Be Detail Oriented And Refine Your Interior Design

I am detailed oriented. No matter what area we talk about, details are important to me. It is the extra touches that set things apart, that get things remembered. In this country we don't seem to appreciate these details as much as they do in Europe. I would so love to see a return to elegance in this country. Oh well....

From time to time in this blog, I just want to share some beautiful details as they relate to  interior decorating. We all know about the grand architectural elements and how beautiful they are. The details I want to share are smaller and sometimes easy to miss. But to me these details are exquisite treasures to be appreciated for the smile they leave on your face when you have caught a glimpse of them out of the corner of your eye and stop for a second to admire them. 

               

As we close the door on this post remember to visit again for more details, details, details!

Decorating With Lime Green

Lime green is a very popular color in interiors right now. It can be a daunting to work with but the effect can be delightful. If you are the bold, try anything new type, paint or paper your walls or ceilings with it, or install lime carpet. You can go over the top. If subtle describes you most, you can still enjoy this color in small doses. A throw pillow here, a lime vase there and before you know it you have a stunning room. Just come on and follow me to the Land of Oz. Your friends will be green with envy!!

A stone french house with a lime green door. What a fabulous welcome!

And the lady of the house sweeps down to say please come in for a visit. Oh well, a girl can dream can't she?

Lime green walls look chic in old world interiors so don't think you have to have a new house to jump on board the lime trend.

Lime green can be used in a bold and colorful way.

Or lime green can be softened when used with white. This is a crisp, clean combo as well.

Lime green can be an overwhelming color. However this white canopy and the window treatment helps to create a softer look.

The white french doors, dado molding, mantle, and mirror against this lime green wall is really very pretty. Add the painted chairs and table and this vintage room is fresh and on trend.

Pink and lime green has always been a popular combination and makes this eclectic living room bright and inviting.

Stark white with lime green accessories makes this shabby French bedroom irresistible!

Energizing lime green walls in the home of Tory Burch.

If you are unable to commit to lime green saturation, try adding a few lime accessories.

Think citrus colors when using lime green. They always look good together....as nature intended!!

Black and grey rooms are stunning with lime green accessories. The mirrored table is so pretty and provides a great effect.

Lovely lime green, black and white tableware via Stone Gable would make any party unforgettable!

Lime green, black, grey and white are great color choices for this room. The zebra rug is the perfect touch! A very unique and stunning bathroom painted a strong shade of lime and accessorized with a fabulous black lacquer mirror. Tres chic!

And yes, even though it is trendy, soft lime green can be used with shabby chic! Looks fabulous with this vintage and distressed blue armoire.

This chair painted lime green is such a compliment to this room. Layered patterns in blue and lime give a beautiful effect.

Lime green and aqua is a favorite of mine. It is a tranquil color combination, like the sea.

I love the checkered French chair in this lime green and aqua sitting room.This bedroom is beautiful with lime that is soft and feminine. Be sure to play with patterns. It makes for an interesting room.

A period room with a definite fresh look thanks to the purple/lime green combination.The dark wood looks great against the lime papered walls.

Purple and lime green is a very popular color combination at present. It is so vibrant and gives a Boho Gypsy look with out going all the way in that direction. It is used much of the time against grey walls.

The lime and the coconut. Brown and lime green are so fresh against white walls. Think tropical!

Decorating With Claw Foot Tubs

In 1883, both the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company (now American Standard) and Kohler began the process of enameling cast iron bathtubs to form a smooth interior surface. Kohler’s first clawfoot tub was advertised as a “horse trough/hog scalder, when furnished with four legs will serve as a bathtub.”  Not a very auspacious beginning! However, by the late 19th century the clawfoot tub was considered a luxury item . There are 5 styles of clawfoot tub. We will look at some othe these styles in the pictures below.

Clawfoot tubs come in 5 major styles:

Classic Roll Rim

Slipper Tubs - where one end is raised and sloped creating a more comfortable lounging position. 

Double Slipper Tubs - where both ends are raised and sloped.

Double Ended Tubs - where both ends of the tub are rounded.

Pedestal Tub - Pedestal tubs, unlike all the styles listed above, do not have claw feet. The tub rests on a pedestal in what most would term an art deco style. Evidence of pedestal tubs dates back to the Isle of Crete in 1000 BC.

The trend today, though, is shifting back to the elegant style and luxury of a soaking clawfoot tub. Old cast iron versions can be very expensive.  True antique clawfoot tubs are still considered collectible items.   Modern technology has contributed to a drop in the price of clawfoot tubs, which may now be made of fiberglass, acrylic or other modern materials. Homeowners are tearing out their dime-a-dozen built-in tubs and replacing them with reproduction roll rim footed tubs. 

If you are lucky enough to have an original, consider painting it a color, cover the outside with mosaic tiles or even mirrored tiles. Create a one of a kind treasure to make your bathroom have that "wow factor". New reproduction clawfoot tubs are chosen by remodellers and new home builders. Much like the Western-style bathtubs, clawfoot tubs can also sometimes include showers. Now available in both the classic cast iron or lighter weight acrylic styles, clawfoot bathtubs are produced in a variety of styles and finish options. I love claw foot tubs and can't recommend them enough. Get one and make your bathroom an elegant relaxing retreat.

This is a bath designed by Lisa Farmer Designs. The old claw foot tub was marbleized in green and then burnished in gold. The rim is gold leafed and sealed with polyurethane. The fabric backdrop features French script and topped off with cream colored feathers.

An over all picture of the room. The wall treatment features wallpaper, border, and leopard fabric.

A beautiful bathroom featuring an elegant pedestal tub, antiques accessories and a soft color scheme. Who couldn't relax here?

Beautiful old claw foot tub painted aqua. The detailing is stunning and the shell legs...well what more can I say!

Lovely claw foot and pedestal tubs with pretty towels and necessities. The large mirror behind the tub is a great statement piece. Chandeliers are so nice in the bathroom!

Grey blue painted claw foot and architectural elements make this a very pretty French Country bathroom.

Fabulous copper  pedestal slipper tub with faux marbled walls and columns and antique furnishings just shouts luxury.

Shabby Chic bathroom at it's best. Beautiful claw foot slipper tub, embellished lacy curtain, and unique lighting make this a  vintage delight.

Classic white tub and white accents are so elegant against the exotic wall mural.

Claw foot tubs do not have to be white. This one painted yellow is so bright and cheerful. The yellow and white striped tented effect in the trompe l'oeil painting is the perfect compliment.

The arches and columns of this trompe l'oeil wall treatment give the feeling of a Roman bath. It is the perfect background for this pedestal tub.

Pink bathrooms are so feminine and pretty. Hang lots of mini chandeliers over the claw foot tub for a  lighting statement. Don't forget the bath soaps!! Incorporating architectural elements in you bathroom design is a great idea. Remember you can always paint your claw foot a pretty color. Make your bath a romantic refuge with  lots of pretty accessories. Love the bubbles! So whimsical! Napkin rings for your washcloths is an elegant clever idea.

This fabulous bath features a roll top claw foot, slate floor, and a stained glass window to die for!

So many beautiful elements in this bathe. Of course the silvered  claw foot is center stage but the Venetian  mirror, antique sconces, marble backsplash and crystal chandelier are lovely ladies in waiting.

Basic black and white can't be beaten. The checkerboard floor is a perfect accent for this 

French Country bath. The black slipper tub is exquisite and the vanity, the perfect touch.  Lovely tropical bath with white claw foot tub and zebra rug is a dream space.

The must have accessory for every bath!!