April 1, 2017

this year's kitchen & bath trends

Kohler is now sharing its décor trends and design expertise with its 2017 Kitchen and Bath Trends. 

With their help, they say they can turn our homes into Instagram-worthy living spaces without breaking the bank! In creating the Kohler 2017 Kitchen and Bathroom Trends, the company discusses details: what particular colors mean, how to use them, and what’s trending right now. 

Here’s a little peek at some of the aspects that I love from their new collection of trends…


In this gorgeous black-and-white kitchen, a wash of bright white counters cover the island and punctuate the grand room sheathed in black cabinets. 

If you’re an eclectic person, having your kitchen be a solid black and white is important because you may have bright colors that you want to incorporate. 

The space combines timeless quality with a perfect modern mix.


You can’t go wrong with a white kitchen or bath. Trends come and go, but white kitchens are overwhelmingly the most popular. They feel clean and bright. Since it is typically the first place homeowners go in the morning, white makes a lot of sense.

Nevertheless, a white room can look stark, so the challenge is to keep it crisp and clean but still make it an inviting space. One way to soften the look of a white kitchen is with warm tones like brass, gold, or bronze. In this classic galley kitchen, the scheme gives it a modern edge by using countertops with subtle flecks of gold and brass fixtures instead of nickel or chrome.

Brass and bronze elements brings out those little flecks of gold and reflect a little bit of light and create a warm ambience without you really knowing it.


Keep It in Neutral! Today’s neutrals play in a more unusual palette than you might expect—think pale icy blue and blush sand and more refreshing straight-from-nature shades than your standard beige. They’re perfect for small rooms. Just because a space is smaller, does not mean you have to use color less, you just have to use it wisely.

These more transparent pales diffuse light beautifully and lend themselves particularly well to elements of contrast. In this tiny house kitchen, a matte black faucet and an olive countertop pop against icy blue cabinets.


Another room where you start your day? The bathroom, of course! This elegant white bath is energized with a modern mix of metals—a bold brass chandelier paired with titanium bath fixtures. Warm wood floors ground the room and soften the look of the all-white space. It’s just enough “clean and bright” for a morning pick-me-up, without jolting you into the day.
  

The main thing is the reflection, making sure that it didn’t feel bogged down by the color and the texture. And, of course, a moody atmosphere is perfect for a powder room or a master bath. 

Here in this Victorian-inspired bathroom, smoky grays and dusty browns are paired with a metallic wallcovering and warm bronze light fixtures, giving a glow that radiates through an already welcoming room.


In this master bath, bold chevron floor tiles offset the glossy white tub with a matte black exterior. Highlights of bronze, brass, or copper work particularly well layered into the overall design—here bronze adds a touch of warmth to this dynamic space.

Did you know Kohler's rich heritage as a bathroom and kitchen innovator boasts many industry firsts, including the world's first cast iron bath tub and the first colored bathroom suite? Pretty cool!

All tips and photos provided by Kohler. 

ciao! fabiana

March 31, 2017

favorite new baby products


It seems like lately, I’ve been invited to a lot of baby showers. I’m always looking for unique, but practical ideas for gift giving, especially for a new little baby. 

This is such a special time in the lives of these young families, so it’s always fun to give something a little different. Here are two of my favorite baby wear companies that I’ve discovered lately and a couple of organic, baby-friendly products that I love…


juDanzy makes the most adorable little boxed gift sets in all sorts of themes and designs. They each come with a little onsie, fun little headwear and matching leg warmers! Check out their fun selection! Their products are so soft and they have a huge variety of styles, and also offer free shipping.  


Who wants to use harsh chemicals on a little baby? I stay clear away from chemical-filled products for  myself and especially for a newborn. That’s why I love WaterPura Natural Baby Wipes

They’re completely chemical-free and soft. They use 99.9% Water & 0.1% Citrus Extract, and hold up pretty well for face, hand and bottom wiping, lol. Most “natural and fragrance-free” wipes are still loaded with chemicals, so this is a great option, especially if your little one has sensitive skin.    


Searching for an adorable outfit for your favorite mini prince or princess? Tenth & Pine offers adorable gender neutral pieces like rompers, onesies, beanies, tees, and leggings. Owner Kerynn created this line of one-stop shopping for all things gender neutral and hip. And best of all the fabrics are ultra-soft and comfy!


Summer’s around the corner, and I’m relieved to find True Natural Sunscreens. They set have the purest, chemical-free sun care products that are safe for you, your family and for the environment. 

True Natural uses only biodegradable and reef-safe ingredients to protect you & environment and offers a nice variety of products. My favorites are their SPF 30 lip balm and Caribbean Coconut SPF 30 Sunscreen

I’m always drawn to coconut products, especially at the beach, thee smell puts me tight at ease and in vacation mode, even when I’m not on vacation! They also have unscented varieties as well.




ciao! fabiana



Disclosure: I did receive complimentary items for testing. The opinions on this blog are honest and my genuine intent is to share wonderful things and things that I love with my readers.

March 30, 2017

coffee and then ikea



I started out my day having my coffee at my newly set up table in the back yard and contemplated all the spring cleaning and sprucing up that needs to be done out here. Made a list... somehow, that led me to Ikea later in the day. 

I think what really got me there was needing to go to Peinture to buy some more Pure White chalk paint for some of the projects that need to be done. You see, Peinture is very close to Ikea, and I always need an excuse to go to Ikea

Once you figure out your way, navigating through Ikea's a breeze! I know right were to go now, and where to find what I’m looking for.


I guess when I got there, I decided that I really "needed" some “blush” dinner plates, in that very, very pale pink color that's so pretty for spring and summer. And they had just what I was looking for, and more

The best thing about these plates, besides their gorgeous soft color, is the matte finish. Love these! Here are a few other things I found today…

1.  geometric design place mats,
 that look great with my Serena & Lily chairs.
2.  a nubby raffia rug for outdoors,
this will look great on the patio or on the lawn.
3.  the blush dinner plates,
the prettiest color!
4. a beautiful oval white metal tray,
perfect for serving drinks and more!
5. blush water glasses,
a must have with the blush plates.


Now there’s just a little painting to be done…
Luckily, it’s almost the weekend,

And I might get a little help with the “sprucing up” part! 


ciao! fabiana

March 29, 2017

today's outdoor vignettes


Today I set up my new “old” distressed farm table
outside my back door next to the pool.

It’s a great spot that I’ve never utilized before,
and there's a really handy shelf under the window
that serves as a little bar area.

I think we’ll be spending more time out here,
for sure, this spring and summer! 



more photos coming soon...




ciao! fabiana


March 28, 2017

white for the backyard


White furniture for the back yard, yes or no? I love the look of it, but I’m just not sure how practical it would be. Aerin Lauder is pictured in the first two photos in her back yard in East Hampton. 

I LOVE the look of the all-white picnic table. It looks so amazing with all the lush green and accents of blue. In fact, I’m debating whether to paint my Crate & Barrel outdoor table white. 

I’m just worried that the glare would be really bright! But, that fact might just overshadow how fabulous it would look. What do you think?



Here’s another lovely white look with a more modern style from Room & Board. I really like this too! It's so clean and elegant. I love the simplicity of this outdoor space.



This last pic is from last year’s Newport Harbor Home Tour. All white lounge chairs, umbrellas and even an outdoor fireplace are once again an white elegant look, and offer you that resort vibe too! So what do you think? I'd love  to hear your thoughts…





ciao! fabiana



Photos:
1.   Aerin Lauder
2.   Aerin Lauder
3.   Room & Board

4.   KRS Development



March 27, 2017

white house, black shutters



I know I’ve blogged about this before, but I can’t get enough of this classic curb appeal style. There’s something so familiar about a white house with black shutters. This is the look of the all-American dream home, but the style can vary from region to region. This first photo is of a beautiful house in Newport Beach. 

Now, compare it to the more historic New Orleans style with the fabulous red door. You have the ever popular Cape Cod style, and then we see this stately southern Victorian cottage style. The thing I really love about this color palette is it's so flexible. And, I’m seeing it more and more around my neighborhood on lots of new modern farmhouses.


Here’s another beauty from here in Newport Beach,


and one in Beverly Hills.


Here are a couple of great examples of this updated farmhouse look. These renderings are from a new community in Eastside Costa Mesa called Tablelands. I can’t wait for the model to open in May. It’s being designed by Shannon Wilkins of Prairie Home Styling, and she’s doing the specs for all the homes in this community. She’s a favorite designer of mine and her own home was featured on last year’s Newport Harbor Home Tour.  


Surrounded by gorgeous flowers, this last home is just dreamy. 



ciao! fabiana



Photos:
1.   Blackband Designs
2.   Southern Living
3.   Brandon Architects
4.   Houzz
5. Matt White Custom Homes
6. pinterest


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