Make The Most Out Of A Small Bathroom

People first describe me as 'short', then after that is established, as a 'delightful quirky warrior'.  I am five feet to be exact-but so much more.  That is why the bathroom renovation I just completed in Allentown PA meant so much to me.  It is a packed bathroom in the size of a walk-in closet.  I looked at it and knew right away that I wanted everyone to walk in and forget about its size and just see the beauty inside.  

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There is no secret to making anything look bigger and taller.  For a five foot lady like myself that means wearing four inch heels.  For this little bathroom that means using materials that reflect and grab the eye all the way to the back of the space.  We used iridescent subway glass tile in the shower all the way up the wall, and so the space isn't interrupted, we inlcuded a frameless glass shower door.  Big tip about flooring in bathrooms-try long wide tiles  that require less grout lines, making the floor feel bigger.  And just because you use white wall tile does NOT mean you need to have white floors too!

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Space was so tight and measurements had to be precise to take full advantage of everything.  We switched out the round toilet for a narrower oval one, and the vanity was a great find online.  It uses its depth instead of its width as storage, yet the sink bowl is still large enough to be extremely functional.  

Instead of centering the bathroom mirror over the vanity, we used a large mirror that measured the size of the toilet and vanity to bring in more light and create an illusion of space.

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We took advantage of the empty wall opposite the vanity by adding a focal point that will come as a surprise for visitors.  The door opens into this wall so as soon as they step in to the space and close it behind them they will see a large niche covered in more of the iridescent glass subway tile, framed out in glass bars, with a wooden tree sculpture.  You know, every room should have interest, including the bathroom.

We used very contemporary pieces in a chrome finish.  I actually had fun picking out even the knob for the shower.  And the right accessories can set any space off.  Don't forget about the details!!

I know this bathroom thanks its owner for seeing its potential and taking pride in  it!  "Thanks Wayne!"

Small Kitchen BIG Transformation

A kitchen remodel needs to be functional first, but never forget to show off your personality in it!  I can't say that enough.  This is the place you eat, hang out with family and friends, try out recipes, and read the paper with a cup of joe. Its where you get inspired and feel comfort.  It is a very personal and important space of any home.  So when my clients, Diane and Dan, asked me to come back and help them with their kitchen after designing their living room, I was honored.   

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Every square inch in this kitchen counts due to the small size of the space.  To make it feel larger we added a fun stripe treatment on the far wall to bring your eye to the back of the room.  The big mirror then reflects the light back into the space creating an airy open feel.  The rich dark woods of the furniture grounds the space and looks luxe against the cool colors on the walls.  The most important and most worked on detail in the space was the table.  We had it custom made to fit in this nook perfectly, to allow as much seating as possible, while keeping as much usable surface space as possible.  And by using a bench instead of chairs allows Diane and Dan to keep the table against the wall when it is just the two of them dining and keeps the space open.

And when they have guests over, they can pull the table out and have 4 to 6 people around it.  They don't have a dining room so we made the kitchen feel like one by fitting in a rockin' buffet and contemporary table lamp to create a romantic glow at night.

Who says a kitchen has to be ordinary. Just because we used a bench doesn't mean it has to be for function alone.  Make a statement using bold graphics on the upholstery like we did.  And I love these chairs.  The shape with the smokin' hot white leather cut into the tobacco finish looks so contemporary.  

The other side of the kitchen received a little makeover ON A TEENY BUDGET!

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Changes to this side of the kitchen include a new granite counter top, nickel hardware, elegant faucet, and roman shade in a yummy dark chocolate.  And of course, a creamy gray paint color creates a calm feel in the work zone.  No need to change the cabinets or appliances.  Wow....what a difference!

I urge you to be bold and let go when remodeling your kitchen.  Have fun and be fabulous!!

Small Awkward Living Room Becomes Beautiful

I remember meeting Diane and Dan for the first time.  The moment I walked in their front door I could see the issues at hand.  I walked right into their living room, which was split into two awkward spaces.  One small area to the right of the door, and one small area to the left.  With a staircase directly in front of the door. Diane and Dan didn't know what to do with this layout.  After sitting with the couple and finding out their wish list of functions and style (they get away to top island resorts whenever they can), I set to work on a plan that would treat these spaces separately yet still be cohesive and feel larger then they are. 

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I let the furnishings do all the talking, using a creamy wall paint.  I didn't want to overcrowd the spaces, so I chose a few large pieces that grounded the areas (a cluttering of small pieces dwarf small spaces further).  I added pieces with glass, mirror, and silver finishes, to keep the area light and airy, yet high end.

I brought the eye up using very slight horizontal stripe wall treatment, which also helped make a distinction between this space and the one across from it.  I used floor to ceiling drapes, and hung them wider than the windows to make them feel larger.

Pops of color and lots of shine give life to small spaces.  These fun bright pillows call you into the room.

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I re-arranged the awkward seating layout to a more inviting and useful space.  The new leather sofa is very large and deep, yet fits right in.  The coffee and end table are quite large as well (they are beauties!-the reclaimed wood looks and feels like driftwood), but don't look like they are because of their airy thin metal bases.   Here is another good tip for making small spaces feel large-USE BIG ARTWORK.  My clients are well versed with my motto 'go big or go home'. Large pieces with a specific point of view makes an impact and read as a 'wow' factor.

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This new console houses all the clutter in this small space.  And the fun armless chair next to it stops your eye from drifting up those stairs.

We had so much fun working together that Diane and Dan (seated above) asked me to help them with their kitchen.  Wait until you see what we did with that small awkward space!!!

Little House On The Prairie Dining Room Gets a Makeover

I look back at this photo of my client, Waynes', dining room and laugh!  Major changes happened to this 'little house on the prairie' flower wallpapered, baby blue room. 

Wayne has a very contemporary take on rustic style.  So we said good bye to the wallpaper and added crown and box molding.  We used bold Spicy Hue paint by Sherwin Williams on the walls and warmed up the floors to reach a more caramel tone.  We found a hidden electrical box in the ceiling-why someone would sheet rock over it is a mystery but we saved on electrical costs!

Wayne even humored me by going along with my clever but very heavy mirror project.  I found a bunch of inexpensive IKEA mirrors that Wayne nail glued to a large piece of wood.  Brings that wow factor with out the wow price tag!

We purchased a grown up sleek double pedestal table in a chestnut wood tone and black X back chairs upholstered in a microfiber that looks like a leather bomber jacket.  It is by Canadel. 

The new window treatments, modern chandelier and wall sconce, and red accents create a romantic, cozy, dining room.  Wayne, when is your next dinner party?

Office Makeover in 2 Days

I received a call on Friday from a local business that was in need of a quick makeover by Monday morning, just in time for them to be interviewed by the media about a new unique product.  Ok, time to start humming the entire Rocky Balboa anthem. 

Step 1: take on the 2 spaces that will be seen on Monday:  Reception Rm and Conference Rm

Step 2: Decide what changes to make & measure measure measure

Step 3: Run around like mad to local stores because no time for custom anything

Step 4: stop for deoderant and new hammer

The RESULTS:

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Sorry about the poor photo quality.  I used my i-phone (pretty good for phone quality I say).

A Home Office Inspired By A Pizza Box

A few weeks back my friend Tracy came over with pizza. The most gigantic box of pizza I had ever seen! I had no idea anyone could consume so much pizza, but we all did! And the jokes that ensued became childish. At the end of the day I was left with the box, and a crazy idea.

I thought the box would make the perfect stencil. So I used the box to create a wall treatment in my home office. What do you think?

Here is how I did it:

With the help of a ruler, level, and scissors, I cut out a 29” circle.  Using a graph paper, I plotted out where the circles would go.  Based on my graph the circle size allowed for for circles horizontally and three rows vertically.  After splitting the wall in five equal parts using painters tape, I traced the box onto the wall with a pencil, starting in the center.

I painted the outer and inner pencil lines using a small paint brush with a fine tip first. Then used a larger brush and it took two coats. Paint I used for the circles is Sherwin William’s Reflecting Pool. The walls are Sherwin Williams Egret White.

After two nights, and some frightening expressions from P, my hubby, I finished. 


The large scale makes my walls look very tall. And, no, it does not smell like pizza!


For complete detailed instructions CLICK HERE. Houzz, a design and decor loving website, featured it on their homepage.