All About Bathroom Sinks

So many styles, so much to choose from,  Where to start?

Because of the limited purpose (hand washing) of a bthroom sink, manifacturers have had the opportunity to develop a wide variety of styles for the bathroom sink.  Every bathroom sink has their own pros and cons, let's take a look -

PEDESTAL SINK-
looks like a bird bath and is often seen in powder rooms and smaller main bathrooms

Pros: attractive option when there is limited or no room for cabinetry, can make a smaller bathroom feel more spacious, open at the back to provide access to the drainpipe and supply lines

Cons: offers no storage or counter space



WALL MOUNT -
attach o the wall and are open underneath. Not as attractive a bit more of an idustrial or old fashion school house look

Pros: work in small bathrooms, they do not take up any floor space, easy wheelchair access

Cons: no storage or counter space



INTEGRAL SINK -

is a one-piece option with a surrounding counter

Pros: simple installation, one-piece construction means seamless (no gaps, no crevices for trapping dirt, hair etc...)

Cons: replacing a sink means replacing the countertop as well, no opportunity for creatively matching a counter with a sink



DROP IN SINK -

also known as 'self rimming sinks' fit inside a whole in the counter top.  the rim rests on the edge of the hole and is secured to the counter top with a waterproof sealant.

Pros: vanity cabinets hide the drainpipe and water supplies, cutouts in the cabinet do not need to be finished because they will be covered by the sink and the fixtures

Cons: these sinks lean a bit more to practical than to beautiful, the sink rim makes it impossible to wipe water from the counter into the sink



UNDERMOUNT SINK -

unlike a drop in sink this sink is installed from below.  This means the counter edges must be finished as they won't be covered by the sink

Pros: has a sleeker appearance than drop ins, without a rim you can wipe water from the counter into the sink

Cons: unless the vanity top can be removed you cannot install an undermount as a retrofit, because edges are exposed (counter) these sinks can only be used with waterproof countertop materials such as granite, marble, quartz or a solid-surface synthetic



VESSEL SINK -

sit on top of the vanity and are completely exposed and come in a variety of materials including glass, marble, and cast bronze.  No faucet holes - faucets are installed in either the wall or the counter top (be sure to get a faucet that is tall enough for a vessel sink)

Pros: visually striking, because the cut outs are so minimal you really maximize the impact of your countertop - so if you have purchased an expensive natural stone countertop you'll will get to see more of it. 

Pros: no over flow holes (you will want to install a grid drain to be sure to not have any overflow), can be very expensive, because the vessel sink sits on top of the vanity you may want to customize the vanity height



CONSOLE SINK -

a blend of characteristics from the wall mount sink and the pedestal sink.  Lots of variation in terms of look, size and style

Pros: can accommodate a wheelchair (depends on the distance between the legs of the console), extra width usually allows for some counter storage space, in some cases towel bars can also be added

Cons: extra width means most consoles are too big for smaller bathrooms, plumbing is usually exposed

Decorating Island Style

I have had the absolute pleasure of spending the past 5 days in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in an incredible villa called ' Scotch on the rocks' .  This has been such a relaxing experience with the most spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, the sounds and smells of the beach, an amazing staff, delicious homemade food and of course calming Island style decor...so what are the basics you need to know to capture soothing Island style in your home?



Island style is easy laid back living with very little fuss.  It's not fancy but it is so peaceful and functional, too.  It looks stunning especially with the beautiful backdrops of sea and sky.

The main ingredient would be colour selection.  Most warm climates (ranging from Greece to St. Martaan) take their inspiration from the sea.  Opting for light or white walls and adding accents of blue and/or Tera cota or espresso. 


Flooring is mainly large Travertine tile in sand tones and usually with a 'straight from nature' look and feel instead of some uber modern uniform look.  No carpeting at all (again for ease).  Sometimes you will see accents of hardwood usually in a dark espresso stain and wide plank.

Textiles are of natural and/or easy to wash fabrics in white, shades of blue and sometimes pattern including both of those colours.  And the bedrooms are often outfitted in white on white linens with pops of ocean blue.



Accents - you can capture the beach feel without going over board.  for accents and pops of colour and pattern, stay fresh with blue, white and yellow or green.  Pattern does not need to be nautical or ocean themed like nautical flags and shells and seahorses but stripes are a great look, tie dye (but in only two colour like white-blue or white yellow), paisley, tribal anything really as long as the colours are right.  Look for art that is soothing and calming - it could be Impressionist or abstract.  Look for lamps that have a Hemingway look or Beach glass but really keep it simple.  Bowls of tropical fruit can look cheesy but if done right can llok inviting, contemporary and bright.  Adding lots of white candles can give a beautiful and romantic glow in the evening.



Living by the beach is all about simplicity and relaxation, no one should feel like they are trapped in a museum.  You should be able to put your feet up and have a drink without worrying about wrinkling the sofa cushions or getting sand on the floor.  This look really i best in coastal environments but if you want to bring som of your favourite vacaction memories home with you, why not?

Easy gift wrapping ideas

Although wrapping gifts seems very time consuming and pointless - it can be beautiful, and it really shows the receipiant how much you care.  It is so special to see anyone put time and effort into creating something beautiful.

It doesn't have to be complicated, just adding some simple touches can take your wrapping to a whole new level.

1 - Add a beautiful ornament instead of a bow.  The ornament can be used year after year, too.  If this is somehitng you plan on doing for multiple people try buying a box or multi-pack of ornaments. 

2.  Add a beautiful tag - like peace and love tags from Etsy

3.  Add something edible like a small gift bag of mixed nuts, a chocolate Santa or a gingerbread cookie.

4.  Get creative with your colour choice for wrapping. Or get some metalic paper - very bright and bold

5.  Get the kids involved use stamps or let them paint a Christmas theme newsprint and use it as wrapping paper.

6.  Add an ornament that your child made, it adds a personal touch

Fabulous Book - Timeless Interiors by Kathryn M. Ireland

I love a beautiful coffee table book at this one is just perfect to add too my collection.  'Timeless Interiors' by Kathryn M. Ireland (yes, the very one from Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators 2011) is a fabulous collection of Kathryn's work through the years - as far back as 20 years ago and also some of her more recent work. 

Kathryn's style is a harmonious marriage of European elegance and the casualty of California.  she also has the ability to embrace the landscapes of city life of New York, the beach side style of Malibu and informal farmhouse living of the English countryside.

Kathryn also has an enormously successful textile business that truly reflects her personality and passion for travel. Paisley, ikats and madras are all widely seen in her textile pattern and are used with thought and precision in her interior design work.

This book would make a wonderful gift for anyone interested in home design and decor.  If you are in the Santa Monica, California area this weekend - check out the book signing for 'Timeless Interiors' at the Peter Fetterman Gallery on Saturday December 15 2012 4pm - 6pm.  Oh how I would love to be there!

Best paint colours for kids' rooms

When we move into a home we really want to put our own style throughout the home.  Well, it's no different when a baby is on the way - we want a beautiful nursery to welcome this baby into our home.  And as those little bundles get bigger, they start to develop their own sense of style - my son and my daughter even though they are 13 months apart they like very different things and gravitate towards very different colours and even clothing.

Here are some of the best choices for paint colours for kids rooms - you can still embrace the magic and whimsy that a childhood should have but it can still be classy and stylish.

Shades of pink

Benjamin Moore 'marshmallow bunny' 2001-70
As soft pink that will make little girls dream of fairies and ballerinas yet the colour is still tasteful and too harsh on the eyes



Benjamin Moore 'pink parfait' 2004-60
A bit brighter but not too intense of a pink - looks great with white, green, chocolate brown really any neutral. 

Benjamin Moore 'strawberry sorbert' 2087-50

Lots of energy and whimsy in this colour - very fresh and fun too!

Benjamin Moore ' all-a-blaze' 1304

This is more of a coral tone so probably better suited for a tween or teen - it's a very original colour but looks so great on any wall. 

Shades of Blue

Benjamin Moore ' harbor fog' 2062-70
A beautiful colour for a nursery but it's mature enough for a toddler child and older.  Although blue, works for both genders and you can add any accent colour and it will look great!

 Benjamin Moore ' Colonial Blue' 1677

Colonial Blue is a bit more sophisticated but can also be very sporty if paired up with brighter colours like orange and/or yellow. 

Benjamin Moore ' Admiral Blue' 2065-10
A bit more mature (even works great in a master bedroom) this darker colour needs a room with light so the space doesn't look and feel cave like.   It also has a bit of a nautical feel so adding sharper accents like yellow, red, white and green will work very nicely.

Shades of Green

Benjamin Moore 'pale vista' 2029-60
A very soft tone and works well in a neutral nursery - add pink and it takes on a garden look and feel.  Add brown and it feels very outdoorsy.

Benjamin Moore 'corn stalk' 542
Suits a boys' room more than a girls' and would look great with an animal theme, farm theme, dinosaurs etc...

Neutral options

Benjamin Moore 'silver chain' 1472  Grey is a wonderful neutral option because it works at any and every age.  Many people feel that a grey tone is too depressing but it you team it up with colour it looks great!

Benjamin Moore 'bradstreet beige' HC-48  A classic, historical colour and it looks so chic and timeless with white furniture or dark furniture.  Again, add any pop colour you like.  This is a perfect tone if you want to paint your entire home in just one colour - because this one is so versatile

Benjamin Moore 'ashland slate' 1608
I love a dramatic look and this is very unique and sophisticated, this is perfect for the parents that don't want that 'cheesy' nursery or kids' room.

Benjamin Moore 'baby fawn' OC-15  Such a great colour and I have used this everywhere (commercial space and residential) it is a very warm neutral tone.

Great Gift Giving

So the holidays are upon us - it's already December and time is ticking away!  I've got a great start on my gift buying - how about you?  Buying gifts can be very time consuming, expensive and for some stressful.  In order to make the experience as stress-free as possible I follow a few tips of my own.

1.  Plan ahead - before going to the mall or looking online - I plan roughly how much to spend on each person.  You can also plan ahead by asking around (friends, family etc...) for some ideas such as what they need, what they like, what stores they like, what are their hobbies etc...This will save you some time and keep you on (or as close to budget as possible) .  studies show by wandering without direction when shopping for gifts people tend to over spend.

2.  Try to get some gifts early (I know too late now but maybe next year).  Again, this helps with budgeting and you can sometimes find something really special for someone and so what if it's August - hang on to it until December rolls around!  A few years ago, I was at a silent auction and there was a beautiful Delft Cheese platter with a wood cutting board and a knife.  It was lovely and perfect for my in-laws.  My husband thought I was crazy to buy them a Christmas gift in September but they loved it!

3.  Is you family getting bigger and bigger? As people get engaged, married and start having children and then more children your shopping list can get exponentially bigger in no time at all.  Keep everyone's costs down by doing a gift exchange and draw names or keep a monetary limit on gifts. Or try a new tradition - before my sister-in-law and her family were transferred to Calgary, we used to go out on a double date (with our husbands) for a nice dinner and split the check instead of buying gifts.  We always had a great time and it's always great to spend time with loved ones. 

4.  Ask how you can help - this is great for parents with really young children (infants). Buying diapers, wipes, formula etc...is so helpful and really helps the parents out.  At the infant stage, they won't remember getting toys or new clothes but the parents will really appreciate the supplies and believe me, they will be used!  other great ideas for new parents, trying making them a meal they could easily heat up at home, or bake them some cookies (I doubt they will have time for holiday baking) or offer them a night of babysitting so they can go out on a date - that's an awesome gift for parents!

5.  Keep it light and fun!  Do a secret gift exchange withe a dollar limit and some kind of restrictions for example a maximum of $20 and it has to start with the letter'B'.  That way, it's about creativity, fun and less about money and stuff.  You share some laughs with friends.

6. Need to buy for kids and you don't have any? Ask around the office or sales people.  A lot of online stores have recommendations for age groups and genders. I love Chapters online - they have a tab labeled 'Birthdays' but you look there and they have it broken down in age categories and have the hottest toys and books for the age groups - so easy!

Some of my favourite gifts to give:
- wine journal and wood serving platter  perfect for foodies and people who love to entertain at home

- personalized storybooks perfect for children of any age, they love to see themselves in the book and it's a wonderful keepsake

- crafts or anything hands-on and creative - there are so many different options for boys and girls, it's nice to give kids something other than video games or electronic stuff.  It's so healthy and fun to use or brains too

- items for the home I find so many people want to get new items for the home but they never do, so it's always a great gift especially for someone who has just purchased a new home or under gone a renovation.

- dinner out  is such a treat and a great gift for parents who need a break

- board games again better bonding than DVDs and video games. this is a great gift for couples and families, throw in a few snacks and you've got hours of fun!

And if cash is tight, try offering your talents like babysitting, housecleaning (again, awesome for new parents or an elderly family member), baking or cooking a meal, sewing, knitting, make some ornaments for the tree, dog walking, or just spend quality time together.  Christmas isn't about giving each other stuff - it's about love, peace and friends and family.