bathroom(s) of the week

Pretty in pink! The 50s-style radio is the "Revival DAB" model, available in 11 colors at Roberts Radio (photo via houzz).

Subway tiles and an easygoing wall arrangement in this Lulu Powers-designed bath from Lonny.

brandMOJO

I love the work of North Carolina-based photographer Marisa Kestel. Her "moment in time" images are evocative and moving. Kestel seems deeply sensitive to the context of each image; when you fill your space with her work, you'll enjoy imagining all of the stories surrounding the photos. Top to bottom: "He belonged to an older time"; "Terrazza in Salo"; "Train to nowhere."

See many more original, fine art photographs and purchase prints at Kestel's shop, brandMOJO Images. Let me know which images are your favorites...I'm having trouble narrowing down my selections!

Personal note: We met Marisa when we commissioned a custom dining table from her husband, Scott, an amazing artisan and purveyor of industrial and primitive furnishings. He does everything by hand, using reclaimed or salvaged materials. Our table was made using well-preserved, old barnwood and we were thrilled with the end result. Like Marisa, Scott has a keen eye for detail and timeless beauty. Such a talented pair.

View Scott Kestel's work, make a purchase, and/or place your custom order at brandMOJO interiors.

Here's a sampling:

Top to bottom:

Industrial furniture factory cart coffee table

c. 1930 Breakless Co. wardrobe/steamer trunk

Reclaimed teak farm table

bathroom of the week

A chic-simple bath by designer Sefer Caglar of the Istanbul-based firm Autoban.

the recycled table

Top: Set of four handblown, recycled glass plates (tinted with sepia for a hint of color). $35 at Sundance. Bottom: Set of six raw-edged table napkins made from vintage (but never used!) French "metis" fabric (a linen-cotton blend). $36 at Lapomme.

scene from a kitchen

{Find it!}

Magnetic knife bar: here or here or here

Enamel house plaques: here or here 

img source

rhode island repose

A c. 1915 Rhode Island cottage has an English feel with its ivy-draped façade; inside is a calming mix of vintage and natural finds (photos: Christopher Baker). See more of this home here.

japan

An artful display of Japanese soup bowls (about $4 each from Kamei in San Francisco). Photo: Aya Brackett.

Sending peaceful and warm wishes to the people of Japan at this time of devastation, sadness, fear, and unrest.

{Help Japan}

1. Search Etsy.com for "Japan relief" or "Japanese disaster relief" to find vendors donating a portion of the purchase price on many beautiful handcrafted goods and housewares.

2. Visit BrandMojo Images and purchase one of Marisa Kestel's stunning photographs. She will donate 10% of her profits to Animal Refuge Kansai, a non-profit working hard to rescue displaced animals in Japan.

3. Make an online donation via the Japan Society (link via Muji, a wonderful Japanese gifts and supplies superstore).

bathroom of the week

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I couldn't resist posting a green bath today. If you like toile, this is the room for you! My favorite room element is that little sink (photo: Jan Baldwin).

simply spring

Simple spring inspiration from Follow Studio: Delicate bouquets in old amber and brown jars. For a similar look, search Etsy.com and local craft or antique stores for vintage apothecary jars.

a. hays town

"One of the distinctive Hays Town characteristics is a house that seems to rise out of the landscape." -Architecture Bayou Style

Louisiana architect A. Hays Town (1903-2005) was prolific and influential. His distinctive style blended French, Spanish, and Creole influences and he often consulted on the interiors of the homes he designed. Hays was among the first architects to use recylced materials (often gathering them himself) and sometimes suggested complementary dog breeds for his homes! I love the overhang on this wraparound porch and the setting (old oaks, Spanish moss, gravel drive) seems ripe for all kinds of stories and adventures.

{Learn more}

Official site here  

Find a book about A. Hays Town and his work here. 

voilà

How to liven up a neglected space: Layer a folding screen, a couple of chairs, and stacks of books! Quick, fun, and changeable (photo: MS Living).

welcome spring

Hard to believe the official start of spring is fewer than 10 days away! Time to start thinking about living and design for the outdoors.

Top: Impromptu garden party with tree swing seating designed by Momental Designs.

Bottom: Handmade reclaimed wood tree swing by Peg and Awl.

bathroom(s) of the week

A washroom and alfresco bath (via here).

mellow yellow

Old leaded glass doors in a sweet yellow (via here).

hearth stories

Which fireplace vignette is your favorite? Photos: Thomas Loof for Real Simple.

have a seat

I love this antique settee from Jayson Home & Garden. This fetching piece has been reupholstered with a vintage-style crewel fabric and reminds me of something my grandmother would have had in her Florida apartment.

a warm welcome

I'll readily admit that I can't resist a neutral, open foyer. This one is pared down, spacious, and ready to be filled with visitors. I'm guessing that this home, like most, has a non-fiction state when it's not being photographed (think toys and shoes on the steps, handbags and groceries by the front door, and so on). I love the family photos in the phone nook—special touches in a minimalist space. What do you think? (Photo: Pieter Estersohn; Designer: Amelia Handegan). Fun fact: This Carolina home has river views from the front door!

Check out my other entryways posts here and here.

lazy sunday

Hope you've enjoyed a relaxing weekend!

{A contented pup at The Old Faithful Shop in the Gastown District of Vancouver. Shop online and see more of this shop's handcrafted goods and unique housewares here.}

Photo: Walter Manning via Remodelista

a country retreat

Thrift store finds and elegant linens in a calming brown retreat. Cozy, artsy, edited...just right!

 

{Details}

Blanket: Eileen Fisher for Garnet Hill

Lamp: Vintage turquoise "opaline glass" lamp; search Etsy.com for similar

Shade: Tortoise bamboo blind, Pearl River

Photo: Gridley & Graves

bathroom of the week

Designer Suzanne Dimma found this charming old corner sink for her guest bath at a yard sale. Nice find! The ledge that tops off the subway tile gives her the opportunity to create fun, new vignettes all the time (photo: Rob Fiocca).

rue

Rue magazine is chock full of inspiring design and entertaining ideas and beautiful images like these. Three beautiful issues are now available for your online viewing pleasure; start exploring here.

a bright idea

Above: What a bright idea! Mirrors behind these great looking lamps give even more light to the room. I'm loving the navy walls with the all-white bedding ensemble....a nice canvas for sweet little flower arrangements on the nightstands or a splash of color on the bed when the mood strikes. And guess what? The pillows are from Ikea then trimmed in lace for a custom look (photo: Teri Lyn Fisher). See more of this home in Rue issue #2 here (starting on page 258).

debra cronin

A wonderfully open kitchen by Debra Cronin Design; simple, functional, and inviting. Read an interview with the designer here.

{View Debra Cronin's portfolio here}