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! 

Sleeping under Chandeliers

The thought of my mom hanging a chandelier anywhere that isn't the dining room or entryway is absolutely laughable. I use my mom's taste as a benchmark for all things classic, so when I do a post that I know goes against her taste, I always wonder if I will regret it in ten years? On that pessimistic note, my inspiration today comes from some very special lighting ~ chandeliers! Chandeliers have moved far beyond the traditional crystal in the dining room and now can be seen in a variety of colors, shapes, designs and materials. (Just look below!)

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I think special lighting (like a chandelier or fireplace) is the perfect way to enhance the romantic feel of your bedroom. If either of those options feel a little out of budget or maybe you need something more temporary, I would go for candles or twinkle lights.

Emerald City!

I just saw the new movie trailer for Oz and I am sooooo excited. The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies of all time (original, right?) and Wicked is one of my favorite books (and plays!), so it's probably not surprising that Oz is going to be a movie I actually go see in theaters. I digress, however, from today's inspiration ~ the vibrant color of emerald! I am born in the month of May, so I have a natural predisposition towards emerald as a gemstone, but I am really loving it as an accent color in decor right now. I'm not talking earthy, mossy green accents either. I'm talking about lush and energetic green. The kind of green that would make Liz Taylor proud.  Hope you enjoy!

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Dalmatians 101

Did you see how I reversed the title there? I've fallen in love with a new animal print that I didn't even know existed in the interior design world~Dalmatian! I feel a little bit like I'm taking Cruella de Vil's side on everything, but it is such a fresh take on polka dots. (I'm also really into this antelope pattern shown on Sadie + Stella as a cute substitute for polka dots ). Only the truly bold will start with the wallpaper version of this pattern, but I think a quick throw pillow in a dalmatian print would a great addition to any couch.

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.