MARBLE

DESIGN PROJECT:: MARBLE MASTER BATHROOMS

MARBLE MASTER BATHROOMS - YAY OR NAY?

Like everything else, interior design certainly has it’s share of trends. A lot of our clients fear that some of the choices they will make for interior will trend out. It’s our job to best guide those choices for longevity of your home!

One topic up for debate - marble.

marble

In my opinion, marble will always be in. It is such a classic look, you really can’t go wrong with it. One area I feel marble always has a place is the bathroom. A master bathroom with a little or a lot of marble has a certain look that appeals to the masses - and with the right styling you can make it modern or traditional!

Here are two bathrooms that prove it really can go either way:

TRADITIONAL MARBLE BATHROOM

Traditional marble master bathroom by Lisa Gilmore Design | Image: Native House Photography


MODERN MASTER BATHROOM

Modern Master Bathroom by Lisa Gilmore Design | Image by: Native House Photography

Most people are usually concerned about the maintenance of marble. The great news is, that with technology of today, we can get some really great marble imposters in the way of porcelain tile! So fret no more - start designing the marble filled bathroom of your dreams, it will be sure to turn heads for years to come.

With love & design-y dreams,

lisa signature.jpg
 

DESIGN CHAT:: COUNTERTOP CONFESSIONS

To all the renovators , the cooks, the wine drinkers, the families with little humans ...this one's for you....

It's me, Nicole! Here to help with some countertop pros and cons of all these beautiful materials mother nature provides us, and some amazing engineered ones which have many people turning their heads in disbelief!

With busy lives and being constantly on the go, everyone is looking for those two special words... MAINTENANCE FREE.  So by popular demand I give you .....

Quartz

Design via Joanna Gaines: https://magnolia.com/our-show/episode-01-lunar-lander/Pro Tip: Want the look of marble without the maintenance?? Look no further!

Design via Joanna Gaines: https://magnolia.com/our-show/episode-01-lunar-lander/

Pro Tip: Want the look of marble without the maintenance?? Look no further!

Design via Studio McGee: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2017/2/27/emersonPro Tip: resistant to scratches, stains, and can withstand heat

Design via Studio McGee: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2017/2/27/emerson

Pro Tip: resistant to scratches, stains, and can withstand heat

Design via Jaclyn Peters Design: http://jaclynpetersdesign.com/#/highway-206/Pro Tip: What you see is what you get! No unexpected variations in color or movementCon: ummmm.... still searching for one! Check back with me when you find someone who doe…

Design via Jaclyn Peters Design: http://jaclynpetersdesign.com/#/highway-206/

Pro Tip: What you see is what you get! No unexpected variations in color or movement

Con: ummmm.... still searching for one! Check back with me when you find someone who doesn't like an indestructible and impervious product :)

Next up is our old friend....

Granite

Granite comes from the process of crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. In short your countertop was flowing molten lava at some point! This helps to explain the density of the product and  why there are so many variations of movement and color within granite to pick from!

Design via Akin Design Studio: http://www.akindesignstudio.com/the-rad-reno/aihi5pryzo7awahg2mk0ta6tielvvtPro Tip: sealing is recommended to aid in the resistance against etching, dirt and spills

Design via Akin Design Studio: http://www.akindesignstudio.com/the-rad-reno/aihi5pryzo7awahg2mk0ta6tielvvt

Pro Tip: sealing is recommended to aid in the resistance against etching, dirt and spills

Design via Britt Lakin Photography: www.brittlakinphotography.comPro Tip: Most cost effective option when considering a natural stone. Normally the more clean looking the higher the price will be.Con: Can tend to lean a bit busy, therefore consider …

Design via Britt Lakin Photography: www.brittlakinphotography.com

Pro Tip: Most cost effective option when considering a natural stone. Normally the more clean looking the higher the price will be.

Con: Can tend to lean a bit busy, therefore consider picking a more subtle backsplash tile when working with a granite.

Wood

The beauty and warmth  this natural element provides is a favorite of mine.  Wood is sure to compliment any solid surface paired with it. With its rich hues and ability to manipulate the intensity of the finish, this application is an art piece all on its own!

Design via designer and stylist Liz Kamarul personal home: https://www.instagram.com/p/BjuVQEaH9sY/?taken-by=liz_kamarulPro Tip: Excellent work space for the chef in you! Wood is very forgiving on cutlery, but dents and scratches can occur in the wo…

Design via designer and stylist Liz Kamarul personal home: https://www.instagram.com/p/BjuVQEaH9sY/?taken-by=liz_kamarul

Pro Tip: Excellent work space for the chef in you! Wood is very forgiving on cutlery, but dents and scratches can occur in the wood during constant use. I personally love the character and story it creates.

Design via Amie Corley Interiors: https://www.instagram.com/amiecorleyinteriors/Con: Refinishing of the wood will need to take place, but is dependent on how often it is used. Typically time span is 10-15 years

Design via Amie Corley Interiors: https://www.instagram.com/amiecorleyinteriors/

Con: Refinishing of the wood will need to take place, but is dependent on how often it is used. Typically time span is 10-15 years

... and of course, saving the best for last

MARBLE

...I'll just be over here swooning all day, everyday over this beautiful stone. The movement, and colors the earth produces will never cease to amaze me. For centuries some of the most beautiful sculptures and structures have been made with marble. Indoor, Outdoor, on floors, ceilings, and walls! So when people ask "can I use this on my counter?" My answer always is ,"of course you can!!!" I know what you're thinking- "yeah, but i will also become a slave to it," and my answer  is of course you will haha! BUT, here are some tips to help you along the way!

Design via deVOL Kitchens: https://www.devolkitchens.co.uk/kitchens/classic-bespoke/brochurePro Tip: Sealing is your best friend .... for life!Pro Tip: Do not let anything acidic sit on the countertop- lemons, vinegar, tomato sauce will etch the sto…

Design via deVOL Kitchens: https://www.devolkitchens.co.uk/kitchens/classic-bespoke/brochure

Pro Tip: Sealing is your best friend .... for life!

Pro Tip: Do not let anything acidic sit on the countertop- lemons, vinegar, tomato sauce will etch the stone

Design via Dreamy Whites Blog personal home: http://dreamywhites.blogspot.com/2016/04/french-inspired-kitchen-makeover-french.htmlPro Tip: To help remove stubborn stains use a poultice paste, and thank me later!

Design via Dreamy Whites Blog personal home: http://dreamywhites.blogspot.com/2016/04/french-inspired-kitchen-makeover-french.html

Pro Tip: To help remove stubborn stains use a poultice paste, and thank me later!

I hope after reading this you are a bit more confident the next time you are out selecting countertops! I'm sure I'll hop back on here soon and we can talk about some materials which are not as commonly used!

Until Next Time!

nicole signature.jpg
 

KEY THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR A BATHROOM RENOVATION

We all want it, a nice beautiful bathroom. So what is it about bathrooms that make us so happy?

It's our retreat. Our place we start our day and get ready for what is ahead. It's the place we end our day, take off our make up and get ready to unwind and refresh. 

Bathroom renovations are no small undertaking. There are many parts to make your bathroom your perfect oasis. We surely recommend you hire a professional team to conquer the project, however here are a few tips to consider while planning your dream space. 

1. LIGHTING

Lighting is crucial in bathrooms, so planning placement is important to achieve the correct amount in your daily needs. We recommend recessed can lights about 36" apart in your ceiling, a nice amount off of the perimeter of your walls. This way if you bathroom is large enough, you can add a decorative light fixture in the center of the space. (Insert beautiful chandelier here.)

Image featured in Lonny, showcasing recessed can lights and beautiful chandelier.

2. STORAGE

Maybe you don't have the room for that large walk in linen closet? That's okay! Get creative with your towel storage. In this custom vanity we decided to roll them in the bottom for a lux spa look!

View more from this project here.

3. USE YOUR TILE WISELY

We've all seen it, beautiful artisan tile, wouldn't we love to have a whole bathroom adorning it? Well, the reality is, that sometimes it's just not in the budget. So decide to use that tile that you just can't say no to, in small doses. 

Here we used an amazing floral tile made out of small glass pieces (yes, those petals are glass pieces!) then surrounded it with a less expensive subway tile. Everyone wins!

4. FURNITURE INSPIRED PIECES 

If you are hoping to achieve a truly custom and unique look, have fun with your vanity! Look for pieces that are ready made or able to be customized and have a furniture look. You can see here in this traditional bathroom we really got to have fun with the vanity, it looks like an heirloom piece! So think outside of the typical cabinet box. 

Are you ready to tackle your next bathroom renovation? Make sure your armed with proper inspiration to get the look you are aiming for!

INSPIRATION: Marble -- Let's Talk About It!

It's popping up everywhere. So many popular images on pinterest and all over the web are featuring marble. Marble kitchens, marble bathrooms, marble fireplaces. You name it, people are trying to put that beautiful veining on every surface possible. And let's face it. The only veins I want in my life are on the marble surfaces in my interiors. That's it.

So what are your thoughts on the elegant material? To me it's such a clean timeless look. Until recently it was so hard to keep up with on the maintenance end of it (that is why there was such a high surge of granite in the early 2000's) however now, with the technology and products out there, it's really pretty easy. Plus, there are a great selection of manmade quarts products that mimic the look of the beautiful stone. So there really aren't any excuses why you can't use this timeless . Let's take a looksee at some marble that has us lusting...

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I adore the marble in this bathroom, but I also love the way they installed the mirrors too. So much going on here that makes this space special...

Image via: Pinterest

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Marble creates such a grand presence in this kitchen, you can tell who's the boss...

Image via: Pinterest

Marble gets a fancy update with two tone cabinetry and brass details...

Image via: Pinterest

There is even a place for marble in the hospitality world. I love how striking it looks with the black trim...

Image via: Pinterest

How sexy & sleek is the space with that marble fireplace. Beautiful!

Image via: Pinterest


So, now are you convinced? What will you be covering with marble now that we have given you some inspiration?