The Ultimte Bath

Custom floating millwork and concrete countertops help support the floating his and hers mirrors in this master bath facing the Potomac River. Sandblasted glass sheets have some areas mirrored and some clear to allow for the sunlight to stream in during the day, while allowing for a mirrored surface for shaving or brushing.



The uniform pebbled floor help unite all the areas in the spa-like master bathroom, with uninterrupted views of the Potomac River. The double vanity and bathtub-for-two are separated from the shower stall and the toilet area by a wall of translucent film with playful bubble cutouts of different diameters.



A spa room designed for a couple's relaxing experience was Zen-inspired. Multi-color blue glass tiles surrounds the grand Jacuzzi tub that is filled harmoniously by water from a ceiling fixture. Hand blown glass fixtures imported from Italy were paired with candleight and wall sconces to provide ample lighting to the space. A hand carved chair and bamboo inlayed dresser was provided for stylish storage and seating.



A custom steam room in a Zen-inspired space was created using multi-colored blue and gold glass tiles covering the ceiling and benches. Complementary earth tone tiles on the floor and walls help give the space a grounded feel. A soothing fountain and LED lighting in the ceiling completely this elegant Hammam bath.



This easy-to-care-for bathroom combines glass block, slate and mirrors for a glamorous look. The glass block inside the sliding window eliminated the need for HOA approvals.



Asian simplicity is the theme of this bathroom. A vessel glass sink with wall-mounted, brushed nickel plumbing fixtures is set among an artistic slate backsplash.

I could stay on this subject forever, hope this gives you a few ideas for adding serenity to your home bath areas.

Sea Side Themes

Subtle Accents

Designer Kathy Hoffman offers a subtle nod to coastal living in this traditional great room. A sandy, neutral color palette is accented with light blues and nautical stripes. And if a home can't be on the water, why not bring the comfort of waterfront living to the interior? An oversize harbor painting above the mantel brings that feeling straight home.

Waterfront Surroundings

Designer Sarah Richardson brings the comfort of the sea indoors through this cozy living space overlooking the water. To create that comfortable at-home look, she effortlessly mixes various patterns in a blue and sandy palette with whitewashed accents. Using minimal accessories, Sarah allows the wall-to-wall windows and outside views to take over as the room's focal point.

Nautical Focal Point

Nothing appeals to coastal living quite like this vintage model ship in designer Sarah Richardson's summer home. She uses the piece as a welcoming focal point for guests as they enter the dining room/sitting area. This simple incorporation of nautical decor makes the boldest statement within the space.

Island Breezes

With windows swung open and a cool coastal breeze whisking through, designer Trent Hultgren has brought a true island feel to this tranquil living space. He brings the feel of seaside living inside through the room's all-white palette accented by seagrass furnishings, bamboo and nature-inspired pops of yellow-green.

Neutral hues and seashell decor to create a chic sea-inspired living space. A mix of distressed furniture and white accents showcases the casual elegance of a refined yet rustic space.

Natural Comfort

Designer Layla Palmer uses an assortment of thrifted and handmade accessories to create a rustic, coastal feel in her cottage-style living room. Beadboard walls and wood accents create a sense of comfort and coziness you can only find in a room covered in natural textures and materials.

Contemporary Retreat

Designer Darci Goodman infuses the homeowners' love for the ocean and their passion for modernism when designing this contemporary seaside retreat. Using traditional hues of white and navy blue as the primary palette, Darci also pulls in vibrant splashes of coral to create a sophisticated, summer-inspired space. However, it's the seashells and oversize coral accessories that really pull in that coastal feel.

Elegant Living

This stylish Nantucket-style home is the definition of sophisticated oceanfront living. Although the room features waves of sea blue for classic appeal, a subdued shade of coral creates an air of warmth and serves as the primary palette. And, of course, no coastal digs are complete without marine life decor. Here, designer Bruce Palmer integrates elegant sea-inspired patterns onto the window treatments, throw pillows, window seat cushions and artwork. Design by Bruce Palmer; construction by Dewson Construction Company; architecture by Olivieri, Shousky & Kiss, PA; photography by John Jenkins

Oceanic Details

Designer Allison Rejeanne wants this living room/entryway to feature a wavy, oceanic feel through its architectural and decorative details. The rails on the stairs are used to represent waves of the ocean, along with the slight curve of the staircase. The marble mosaic medallion at the base of the stairs features a shell and wave pattern in shades of sea green and gray to add color to the floor. In the living room, Allison coordinates rattan, sisal and weathered furnishings for a relaxed coastal look.

Wake Up your Tables Southern Style

Make a Mocktail Option

In the heat of the summer, give guests a tasty nonalcoholic beverage to drink. Float slices of fresh fruit such as limes and kumquats for extra color and flavor. Set out assorted liquors on the side for guests to add as they please.

Pay Attention to Presentation

A letterpress menu with a beet on it from Yee-Haw Industries plays off the borscht theme and outlines the meal. Create a striking spot for finger foods on a large breadboard. Edge the cheeses with galax leaves (available at local florists) and cover with a cake topper for drama.

Suspend Your Centerpiece

Draw eyes up with a hanging arrangement rather than a large centerpiece on the table. Here an assortment of pink and orange Ikea baskets filled with summery green hellebores hangs lengthwise over the table. Tack different lengths of twine into the ceiling to vary the basket heights.

Let Bold Colors Pop

A mix of natural materials – sturdy antique breadboards layered with shallow marble bowls and bamboo-handled flatware paired with smoke colored glassware – provides the perfect backdrop to let nearly neon pink borscht (a chilled, summer beet soup) stand out. Coral monogrammed napkins and fuchsia anemones make a strong and simple color statement.