A Vanity With a Dark Side..Waking Up Neutrals

Every once in a while you find something that you really, really wish

 would turn up uninvited on your doorstep..

like this vanity, from the portfolio of Stylist Kara Butterfield.

I love the lines, the detailing on the doors, and those wonderful pulls.

But what I really love about this vanity is the dark sink and faucet.

Graceful and elegant without glitz, they add balance to a very neutral space.

They give your eye somewhere to rest, without adding more color.

Here are two more examples of the use of dark accents in neutral spaces from her work:

The bold mirrors ground this ornate cabinet beautifully, 

and another works it's magic in the powder room beyond.

(I had that wool Ikea carpet in my front hall, 

it has met with a rather unfortunate end since meeting our new puppy :)

A replacement will have to wait until this chewing stage is over!)

The luscious color of that fireplace is one of my faves..

it reminds me of Mushroom, by Frazee.

And the tiles are perfection.

But it wouldn't be half as lovely without the ebonized interior, would it? 

Simple birch logs function as sculpture within.

Do you use hits of black or other dark tones to wake up neutrals?

Or do you prefer to bring in pops of color?

til next time..

MOD Singapore Chic

Ministry of Design

(who get my vote for best design firm name, by the way)

 have designed a The Club Hotel in Singapore. 

The inspiration was Singapore's colonial past, 

which you will find referenced in art and furnishings,

and the Nomadic feel turn-of-the-century Singapore had, 

when a large influx of Chinese immigrants flocked here to send letters back home.

With a strictly limited palette, 

the designers created a lobby and

 22 distinct rooms using varied layouts and art designed by MOD.

This is my favourite room, the screen is so clever - 

mirror on this side and a tv tucked in to the other.

  

Fantastic bathrooms!

If this harlequin tile doesn't put some 

bounce in your knickers nothing will..

Perfect spot for cocooning..

I want to use this idea, the curved built-in "table", complete with turned leg and trim.

Now this is where I got really interested in this hotel.

You would expect the dining areas to be very graphic,

 and keep to the same palette, right?

Graphic.. but we've added color.. and the energy level has tripled.

Here black becomes grey, while texture and curvy upholstered furnishings

 clearly invite lingering in the lounge..

The Tapas Bar takes it a step further: energetic color, pattern, texture..

that upholstery makes the room.

Wouldn't this be a great spot to spend a night with friends?

Wish it was closer :)

Do you think those cords and tassels bring a waitress/waiter over?

This illuminated sculpture hints at the theme without being tacky.

Up to The Club SkyBar,

where we return to black and white chic..

This is my dream bar..

(and as a former bartender, I'm a wee bit picky!!)

and my dream patio!

That round banquette, oh..

every patio should have one.

Anyone want to go to Singapore?!

til next time..

The Divine Soaker

I love it when a room surprises me.

How wonderful would it be to turn a corner and find this tucked away in your bath?

source

sigh.

bare feet and fancy free

Imagine starting every single morning right here.

getting closer...

ready?

have a peek.. ahhhh...

Yup.

That will do.

More?

Straight into the dreaming-of-a-cottage folder.

A Dreamy Bathroom..

Just looking through all the (always) amazing pics at Desire to Inspire.
  I froze at these. 
This is my dream bathroom. 
 No plastic or mdf in sight.  
Creamy white, Stone, natural light, simple nostalgic lighting,
 a huge bench to curl up on, rustic wood shelving...
 so warm and tactile.  

I love the windows above the sinks with the mirrors in front, rare and so wonderful.

Ryann Ford

 I would love, love, love to get up to this room every morning.

til next time...