bath talk: earth elements in the bath

Because my current projects are in the Austin area, many of you may have noticed I've done a lot more wood posts than normal. This town is all about earthy elements in the home, so I'm learning all about it. Right now I'm redesigning a bathroom and all the client wants is a zen like, earthy space. I've found that wood is predominantly the easiest element to work with and here are my current inspirations...

The second I saw this first photo, I thought, YES! This is a pretty cool bathroom, warm it up with more towels and rugs and we are good to go. I love the exposed wood around the sink and the wood shelving. It's pretty fun. I also think the circular stone shape of the shower is cool and goes perfectly with the floor. The grey and wood combo is such a pretty vibe.

Now if I wanted to go a little more modern with the bath, I would do something like this stone lined bath. SUCH a cool look with the aqua tiles on the floor. I love that pop of color. I imagine it would be pretty inexpensive to do, possibly a DIY, if you're up for the challenge.

I also love love love this after bath [found here]. This is pretty easy to accomplish if you have a great wood guy, I know a genius one who works in the NYC or Austin area if any of you need.  To mix up the wood look, the marble on the wall and subway tile on the floor makes it clean and modern. Although, I'm currently obsessed with wood flooring in the bath, if you can get it coated and water resistant. I live for this chevron pattern...

Now, if you aren't into redesigning your entire bath, I also think that just adding touches of wood goes a long way when styling your bath.

A few wood accents for a chic bath...

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10 things that rocked my world this week. 9.6.14

1. A round up of my favorite books has me reading again. {Shoes / chairs / pouf / pillow}

2. The easiest way to add a touch of glamour to your home? New door handles. {Mine are Emtek, they are absolutely gorgeous and come in many finishes. You can find them at a local hardware store}

3. I'm starting to see that I have pretty much two styles now. One, the feminine and glamorously bold room like this gorgeous lilac and gold bathroom.

4. Case in point. My room. {Ghost chairs  / spotted pillow  / mirrored table }

5. My other design style obsession is masculine elegance. Dark colors, metallic finishes, etc.

6. Case in point: My clients master bedroom. Totally man, totally glam. I love the balance.

7. I must admit, I am pretty lucky to do what I am very passionate about every single day. It's been fun learning how to nail down my signature styles. It may have taken me a few years, but I did it.  {gold stapler}

8. What I am now really trying to nail down is the perfect beauty routine. I am a beauty junkee, I love fabulous hair, skin and nails. Sk ii is literally magic. It's all made from rice & secret asian skin recipes. I've been on it for a few weeks now and wow. My skin feels so clean and supple. If you haven't tried it, I would highly suggest you do. { full sample kit }

9. Did you see my fashion post yesterday? I'm obsessed with this look and I can't wait for fall.

10. I just have that feeling... It's time for new beginnings.

Fashionista Friday: My fall essentials

Fashion week is here y'all. I usually get so excited for fashion week, not because of the shows but because of the street fashion. I always get so inspired for whats coming up in terms of fall style. Then I begin my shopping. I'm not your typical preppy, colorful wardrobe woman. I like to keep my closet very classic. Very LA meets New York, form fitting, chic, lots of black and leather, etc. Here is what I am shopping for right now...

Shop it all:

ROW 1:

A fitted black leather jacket with open flaps, I find this look to go well with anything.

Michael Kors beige trench coat, he makes my favorites.

Gorgeous grey fur vest or beige fur vest.

Grey draped sweater/caridgan, these keep you so warm.

ROW 2:

Rag & Bone black leather pants, I wear these almost every other day in the cold.

Rag & bone ripped black skinny jeans

Poncho style blazer

Blue flowy blouse

long sleeved body suit

ROW 3:

DVF suede over the knee boots

Givenchy leather black boots

Strappy lace up heels

Green suede pointed toe pumps

Ash sneaker wedge (on sale!) I love these.

Alexander McQueen bucket bag / Gucci bucket bag

A few inspirational shots:

pops of chartreuse

If you were to see my living room in person, its all black, white and gold. I've been thinking of adding some color to the mix but I'm afraid I'll hate it and be bothered every time I see it. On the flipside, if its the right color I may just love it. I don't want to do the usual think, teal or pink. I've been thinking of stepping outside of my comfort zone and adding a wild and bold color. Perhaps something that will transition nicely from summer to fall. On my list, Chartreuse.

Since my sofa is black, I think a pair of pillows like this could be ever so chic. I also love the idea of curtains that are bold, right now mine are black and they are ehh.

I also love chartreuse seating options...

A few options to bring this fab color in your life...

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image sources: 1- paul costello 2- kelly wearstler 3-domino 4-traditional home 5-pinterest

8 incredibly chic hotels & cities I'm dying to visit

I've been on the hunt for a perfect place to suggest for our upcoming family trip. I'd like to get out of the states and visit somewhere exotic and fabulous. I've narrowed down my list to my favorite cities with hotels that are visually enticing to me. I'm all about aesthetics when I travel. Not only do I want to be in comfort but I want everything around me to be decorated very well. I'm a wee bit of a snob in that way. You never know if the weather is bad and you get stuck indoors, the place has got to look good, am I right? lol. Here are my top 8 I'm dying to go. If you guys have any suggestions, please feel free to let me know!

1. ShangriLa Paris. I just get the Marie Antoinette vibe from this room and of course I'd love to pretend to be here, if only just for a day. Perhaps I could do that here.

2. The Langham London. Check out the Artesian bar outfitted in all lavender. Oh, so damn chic.

3. The Gritti Palace Hotel Venice. I just can't with this stylish decor. The rug looks so soft and comfortable. I would love to wake up to all of this style.

4. The Ivy Hotel Sydney. I love Sydney, probably my favorite city ever and the deliciousness of color going on in here. Yes please.

5. Hotel Habita Monterrey Mexico. In contrast to my more glamorous & feminine visual interests, this masculine chic look is also enticing to me. I love how modern it is. I also love Mexico.

6. Hotel Georgia Vancouver. I have been just dying to get to VanCity and I hear this hotel has the most incredible customer service ever. Mindblowing in fact. Needless to say, I want to get here. Oh, and with interior design by Munge Leung, you just can't beat it.

7. The Grand Hotel Oslo. I would just do anything to get to this hotel immediately. Obviously for the color, with a good bar and wifi, who would leave?

8. Selman Marrakech. The photo here should actually speak for itself. Imagine a lobby like this and what the rest of the hotel could be. The gorgeous chandelier, purple sofas and dramatic accents just seal the deal. I've got to get here.

5 books every decorista must own

I'm a reader. Big time! I love to read about anything and everything. I was recently asked by a friend of mine what my favorite decorating books were because she found herself overwhelmed by the amount of decor books available. While I love love love books with gorgeous images, there is so much available on Pinterest. So, I suggested to her my favorite books with solid tips, tricks and strategies for creating and keeping a beautiful home like a pro!

1.Domestic Bliss: Rita Konig - This book is so good for any gal who loves to have a stylish home. I love the way Rita writes, its as if you can do anything she can do and more.

2.I brake for yard sales: Lara Spencer - This girl makes vintage shopping easy and so much fun. I love reading this one to see all the fun places across the country that are fab for finding treasures.

3.The perfectly Imperfect Home: Deb Needleman - If you dont know this woman, look her up. She has such a great sense of home style and tons of tips for living perfectly imperfect.

4.Domino: The Book of Decorating - pretty much a staple in any stylish girls home. Tips and trick and gorgeous images that will inspire you forever. It looks chic on a coffee table too.

5.The Big Book of Chic: Miles Redd - I mean, this book needs no introduction. You will find inspiration for days and creative color palates you would have never thought of using.

Magic in Madrid...

Hope you all had a fun Labor Day weekend. I had a whirlwind of fun in Dallas with my family. By Monday, I was laying on the couch perusing the web and vegging out. I stumbled upon Mudd Magazine, a new online interiors mag with super chic style. The Madrid home of Maria Llado took my breath away. All of the art has me ready for a bigger home & a bigger art collection. Just take a look at this magic.