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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: gray

The Bathroom of Our Dreams

22 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, The Home

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bathroom, bathroom renovation, country, design, gray, home, interior design, master bath, modern, rustic, subway tile, vintage, white

This past December, my husband and I had our master bath renovated and are still amazed how different it is. Since our home is old, the bathroom was pretty bad. It was super outdated and closed in, ceramic tile everywhere, a large jacuzzi tub we hated, a toilet that was far from eco-friendly, no heat, and a storage space that was unusable. There was plenty to dislike about the space.

This was the bathroom in its original state before we moved in:
Fresh and New

For two years, we lived with the minor changes we were able to do, which was basically change out the vanity/sink and light. Not much, but we didn’t have of a choice. I wish I could say we got used to it, but it was something neither of us could get used to. Then finally, it was time to gut it and make it beautiful.

There wasn’t much we could do about the actual space of the room but being a designer, I know certain tricks to help open it up and feel more airy. I did this with a neutral palette, white tile on the floor and shower, and opening up the storage space so we can actually use it. Before there was a wall there with a small door, but now its all open shelving which I’ve hidden behind a fabric curtain. We also got a new tub that is a normal size, which opened the shower area up tons. We also read reviews for great water softeners for our plumbing and our skin!

As far as style, I wanted the space to have a modern appeal but showcase classic vintage elements. I did this through a gray/white color palette and keeping everything white so it looked clean and crisp. You can’t get anymore classic with subway tile so I chose that for the shower and for the floor, small hexagon tile I have always loved. It brings me back to my Grandmother’s house in Brooklyn when I was a little girl. Now I get to have that memory everyday!

The Bathroom of Our Dreams

The small shelves are from Home Decorators and the medicine cabinet was a great buy on Overstock. The rest of the accessories such as the glass shelf, toilet paper holder, towel ring, and towel rack were purchased at Lowes and Home Depot. We decided to hang the rack on the back of the door so we didn’t lose any wall space. And it worked out great because they hang right above the bathroom heater so they are always cozy and dry.

The Bathroom of Our Dreams

The new white vanity has a bead board exterior which just adds to the classic look. A heater was installed, as well as a fan, so the space is much more comfortable be in. For a curtain, I used some fabric I had cut from old curtains and custom sized them for the window. I chose to only cover the bottom half so the space would be lit up nicely with natural light.

The Bathroom of Our Dreams

The Bathroom of Our Dreams

The Bathroom of Our Dreams

I wanted chrome throughout with a little glass detail and brought in warmth with soft neutral textures such as baskets and pastel artwork from some of my favorite artists on Etsy. The gorgeous collage behind the door is created by Mae Chevrette and the smaller print by River Luna. We showcased our love of vintage jars by using a few we found at our local shop to hold bathroom essentials. And because I hate how tissue boxes look, I found these beautiful linen covers on Etsy from Pilo that look great in the space.

The Bathroom of Our Dreams

The Bathroom of Our Dreams

All in all, the bathroom is a success! I feel like I am in a spa which is crazy. Who would of thought we could go to this from where it used to be? I gave myself a big pat on the back for this one. It was so much fun designing the space without doing all the work for once. We finally have the bathroom of our dreams and we are so grateful.

Sound in Color: Moving Units – Dangerous Dreams

15 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Uncategorized

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Anyone, Between Us & Them, blue, california, color palette, dance-punk, Dangerous Dreams, Going for Adds, gray, Moving Units, neon, pink, Scars, sound in color, Turn Away

The California band, Moving Units was formed in 2001 and released their first EP a year later. Having a unique dance-punk sound, they have toured with numerous bands such as Nine Inch Nails, Hot Hot Heat, Blur, and the Pixies to name a few. I was introduced to them by a good friend In Jersey around the time their full length album, Dangerous Dreams, came out. I was a fan instantly.

The album is full of catchy guitar riffs and dance driven bass lines with a perfect side of drum beats. If it doesn’t get you up and moving, than I don’t know what will. The production of the album is great as well. Everything is super clear and in focus, a real nice sound. I must admit Between Us & Them is my favorite track but some others I really dig are Going for Adds, Anyone, Scars, and Turn Away. However, all the songs are really good. Perfect music for a party.

The album artwork and its color palette matches the tone of the album perfectly. Bright colors partnered with gray undertones. The band has such a fresh sound and these neon hues accent it nicely. I also like how the illustration plays on movement, which gives it more interest.

Sound in Color: Moving Units - Dangerous Dreams

Sound in Color: Beastie Boys – Licensed to Ill

10 Tuesday Sep 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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1986, airplane, album art, Beastie Boys, Brass Monkey, color, color palette, fine art, gray, hip hop, illustration, Licensed to Ill, music, neutral, No Sleep Till Brooklyn, rap, samples, water soluble crayons, World B. Omes, You Gotta Fight for Your Right to Party

The first album from the Beastie Boys, released in 1986, is still one of best hip hop albums out there today. With No Sleep Till Brooklyn, Brass Monkey, and You Gotta Fight for Your Right to Party, how can it not be a success. And with the debut of this album, the Beastie Boys proved to be the kings of samples. Pretty much every track included hits from other familiar songs.

The cover art was also a favorite of mine. The illustration, by World B. Omes, of the plane is really a beautiful drawing. I guess being a fine art student in my day allows me to appreciate it much more than other people. It was done with water soluble crayons and referenced from photographic shots of an airplane. The shading, blending, and colors chosen is what really makes this eye catching. The soft grays shadowed by darker hues and the light neutrals on the cusp of being peachy really showcase the artist’s talent.

The Beastie Boys wanted to express the rock n’ roll lifestyle through this piece, which they did successfully. Once you open the sleeve, you see the plane has actually crashed. The idea is said to be inspired from reading about Led Zeppelin’s luxurious private jet. The album truly does capture a fine piece of art as well as a memorable list of songs we will all continue to love.

Color in Sound: Beastie Boys - Licensed to Ill

Sound in Color: Bloc Party – Silent Alarm

27 Tuesday Aug 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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bloc party, color, color palette, details, gray, hues, music, neutrals, photograph, silent alarm, sound in color, taupe, trees, white, winter

When London based band, Bloc Party released their first album, Silent Alarm, I was hooked. It seemed they came around at the perfect time. It’s crazy to think that was 8 years ago. They are a nice combination of melodic sound, smooth rhythm, and beats that will get on up on your feet. And with Okereke’s young and fresh vocals it was definitely a powerhouse of an album.

The cover of the album is a beautiful serene photograph of a field in winter. I am in love with the cold neutrals of gray and taupe against the stark white sky and ground. So pretty. It’s simple, yet eye catching. Kind of like the title, Silent Alarm, quiet yet loud. I feel this translates well to the music in that it speaks volumes. There are a lot of elements to the songs on this album and if you don’t really listen, you might miss some of the genius details that make it so great. Just like missing something if you don’t look  deep enough. One of my faves for sure.

Sound in Color: Bloc Party - Silent Alarm

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