Functional & Pretty Mud Rooms

With fall whipping into town, rain deluging the east coast from Hurricane Sandy and kids sports kicking into high gear, you can guess that the mud, dirt and gear is making its way back into the house. I love a mud room with hidden storage and practical features that look good. I'm not a fan of seeing all the clutter. Here are a few inspirations.

I love how the cabinets have icebox hardware and bench has a couple decorative pillows.

I love a ladder to reach high storage. Building cabinets to the ceiling is a must to maximize space.

These are 'lockers' in an elegant form. I love matching baskets for warmth and extra storage.

Great idea putting a doggie bed in the mix. I don't think most dogs would lie there, but who knows!

Ingenious! A shallow tub and train to wash off your boots!

What I really want is for a mudroom/laundry room combo that looks like this!

Smashing Backsplashes!

Kick your kitchen up a notch with a statement backsplash:

This Missoni look a like adds such a great visual element to this white kitchen.

I am crazy for New Ravenna tile. Above are two gray/beige tone options.

Pop of turquoise!

Damask wallpaper as an option.

Love this marble herringbone.

Tin ceiling tiles add a rustic, antiquated look to this kitchen.

I absolutely love this shiny, pale blue tile backsplash set against the neutral pallet and rustic ceiling.

Wowser, there is some serious cooking going on here. The old blue mosaic tiles add to the old world look.

Ann Sacks designed tile.

The Console Table

Vignettes have become another artistic expression in the home, with the console table taking the lead. From refurbed campaign dressers, tables with animal prints or sparkly details, the furniture piece is serving not only as art itself, but as the platform for art, flower, book and lighting arrangements. Here's a look at some stylish console tables for inspiration.

Porcupine mirror, white chest with nail head trim, mini bar and stacked coffee table books.

By Laura Martin Bovard Interiors.

Draper style dresser with gold accents and gallery art grouping.

From Vogue. Pink tufted chairs flank a table set with matching gold lamps and large mirror.

What a use of Ikea cabinets by Lisa Stoneburgh!

From Lonny magazine...beachy all the way.

Even a small foyer console is dressed up and catches the eye!

What a beautiful splash of color set against two chests detailed with campaign hardware. Pretty!

Gilded Mirror on the Wall

I have been struggling with what to do in my front dining room area in terms of the wall for some time. I don't want to 'over art' the space, and have been toying with a gallery grouping of prints and paintings or now maybe just a fab mirror. These gilded pieces below are oversized and everywhere, leaning or hung.

Richly Hued Inspiration

I have three new pieces out this week inspired by this Fall Winter fashion. Minerals and jewels defined the colors, with amethyst, cobalt blue, jade, emerald and gold. The colors led me to whip out the oil paints and gloss them for an effect, which only adds to their richness. All paintings can be found on my website or etsy shop. Here was some of my inspiration.

Cobalt Blue is obviously THE color right now.

Cobalt & Jewels Oil Abstract by Jennifer Latimer. 28x22"

Close up of the jeweled accent.

Chanel Fall Winter 2012

Amethyst Chanel Inspired Original Oil Painting.

Diane Von Furstenberg.

Wisteria by Jennifer Latimer. 24x24" oil on canvas.

Back to Back in the Bath

My last post focused around bathroom vanities, and I admit that the back to back gray number was immensely popular. It's a space saver for sure in certain bathrooms, but I think it's just unique and something different.

Amy Trowman Design

Peter Zimmerman Architects

Bathroom Vanities

Bathroom vanities are tough! You either get a pre-fabricated boring piece, pay a million dollars for something at a bath and kitchen design showroom, or you hire someone to custom build. So, you want to go custom, but have no idea where to start in helping direct the design. Here are some of my favorite inspirations!

I'm all about storage in a bath. I love the bottom arches and side cabinet and shelves.

I love when a vanity is either a real piece of furniture with a sink added, or made to look like furniture. This is so elegant and pretty for a bath!

Talk about a wall space saver! Back to back sinks in gray.

These vanities flank the tub.

Creative design with large door handles.

Such a pretty space!

Kelly Wearstler again. Love the campaign hardware!