Best Bathroom

Good Morning Lacquered Lifers! Hope everyone had a nice weekend. Here in Philadelphia, I get all my shelter magazines delivered, whereas in NYC I used to buy them b/c they hit the newsstands early. Although I miss the instant gratification of buying my shelter magazines, I love the surprise when they show up at my door. Yesterday, the April issue of House Beautiful showed up … and I am absolutely in love with the Bath of the Month. What do you think? 
As you already know, I love love love shiplap walls like these. I love the fixtures and the sinks from Urban Archeology. 
What I really like, is that they continued the ship lap on the tub surround. And how great is that shower head? It comes out from the wall and yet is still a rain shower head! 
Even the storage matches! 
And my favorite, little hidden storage spaces. The shelving is secretly hidden behind my beloved ship lap walls. Somehow this fabulous bathroom retains its 1920s roots while feeling extremely streamlined and modern. Let me know your thoughts! 
Photos courtesy of House Beautiful

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Steppin’ Out

Rainy and chilly here in Philadelphia today, and I find myself thinking summer. Which immediately gets me thinking about outdoor spaces and how to decorate them. I can’t help but be completely taken in by Trina Turk’s indoor/outdoor fabrics for Schumacher–outdoor space, Palm Springs style! 
Trellis Print – Pool

Santorini Print – Java
Super Paradise Print – Pool
Arches Print – Orange
Soleil LA Print – Aqua
Are you all ready to lounge by the pool? I know I am! Which is your favorite? 

Photos courtesy of schumacher.com

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New, Old, Who Cares?

Designer Axel Vervoordt and his family were looking to buy a traditional, historic swiss chalet, high in the mountains. However, when they were looking there weren’t any existing buildings available. So the family bought some land and decided to build a chalet in the traditional style. The outcome? Amazing.
Even though the building was built today, Vervoordt and family decided they wanted the building to have that historic quality that they had looked for. So, the house was built with salvaged materials. 
The house was built entirely by local craftsmen, and as the article said, “The entire structure has been handmade by local craftsmen, pegged not nailed, waxed not varnished.” 
Even though its new, the house has the air of a home that has been in the mountains forever. Look at the width of the floorboards–fantastic. 
Traditional bunkbeds. 
I love the countertop and vanity in the bathroom. 
This shot really gives a sense of the simplicity of the space, and yet the craftsmanship involved in its building. 
This house appeals to me as a student of historic preservation. I know this house isn’t old, but in building this house, the Vervoordts are keeping the traditional trades alive and being sustainable by reusing old materials. What’s not to like? Kinda makes you want to start singing the sound of music, right? 
Photos courtesy of Vogue Living Nov/Dec 2010

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