Since expanding our Interior Design firm to South Florida, we’ve encountered many newly built homes with boring “builders’ standards”… 

Trust us, there is no need to settle for a less than fabulous bath or powder room. With our expert suggestions you too can and make the most of those mundane materials like “builder’s” granite countertops and lackluster ceramic tiles. We’re sharing our simple tips to help you enhance and create a show stopping bathroom that screams luxury. No need to tackle a full reno!

Here is a powder room design we just completed for our client who was suffering from “builder’s standards.” As you can see, by just incorporating a few unique elements we took it to the next level of luxe.

These are our four super easy tips to creating a LUXE bath….

1.       Change the wall color!  Check out our previous post with our favorite sophisticated paint colors that instantly transform any space.   Another great option is  wallcovering.  A grasscloth or beautiful silk wallcovering will add luxury and rich texture.

2.       Switch out that generic Hollywood vanity light.  Create a more romantic bathroom by selecting a soft elegant vanity light or hanging pendant light.  We have several beautiful light options at our online boutique. 

3.       Replace that basic frameless mirror with a more sophisticated framed mirror to add pizzaz above the vanity. 

4.       Don’t forget the artwork.  A great piece of framed photography or abstract canvas will provide additional visual interest. 

Stay inspired and happy decorating!  

- Kelly 

My latest obsession…..emotional photography

Art and photography are the finishing touch that create that “wow” moment in my Interior Design projects. I love finding unique, unusual imagery that captures the essence of my client’s personalities while evoking emotion with an element of surprise.

While working on our latest project in Victoria Park in South Florida, I perused through the artists I bookmarked after visiting the Las Olas Art Show in Fort Lauderdale and the the obsession began….These are the fabulous images I selected for my client’s spaces. I’m hoping she loves the as much as I do.

What do you think of these images? Do you have a favorite??

Here are the artists web portfolios for you to peruse.

1. http://www.brettdonnelly.com

2. http://warmdesertwind.com

3-5. http://sacredspiritphotography.com

Enjoy!

Did you get stung at Art Basel this weekend? 

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then you missed out on the brilliant outdoor art movement created by Jose Rementeria which debuted this weekend at the acclaimed art fair in Miami, Art Basel.

The artist and his wife (captured in the last photo) are a serious creative force which I am lucky enough to call dear friends. You may recall a previous post where I shared his exhibition this past summer also in Miami, you can check it out here.

To learn more about his latest “meaningful art” movement, check out LoveStung.me and spread the LOVE here!

Just in time for the holidays, you don’t want to miss my curated “Affordable Luxury” sale at Joss & Main starting this Thursday at 9pm through Monday at 11am.

I’ve hand selected beautiful furnishings and accessories to glam-ify your home just in time for the holiday season. Treat yourself to the perfect gift to give your space instant sophistication without breaking the bank.

With a new year approaching, there’s no better time to give your home a fresh look!

Happy decorating!

Grand decor ideas for small and narrow spaces….

I stopped by my clients home yesterday to check up on the wallpaper hanging and electirical work on her staircase landing, and boy was it a treat!  The Romo wallpaper looks amazing!! I’m so thrilled with how it all turned out I couldn’t resist sharing it with you.

In a small space like a staircase landing, dramatic wallpaper really makes a space come alive and feel grand. While the soothing tones in the artwork give the narrow walkway a sophisticated touch that is easy on the eyes.

I chose a durable indoor/outdoor area rug from Home Decorators for the foyer that beautifully complements the new staircase landing decor which is a main focal point upon entering the home. 

Do you have a challanging narrow space in your home? Why not give these design ideas a try!

Happy decorating!

Bits of my Fran-tastic week: July 22nd

1. Industrial Glam Greenpoint bedroom design is looking amazing now that the stripes are up and some of the furniture was delivered. Reclaim nightstands from West Elm are the perfect piece coupled with the hollywood regency style lamps, so FAB!

*FYI: Stripes are Benjamin Moore’s Dior Gray and In the midnight hour

2. Love how my client’s India photos look once enlarged, took them to get framed to add a personal touch to her soon to be complete ‘Dreamy Palm Beach” bedroom.

3. While perusing the Two’s Company website I stumbled upon this amazing faux snake skin universal remote control from their new Dransfield and Ross collection. Isn’t it fabulous, so perfect for a chic Mom Cave!

4. Finalized and presented the “Casual Elegance” family room design to my clients. Presentation went amazing, now time to order the materials, yay!

5. Financial planning office project is near completion…final piece of furniture for conference room was delivered, the quartz top table from Room & Board was the perfect choice for sure. The accessories I scored from Home Goods also add the perfect finishing touch.

6. My new clutch arrived from One Kings Lane, it’s my latest obsession….

7. Finished off the week with an amazing dinner with my Honey at An Nhau in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Their bamboo garden is so fabulous and inspiring, it’s my new favorite Vietnamese restaurant.

Wishing you a Fran-tastic week!

Bits of my Fran-tastic week in Miami 7/1

While NYC was experiencing a torturous heat wave, Miami’s temperature was pleasantly comfortable, making my trip all the more fabulous. Here are bits of my favorite Miami moments…

1. Stayed at my favorite South Beach hotel, Shore Club. So exotic, chic & dreamy!

2. Morning coffee in the hotel garden beats my kitchen table any day!

3. Fourth of July fireworks on the beach amongst palm trees is pure bliss…

4. The dreamy Moroccan candle lit garden at sunset takes my breath away…

5. Snagged up these awesome new sunnies from Michael Kors, making me feel very Miami Vice chic!

Continued….Bits of my Fran-tastic week in Miami 7/1

6. Al fresco dining at Terrazza restaurant overlooking pool garden at the Shore Club is my new addiction.

7. Lusted over the Incredible honeycomb ceiling detail at the Versailles Cuban restaurant.

8. Attended a fabulous exhibition of my friend, Jose Rementeria, paintings at the Nina Torres Gallery. So inspired by his work….

9. Got pampered at the Spa at the Shore Club just what I needed before I head back home and reality.

10. Waved farewell to Miami while soaking up gorgeous city views from my friends apt in Brickell, Miami. Hasta luego Miami….te quiero!

Meaningful art in Miami

Last night I attended a fabulous exhibit at the Nina Torres Gallery in Miami, where my friend, Jose Rementeria, paintings were showcased.

Aren’t they amazing? Striking, thought provoking, emotional, peaceful, meaningful, are how I describe his art. Their large format also makes a captivating statement.

I love all of his work
and hope to incorporate them in my projects soon. My favorite is “Battling Man’s Ego.” The third painting and is also behind me in the last photo.

What are your thoughts on this art, do you have a favorite?

Last photo, from left to right: My dear friend, Margaret and her husband, the Artist, Jose Rementeria, Me, my Honey.

Bits and pieces of my Fran-tastic week 6/10/12

What an exciting and inspiring week! 

1. Had the chance to visit the Kips Bay Show House, did you go? It was marvelous! My favorite moment was Lynne Scalo’s “Business & Art” piece. What a wonderful homage to Steve Jobs. You can check out amazing photos at photographer Marco Ricca’s site here.

2. Coincidentally, I scored an awesome Warhol poster at One Kings Lane. Don’t yet have a project in mind for it, just one of those impulsive, irresistible deals which will pay off soon when I need a POP of color and SURPRISE.

3. I’ve been quite obsessed with Trina Turk lately…I love her Palm Springs style, fabrics, bedding and new collection with Banana Republic. Have you seen it yet? It’s so summer time CHIC!

4. I’m also a BIG fan of Bethanny. She was always my favorite NY housewife, and I adored her candid and veracious ways on Bethanny Ever After. Her new talk show, which started this week is a hoot! Filled with great business tips, girl talk and all things fabulous. Have you seen it? Do you love it too??

5. Stopped by Bungalow 5 to pick up some finish samples for project, it’s an awesome source for affordable unique modern furniture. I love their powder room, so pretty. Must give this graphic paisley wallpaper idea a try.

6. I popped into my hair beauty potion, Miss Jessie’s, shop in SOHO to pick up some goodies. Their showroom is so girly and glam, made me forget about my kinky hair stress on the spot!

7. And while in Soho, took a gander into C Wonder for some eye candy. I fell in love with their assortment of candy colored pillows and green lacquered walls. The entire store is inspiration overload….

8. The Global Views rug finally arrived for my client’s nursery, It looks fran-tastic! Just waiting on a commissioned painting to arrive from Cocoa & Hearts and the room is done.

So lovelies, tell me, how was your week?

10. Decorating idea from NYIGF: Oversized abstract wall art gives any space “wow factor.” And it’s an affordable way to make your room feel complete. 

9. Decorating idea from NYIGF: Incorporate black & white figurative wall art. It’s a classic with some edge!

Trend Spotting: Back in the spring I visited the Kips Bay Showhouse and fell in love with this typeface artwork…..well yesterday while perusing the Chiasso catalog, I spotted an almost identical look alike! check it out here. 

Now that’s what I call affordable luxury!!