Can't Stop Thinking about this...

{Amy Howard's powder room; image via Cote de Texas}

A couple of weeks ago I was reading one of my favorites, Cote de Texas, and Joni was writing about Amy Howard.    All of the photos were all droolworthy, but I fell in LOVE with this image of Amy's powder room.  Guests turn the lion water fountain on by using the floor petal on the ground. (!!!)  The countertop normally isn't loaded with wheat grass (this was done for a photo shoot) but how AMAZING does that look?!!!!   If I were a super-planner and were having a party -AND had a powder room like this- I would so attempt this.  Gorgeousness.

Do you have any "dream" images of things that you love that might not be practical on a daily basis but that you'd do for a special event??

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

Design Element: Exposed Brick Walls

This is a 'before' photo (above) that I took a while back of a client's exposed brick wall in her DC rowhouse living room.  We recently finished the project & I have to say that one of my favorite elements in the room is the pre-existing exposed brick wall.  (which I obviously had nothing to do with! ;)

It got me thinking about good brick vs. not so good brick...

{images via sfgirlbybay}

To me, "good brick" has character and adds interest to a space.   The brick itself is pretty and it has a patina...

{image source unknown via pinterest}

It can be a beautiful focal point...

{image source unknown via pinterest}

..And is appropriate in the space...

{image via apartment therapy}

...It makes you wonder about the building's history...

 {image source unknown via pinterest}

 In these parts, there's a lot of newer brick inside of homes that isn't as beautiful the brick in the pics above.  Has anyone had any experience "aging" brick and/or giving it some character?  I've seen examples of some pretty painted bricks but would love to know about simplyadding some "patina" to newer bricks.

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.