Bathroom inspiration

Hello my dears! I hope you all had wonderful holiday vacations and are resting up for the new year ahead! I'm hanging at home this week, enjoying time with family, catching up with friends, and reading through some of the new design books I was lucky to receive for Christmas. More on them soon.

I spent some time today daydreaming about how I'd like to re-do our bathrooms if I had the chance (read: the money). Did you know the average American spends $11,000 on their renovated bathroom? Ouch!

On one hand, I'm drawn to the bold. Thick stripes, bright, colorful wallpaper, dark paint.

{Jenna Lyons design via Lonny Mag}

{Antonia Thompson via Lonny Mag}

{Steven Gambrel via Elle DECOR}

{Ethan Feirstein and Ari Heckman via Lonny Mag}

{David Cafiero via Lonny Mag}

On the other hand, there's something to be said for these clean, predominantly white, serene spaces.

{Kath Kidston via Lonny Mag}

{Via Apartment Therapy}

{Angie Hranowsky via Lonny Mag}

{Jennifer Worts via Decor Pad}

{Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar via Lonny Mag}

{Cath Kidston via Lonny Mag}

{Via Pinterest}

I think I prefer the lighter look in my bathroom but the bold look packs quite the punch for a guest bath/powder room. Then there's the use of unusual elements in bathrooms which I just love. Like plants, fireplaces, chandeliers, furniture and other oddities.

{via Inspirations Deco}

{via Elle Sweden}

{via Desire to Inspire}

{via Moon to Moon}

{via Pinterest}

One common theme? Most of my favorite bathroom inspirations feature clawfoot tubs, tiled floors, and pedestal or console table sinks. Serene or bold, I suspect my future bathroom will have some or all of these elements.

What appeals to you in a bathroom? Do tell.

Inside the home of... Ashley Stark

This month's issue of Elle Decor features a stunning tour through the home of Ashley Stark, heiress to the Stark carpet and home furnishings empire. I thought it might be fun to take a peek inside this colorful, chic and carefully curated NYC apartment, so kick of your shoes and let's head inside this our first home tour.

Starting with the foyer...

Standouts for me here are that oversized vase with branches and the positively exquisite Karl Springer snakeskin bench. Truly to die for. Next, into the living room.

I love all the interesting patterns and colors here. Your eye keeps traveling round and round the room putting it all together. My favorite is in the right corner, that juxtaposition of 18th-century Italian armchairs with the skull print from Damien Hirst, and that super cool brass palm tree. 

Now into my two favorite rooms. First the bedroom...

I can't handle that gray velvet headboard, it is honestly my dream headboard. Then my eyes immediately travel up to the Venetian glass light fixture that adds such a glamorous feel to the room (you don't always see major fixtures in a bedroom). I also want for my own that studded cream dresser/console piece on the far wall. Hello gorgeous.

The "dressing room." Could it be any more my style? The mirrored dresser. The shag rug. The lucite chair. The antique wood desk. And did you notice that pink skull atop that stack of books? Ashley seems like my kind of girl. 

Some more photo gems from Ashley's incredible pad, including one of the lady herself...

{all photos from Elle DECOR}

What's your favorite part of Ashley Stark's home?