Inspiration in the Studio

After a productive week, we are gearing up for a weekend full of unplugging and recharging. We will be celebrating National Day of Unplugging, a 24 hour period to unplug from technology from sundown tonight to sundown tomorrow. It’s a time to relax, restore mental clarity and to connect with loved ones the “old-school” way without modern technology. 

To unplug and unwind, utilize the design details in your technology-free spaces. For example, a plush throw pillow resting atop your lounge chair does more than add a stylistic flair! Use it for support as you curl-up with a book.

While you’re taking a break from screen-time, treat yourself to some “me-time” with a spa-day from home. A light and bright bathroom suite exudes luxury and relaxation simultaneously! 

Other Ways to Unplug:

1. Personal time – Whether it’s cleaning, or maybe exercising, spend time doing whatever puts your mind at ease
2. Connect with a friend – Take a walk outside or grab morning coffee to catch-up with your loved ones, or mail a hand-written note.
3. Grab a pen and paper and let your creativity run wild – Draw, paint, or write a note. Let your inner artist shine! 
4. Feel good, do good – Volunteer at an organization that you’re passionate about

Take a peek at our designers’ favorite products to use while spending the day technology-free!

Whether you wake up looking to feel energized for the day ahead or coming home to unwind and relax at the end of the day, a luxurious bathroom is where it happens! A well-styled and functional bathroom can make all the difference. It plays an important role in making sure you look and feel your best.

The space must begin with function. Consider how you will use the space. Do you prefer a shower or bath (or both)?  Do you like to sit at a vanity or stand? Do you have lots of products to store or are you a minimalist (some might call it low-maintenance).

This bathroom is one of our favorites…the perfect mix of function and beauty. Today, there are beautiful options in cabinetry, countertops, plumbing fixtures, and even sinks! Pay special attention to lighting. Even the hardware selection can add personality to the space, a little like jewelry.

Builder:  New Old Custom Homes

Photography:  Dustin Peck Photography

Time to accessorize: think soft, luxurious textures….a warm rug, plush towels, a few stylish vanity trimmings and your masterpiece is complete. We wanted to share some of our favorite!

Top it off with a signature scent for the ultimate calm and soak it all in!

How do we begin to describe the behind-the-scenes happenings in the design studio? We dive deep with each client to understand their dreams, and then we allow the design to evolve until we bring that vision to life!

Today we’re sharing the complete transformation of a powder room.

This home was over twenty years old and needed a refresh.  We worked together with our clients to plan a beautiful renovation.  Although many rooms in the home underwent a drastic renovation, we don’t want the powder room to be overlooked!  It started with a simple CAD elevation…

We selected a beautiful mirror with an etched star and a statement wallpaper to layer pattern and detail.

This powder room was completely spruced up.  A vanity with soft details topped with quartz countertops brings an element of contrast, and the original hardwood flooring adds warmth to the overall palette.

The once lackluster powder room is now a charming space for guests to enjoy.  We love the vision that was brought to life in this design!

Mirror:  Mirror Image

Pendant:  Hudson Valley Lighting

Wallpaper:  Schumacher

Vanity:  Kohler

Photography: Dustin Peck Photography

Last week, our design team made a quick trip to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and International Builders Show (IBS) in Orlando.

It was so worth the trip! We found incredible inspiration for the ultimate bath from the designers of the DXV Design Panel.

There were so many new introductions and technologies to explore. We loved the color in these appliances from Smeg.

It appears we can no longer complain about not being able to find the perfect finish. Kohler managed to cover them all!

And, we absolutely loved these organically shaped sinks from Ronbow.

Some incredible countertop options, including these beautiful quartz introductions.

Oh, and did we mention the amazing windows and doors?  We were drooling.

This is just a sampling from our overflowing camera roll! The options. The details. The inspiration. The possibilities. We can’t wait to use them all!

It’s been a great week! The Houzz site has announced the Best of Houzz 2015! The impact this site has had on our industry is impressive. We are thrilled to once again receive the Best of Houzz awards for Design AND Service.

We were featured in two Best of Houzz – Raleigh idea books, one for Kitchens and one for Baths. The kitchen is an all-time favorite.

The bath is from the same home and has great character. Love this space!

Check it out! Houzz is a great site to visit, but make sure you are ready to spend a few hours (or more) engrossed in beautiful photos. It’s addicting!