Monday, June 8, 2009

Carrelage ancien



These 19th century terra cotta tiles are in most entry ways in Brussels homes. I really love how they create a lot of visual interest in a room with white walls. They are available here like the two shown below for 80€ - for 16 15cm x15cm tiles. I think one of these would look beautiful behind the stove with dark grey counters and white cabinets and a stainless stove.




Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Bathroom towel storage

Creative shelving that may be doable with the void space adjacent to the bathroom.

Pantry options


I like the space that the open pantry or frosted glass doors give the look of the kitchen. Also the second has another beautiful chandelier!

Another Kitchen look

Cool contemporary cabinets with the French brasserie type tile and exposed stove vent.

Blending rustic and modern

I reallylike this look with the natural stone tile and knotty wood flooring combined with the modern furniture, stainless steel and white cabinets. This is the one I showed you on Skype. The grey walls are too dark, but I like the flooring with the cabinets and the chandelier (which I'm sure would be an upgrade!)

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Terracotta enamelled tiles

These tiles I've seen blended very well with modern looks, but give an old rustic setting-like what we were talking about. Very Spanish! I don't know if they are expensive. The kitchen I showed you on Skpe that I'll scan the picture of used them.

Dividing wall for dining area

I thought this was a nice use of space and color to create a separate space in a small apartment for the dining area. The little partition wall gives a break which allows for a dark color on the wall and makes the dining area a little more cozy. I like the white molding and wood color on the flooring too.

Wine storage and bookshelf

Obviously the kitchen will be much smaller and this look is too modern for me, but Kev really liked the wine storage and bookshelf on the island. He said he even wouldn't mind spending extra for a wine cooler appliance there. Not sure if there is room for it with the dishwasher too.

Storage option in bathroom

With the wheelchair access to the bathroom there might be room for this free standing cabinet which is a nice Euro touch-the individual pieces like we were talking about.

Mounted toilet

These are quite popular in Europe and I saw they had them on the HomeDepot website for cheaper if they are in fact the same thing. Also cool tile look with intesting built-in shelf. Not crazy about the ultra modern sink that sits on top of counter like a bowl. I haven't warmed up to that look. The tile is too glossy. I like the towel warmer-rack though.

Bathroom- stand alone sink with ledge




I like this sleak look with a pedestal sink and a ledge behind. I'm going to scan a built in shelf, open in front that looks cool as well. These pictures show some intersesting ways to incorporate tile on the wall as well.


Kitchen look


I really like the combination in this kitchen of the simple white cabinets and the one glass front one with the more rustic wood floor in a medium color. Stainless appliances really tie it all together, but are probably more expensive. An option too is cover the fridge and dishwasher with cabinet fronts and only have a stainless stove/oven? I really like the exposed stove hood too. The counters to me look like a composite stone that I see a lot here. I like that it's not glossy and has a more matte look. The grey gives the contrast a more soft look rather than black which to me is too harsh.
Now this kitchen doesn't have a backsplash either; I don't know how essential it is, especially if the place doesn't get constant wear. I like the white molding around the window and flooring and the color of the wall looks nice with the white cabinets.