Master Your Bathroom Remodel in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1: Make a Wish List - Take a moment to analyze your bathroom to identify what you need for the space to functional properly.   A good place to start is with the things that are driving you crazy right now.  Hate that your mirror fogs in the shower or that your husband splashes water on the walls?  Come up with a solution that change it.  I am always looking for ways to improve my morning routine, so I added pull out drawers to my vanity.  Put everything you can think of to the list.  You can eliminate things later. 

Step 2: Establish a Budget - I moved the budget to 2nd place because in the past, we have created budgets and had work done, only to wish we had splurged on things that would have made our space function more smoothly.  You can adjust the quality of the products but you don't want to leave them out all together. 

Step 3: Gather Inspiration - Go to Pintrest or Houzz or where ever you go to get inspired.  You want to gather as many ideas as you can for the space.  Look for things like tile patterns and soothing color palettes. At this step you'll need to decide on the style of the bathroom.  Ask yourself, if you want a modern space with a few items or a layered space with lots of decorative details.

Step 4: Hire A Great Contractor - Even the smallest bathroom will benefit from the know-how of a trained contractor.  I've seen contractors completely transform projects.  The contractor will be able to set the timeline for the project and will keep you from making costly mistakes.  Go to your contractor informed.  Many of our online resources like PlumbTile.com, have people on staff to help with the logistics of selecting fixtures and collecting the installation data your contractor will need.

Step 5: Organize and enjoy the space -  As you move things back into your bathroom make sure to organize the space.  Use the opportunity to get rid of everything you are no longer using.  I am notorious for hoarding hair care products.  I kept telling myself that one day I'll be glad I had the 6 bottles of conditioner.  That day never come. This lead me to pair down my life.  Now I only keep one hair care system at a time.  This allows me to keep the clutter down tremendously. You have to think about the storage at the beginning  of the project in order to have a picture perfect finish.

1/ Inspiration Tile  2/ Dedcorative Mirror 3/ Counter top 4/Shower head 5/Faucet 6/Paint 7/ Greenery 8/ Vanity with storage 9/Freestanding tub

Redesigning Your Perspective: 5 Ways to Change How You Think About Decorating

Courtesy of Joy Moyler Interiors  

Decorating is nothing like throwing on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. The common misconception is that decorating a home will be a quick and easy task. That is simply not the case. We all have style: you may perfer a leather jacket with your jeans and tee, I'd rather sport a blazer. When developing the aestheic of a home, your home, it is a very personal thing. Paint colors, textures and fabrics should speak to your authentic self and inpire others to know more about you. With complimentary design sevices and interior design apps emerging so rapidly, everyone want's to try their hand in design. That being said, start by considering these mindful tips on how to change the way you think about decorating.

1. Eliminate the thought of the temporary space. Many people put off decorating or even unpacking boxes because they look at their current space as temporary. Whether it's a starter house, dorm room or hotel suite, it's your home. Invest in your space, make it personal.

2. Think of your home as a life partner. Cherish the fact that you can create the home you not only want but need in your life. By doing so you give yourself a safe place in the world. Make it functional, interesting and inviting. Then fill it with the things you love.

3. Trust your instincts about your space. If you feel a wall should be removed or a room eliminated, do it. Do not make the mistake of using your home as someone else would. Allow your space to speak to your individual needs.

4. Create something amazing in your home and brag about it. Invite people over to see your photography wall or to sit out on your deck. Brag about the bedding you found on sale or the vanity you got at a close out. Who knows, your weekend project just might be what a friend needs to inspire them to do something special in their home.

5. Liberate yourself by painting. Just do it. Paint. Paint the walls, ceiling and floors. Paint over paneling and under glass tops. Paint furniture and light fixtures. Just paint and don't play it safe. There is no reason to live with white walls or in fear of choosing the wrong paint color. Take a class, get some help, but by all means paint!

Incorporating African Art and Artifacts Into Your Home

From paintings to mantle pieces, the art in our homes reflect the potency of our intrinsic nature, sense of culture and tells a story of how we identify with the world around us. After admiring the works of artists like Basil Watson, Kehinde Wiley and Mark Steven Greenfield, it is easy to reason that no home is complete without the comprise of some artistic ingenious.

Much like the history of Africa, and its people, African art is deep and rich, and full of fervor. Africa is, and continues to be, one of the most diverse and culturally rich civilizations in the world. Artists on the continent and throughout the diaspora continue to produce works reminiscent of a universal resilience in the face of adversity, exploring every nuance of beauty, all the while demonstrating masterful skill.

Finding a little piece of Africa to add to the aesthetic of your home has gotten much easier than having to take a trip to the motherland to retrieve it. 

Design at the Door Entryway Tips to Try in Your Foyer

Sheila Bridges Designs, Photography by William Waldron

Entryways are high-traffic spaces that help others transition into your private life. They are the first impression and lasting impression for guests. The entryway gives visitors a hint of what's in store.  Here are some simple yet efficient ways to brighten up your entryway and extend a warm welcome with a little design effort. 

1. Lighting

Whether a small, overhead chandelier or wall sconces, you want to ensure that the lighting is complimentary to the rest of the house. Lighting is importing stepping into your home. Lighting gives your entryway ambiance without taking up space.

2. Art and Mirrors

Engaging art is great for introducing guests to your home. A sample of your taste in art may lead to a deeper conversation later on. If you're aiming for a more dramatic effect, try a few decorative mirrors.  These are the most important accessories for a foyer. You may need to check you hair and make up before jetting out the door. A mirror also floods small spaces with light, making it seem larger and more airy. 

3. Accents and Greenery

Other welcoming touches include tabletop accents and something fresh, such as a live plant or cut flowers. This in the perfect opportunity to incorporate your personality—favorite color, spirit animal, or something that speaks to your style—traditional, contemporary or eclectic as you may be.

Furniture

4. Console Tables

When I comes to console tables, scaling your space is must. For a smaller space, consider something with storage or space for a woven basket underneath to keep from congesting the area. And for larger spaces? Again, keep in my mind what your design style is. If you’re eclectic, you may opt for an antique piece. And if you’re more contemporary, you may lean towards a glass-top table with a gold finish. 

5. Chairs and Benches

Balance is key here. You want to keep your entryway space uncluttered, leaving room for the door to open without furniture causing a hassle. However, seating in the foyer makes for a cozier atmosphere. A patterned chair is ideal. And if you have carpet in your home, this is a good way of inviting guests to remove their shoes once they step inside.