Getting Off the Subway

Hello all. I know I know, I have been quite the absentee blogger. My only excuse is my thesis, which is controlling my life these days–but I’m officially counting down to May when I am finished with graduate school and back in New York. I thought in preparation for coming back to earth, I would slowly try and bring myself back to you all and do a little blogging now and again. I can’t promise more than once or twice a week while I’m writing my thesis, but that’s better than nothing, right? 

So I have long been a girl who loves a good subway tiled bathroom. I know its simple, and has gotten trendy, but there has always been something about it that seems so right. 

House Beautiful
This is a shot of House Beautiful editor, Newell Turner’s, bathroom. Love the subway tile as wainscoting. However, yesterday I was at Ann Sacks in NYC, and saw the most amazing collection of Michael S. Smith tiles, that are leading me astray from my usual affinity for the simplicity of the subway tile. 
Cane 

Modern Fretwork

Square Dance
How amazing are these? I can’t get enough of the chinoiserie/greek key/vintage aesthetic of each. They bring so much, but are still just white. WWB says that I am very safe in many of my decorating choices. I think that these tiles are the perfect blend of safety and haute chic. However, if you can’t fully commit to ditching your bathroom reno plans of subway tile, Michael Smith offers some options that will allow you to keep your subway tile and add a sexy border or detail … 
 Greek Key Border

Maze Border
How amazing are these trim pieces? you could still do all subway tiles, and then add a really great looking border that can have a significant effect on the experience of the bathroom space. Just a little bit of luxe. Love it. What do you all think? 

Photos courtesy of Ann Sacks.com & House Beautiful 

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Seeing Red

I thought it only fitting that after last night/yesterday’s election results I show you a few of my favorite red accented rooms.

Of course we all know Brooke Astor’s Albert Hadley designed red lacquer library in her Park Avenue apartment … and we all know how I love a good lacquer job. 
 And Diana Vreeland in the famous pose from her apartment. 
Decor Pad
Chinoiserie Chic!–I love this red lacquered bamboo chair, with the red desk accessories. 
Decor Pad
 The red accents are a nice addition to this otherwise white kitchen.
Decor Pad
Again, red desk accessories add a bright touch to this white office. I am very jealous of this person’s organizational abilities! 

Decor Pad
And I just love these headboards. And this picture might be the most representative of the current political climate–strong hits of red, on a light blue background. 

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Board to Tears

House Beautiful
Recently I have been obsessing about fineline tongue and groove boards on interior walls. And more specifically, tongue and groove boards mounted horizontally.  In my opinion, there is something both extremely traditional and modern about this interior architectural feature.
House Beautiful
Without any bright colored paint, instant interest is added to these walls! 

House Beautiful
 They also make rooms appear larger, as seen is this hallway. 
House Beautiful
One part rustic and one part modern, I love these tongue and groove boards! 

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