At the most basic level, all of interior design is a balance between form and function – how good something looks versus how well it works. This is especially true of furniture: ideally you want a sofa that looks good and is comfortable, but often only end up with one or the other. Bathroom vanities are the same; the most utilitarian bathroom vanities are often squat, square, and boring, whi

Modern bathroom design is in in a big way, but not necessarily in the way you think. When you see a magazine spread or a photo shoot, “modern” often means chrome and glass and concrete – industrial, untouchable, and often a little grey. But it’s not the Calvin Klein model version of modern design that’s hitting it big with homeowners: it’s a more natural style,

If you’ve spent any time at all shopping around for a new bathroom vanity, chances are you’ve noticed that, within a few sweeping style categories, they all start to look a little bit alike.  After all, standalone bathroom vanities are intended to replace built-in bathroom cabinetry, and many of them tend to be a little on the rectangular side. But especially if you aren’t going

Contemporary bathrooms emphasize clean, simple lines and open, uncluttered spaces. The first one is more or less easy to attain – after all, it’s sort of built into the furnishing. But keeping clutter at bay in any room of the home – especially one as frequently used as the bathroom – isn’t quite so easy. It’s why choosing the right bathroom vanities is so impor

I think having lots of light is great in any room – there’s nothing quite so inviting and welcoming as a brightly lit space. But having adequate lighting is even more important in the bathroom. After all, our morning grooming time is probably the most time any of us spend looking at ourselves, so it’s important that we can see ourselves well to be able to put our best faces (lite

French country bathroom design has become one of the most popular styles for a luxury bathroom remodel. But it can be a little difficult to pin down what exactly French country design is. After all, it’s based on hundreds of years of design and culture, an inherently eclectic aesthetic that can range anywhere from extremely sophisticated and ornamental all the way to somewhat shabby-chic. If

Last week I talked a little about the basics of French country bathroom design – all the elements that go into making a bathroom that’s historical, sophisticated, and comfortable. But for a design that’s so heavily based on tradition and cultural nuance, sometimes it’s the smallest details that lend the most authenticity, and do the most legwork in terms of updating your ba

For the French, their cultural heritage is something like a national treasure. Living in a building with a history is infinitely higher valued than owning a high priced McMansion, and even their interior design carries over and refers back to prior versions of itself. In that way, French design is both eclectic and decadent, emphasizing comfort, history, and sophistication. Which is why French des

Cottage style bathroom design is equal parts comfort, cozy, and clean design. Pioneered in often very small turn of the century bathrooms, it’s a style that’s remained incredibly persistent, I think because it fits so well with the way we interact with our bathrooms in a modern setting. In fact, as bathroom design moves more towards the modern, cottage style design is more relevant tha

There’s all kinds of advice out there about how to update the look and feel of your bathroom on a limited budget. From “repaint your walls” and “replace your shower curtain” to more innovative ideas like adding a tile backsplash, there are plenty of little ways to freshen up your bathroom to keep it looking on trend, even if you don’t have the budget for a major