interior design option in 2019. Made by mixing marble, granite, quartz, or glass chips into a cement binder, this tiling option offers aesthetic appeal, versatility and durability.

However, terrazzo is expected to quickly become outdated. For this reason, we caution against investing in terrazzo to use as flooring for a large space or in floor-to-ceiling designs if you’re not going to love the look a couple of years from now. Instead, you may want to opt for using it in a smaller area, such as a hallway, mudroom or guest bathroom backsplash.

Light wood floors and wood-look floors will still be on trend in 2019. These flooring options, including our Carolina Timber Beige Wood Look Tile, provide a classic look that will remain in style for many years, offering timeless beauty. The other great quality about light wood flooring is that it complements a wide array of colors and décor styles. This means you can change other aspects of your room without having to invest in a new floor.

Cozy Living Room Ideas for Winter

For many of us, the cold winter months means spending a lot more time at home. Whether that translates into you hosting friends for dinner and cocktails a lot more, having tons of game and movie nights with your kids or snuggling up with a good book and blanket on the couch every night, one thing is certain: Your home needs to feel cozy and inviting, and be a welcome respite from the chilly temperatures outside.

Keep a festive mood beyond the holidays by making your living room a place you’ll look forward to unwinding in throughout the winter months with our ideas below.

Comfy Rugs

While we love the sophisticated, clean look wood look tile and other flooring options create in a living room, they can be cooler on your feet. Rugs are the perfect way to make wood floors warm and welcoming without minimizing their appeal or style.

For the winter months, place a fluffy area rug on your floor to add warmth to your living room. To add even more coziness, toss a sheepskin rug over an ottoman or reading chair.

Cozy Blankets

Cozy throws or blankets are a must for comfort and warmth any time of the year. For the winter months, oversized, woven blankets are the perfect choice.

Soft Lighting

The right lighting can make or break the ambience of a room. To create a cozy atmosphere during the winter, it’s best to maximize natural lighting as much as possible.

When you do need to use artificial lighting, especially as the sun begins to set for the day, go for soft, warm-hued lighting in lieu of bright light bulbs. When possible, leave overhead lights off and use table and floor lamps instead to give your space a warm glow.

Warm Colors

Incorporate pops of warm, cheery colors into your living room with patterned or bright colored pillows. Yellow, orange, turquoise, spring green and other uplifting colors are perfect options. Feel free to get creative with other colorful décor, such as art, framed pictures and flowers.

Make the Fireplace a Focal Point

If you have a fireplace, arrange your furniture so that the fireplace becomes the center of the room. By bringing tables, chairs and sofas closer to the fireplace (and arranging them so they face it), you create a truly inviting and cozy spot, both for entertaining and for spending relaxing time alone.

Of course, going one step further and using your fireplace will make for the ultimate magazine-worthy cozy winter setting!

Seasonal Scents

While décor plays a huge role in creating the look and feel of a room, don’t forget about the impact scents can have. Placing a bowl of potpourri with wintry aromas, such as cinnamon or pine, will instantly give your living room a cozy atmosphere. Scented candles will have a similar effect, while also creating the perfect mood lighting for evenings.

Ideas for a Spa Bathroom

If you love going to the spa and are looking to recreate a bit of the spa look and feel in your bathroom at home, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of simple spa bathroom ideas you can try.

The main theme to keep in mind when designing a spa bathroom is that you want the overall design to be minimalist and soothing. Start with a good decluttering of your bathroom, followed by a deep cleaning, and then you can get to the fun of actually creating a serene environment.

Below are some fabulous spa bathroom ideas for designing a space you’ll love using. Start with the ones that are the most appealing or important to you and, if desired, add in more over time.

Ideas for Creating a Minimalist Look and Feel

• Choose a Light Color Scheme

Stick with white, sand or light shades of serene colors, such as light blues and greens. These colors create a peaceful and more spacious look. Avoid busy patterns and bold colors.

As for linens, we suggest sticking with all white towels and robes if you truly want to mimic a spa environment.

• Use Simple, Vertical Storage

If you don’t have a ton of counter space or you want to create a compact and visually appealing storage solution, go with a vertical storage option to maximize space. A vertical shelf, three-tiered baskets and bathroom ladders are good options. The one that’s best for you will be determined by your style preferences, as well as your bathroom size and layout.

Pampering Ideas

• Rain Showerhead

Rain showerheads mimic the fall of natural rain, creating an extremely relaxing shower experience. This is one change worth making, as it’s quick to do, inexpensive and makes your shower experience so much better.

• Candles and Music

Create a truly relaxing setting by placing candles on places like windowsills, shelves and the bathroom vanity, as well as in your bath area. You can also fill clear glass jars with tealights and scatter the jars throughout your bathroom for a warm and welcoming ambiance.

If you also enjoy listening to relaxing music, be sure to get a small waterproof Bluetooth speaker so you can be accompanied by acoustic music or soothing sounds of nature without having to worry about your device getting water damaged.

• Japanese Soaking Tub

If you’re ready for a more drastic change, you may want to consider installing a Japanese soaking tub. These tubs are deep, so that you can immerse your entire body and enjoy a warm, relaxing bath. Don’t worry about it taking up too much space, either. They’re deep but not wide, making them a great option for even small bathrooms.

Flooring and Décor Ideas

• Replace Fabric Rugs with Nature-Inspired Bath Mats

Choosing a nature-inspired bath mat will add another level of chic spa style to your bathroom and will certainly feel more luxurious and special than a fabric rug. Some good options include pebble bath mats and cedar wood bath mats.

• Incorporate Plants

Plants not only help to purify the air in your home, but they add lovely, natural décor and a touch of color. Since plants come in many sizes and varieties, it will be easy to find a few perfectly suited for your bathroom, regardless of how much space you have available. Hang them from the ceiling, place them on windowsills or even sit them on the floor to bring life to an empty corner.

• Install Wood Look Tile

When you’re ready to replace your bathroom floor, install wood look tile. Wood flooring adds warmth and creates the feeling of nature and peace, which is exactly what you want in a spa bathroom. However, since real wood flooring isn’t practical for humid spaces, wood look tile (i.e. faux wood tile), which has a higher resistance to water, is a fantastic option for bathrooms. This tile beautifully imitates the natural look of wood, is easy to clean and is a fraction of the cost of real wood flooring.

While you’ll still want to treat yourself to a day at the spa every now and then, using the above ideas to create a spa-like experience in your bathroom will allow you to enjoy mini spa experiences at home after a long day.

Kitchen Design Tips – Can You Style White Cabinets with White Appliances?

White has been a kitchen design staple for many decades and continues to draw people in with its crisp, clean look. If you’re one of the many people who’ve fallen head over heels with white kitchens, you’re probably asking one of the most popular questions that are asked when it comes to this kitchen color: Can you style white cabinets with white appliances?

The answer is, as with many things, it depends. There are pros and cons to designing a kitchen with white cabinets and white appliances, so we’ll take a look at both sides. Once you’re equipped with knowledge about the potential benefits and downfalls of this look, you’ll be able to make the decision that best meets your personal style preferences and that’s most suitable for your home.

Pros and Cons to Combining White Cabinets with White Appliances

White cabinets create a unified, clean look, whether styled with white countertops and appliances or with other colors incorporated into the overall design.

When white cabinets are paired with white appliances, there are many positive results, including creating:

A Timeless, Classic Look – With the right styling, white cabinets and white appliances create a timeless look in a variety of homes, from modern and country style homes to cottage and vintage ones.
A Brighter, More Spacious Looking Kitchen – White naturally makes a space feel lighter, brighter and more spacious and, when you use white cabinets with white appliances, they will appear to blend or flow into one another with no distinct lines. This is an especially fantastic styling choice for small kitchens or kitchens that don’t get a lot of natural light.
Versatility – White goes with anything, which gives you a lot more options with tiles and décor choices than most other colors offer. It’s also an ideal backdrop for other light neutrals, as well as splashes of bolder colors.

Some negative aspects of an all-white look in the kitchen include:

Shows Aging More Quickly – No matter what type of material, white tends to show its age more quickly, with signs of wear and tear being more visible on white than it is on other colors.
Needs Regular Maintenance – A white kitchen needs regular maintenance since white shows dirt easily and, as mentioned above, shows signs of aging more than other colors. White cabinets also quickly reveal smudges, scratches and splashes from cooking.
Can Be Plain and Cold – Too much white can appear plain, unexciting and even a bit cold. While plenty of people absolutely love this look, it may not work for you if you’re set on creating a warm, welcoming and cozy kitchen. If you love an all-white look but want to add some warmth, consider adding timber flooring or furniture—incorporating plants and flowers in your décor can also help.

Other Appliance Colors to Consider with White Cabinets

If you have white cabinets or are planning to get white cabinets but aren’t sold on white appliances, there are plenty of other appliance color options that will look beautiful. Subtle colors such as off white, taupe, gray and black all work well against white cabinets, as do bolder, fun colors like turquoise, sage, yellow and red.

Designing the Ultimate Man Cave

Ready to design your ultimate man cave? A place you’ll look forward to retreating to at the end of a long day or whenever you just need a break?

Whether you envision your man cave as a spot where you can recharge in solitude or as a social space to be shared with your best buddies, our steps below will help you get started with designing the in-home retreat that’s perfect for you!

#1: Find the Perfect Spot

Before anything else, it’s important to first determine the perfect spot for your man cave. While basements are one of the most popular locations, if you don’t have a basement in your home or would prefer another place, pick a part of the house that will afford you the space and privacy you want for spending time on your own, with friends or both. A study, spare room or garage are all other possibilities.

Just be sure to do a de-cluttering and deep cleaning of the space you settle on before you start buying anything and getting into the physical work of designing your man cave. This will set you up for success and make the process a whole lot easier!

#2: Determine Your Style

After finding the perfect location, you’ll want to take the time to hone in on your style. This will largely be determined by the main purpose of your man cave. Do you want to use it to have the guys over for fun, laid-back nights and weekends watching sports or playing games? If so, this will have a much different look and feel than a man cave that will serve as a place for you to unwind with a good book and a glass of wine every night before turning in.

Once you have the main purpose for your man cave set, it will be easy to make a list of the items you’ll need to create the style and mood you want. For example, sports enthusiasts will require a state-of-the-art TV and plenty of comfortable seating and, possibly, a bar area and sports-related décor. Depending on the size of your space, you might even want to dedicate an entire bar section with stylish and functional bar room cabinetry.

Book and wine lovers, on the other hand, will most likely be aiming for a library feel with plenty of shelving for books, a large reading chair, a wine cooler and proper lighting.

#3: Consider the Layout
After you know the main pieces of furniture, storage and decorative items you’ll be using, you’ll want to create the layout. In order to ensure you make the most efficient use of the space available in your man cave, it’s critical to think through the best way to arrange everything.

Involve your family and friends in this decision, as it will be extremely helpful to get the perspective of others to make the space as comfortable and practical as possible, while staying true to your vision.

Bathrooms Designed Just for Her

The ideal woman’s bathroom incorporates a clean, romantic look with a comfortable, spacious feel, resulting in a room that’s as visually welcoming as it is functional. Whether you’re ready to renovate your bathroom now or in the future, you’ll find the following six ideas for a woman-centered bathroom inspirational.

#1: Shower Design

Since a lot of time in the bathroom is spent in the shower, it’s critical to design a custom shower you’ll love being in. Think about what you can add to your shower that will make it welcoming and comfortable. A long shower bench, built-in shelves and a hand-held showerhead are all examples of components that add convenience to the entire shower experience. Also add some extras to make it more spa-like and stylish, such as candles and a gorgeous tile design.

#2: Radiant-Heat Floors

Adding radiant-heat floors to your bathroom is certainly a luxurious wish list item, but one that will pay off for years to come. Not only will you love stepping onto a cozy-feeling floor, especially on cold winter mornings, but in the long run you’ll benefit from heating your bathroom in an energy-efficient manner.

#3: Rainfall Showers

Rainfall showers are available in a wide array of shapes, sizes and colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your bathroom design and personal style preferences. Making you feel as though you’re actually underneath a waterfall, these popular showers will transform your shower experience from humdrum to delightful.

#4: Tub Tray

All women who love unwinding with a peaceful bath will want to get a tub tray. While magazines and movies portray the whole bath experience as deluxe, it can be very difficult to realistically pull off reading a book and sipping a glass of wine without a tub tray. Adding this practical accessory is an easy way to immediately add more joy to your relaxation time in the tub.

#5: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Let’s face it, without a large mirror, it can be difficult to get ready for the day. The mirror should be large enough to reflect ample natural light, while also giving you a good view of yourself from head to shoulder. Choose a mirror that reflects your style and that you love. After all, you’ll be looking at it and using it to pamper yourself every day!

#6: Easy to Maintain Vanity

We’re all busy and, even if we have extra time to spend cleaning a bathroom vanity that has a high-maintenance countertop, most of us would probably choose not to. For this reason, it’s wise to go with a vanity that has a countertop material that resist stains and etchings, keeping its lovely appearance without a whole lot of upkeep required.

Elegant & Totally Modern Kitchen Ideas

Looking for modern kitchen ideas that are also elegant and bring personality to your space? We’ve got you covered with five contemporary kitchen designs or components that fit the bill! These ideas not only provide a simple, clean style, but they also create a sophisticated look and add a touch of luxury.

#1: Black and White Palette

Black and white kitchens are a classic design choice, they are far from going out of style. This high-contrast look is in demand in modern kitchens, with the look of white cabinets being elevated when set against black granite countertops. Likewise, black cabinets are captivating when paired with contemporary white marble counters.

#2: Gray Cabinets

Many homeowners who want an elegant, modern kitchen that’s neutral (but not white) are opting for gray. Since gray works extremely well with both warm and cool tones, it has become the new go-to neutral. Gray cabinets paired with an elegant backdrop and countertop, as shown in the photo above, create a light, open space.

#3: Center Island

We’re huge fans of kitchen islands around here, as they add much-needed function, storage and modern style. Whether you use your island as an eat-in breakfast spot, to prep meals, as an extra cooktop or some combination of those functions, it will create a lovely focal point that makes your kitchen warm and welcoming.

#4: Farmhouse Sinks

Farmhouse sinks, also known as apron sinks, are a timeless addition that add beauty to any modern kitchen. We can’t ignore just how practical they are, either. Deep enough to easily fit large pots and serving trays, they make cleanup extra quick and easy!

#5: Sensor-Activated Faucets

If you don’t already have a sensor-activated or hands-free faucet, you don’t know what you’re missing out on! Switch out your current faucet for one with this simple modern technology and it will make life in the kitchen so much easier.

If you no longer want your young (or older!) children touching the faucet with fingers that have paint, chocolate and who knows what else on them, or you want to be able to wash your hands after working with food without contaminating the faucet, a hands-free faucet will be your new best friend. While you’re at it, change out your hand-pump soap bottle for a hands-free soap dispenser, too!