Today is a day to feature very cool staircases. That’s all.
Mathias Haker, via Sous Style
home by Maxwan Architects, via Escapade
 Parisian staircase, Chahan
source unknown
via Snob
via Snob
***
Did you enter this week’s giveaway?
I think I may have settled on quartz as my new kitchen countertop option. I definitely don’t want acrylic/plastic or granite. I would love carrara marble but a) I’m not sure it’s the right choice for this home and b) I don’t know any carrara marble dealers in KW. I think I will be happy with quartz. It will hold up well and it will look sleek with my existing cabinets and backsplash tiles. That said, I have yet to make a decision about what pattern to get. I have already narrowed down my options to only white varieties. And I have eliminated the fake marble and the very snowy patterns from the list. These are possible contenders:
Any advice? What is your countertop made of? Do you have quartz?
I have been lucky enough to have spent quite a bit of time in Gstaad, Switzerland. The area is beyond beautiful what its typical chalet style housing and the lush green mountains in everyone’s “backyard”. It is a really special place for me filled with so many happy memories.
Every once in a while I check in on Gstaad real estate. Not that I’m going to be investing there anytime soon (um…prices are ridiculously high) but real estate sites are great for showcasing an area’s architecture, style, and for giving us curious folks a glimpse into how people around the world live.
The garage below is an example of what I mean. It’s so darn clean! With flowers, a floor-to-ceiling window, and floors that shine. Isn’t it amazing?
via Sotheby’s Realty
I have a feeling I’m going to be talking about bathrooms for quite some time here. Let me know if you’re bored. I’ve got two bathrooms in my house that I need to do something with. I’ve ripped off the wallpaper and although I don’t have the budget to do full-on makeovers, I do need (want) to do some updating. I’d like to replace the vanities in each bathroom asap. The paint, faucets, and lighting are also pretty big priorities. Eventually I’ll replace the floors and figure out a better use of space in the main bathroom upstairs. I’ve been floating around online searching out some great white bathrooms for inspiration. Mine are going to be white…no surprise there.
In this first space I love the free-standing tub. This is definitely on-trend for 2013 (and a few years after that, I predict). My own main bath is big enough to do the same so when I get more money (a big lottery win?) I may consider doing something like this. It’s so sleek!
In this second bathroom I love the thought of putting the mirror over the wall of windows. The windows act as an artistic backdrop for the gorgeous gold mirror.
via The Perfect Bath
I think the layout in this third bathroom is pretty unique. It looks like the shower was installed in between the two vanities. I think this is a pretty interesting use of space.
via Style at Home
The fourth bathroom has the most incredible window and molding details. It’s just so striking. The vanity seems too small for the space and the grand ceilings though. What do you think?
Julie Charbonneau’s home via House & Home
Finally, in Sarah Richardson’s design, the tiling is an obvious eye-catching statement. I love the shades of white used in this space and the vanity is beautiful. But am I the only one who thinks that the sconces and mirrors are completely out of proportion in this space?
Sarah Richardson design via House & Home
So, I’m curious – what are your essentials for a worthwhile bathroom reno? Do you go for the whole room or is it possible to update the space without tearing out all of the existing fixtures?
Have a wonderful weekend everyone! It’s a long one here so I’ll see you back on Tuesday if I am too relaxed to post on Monday!
If you follow me on Instagram and Twitter then you know that I’ve got painting on my mind. That is, I’m determined to paint all the walls in my new house white. Which white? Not sure. I’m still working that out. While I am eager to get painting, I am also thinking about future artwork and placement. I have a ridiculously big main bathroom and I think a large striking piece of artwork would be perfect in the space.
There are some great sources of art online and in stores at every price point. Saatchi is one such online retailer that carries a wide selection of originals and prints. Here you can shop online for picture collages, mosaics, photography, and even sculpture from artists around the world.
White Out by Amelia Midori Miller (USA)
White by Ana Devora (USA)
Interior by Mónica Trastoy (Spain)
Things From the Sea by Kriste Danil
Phidias I by Jason Blackmore (UK)
Letter to Mama by Catalina Viejo Lopez De Roda (USA)
Helia by Manel Rodrigues (Portugal)
Structure – Experimentation XVIII-3 by Francoise Issaly (Canada)
And the works at Saatchi aren’t all white. Just look at how vibrant these works are: Pink Wall, Turquoise Ocean Turquoise Sail, Hatch with Yellow and Green Shadows.Â
* This is a sponsored post.