On Saturday I was quoted as a Green Expert in the Sun News in an article by Elaine Gaston.  It included some easy tips and you might be surprised that you have already incorporated some into your home.  Give the article a peak and let me know what you’ve done to Green Up your space by commenting below!

~Lorrie

10 Ways to Save the Environment and a Few Bucks

The Vas ceramic faucet is one of my favorites from Kohler. The water flows out like a fountain. It comes in white and cream as well.

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Last week I shared my Top Tips for Selecting the Best Bathroom Fixtures which gave you some guidance in choosing sinks, toilets and tubs to achieve a long-lasting custom look.  This week we move on to Hardware!  I often see cheap or uninspired hardware when it really should be the Jewelry of your bathroom!   Upgrading to a style that complements your bathroom and makes everything super useful and easily accessible is more affordable than you make think so lets explore the options.

Style

While I encourage a more eclectic look in other areas of your home the best way to get a cohesive look in your bathroom is to coordinate the style of everything from the bathtub to the cabinet knobs. It’s a small space and when you use too many styles it looks choppy and cheap.  So before you start anything, are you going modern, traditional or casual?

Cost

Never buy the cheapest faucet you can find.  Why?  Because it’s the cheapest for a reason.  Most people choose a faucet based on the style rather than the engineering.  But you want it to last inside and out.  Kohler, Moen and Price Pfister have many reasonably priced faucets and they stand behind their products.  Make good use of the manufacturer’s websites because they often provide a lot more information on warranties and finishes then the websites that sell them.

Finishes

Burnished finishes such as stainless steel, brushed chrome and antique brass are your best bet in terms of style and maintenance.  They don’t show water marks as easily and they have a more earthy look to them which is more in tune with today’s styles.  Be careful when mixing brushed chrome  and stainless steel because some finishes have a much warmer tone than others.  Be sure to coordinate all your metals.

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This Gatco double towel bar is very efficient if you are short on space.

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Hardware Selection

Faucets 

From ultra-modern to Victorian, there are faucets and finishes for every taste.  I generally prefer single-control faucets because they are easy to operate when you are brushing your teeth or washing your face.  They also keep your vanity area a bit more splash-free. 

If you are replacing an existing 2-handle faucet make sure you check out the existing installation to see if its a centerset (4″ ) or widespread (8-16″).  Unless you are replacing the countertop, you need to choose the same setup.

Wall-mounted faucets are very stylish but will add significantly to your plumbing costs and have to be coordinated with your mirror height so plan carefully.

Showerheads

The first question is what type of shower do you want?  Some people like high pressure and some like a spring rain.  A basic shower-head is fairly reasonable but at the very least make sure it adjusts so all members of the family can customize their shower.  If you like the rain shower-head, bear in mind that while it feels soothing and peaceful, this is not the shower-head you want if you have thick or curly hair.  I can tell you first-hand that it’s difficult to get the shampoo rinsed out!  If you would like a bodyspray, this is something you should plan during a renovation or new construction because you have to make sure you have adequate water pressure and there is a fair amount of plumbing work that has to be done in the wall.

Towel Bars & Hooks

These accessories are often a last minute consideration but keep focused and choose wisely!  Towel bars and hooks placed in the right location can make a big difference in how you operate in your bathroom.  Before choosing towel bars measure your towels so you have enough width to spread out a towel to dry.  I recommend a towel bar 30″ or wider and if you like to display your towels get an additional one or go for a style with two bars.  If you like to keep your vanity dry, neat and free of clutter then consider a towel ring near the sink.  Hooks should be strategically located so you can easily grab your robe when the phone or doorbell rings.

Knobs, Pulls & Other Accessories

Last but not least, the knobs and pulls you use on your cabintry are your chance to add a little personality.   Start with your style and finish to narrow the choices.  Metal finshes are almost always your best bed for stained and painted woods.  Ceramic knobs give a more casual country look and glass a bit more formal and traditional. Measure a knob in your home to get a feel for the size.  You might not think a 2″ knob is very big but that’s actually the size of many doorknobs!  If you are replacing knobs, make sure the base of the knob covers the mark from the old one or you will need to refinish the door.

There are lots of great accessories to make your bathroom more neat and efficient.  Hair dryer caddies and wall -mounted soap dispensers give you more room on your vanity and less chance of knocking things over when you are in a rush (sound familiar?).

The great thing about a bathroom project is that you can do virutally all your research and shopping online and it can save you lots of $$$.  So if you are considering a bathroom renovation, your first step should be joining My Secret Database.  For $9.95, it’s a tiny investment that will help you make some very wise choices! 

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Click Here and Join Now!

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The Dominica Rectangular End Table from Green Culture has lovely carved details in a stunning mahogany finish. Eco-Friendly Factor: It's made of sustainably harvested wood.

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As an interior designer, I keep my knowledge current by taking continuing education classes each year.  A wonderful benefit of the Internet is that cutting-edge classes that used to require travel and time away from my office in Wellington, Florida are now offered as online seminars like the one I am going to tell you about…

I just completed an intensive course in sustainability and received my certification as an Accredited Professional from the Sustainable Furnishings Council.  The course is approved by the Rainforest Alliance, World Wildlife Fund and one of the co-founders of US Green Building Council /LEED.  The course focuses specifically on residential furnishings and other interior design issues.

It provided a lot of detailed information on the environmental issues affecting our choices and the wide range of product solutions, most of which don’t cost any more than ordinary ones. It’s simply a matter of knowing the right places to look and the right questions to ask.

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Organic cotten draperies from The Antique Drapery Rod company. 52" wide panels - 30% off while supplies last!

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I am thrilled by how much of an impact we could all make by the choosing sustainable furnishings for our homes.  You might picture that sustainable furnishings all have a modern or tropical (think Bamboo) look but that simply isn’t so!  There are so many options our there and it’s all about the how a company sources and manfactures its products.  Where they get their wood, how they process it and what types of fabrics do they use? 

From Classic to Modern styles, there is a world of Sustainable options to explore in My Secret Database.  When you Search by Style, one of your choices is Eco-Friendly, so click that button and check it out!  I plan on sharing all I have learned as well as showing you some fantastic Green furnishigns here at My Design Secrets.  So don’t be shy if you have a question.  Just drop me a note and we will all start going Green together!

Join My Secret Database Today and start searching for Eco-Friendly Furnishings for Your Home!

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This mirror from Carver's Guild has just the right touch of whimsy.

So you’ve got a fantastic foyer table but you’re stuck when it comes to selecting a mirror.  I understand why.  There is a dizzying array of shapes, sizes and styles but just like Goldilocks, choosing the right one takes some careful consideration; neither too large or too small, the perfect mirror should be ”just right.”   If you need some help, you’ve come to the right place. Just pick your preferred shape and then follow these simple rules: 

Rectangular or Oval 

A classic choice that you can pair with almost any style and size table.  Most foyer tables are about 30-36″ high so the mirror should be around the same height give or take 6″.  If you have high ceilings and want to add drama, go with one that’s extra tall.  Also, consider the width of your console table and choose a mirror that is about 50-75% of the width.  So if you are table is 36″ wide, your mirror should be 18-27″ wide.

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This mirror listed on 1st Dibs is made from antique bamboo and adds a nice bold modern or exotic touch.

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Square

Square mirrors with large frames and smooth finishes are a safe choice for almost any interior but getting the scale correct an be a bit tricky.  Follow the height guidelines above  but bear in mind that the mirror will look heavier than a rectangular shaped one so they generally look better with furniture that is larger in scale.  Square mirrors work very well above long consoles that are 48″ or more or a chest of drawers.

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A starburst mirror is lovely as a piece of art but not a good choice for a foyer where practicality is key.

A nice alternative to the starburst. Simliar effect, much more useful.

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Round 

This one can be tricky but if done properly can add a great “wow” factor to your foyer.  Just like the square mirror, the size will be dictated by the height needed.  You don’t want a small mirror (20″ or less)  for a couple of reasons:  1) it will give you the feeling of a porthole in your foyer; and 2) the hanging height that looks good with the table may not be a practical viewing height for gazing.  You only want a few inches between the top fo the console and the bottom of the mirror.  A star-burst mirror is lovely but if the mirror itself is quite small or convex, then it’s not the right choice for your foyer. Those are better suited as artwork on other parts of your home. 

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What’s Your Style?

Select a style and finish that’s a bit of a contrast with your foyer table.  If your foyer table is carved wood, you might want to look for a gilded mirror or one with a tile frame.   If your foyer table is metal, then warm it up with a exotic wood frame.  Don’t be tempted by table and mirror matched sets, they are unimaginative and sterile.  If you get the scale right, the style options are endless and you might be suprised by an unlikely combination.  A stunning mirror is one of the best ways to welcome your guests and brighter up this small space. So take out your tape mesaure and jump in!

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If you have a open bathroom like this, then coordinating fixtures from the same collection is a smart choice.

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My clients are very grateful for help when it comes to selecting  fixtures for their bathrooms.  They want to create a custom look  for each bathroom without breaking the bank.  While your bathroom is not the main showplace of your home, it’s a room that almost all your guests will visit and the fixtures are attached the floor so we all respect the cost and semi-permanance of the situation.  If you are selecting plumbing fixtures for your new home or renovation here are some pointers that will give you a custom look that you will be happy with for years to come.

Always Upgrade

An upgrade in plumbing fixtures is more affordable than you think.  Figure out what you are comfortable spending and then see what collections are in your price range.  Many builders and plumbers use the cheapest and most boring toilets available so they can mark them up and make a little cash.  So, do your homework.  There are lots of resources on the web to compare prices.  Now bear in mind that the low prices you see on the web usually mean the fixture is drop shipped to the curb of your home (or inside if you are lucky) and you will have to be home for the delivery.  Look out for hidden cost.  Freight and delivery can be substantial on heavy fixtures and your local showroom may be able to give you a better deal on the total package.  Whoever is doing the leg work deserves a little markup but it should not be outrageous.

Favorites

Kohler is by far my favorite vendor.  They have a broad selection items that range from the affordable to the extravagant.  They also have great customer service and will readily provide you with parts and instructions if anything needs to be fixed.  You can create an account for yourself with folders for each room.  It’s also easy to browse finishes and search for a product using very specific parameters.  They show all the suggested retail prices so you can ask your local showroom what discount they will give you and then you can figure out your budget at home.  They do not sell  to consumers online but will direct you to a showroom or dealer in your area.

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The Memoirs Pedestal Sink has a good basin size and a nice deck to hold purses and makeup.

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Fixture Selection

Sinks

Pedestal Sinks – Pedestal sinks can be very attractive but if you lack additional storage in the room, the extra TP and all the other supplies pretty much ruin the effect.  If you have extra storage and decide to go for a pedestal, make sure it’s one that has a nice size flat rim so Powder Room guests have room to put down their makeup or rest their purse.

Vanity Sinks – I like under-mount sinks best for all types of solid surface countertop material (Granite, Marble, Corian, Recycled Glass).  They look neat and are easy to clean up.  If your countertop is laminate or tile, you are going to need a self-rimming sink which means there will be a edge on the countertop that you need to keep clean.  Vessel sinks are a nice touch for modern bathrooms but I feel they will go out of style fairly soon.  A good size for any sink is at least 16″W x 10″ deep, otherwise you are going to get a lot of extra water on the countertop.

Toilets

There are so many toilets on the market right now that I could devote an entire post to just that!  You need to consider comfort, flushing technology and the environment and then we get to style!  For our purposes we are going to stick to comfort and style.  One thing I recommend across the board is getting the comfort height and elongated bowl.  The average seat height of a dining chair is 17-18″ but most older styled toilets only have a 14.5″ seat height!   You might think a couple of inches is no big deal but believe me, you will find the comfort height (16.5″H) much better.

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Now Kohler offers tubs that blend light, sound, bubbles and sparkling water. A night club in your bathroom!

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Tubs

Your choice is going to depend on a many things including space requirements, whirlpools and accessibility for children and those with disabilities.  In general your choices will be acrylic or cast iron.  Cast iron can run twice the cost of acrylic but it wears like, well..iron.  I purchased an acrylic tub 10+ years ago and it’s done its job but now it has cracked twice and may be beyond repair.  Remember, the cost of replacement is not just the tub, it’s the renovation as well. 

As far as shape goes, some modern tubs are squared off and very sleek looking but our bodies are pretty organic in shape.  Curved tubs are more comfortable and will cradle your body.  If you love a good soak than make sure you do your research.  Oh, and the optional headrest they offer, so worth it!

I hope this got you thinking about the important aspects of selecting new bathroom fixtures and the fact that you should take your time in making decisions.  Chances are you are going to live with these fixtures as long as you are in the house and since they are used each and ever day, they are worth the research and subsequent investment!

Next week we will talk about hardware including faucets, shower-heads, towel bars and more!

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Are you ready to start looking  for new bathroom fixtures? 

My Secret Database is the place for you!  Lots of members tell me that it’s saved them time and money.  Here’s a list of all the products represented in just our Bathroom Category!

• Bath & Shower Accessories
• Bath Furniture
• Bath Mirrors
• Bath Towels and Mats
• Cabinetry
• Countertops
• Faucets, Shower & Bath Fixtures
• Grab Bars
• Knobs, Pulls, Towel Bars & Hooks
• Shower Curtains, Rods & Rings
• Sinks
• Toilets & Bidets
• Tubs, Whirlpools & Showers
• Vanities & Consoles

Stop the frustration with endless search results and join My Secret Database today!

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Amy, from Chicago, is the lucky Winner of Cottages in the Sun!  This great giveaway was a Members Only event and we are going to offer more members only giveaways in the future.  So, make sure you sign up today! 

Member Benefits Include:

1. 24/7 access to My Secret Database of 400+ exclusive home decor vendors for online shopping.  Search by product, price range, and style to find the perfect furnishings for your home!
2. Your FREE 9 page guide of my Tips & Tricks on How to Stretch YOUR Home Decorating Budget! 
3. Win Fabulous Prizes in our “Members Only” Contests!

Here’s a sneak peek of the Free Decorating Guide that comes with your Membership!

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Click Here to Become a Member Today!

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I get loads of questions about paint and I certainly understand why.  It’s one of the easiest ways to make a bold design statement on a budget.  Color is usually King but now I am suggesting that you make content Queen.  This is what I mean…

I always recommend that you go with a “Low VOC” or “No VOC”  paint.  Volatile Organic Compounds (aka VOC’s) are the chemical compounds that make your room smell bad on Day 1 and then quietly emit noxious chemicals into the air over the years.  I whole-heartedly recommend Benjamin Natura Paint.  I have used it in my home so I can promise you that it’s durable, fast-drying and has no odor.  It’s available in more than 3,000 Benjamin Moore colors and it’s available locally so that helps too.  So I was interested when I saw this piece by Stephen Treffinger in the New York Times, testing out some of these non-toxic paints.   He got down to business and tried them out himself.  Click below to read the article.  It’s very well done  Short and to the point.

Finally, Good-Looking Nontoxic Paint?

I urge you to try a low-VOC paint on your next project.  You get what you pay for with paint.  For a small investment you will get  better coverage and you can sleep in your room that very night without getting a headache!

Are you tired of the cold, snowy winter?  Looking for a little sunshine in your life? 

Well, I have a nice little treat that you can enjoy cuddled up in you favorite chair.  My good friends at Rizzoli, who publish some of the most beautifully photographed books you can get your hands on, have given us a copy of  “Cottages in the Sun: Bungalows of Venice, California” and I have decided to pass it on to you.  So this copy is going to sit on my desk until Friday night when I pick one lucky member of My Secret Database as the winner of this book. 

Venice is a beautiful little town in Southern California, and yes, it was named after Venice, Italy!  It was built more than a century ago by a millionaire with great affection for the city of romantic canals, quaint cottages and beautiful streetscapes.  After going through a period of disrepair in the 50’s and 60’s the city then emerged into the eclectic, charming town it is now.  The imaginative interiors and abundant gardens are infused with the bright light of the California sun.

*Just to be clear, this is not like some of our other contests in the past where we ask you to share your comments in order to enter. To automatically be entered, this one requires that you are/become a member of My Secret Database.  And at the low price of $9.95 a year, it’s really a no-brainer. 

Member Benefits Include:

1. 24/7 access to My Secret Database of 400+ exclusive home decor vendors for online shopping.  Search by product, price range, and style to find the perfect furnishings for your home!
2. Your FREE 9 page guide of my Tips & Tricks on How to Stretch YOUR Home Decorating Budget!
3. A chance to win a beautiful book worth $45 that you will thoroughly enjoy reading.  Plus, it makes a great accessory for your coffee table.

We will continue to offer several more “Members Only” giveaways in the future!

You have until Thursday night, February 18th, at 11:59PM to sign up and be entered into this giveaway.  

For a chance to Win this Beautiful Book and some other great prizes down the line…

Click Here to Become a Member Today!

A soft and neutral quilt that's not too country. Just click on the "Neutral Territory" section of the Pine Cone Hill website.

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so it’s a good time to transform your bedroom into a romantic and cozy getaway.  New Bedding is one of the simplest ways to instantly transform your bedroom.  Plus, most companies offer bedding collections that allow you to mix and match until your heart’s content so your creation will look more custom and less “out of the box”.  As you can see in many of these photos, there is usually a large dominant pattern followed by a geometric pattern (stripes or diamond for example) and then a textured pattern.  This is a good rule of thumb when mixing it up.  If you prefer to stay with solids than keep it in one color family for maximum impact but make sure the intensity of the colors vary (see the dark purple with mauve in the last photo).  Since bedding is the showpiece of the bedroom, the transformation is dramatic and you might even be inspired to try a new paint color on the walls.  Between the bedding and the paint, you will have a quick and easy new look.

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LuLu DK (short for deKwiatkowski) designs gorgeous fabrics that I have chosen for my living room. Now you can get in on her bright, uplifting designs with her bedding. Tiger Lilly in Coral shown above. Also available in Ocean blue.

An pattern in blue emits a beautiful watery look that spells relaxation and .

The pattern was inspired by an Indonesian Wedding Sarong. A great story to go along with a wonderful mix of pattern and texture. John Robshaw makes it easy for you to look like a pattern mixing pro.

Ralph Lauren is your best bet if you like classic looks. The "Poet" bedding shown above is wonderful for any leather or classic wooden beds (Sleigh bed, large scale four-poster) when you like a masculine look with a little softness sprinkled in.

inhabit living features this modern, crisp design for those of you who would ike to bring the simplicity of nature into your bedroom.

Jumping into this bedding from Bliss Living would be like slipping on a silky gown.

Great little piece in the New York Times on using throw blankets to add some color to your room.  Designer Brad Ford shares some of his own tips.  For a small investment you can make a chair look brand new, a den look super cozy and a give a monchromatic bedroom a colorful lift! 

Wrapping It Up

Here are some of my favorite sources for Throws.  Some for the prices, others for the selection…

Dash & Albert

Jonathan Adler

Pillows & Throws

And if you Join My Secret Database you will find wonderful new sources for anything you need for Your Home!

Have a good weekend:-)

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