Our Master Bath & Subway Tile

Sooooo.. remember when I wrote this post about my bathroom & vintage shaving mirror a little while back?  Well, my husband & I have both had the bathroom on our minds.  Here's a picture of our current linoleum & formica clad bathroom  complete with green fiberglass shower stall....

It's currently separated into two spaces- one for the shower & toilet and one for the vanity/ sink area.  We're looking to combine the spaces into one larger room, which is something we've been planning since we moved in.  I also want to move the toilet so it's not the first thing we see when we walk in.

I'm really excited about the possibility of fixing this baby up!!  We are planning on enlarging the shower so that it takes up the entire back wall of the bathroom (over where the toilet currently is now) and doing a walkaround glass shower enclosure.  (Meaning the glass will be fixed in place with no door, just a wide opening.)  I've been on the search for the perfect 2x6 creamy white subway tile for the shower walls & I think I've found it by Subway Ceramics.  It's really important to me that the subway tile is matte and as flat as possible for a more seamless vintage-modern look.  Subway Ceramics specializes in vintage reproduction tile that is almost perfectly flat and allows for pencil thin grout lines.  (And lots of other tiles too)

{image via sacramentostreet.com...  I'm not sure who makes this subway tile but just wanted to give you an idea of what I'm thinking...  We also have a small window that will be in our shower and I loooove the one above.}

I also want to use darker grout between the tiles... Similar to this kitchen below but with slightly thinner groutlines:

{image via littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com}

I Love the tile in this kitchen by Tom Scheerer:

...It looks as if it's not as dark as an actual black.  I think it's a bit softer & this is what I'm looking for..  We live in a 70s contemporary so I like the retro vibe of the 2x6 subways. 

Anyway, I'll keep you posted on it!   Fingers crossed!!

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

Keeping Curtain Poles In Top Condition

Curtain poles, whilst serving a practical purpose, are so much more than simply a piece of wood or metal used to hold up fabric. Whilst this is without doubt its primary purpose, a curtain pole can also be used as an effective element of interior design in a room too. If enough thought and consideration goes into their purchase, they can really help add a new dimension and some character to a room. Obviously, taking the time and effort to invest in quality hardware means that the effort should also be made to make sure they are maintained properly. Here are a few simple tips to making sure your curtain poles stay at the peak of their condition.

Child Play

We all know that the home is one big play area to children, and unfortunately they may choose from time to time to play with curtains. Also, whilst their intentions may be good when they go to open the curtains, unless they are aware of the proper technique required, they may pull them a little too hard or drag them, which will cause wear and tear on the poles and, in extremely circumstances, may cause them to bend and break.

Opening

The same applies for yourself, as it’s important to ensure you have the curtain opening technique down to a tee. Try and grab hold of the curtain as close to the top as you can, as holding it as close to the pole as possible will allow the smoothest movement possible. This will ensure that the pole isn’t pulled or dragged in the process.

Mounting

This is an obvious one, but make sure that the equipment and methods used to fit the curtain poles to the wall are of top quality. It should go without saying, but poorly mounted curtain poles are more likely to rip out of the wall and, therefore, get damaged. It’s 
best if you use a wall stud to help mount the screws, or at least an 
anchor to hold the screws in place.

Exposure to Sunlight

This shouldn’t be a problem if the curtains are hung above the window, however if they are mounted in front of the glass then the sunlight could cause damage to the pole. This is a more aesthetical issue than a physical one, but still worth bearing in mind. Like most materials, the sunlight will cause the wood to lose its colour and, in extreme circumstances, it’s strength to an extent.

Dust and Dirt

Just like any other surface in the home, curtain poles can gather dust and dirt frequently. If this isn’t kept on top of, then it can quickly turn into grime which is a whole new (and much harder to clean) problem. A once-over with a damp cloth on a regular basis should be enough to make sure that they stay clean and presentable.

Can't Stop Thinking about this...

{Amy Howard's powder room; image via Cote de Texas}

A couple of weeks ago I was reading one of my favorites, Cote de Texas, and Joni was writing about Amy Howard.    All of the photos were all droolworthy, but I fell in LOVE with this image of Amy's powder room.  Guests turn the lion water fountain on by using the floor petal on the ground. (!!!)  The countertop normally isn't loaded with wheat grass (this was done for a photo shoot) but how AMAZING does that look?!!!!   If I were a super-planner and were having a party -AND had a powder room like this- I would so attempt this.  Gorgeousness.

Do you have any "dream" images of things that you love that might not be practical on a daily basis but that you'd do for a special event??

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

A Dog Needs a Great Place to Cool Off

Our chocolate lab, Max, used to LOVE the pond in our old backyard.  He would chase the ball forever, then go cool off in the second level of the pond.  HGTV has his picture on their site today!   HERE is the link.

When we moved here, the summers were much hotter and he was getting a bit older.  We wanted a water feature in this yard and knew we needed a place for him to stay cool. We didn't have the slope in this backyard to make a multi-level pond, but we were able to make something that we love and he loves.



We built this pond a couple of years ago.    HERE is the link  

 We had to add this mesh so he wouldn't get in the deep side.  It's funny that the fish swim right up to him.  We call his area "Max Beach".   Yes, he is spoiled.  :)

Thanks to HGTV for posting his picture!  Thanks for your visit.

Pam

Design Element: Exposed Brick Walls

This is a 'before' photo (above) that I took a while back of a client's exposed brick wall in her DC rowhouse living room.  We recently finished the project & I have to say that one of my favorite elements in the room is the pre-existing exposed brick wall.  (which I obviously had nothing to do with! ;)

It got me thinking about good brick vs. not so good brick...

{images via sfgirlbybay}

To me, "good brick" has character and adds interest to a space.   The brick itself is pretty and it has a patina...

{image source unknown via pinterest}

It can be a beautiful focal point...

{image source unknown via pinterest}

..And is appropriate in the space...

{image via apartment therapy}

...It makes you wonder about the building's history...

 {image source unknown via pinterest}

 In these parts, there's a lot of newer brick inside of homes that isn't as beautiful the brick in the pics above.  Has anyone had any experience "aging" brick and/or giving it some character?  I've seen examples of some pretty painted bricks but would love to know about simplyadding some "patina" to newer bricks.

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

Take Five: An Interview with NYC Electrician Richard Altman

We took some time to talk to Richard Altman, owner and operator of NYC institution Altman Electric and Click and Improve service provider, about his business, what goes into being an electrician these days, where the home improvement industry is heading and what advice he would give to a new generation of electricians.

How did you get started as an electrician in NYC?

I worked all around NYC as a young man. I learned the trade largely as an apprentice, which is really the best way to learn any trade. My father was in the business as well and I learned a lot from him, but it was also informative and important to work under people I wasn’t directly related to. I learned as much as possible and then, in 1964, my dad and I started Altman Electric. We’ve been servicing NYC ever since.

What’s it like running an electrician business?

Any good business should be run as a family business, even if no one in the company is actually related. I consider my employees family: their well being and security is very important to me and I work best knowing that I’m providing them with work and good pay. That being said, I’m quite careful about whom I work with and take trust very seriously in my company. We try to stay busy all year but we tend to be busiest during the warmer months. We even get to do some outside wiring in the outer boroughs.

What made you want to sign up with Click and Improve?

I believe in the business, which is always the key to working with anything that is new and not necessarily inside your comfort zone.  There aren’t many things you can’t order over the internet these days, but home improvement solutions, without the hassle of bidding and interviewing, is definitely one of them. It has to happen, eventually. It’s really just a matter of time at this point. I wanted to be at the front of the line when people caught on, to get more work for my employees,  and Click and Improve was the first company to come up with this idea. It’s a very exciting concept.

What kind of jobs do you handle most often as an electrician?

We recently started learning and working with solar technologies and we’ve surprisingly received a good amount of calls about converting percentages of household energy to solar. Otherwise, we continue to work largely in wiring and energy efficiency, fixing cables and circuits, repairing and upgrading fuse boxes or panels, installing outlets and dimmers. These are very normal jobs that pop up all the time. There are also other common problems that homeowners don’t necessarily know about, such as when a line is over fused. Whatever the job, if it’s related to electricity, we can handle it.

What would you say to any future electricians?

Watch and learn, and try to study as much as possible. The best things any electrician can do are be honest about their business and tell the truth to their customer, always. I’d also say it’s smart to look into green energy and energy efficiency, since that’s the way everything seems to be going. And, of course, I’d suggest looking into working with Click and Improve and creating an online avenue of business as soon as possible.  

DIY Decor: Make Your Own Cleaners & Air Fresheners

Get your beaten jeans, toss-away sweatpants and damaged-yet-comfy t-shirts ready! Spring cleaning is right around the corner, and that means you’ll have at least one weekend in the near future devoted to scrubbing, sweeping, picking up, dusting off and tossing out. Between trash bags and scrubbing brushes, new appliances and garden supplies, you’re spending enough, so why not concoct some easy DIY air fresheners and cleaning supplies instead of loading up your shopping cart and depleting your bank account? Here are a few tips:

·      An easy way to keep your kitchen smelling great is to take a few oranges, lemon, or any major citrus fruit, cut them in half, and boil them in a pot with water filled up about halfway on a stovetop. If you want a more homey smell, add mull spices to make your kitchen smell like hot cider.

·      In your more troublesome smell areas, place small bowls and fill them with freshly ground coffee. Ground coffee is a potent, deep and pleasant odor and it also acts as an excellent absorber of all your most funky and foul stinks. If you live with a smoker or just have one lying around, an ashtray is the perfect place to put the grounds.

·      Take your favorite essential oil and place a few drops in a spray bottle with water. It works just as well as name-brand air fresheners and works without the hassle of recycling each can. You can use it anywhere, of course, but try spraying a little bit on a light bulb before you turn it on: the heat works as a sort of catalyst, so whenever you turn it on, you get an invigorating fresh scent.

·      Not all that keen on spending more money on clog remover? Pour a cup of baking soda, a cup of white vinegar, a cup of salt (generic or sea) and then pour about two-to-three cups of boiling water down, as a reactant. The resulting mixture will likely dissolve any small-to-medium-size clog you’re having trouble with.

·      For window cleaning, mix about a quarter-to-half-cup of vinegar, a tablespoon or two of cornstarch and a quart of hot water. This mixture is a surefire way to get all those annoying streaks off of your windows or your patio doors in a jiffy.

·      Mix a quarter-cup of baking soda and a quart of hot water for a perfect all-purpose cleaner for your floors, countertops, walls and tables. If you want to add some fresh scents, squeeze half a lemon into the mixture or add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. This way your house will smell and look fresh, and you can use the money saved on some colorful pieces for your unique décor.