hellobeautifulcreatures

This bathroom renovation from interior designer Lori Pepe -Lunché is the most dramatic transformation to come our way in a long time. The dark, heavy, cavelike “before” is my idea of a bathroom nightmare . Even if this room were spic n’ span, it would feel unpleasant. Now that doesn’t mean a bathroom needs to be white and light to be appealing, but there’s just no denying that this is a vast improvement. I love the open layout and the exposed, seamless shower design ; not only does it make the room feel spacious and airy, but it also prevents any chance for clutter (which is my biggest obstacle in the bathroom). Make no mistake: a large renovation with marble tile is an investment. But results like these seem well worth it. Amazing work, Lori! —  Kate Have a Before & After you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images rig ht he re! (Low res, under 500k per image , please.) More images and basic steps after the jump . . . Time: The renovation took about five weeks from ...

There is nothing wrong with being frugal these days. Indeed, 'thrift’, as it's known in fashionable circles, is to be encouraged – particularly when it comes to sprucing up your home. A quarter of us are planning to tackle home improvements this year and 52 per cent of all DIY projects are aimed at making the home a better place to live, rather than adding value, according to Kingfisher, parent company of B&Q. We spend, on average, just under a thousand pounds a year on renovations, so how can we save money, without scrimping on style? Queen of 'thrift chic’ is Eithne Farry, who hand-makes everything from the dresses she wears to the curtains she dresses her home with. She lives and breathes the 'less is more’ mantra, features in Channel 4’s popular SuperScrimpers programme, and has compiled a book with the best money- saving tips from the experts on the show. Over the pond in the United States, where home makeovers are not so much a trend, as a subject of ne...

Modern bathroom design is often all about going minimalist with clean finishes for a spa-like feel. But sometimes the look ends up feeling clinical. To make sure your space feels just as inviting as the rest of your home, try some of these bathroom design tips to create a sense of warmth and personality while achieving spot-on style. 1. Pattern Bathrooms often are devoid of interesting patterns, which is a shame, because energetic patterns can add life to any room. Consider adding a patterned drapery panel or playful towels, or simply hang a colorful print (or wallpaper sample ) in a frame as artwork. These low-commitment ideas allow you to keep a classic color scheme for the fixed elements while dabbling in color trends as the mood strikes. A horizontally striped shower curtain is a foolproof way to add some pattern and excitement in a bathroom of any size, style or budget. Try a gray-and-white stripe to match any palette or navy and white to capture a timeless nautical spirit . ...