Orient Express

Today's title is inspired by one of my all-time-favorite Agatha Christie novels, which is perfect for one of my all time favorite looks - oriental rugs! I seriously went crazy with this post because I had so many beautiful examples of this timeless and classic staple of interior design. Beautiful in all different shapes and sizes, there are no hard-and-fast rules to styling an oriental rug. Oriental rugs are typically synonymous with a more traditional style but I wanted to show modern and eclectic versions of this look as well.  If you like interior design at all, you will hopefully like this post! 

Hey there, Herringbone!

My day-trip to the Biltmore House several weeks ago left me filled with inspiration and a notebook of ideas for Luabell. At the very top of that notebook was "HERRINGBONE" underlined and in all-caps. Herringbone has been popping up all over the place as of late and the Biltmore's entry hall has the most incredible herringbone ceiling, so I felt inspired to highlight a more modern version of this classic pattern ~ herringbone floors! Seen in everything from marble to wood to brick, this trend can be accomplished in a variety of mediums and when done correctly, has a truly stunning effect. 

These thin tiles of striated marble are so divine, they manage to steal focus from everything else in this incredible bathroom.  

Dark and polished, with a hint of wear-and-tear, I fell in love with these floors at first sight. 

I'm not sure how this floor would handle a pot of marinara (cleaning anything out of that grout might be a nightmare), but this floor is amazing/beautiful/marvelous none the less. 

I love the unexpected pop color provided by the emerald tile. This courtyard is the refection of an unique designer's eye and the result is extraordinary. 

This herringbone floor takes this hallway from beautiful to astounding! What a great way to spice up traditional hardwood floors. 

Brick floors in the kitchen again...I think I really like this look?

These thick, black tiles make a daring statement against the white grout and marble blacksplash.  

Okay, so this might not technically be herringbone, but I thought this was a great alternative for those who prefer a more modern look. 

This is a kitchen is the epitome of English Country and it's orange herringbone floors compliment the design to a tee!

Sink or swim

When I was a little girl and would go into restaurant bathroom that has a fancy or unusual sink/vanity, I kid you not, I would always leave the restaurant slightly more impressed. I know that must sound absurd to all the foodies out there, but I don't have the most fine-tuned flavor palette. Atmosphere is a big part of my restaurant experience and I can't pinpoint the exact reason, but I love a well designed bathroom. I encountered one of those spectacular sinks last night and it inspired me to share some of my favorite (and certainly most unique) sink designs.

How sexy is this? Mosaic tile is much more prevalent in countries outside the US, so it always feels exotic to me. I  envision this sink in a five star hotel in the Keys of Belize.

This looks like something straight from outer space. I love when a designer changes the entire concept of a well-known design, without loosing any points for function. 

This one might be my favorite. The flower cutouts in the wood almost mimic an eyelet pattern. This sink might be too delicate for many settings, but I'm in awe of its beauty none the less. 

I think this basin of natural stone is wonderfully luxurious. Dipping your hands in this sink might be comparable to an hour at the spa. 

This is cool. Etched glass and natural light combine here to help create the illusion of a shallow Caribbean pool. 

I don't know which I like more: the intricate flower design on the sink or the gorgeous bamboo counter. This feels like this is the bath in a tiny Tahitian hut. 

The smooth black countertops and sleek bronze hardware are balanced perfectly by the organic shape of the sink basin. The gold finish oozes sophistication. 

Fuchsia-colored glass. Not exactly my first thought if I'm designing a sink, but what an incredible result! This sink reminds me of something I would see in a Japanese penthouse.

This sink is epitome of modern. Or maybe it just looks like a fish bowl? Either way, it's beautiful and I'm sure I'd make a mess when I used it. 

City Lights: Neon

So, neon is pretty much everywhere right now. I just went into Nike to buy my dad a sweatshirt and I actually had trouble finding something that wasn't neon. I used to think the neon color palette was the worst thing in the world. However, I saw this girl (who I always thought was really cool) rocking a neon cross-body when we were out the other weekend and it stuck in my head. Apparently, now I like neon because I'm drawn to it everywhere. I am pretty close to buying my first neon accessory (starting with a clutch or a belt). I feel like the same goes for design when you're incorporating a trend; start small and see how you like it. It might just be the jolt your room needs?!