Luxury Baths

Tyrell and Laing's line of large and lovely tubs evoke the timeless allure of natural stone, yet the material that makes these sensual and curvaceous tubs is decidedly modern.




To look at each of the tubs in Tyrell and Laing’s latest line, one would think they were constructed of solid stone, such is their beauty and bulk. In fact, the luxury tubs are not made of pure stone but rather a natural composite—“ a hard wearing smooth composite stone material with the appearance of natural stone without the drawback of excess weight.”



The difference is no small shakes as T and L’s luxury tubs look and feel like stone but are less expensive, less extractive, and, of course, lighter and thus easier to install (or move, should that unpleasantness become inevitable).



The line includes six models, each available in different colors and each possessed of their own special allure. The flagship of the bunch is the Imperia, a massive number in a range of colors and your choice of a matte or polished finish. Other models include the versatile Oceanus, the single-serve Petit, and the earth-friendly Eco, all of which evince a comfortable synergy between utility and indulgence: “warm and sensual to the touch and non-slip—our luxury baths are extremely comfortable to enhance your bathing experience. They are also easy to keep clean and come in a range of colors with a matte or polished finish.”



An Oceanus tub with optional air massage injection therapy system




Oceanus luxury bathtub and basin in a unique Travertine finish



ENTERTAINING/RECIPE OF THE DAY

ROASTED CHICKEN & GOAT CHEESE ENCHILADAS

Islands

This island is located adjacent to where meals are prepared and can be utilized for dining, for homework, as a buffet or for additional workspace. Design by Don Raney and Jaymes Richardson.



Think outside of the box when deciding on the shape of an island. This custom six-sided island is ideal for a contemporary rectangular kitchen. Design by Troy Adams. Although, I don't agree with the island choice, I like
the shape and style. I would have chosen a top with blues, tans and the wood color to tie the room together more softly.



Pull a chair up to this weighty island or take a seat at the table with a view. Both are painted black and provide a striking contrast to the rest of the cabinetry. Design by Beth Haley.



This island houses both a cooktop and a prep sink as well as ample storage in the form of drawers and open shelves. When space allows, always try to add a ledge and seating around an island. It appears this kitchen may have not had the extra room to do this.



LOVE THIS!!!
Don't feel penned in by having to choose one material for your island's surface; this design incorporates both tile and butcher block. Design by Didier Michot.



The colors blend well in this design.
This proportionately sized island is painted in the kitchen's soft green accent color for a lovely, finished look with plenty of function. Design by Jean Alan. Photo by Patty Carroll.

Entertaining/Recipe of the Day




Cristina’s Healthy Spring Rolls & Sambal Sauce

WOW Kitchens

LOVE this light backspash and the pops of color!!!! Modern kitchens usually have a monochromatic color scheme with a subtle yet bold pop of color. Designer Andreea Avram Rusu incorporated warm orange tones through the island stools and a stainless steel backs. Although, I am not much a fan of orange, Andreea made this design work well.

A monochromatic color scheme and stainless steel appliances are fundamentals in a modern kitchen. Designer Philip Guarino placed the kitchen island on legs to create a floating effect, which gives the space an airy, open feel.

LOVE the interest of the accent stone and wood!!!

A stone wall, glass tabletop and wood ceiling light fixture bring various textures to this kitchen designed by Elizabeth Rosensteel. The monochromatic gray tones in the countertops, cabinets, stools and backsplash bring a modern touch to the space.

 

Moving from one workstation to the other is simple in this bold kitchen. A thin ladder makes the glossy blue upper cabinets easily accessible. Design by Philip Guarino

Not a total fan of this, feels a little cold to me,  I do love the island stove and overhead lightng design.

The high-end appliances in this kitchen make it any cook's dream. The blue under-cabinet lighting allows the tile backsplash to shine, and the neutral tones in the kitchen create a striking contrast against the dark-toned cabinets. Design by Vanessa DeLeon

LOVE the contemporary style, still feels warm and inviting!!! Dark wood base cabinets are paired with metal-and-glass upper cabinets in this kitchen to create a transition from heavy to light. A white 2x2-inch glass-tile backsplash is illuminated to offset the larger squares of the upper cabinets, adding another layer of rhythm and scale to the space.


Entertaining/Recipe of the day




Cristina’s Slow-Cooked Hunter-Style Chicken

Ceiling Excitement

Cabinets Delivered (via)

A traditional coffer ceiling in rich wood with carved molding makes a formal statement. This type of ceiling treatment requires high ceilings that can offset the heaviness of the wood.

Ceilings are often an overlooked element in a room. However, elaborate ceiling treatments can add drama and interest to a room. Coffered ceilings, painted ceilings and beamed ceilings can all be interpreted in traditional and contemporary styles. When designing a room, don’t forget to look up. Something as simple as tinted paint to coordinate with your walls, or even something a bit more ornamental such as a medallion with a chandelier, will make your room feel more polished. But why stop there? Here is a collection of elaborate ceiling treatments to inspire you.

Frog Hill Designs (via)

A white coffered ceiling can feel modern with its geometric lines. Balancing the dark walls, this ceiling is a focal point in the dining room.

Lifestyle/MSN (via)

The elaborate black flourishes on the ceiling are balanced by the simple black and white elements throughout the room makes for a beautiful design. A beautiful unique ceiling light is a great addition to the room.

Patricia Gray Inc. (via)

Dark honeycomb pattern on a white ceiling adds drama. The honeycomb feature would look great in white on a colored ceiling as well.

Veranda (via)

This elaborate ceiling was designed by Kirsten Kelli. The dark coffers frame Moroccan inspired blue and white patterned insets that tie into the rooms overall palette. The light fixture illuminates the lovely ceiling treatment from below.

Apartment Therapy via The Cultivated Home

Stripes on walls and furniture have been popular for years, but stripes on the ceiling is something new to us. Love the sunny yellow and white stripes that enliven this gender neutral nursery.

Roof Truss Design (via)

A contemporary take on a vaulted wood ceiling creates a dramatic space. The darkness of the wood is offset with an all white palette in the furniture and finishes.

Great Interior Design (via)

The Rosso restaurant in Ramat, Israel has an undulating beamed ceiling designed by SO Architecture. This commercial application could also work in a contemporary house design.

Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices.

Entertaining/Recipe of the day




Cristina’s Greek Themed Recipes

The French Connection

French Laundry Collection 




French Laundry Home display at the Atlanta Market

















French Laundry Home I loved the entire collection.


Entertaining/Recipe of the day



Cristina's Miso Salmon and Cucumber Salad Recipe

My Home/Inspiration

Bring Outdoors In

Instead of buying expensive flowers, try decorating with branches. Even bare branches that have fallen from trees can make a design impact and will last a long time.

Add Pillows

Pillows are an easy to way to add a pop of color or a new texture to a living room. Inexpensive options can be found at stores like Homegoods or Target.

Curtain Illusions

Windows look taller when draperies are mounted high on the wall. The eye will follow the line up, creating the illusion of a larger room.

Arrange by Color

Designer Kim Myles is always budget-minded and one element that didn't cost a thing in this family room is the bookshelf decorations.

Embellish Fabrics

10 Ways to Embellish Fabric

1. Opt for a contrasting welt on upholstery.
2. Add nail heads in a shiny or antiqued finish to chairs, ottomans, or sofas.
3. Personalize pillows, linens, and chair backs with a monogram.
4. Line the skirt of a chair with fringe.
5. Contrast basic fabric with colorful thread or twine in the seams.
6. Use metal grommets as curtain rings.
7. Glue or sew ribbon as a border for a decorative touch.
8. Make a pillow with fine fabric on one side and basic fabric on the other.
9. Stencil numbers or initials on curtains, pillows, or throws with fabric paint.
10. Don't do a thing―let the natural beauty of the material speak for itself.

Notice the Details

Formal dining room chairs have a more relaxed feel with neutral linen slipcovers. The half skirt still reveals each chair's turned legs, while simple ties add a custom dressmaker detail.

Learn to Love Burlap ...

Give burlap a chance, and you'll see why this often underrated fabric is a design favorite. No longer reserved for potato sacks, burlap packs intense texture at a gentle price.
Because it holds its shape well, it makes great curtains. Mixed with bright white walls and traditional antiques, it's an unexpected element that adds an organic touch.



Muslin

Hang a breezy fabric like muslin or gauze over a bed for an ultraromantic canopy. When hung directly from the ceiling, the fabric creates the illusion of more height and is a fresh, modern take on the traditional mosquito net.

Loosen Up

Make furniture stylish and family friendly with loose skirts or slipcovers. The beauty of this treatment lies in its simplicity: The chair or sofa can show off its silhouette and looks best when loosely covered in plain, unfussy fabric such as linen, cotton, or canvas. Plus, slipcovers can easily be removed and laundered.

Monogram It

Use monograms to turn basic linen or cotton fabrics into heirlooms. While initials are customary, you can use letters or names―or try something new: We've seen addresses, street names, and design motifs adorning everything from porch furniture to table linens.

Home Accents

Eclectic

Eclectic design encompasses a variety of periods and styles. Stick to a few neutrals, like the black, white and navy palette of this dresser vignette, to pull an eclectic look together. Another key component to this style is to mix in different finishes and textures.

Modern

Clean and streamlined, modern style keeps accessorizing to a minimum. Look for accessories in smooth, polished finishes and neutral hues. A modern must-have: strong, graphic artwork that makes a statement in the space.

Romantic

Romantic accessories should evoke femininity and softness. Luxurious fabrics and a pastel color palette take center stage in romantic design. Add in a little sparkle and pretty flowers to complete the look.

Traditional

Classic accessories, like oil paintings, gilt frames and pillows or throws in damask, floral or solid fabrics, set the scene for a traditional room. Warm woods and colors also help to create the sophisticated atmosphere associated with traditional design.