Deliciously chic and glamorous eye candy!

I've been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off these past few days preparing for my baby sis's baby shower, being a freelance web designer, trying to unpack and get settled into our new home, and wiping up puddles of puppy pee-pee.  Right now I just need some gorgeous eye candy to remind me that all my hard work CAN and WILL pay off!

This is actually an office! I love the look - and that wallpaper would look great in my home office!

Canopy beds always say luxe to me.

Gold, cream, gray, and a touch of pink...and horses...what else could a girl want!?!

all images vie Rue Mag Oct.

How to decorate around radiators

I love old homes and all their charms and quirks. One of these charms is usually an old radiator or other appliance that may pose a decorating "challenge." Personally, I think these quirks are worth the unique feel of an old home, and these days you can even find super sleek, well-designed radiators if that is your home or building's method of providing heat.

 I was actually surprised to find out how stylish some of these electric radiators are - see below:

These radiators look more like modern art!  These I found on Electric Radiators Direct.   They also don't stain or blacken walls. In my book the best thing about these radiators is that they are also very energy efficient.

Even though there are ways to decorate around old clunky radiators, like building boxes and covers, there's always the concern of decreasing efficiency or damaging materials.

Above and below show radiators with custom covers built around them.  If you are renting and aren't able to choose your own radiators, they can be good solutions.

via Houzz.com via Chez Larsson, via Houzz


This post in partnership with ElectricRadiatorsDirect.co.uk

Backpacking around Europe: A few days in Berlin

Berlin is a city that's hard for me to describe because it is so rife with troubled history that is very visible throughout the entire city. At the same time, it is so beautiful, alive, and modern, and I'm unable to come up with the words to describe the city in any way to begin to shed light on all of it's qualities and characteristics.  The basics: it's the German capital and most populous city at 3.3 million.

So instead I'll share some of our moments there and leave you free to do your own research should anything pique your curiosity.

We stayed near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, with only the base of the spire left after a raid in 1943.

The beautiful Old National Gallery

Beautiful sculpture "Amazon on Horseback" by Louis Tuaillon outside the Neues Museum

Berlin Cathedral

Neptune fountain

Reichstag (German Parliament building)

Berlin Holocaust Memorial, Berlin - this is a quiet place not too close to other touristy attractions.  I remember it well.

The Berlin Wall is definitely a place I will always remember and sticks out in my mind very vividly. I was 5 when it fell and remember watching it in class.

Checkpoint Charlie the best known East - West crossing point during the Cold War.

Berlin is truly an amazing place on SO MANY levels.  Highly recommended in my book - you won't forget it.

Obviously, this photo is here just for comic relief - I can't decide if having a Haagen-Dazs right next to a ladies gym is genius or madness.

Thanks to wonderful future hubby for all of the fantastic photography he did during our trip!

Here's that list again of all my posts from our travels that I've posted -

Spain
•Introduction to my European backpacking trip and a list of places we visited
• Galicia - Baiona and Isle de Cies
• Galicia - the coast, some charming vineyards, and Pontevedra
• Santiago de Compostela and gorgeous hidden beaches
• Gorgeous mountain lakes of Picos de Europa
• Stunning mountains - Picos de Europa
• Bilbao and San Sebastian
• Beautiful Barcelona
• The amazing Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona
• Art Nouveau dream house by Gaudi in Barcelona

Italy
• Not to miss - the gorgeous rocky coast of Italy's Cinque Terre
• More from my summer traveling Europe - amazing Rome
• From my summer in Europe - amazing Pompeii
• Turquoise ocean and vineyards on cliffs - the amazingly stunning Amalfi coast
• My Summer in Europe: Pictures from lovely Florence, Italy
• Enchanting Siena
•Venice
•Lake Como, Italy

Switzerland
•Jungfrau region, Switzerland, Part 1
•Jungfrau region, Switzerland, Part 2

Germany
• One of my favorite cities from my European backpacking trips - Ulm, Germany
• Lake Constance
• Cute HOUSE Overload - the charming medieval homes of Germany's Romantic Road
• Regensburg, Germany, and Salzburg, Austria  

Austria
• Salzburg
• A charming lakeside village, Hallstatt
• Beautiful Vienna
• Kunst Haus Wien in Vienna

Hungary
• Budapest Part 1
• Budapest Part 2
Czech Republic
• Stunning Prague

4 Tips You Need to Know for a Bathroom Makeover

The look of modern bathrooms by Victoria Plumb is based around sleek lines and contemporary touches which are far removed from the ornate and fussy finishes found in the old Victorian and Edwardian styles and designs.

Today's bathrooms make imaginative use of new materials and natural resources. They conjure up more of an atmosphere of a luxury spa than simply a functional room and present a clean and minimal image that can fit any home; whether period property or new build.

A modern bathroom, even with modern twists on traditional design, is more efficient and easier to maintain.

Sadly, for many of us our bathrooms can be tired and somewhat neglected. So how can you give your bathroom a makeover without going to the expense of ripping everything out and starting all over again?

Country Living suggested 7 budget friendly bathroom makeover tips which could also be applied when thinking about the modern bathroom makeover you’ve been looking for.

 For a modern makeover here are the 4 key things you need to consider:

1. Brighten up with color
2. Add a touch of lighting
3. Be creative with the details
4. Use wood furniture for a natural look

Brighten up with color 

Unexpected use of colour can be particularly striking in a bathroom where white is often the central colour. Modern minimalistic bathroom styles use vibrant bold colours in towels and floor mats with white floors and walls to produce a stunning effect, or use a monochrome combination of black and white in tiling or flooring for simplicity.

 Love those floors!

Aqua is always a favorite of mine!

Add a touch of lighting 

As with any other room in the house, the way that a bathroom is lit has a major impact on the way it 'feels'. If you have bright lighting it can give an overly harsh effect that isn't really conducive to a relaxing spa-like environment.

 Aside from the amazing tile work in this bathroom, the floor lamp is such a nice surprise.

Start by replacing bulbs with full spectrum, 'natural daylight' ones. Candles can help create a relaxing spa-like mood but you may want to consider electric fittings for a safer, more efficient option.

It is also worth considering putting opaque coverings on windows instead of using black out blinds or heavy curtains as this can help make use of available natural light and reduce your need for artificial. A popular trend is the use of an illuminated mirror cabinet.

Be creative with the details

Accessories - any bathroom sets a tone by the use of accessories. Using chrome and glass can help a modern makeover take shape as can choosing bold block colors for towels, mats and shower curtains. Clever use of mirrors can not only help smaller bathrooms look and feel much bigger but you can also place them to create extra effects with your lighting and adjust the mood.

Taps - the taps you choose can also have a dramatic effect. Tall standing mixer taps can make a bold statement as can the ultra modern open taps which create a waterfall effect. These fittings are relatively inexpensive but immediately bring your suite up to date.

Use wood furniture for a natural look

Storage space in a bathroom is often at a premium so cabinets tend to get installed and forgotten about. You can give a bathroom a totally new look for very little outlay; replacing old bathroom cabinets with contemporary wood finishes can make an instant difference. A unit with a mirror can also add space a enhance light to your bathroom.

Gotta love this repurposed soapstone sink!

A basin vanity unit is always a worthy the investment but a counter top basin and waterfall effect tap is also recommended by Victoria Plumb if you want to have the greatest impact with your bathroom makeover.

via 1. Victoria Plumb, 2-6. BHG, 7. Country Living
This post in partnership with Victoria Plumb

Getting neutrals right

A room in neutrals can be a beautiful, restful thing.  Done wrong and your left with an overly vanilla and drab eyesore.

Here are neutrals that have it right:

The black drapery hardware, iron canopy bed, and thick black frame all add just enough contrast to create some depth in the space.

Leopard or other animal patterns are a way to do neutral but still add a lot of interest.

Mixing textures is another surefire way to add dimension to a space that has a lot of color in the same value.

Another example of mixing texture - the sisal, metal console table, iron lamp, and wood chests.  If all of these pieces were in wood, you can imagine how the space might look more drab.

1-3. Country Living, 4-5. Interiors Porn, 6. Lonny