solo thais

{glitzy} YARD FLAMINGOS

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:42:00 +0000

via Shelter

You may be seeing some of these long-legged, metallic creatures creeping around my back yard this summer.

{random} BLACK & WHITE INSPIRATION

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:23:00 +0000

via The Decorista

via Shoppe Girls

via Northern Light

via Poppytalk

via sfgirlbybay

PALE PINK

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:54:00 +0000

via Cupcakes & Couture

via Burning Soul

via Little Blue Deer

HAPPY SPRING

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:33:00 +0000

{images via Little Blue Deer and Pinterest}

IF THE {pineapple} SHOE FITS

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:17:00 +0000

I find myself stuck in the middle of wanting simple, comfortable clothing, and bold, wild outfits. The middle isn't so bad, but I wouldn't mind putting a little more creative effort into my daily wardrobe. It really just comes down to laziness during these cold months...I have a much better sense of fashion during the summer. I may not ever wear these pineapple high heels, but I applaud this fashionista for doing so. I do however, love the mid-century brass pineapple decor these shoes remind me of. I even have a pair of these brass beauties on my mantel {see the last image}.

via Honestly...WTF and Pinterest

via The Glitter Guide

via High Street Market

via Rock n' Roll London

via Solo Thais

BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 21:14:00 +0000

via Pinterest

via Remodelista

via sfgirlbybay

via Martha Stuart

I may be on my own on here, but in our next house I really want an indoor swing!

CABIN FEVER

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:55:00 +0000

Anyone else feeling a little cooped up these days?

I sure am!

via Pinterest

However, knowing Spring is just around the corner, I'm starting to feel inspired again to share the design-love after taking an entire month off from the blog.

PS. I'm totally going to be one of those old ladies that packs up and heads to a warmer climate during the winter.

COLOR COMBO {green & gold}

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:54:00 +0000

We are probably going to see many shades of green this year after the announcement that Emerald is Pantone's color of 2013. I don't know why it's so exciting to learn of this "color of the year" each year, especially since many colors make up new trends in the fashion and design world each season. But there's something very regal about jewel tones, especially when combined with gold or brass. I love the contrast of the gold faucets against the green tile, and this 1960's fashionistas ensemble is quite stunning with a shimmering gold pattern and gold beaded details around the sleeves. What do you think about this shade of green? Do you have it in your home or in your wardrobe?

{images via Pinterest}

WINTER BLUES

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:56:00 +0000

Don't worry, I don't have the blues, I'm just lusting over this beautiful blue bedroom. A few weeks ago, fashion and style blogger, Aimee Song of Song of Style posted pictures of her freshly painted bedroom. The wall color, called Morning Chill by Valspar, was the perfect choice to complement her blue tufted headboard, mirrored accent table, Louis Vuitton trunk and lavender throw pillows. So chic. So lovely. I want it.

{images via Song of Style}

REMEMBER ME {and our bathroom}?

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:47:00 +0000

Hello and sorry for the long absence! I know I left everyone hanging with the progress of our bathroom remodel. It was completed just before New Years, and besides a little touch up paint here and there, all that's left to do is accessorize. So far we've bought two shower curtains which are...nice...but lacking a custom or personal feel. Once I figure out how to thread my new sewing machine, I'm going to make my own. We started with this colorful paisley curtain which added a bit of a vintage feel to the space, but in such a small room, it started to feel too busy again.

I've purchased a simple wood step stool from Amazon that will fit under the drain pipe, and allow us to access those cabinets above the doorway. It's a pretty basic design, so I'm going to give it a bit of a distressed look with a few dings and dents and sanded edges.

Our wall niche is for extra storage if needed, but is also a nice place for decorative accessories. Because the bathroom is very sleek and modern, I want to add a few more textures to the space such as a chunky framed piece of art above the toilet.

This empty wall may also be a good place for a few framed photos or art, but it's going to be a work in progress.

The other shower curtain feels very fresh and clean {and yes, I ironed it, but not very well}, but still not what I had in mind. I might not be able to tell you what I had in mind, but when I see it, I'll know.

Shower curtain or not, it's still an amazing space compared to what is was!

CREATIVE & COMPACT {kitchen of the week}

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:39:00 +0000

I love when small, compact rooms are used to the best of their functional ability. Why not take advantage of that unused space under the stairs and turn it into an extension of your kitchen? A refrigerator, wall oven, beverage center and storage cabinets take up that sloped, hard-to-fill area and don't take up additional floor space. The only thing missing in my opinion is an island. With all of that floor space, why not add even more storage or seating for your guests?

via Apartment Therapy

I WANT TO HIBERNATE

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:43:00 +0000

RIGHT HERE...

via The Brick House

OR HERE...

via An Apple A Day

UNTIL SPRING.

THE FIDDLE LEAF FIG

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:25:00 +0000

I've always loved large indoor potted plants and trees. I have a few plants that have survived many apartments over the years due to large sun-filled windows, but now my 1950's ranch makes it a little more difficult to find the space for such plants. One plant I've had on my wishlist for awhile is a Fiddle Leaf Fig tree. They add such a wonderful pop of greenery to these bright spaces...I may have to find a way to free up a window in my home to welcome one of these beauties.

{images via Pinterest}

GOODBYE DECEMBER

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:56:00 +0000

Hi everyone! It's good to be back on the blog after a much needed break. I actually had four days off around New Years, so I decided to stay off the computer and start the year off with a clear mind. Thank you for all of your support and encouraging words over the last year.

Happy New Year!

{images by solana}

OUR BATHROOM {shower time}

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 14:34:00 +0000

Two days ago our bathroom tile was completed and the plumbing fixtures were installed, and the first of many showers was truly amazing! Next up is the installation of the medicine cabinet, wall cabinets and our bling-y vanity light. We also picked out two shower curtains which I will reveal as things wrap up. Going with a neutral tile allows for many different accessory options which is great for someone like me who likes to change things up.

Just a quick reminder of what we started with...yikes!

OUR BATHROOM {tub, tile and toilet}

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 12:54:00 +0000

Our bathroom is really starting to come together. The tile floor is finished and the plumbing wall is tiled and grouted for this mornings plumbing install. Yesterday we had the new toilet put in...a cute little Toto toilet called the Drake with a soft-closing seat {not that there's a problem in our house with slamming toilets seats}. Today our sink, faucet and shower fixtures will be installed. The rest of the tile will be finished on Monday which means continuing to shower at the gym...but at least it has forced me back into a workout routine again.

New floors, new tub, old toilet

8"x12" glossy white subway tile and inset niches with glass tile

The view into our bright new room

Plumbing wall with grout and our shiny new toilet

Soft-closing seat {which is kind of silly to me}

Grout vs no grout, and the glass tile border

Toto Drake 1.28 GPF toilet

Can a toilet be considered cute? I think so.

Stay tuned for more updates over the next week!

COLORFUL AND BOLD {statement tiles}

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:33:00 +0000

As my white wall tile is getting installed in our bathroom, I decided to post tiles of just the opposite. If our bathroom wasn't so small I'd be open to bold, colorful tiles. But in a space that barely fits two people, too much color and pattern would make it feel even more cramped. I'll save these ideas for our next home.

{images via Pinterest}

OUR BATHROOM {white walls}

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:48:00 +0000

So day 4 & 5 of our bathroom makeover did not look much different from my last post. It was dedicated to taping the seams of the drywall and applying joint compound. Over the weekend we painted our ceiling and the portion of the walls that will be exposed. What color you ask?...Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace which has been used to transform our brick fireplace {here} and both bedrooms. In my early twenties I couldn't get enough of bold colors {red bedroom, orange living room, teal bathroom}...I guess I'm going through a white phase...

The weather conditions this morning have delayed our tile installation until tomorrow, but in the meantime, here's a peek at what we have planned for the floors. This hand-cut ceramic tile from Trikeenan Tile in Keene, New Hampshire will be randomly placed throughout the floor. We purchased it a few weeks after moving into our home during a "seconds sale". Although it was a spur of the moment purchase, I knew I could work this shade of taupe into many different designs {secretly knowing all along it would be a white bathroom}.

OUR BATHROOM {day three}

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:03:00 +0000

Things are moving along quickly in our little {and only} bathroom. Drywall and cement board is up, and the new window is in.

I know I've talked about niches a lot in the past few days. We are planning to have three in our bathroom; two in the shower and one to the side of the toilet. So not to bore you with construction photos only, here are a few bathroom niches for your viewing pleasure.

{images via Pinterest}

DEMO DAY 2 {our bathroom}

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 17:05:00 +0000

I know this doesn't look like much, but to us, any type of insulation is a luxury considering we don't have any in our walls! I It was great coming home to this last night.

Another luxury we didn't have before...a vent fan and a ceiling light.

Plumbing, electrical and blocking is in place.

Yesterday I mentioned our wall to the right was too shallow and we'd have to find a solution for the recessed shower niches. We decided to have them moved to this window wall even though it's an exterior wall. Normally it wouldn't be recommend, but in our case the garage slopes behind this wall and the the foam tile niches will provide a small amount of insulation in those areas.

Additional 2x4s were added to our existing stud wall and insulation was added.

Electrical outlets and switches are in place and our recessed niche is framed.

I've always loved the clean lines of Kohler's Purist collection. It was a bit of a splurge, but well worth it to have quality fixtures that will last.

The next two days are dedicated to drywall after which the tile installation will begin.

DEMO DAY {our bathroom}

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:10:00 +0000

It was so exciting to come home to a demolished bathroom yesterday! I was only able to see the medicine cabinet come down before leaving for work. I was surprised to see that there wasn't drywall behind it, but then again, these sort of "surprises" come up a lot in this business.

We have a new awning window to replace this old metal framed window. The roof to our garage slopes right below this window otherwise we'd probably be adding a few feet to the length of this room. Also, when the cat is outside, this is where she sits and stares into the shower to let us know she wants to come in. Creeeeepy.

Temporary lighting...

We ended up going with the Sterling Performa bathtub. Not my first choice, but it's economical and will function just fine. It's going to be surrounded with large white tiles and covered with a curtain most of the time...plus this is not our forever house so we didn't want to overdo it.

We also discovered that our walls are only 2" thick throughout the house as opposed to 4". This is going to create a tricky situation for our recessed shower niches, but I'm confident we'll come up with a solution.

In keeping with the light color palette of this space, we chose large 8 x12 white tiles for the walls. Not only were they about $16 less a square foot then the white mosaic tiles we first considered, but we won't have as many grout lines. The grout is white to match the tile, and if spaced at 1/16" we should have a look similar to this bathroom.

via Pinterest

Origami glass tiles will create a border and wrap the entire room...

And look something like this.

See you tomorrow with more updates!

OUR BATHROOM {inspiration}

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:42:00 +0000

As you read this, mustard yellow fixtures and tiles are being torn out of this dated bathroom. Demolition has officially begun and I can't wait to update all of you each step of the way! We've been planning and saving ever since the day we purchased the house a little over a year ago and I'm so excited that this day if finally here {see more 'before' images here}.

I have to admit, putting together a plan for someone else comes easy...deciding on what I like, well that was a bit more challenging. Is it because I know of the endless possibilities? Is it because I know my style changes as often as my outfits? Probably. I know I wanted something clean, simple, modern with a touch of elegance...and that's what it'll be. The color palette is white, the fixtures are chrome and there are a few of those glamorous accents. Here are some bathrooms that have inspired our project.

via Design*Sponge

via flickr

via Design*Sponge

via Pinterest

via Yellowtrace

One thing most of these images have in common is a wall-mount sink. We decided to go with the Porcher Veneto Wall-Mounted lavatory to open up the floor space in the bathroom. This eliminated storage under the sink, but we really only used it for cleaning products. Instead we are going to add wall cabinets above the doorway for those once-in-awhile items.

via Porcher

Now if only I didn't have to go to work today!

SLEEPY SUNDAY {and Christmas tree sparkle}

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 15:11:00 +0000

{images by Solo Thais}

BLING IN THE BATHROOM

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:11:00 +0000

Yesterday, as I was adding a few Christmas decorations to the mantel, ~~Santa~~ UPS arrived with an early present...our bathroom vanity mirror! I've always loved chandeliers in unexpected places, so after pleading my case as to why I think it would be fabulous in our new bathroom, we agreed to give it a go. It immediately reminded me of one of my favorite light fixtures, the Cellula Candelier from Design Within Reach. And because I'm not in any position to spend $3,000 on a chandelier, this mini-me version at $254 was just right for our tiny bathroom.

via Lighting Universe

{images via DWR & Pinterest}

Stay tuned for bathroom renovation updates all next week. Demo begins Monday morning!!!

GOODBYE NOVEMER

noreply@blogger.com (Solana {Solo Thais}) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:12:00 +0000

Yesterday was a cold, damp and dreary day. With no real plans for our Sunday, we decided to go on a little adventure to pick out a Christmas tree. Our adventure was short-lived as we discovered a tree stand just 2 miles from home. But within this short drive, we managed to stop for a few minutes to take in the beautiful sights of frozen wetlands and damp hay fields. The tree farmer suggested we come back to his farm on a sunny day to photograph the fields, but this foggy scene was my version of a perfect picture.

{images by Solo Thais}