design obsession: bathrooms

my husband and i live in a one bedroom apartment and we couldn't be happier. it's not huge, but most of the rooms are spacious enough that we are perfectly comfortable. the one exception? the bathroom. it's MICROSCOPIC--you can barely turn around in there! and the shower? let's just say the shower head is too low even for me, not to mention my 6'5" husband. i've tried my best to sophisticate it, but i must admit it makes me long for the day when i can truly create a serene, spa-like oasis. until then, a girl can dream! hope you enjoy a few of my favorites.

...happy sophisticating...

can't beat restoration hardware. these fixtures are too fabulous.

gorgeous. the deep navy walls and dark wood are beautifully masculine and make the beautiful white linens look even more crisp and fresh!
pottery barn.

cannot even handle this. you can't beat calacatta marble and a pedestal sink.
featured may 2007 in house beautiful.

clearly the tub freestanding tub is fabulous, but i love the choice of color palatte. it adds real warmth to the space. my favorite--the spa-like storage ladder.
featured march 2009 in house beautiful.

so rustic. so chic. even towels look sophisticated when they are neatly folded and stacked in fabulous baskets. i love the oxidized counter top and striped wood floors.
featured july 2009 in house beautiful.

omg. i just can't even handle this. so parisian and delightful. the pops of pink are just PERFECT.
i wonder if i could talk my husband into this one ;)
featured january 2009 in house beautiful.

so simple. so clean. so sophisticated. the all-white palette is just flawless.
featured january 2008 in house beautiful.

it's itty bitty, but wow! even a tiny bathroom can be made sophisticated with a nice sink console and this fabulous chandelier.
featured on design*sponge.

so simple. so phenomenal.
featured on design*sponge.

WOW. i love the way the custom window let's the light play beautifully on the floor. this bathroom perfectly blends different shades of white to create warmth and incredible texture. it just glows!
featured august 2008 in house beautiful.

design obsession: christmas stockings

last year my husband and i were blessed enough to spend our very first christmas in paris. this year will mark our first "at home" christmas...which means our first chance to DECORATE! i'll be featuring lots of fun christmas decor ideas throughout the next month or so, but i wanted to start early with christmas stockings!

traditional red and green velvet are lovely, but why not use your christmas stockings as a chance to sophisticate your hearth with a twist on the traditional! i'm loving some of the more vintage, handmade versions i'm seeing lately. here are some fun options to inspire you.

...happy sophisticating...

eco-friendly felt. so simple and so chic.
they'll even take custom orders!
available at rikrak on etsy.

you love christmas stockings, you love cozy sweaters. best of both worlds. homey chic!
knit stocking from pottery barn.

another fun rustic chic option. itty bitty stockings made from vintage linen mangle cloth with red gingham trim. adorable! available at flowers and blooms on etsy.

paris chic at its finest! burlap with vintage toile. love the button!
available at my adobe cottage on etsy.

so fun! very dr. seuss :) love this green for the holidays! plus they can be personalized. so sophisticated.
ballard designs.

so simple. so lovely. handmade using all vintage fabric and hand crocheted lace. perfect for a shabby chic home!

available at tuuni on etsy.

more knit options from pottery barn. love the stripes!
they make me think of christmas pajamas!

joyeux noel! so french and probably my favorite. a fun, monochromatic twist on a christmas stocking. they are limited edition, so snatch them up fast!
ballard. as always.

and for our apartment dwellers...never fear! a delightful tabletop alternative.
there is no excuse! available at ballard.