Brizo Design Vignettes: Solna Articulating Faucet and Rook Bath Collection

Brizo has announced two new products. The Solna Articulating Faucet and the Rook Bath Collection. Four talented designers in the Brizo Blogger19 family have come together with Brizo to showcase these newest beauties in rockin set designs. Congratulations to my four friends: Jonathan Legate of Jonathan Legate Interior Consultation, Christian May of maison21, Donna Hall of Donna Mondi Interior Design, and Richard Herb of Richard Herb Associates....If you didn't know the Brizo Blogger19 represents an elite group of designers, architects and influencers who gives insight into Brizo's new products they are about to bring to market.   I am proud to be a part of this group and have met so many wonderful people including the impressive Brizo team. 

Take a look at how the Solna and Rook can look in beautiful Bath and Kitchen spaces below:

Jonathan Legate, Jonathan Legate Interior Consultation

I love this kitchen set vignette by designer Jonthan Legate! The Solna takes center stage in a space of beautiful materials and textures. Inspired by contemporary Scandanavian furniture, the Solna's sleek articulating movement features a hidden pull down spray wand held in place with MagneDock Technology.

Christian May, maison21

The Rook collection has a different feel than the Solna. Its blocked shape inspired by a rook chess piece focuses on the intersection of old and new with its classic modern and traditional elements.   The Rook is showcased in Designer Christian May's set design. His edgy use of dimensional tile with geometric accent pieces plays nicely with the Rook's waterfall lines. Very cool!

Donna Hall, Donna Mondi Interior Design

I want this shower design by Designer Donna Hall, two of everything! The accouterments make this bathroom feel so lush. A great escape for a couple. Wonderful space!

Richard Herb, Richard W. Herb and Associates

Designer Richard Herb combines Rook's masculine details with rich subway colored tiles to enhance a spa experience. The shower becomes a real focal piece. Nice!

 To connect with Brizo,

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Cement Tiles,an artistic backsplash for your Kitchen

While the typical kitchen backsplash has been seen in glass, metal and stone, cement tile backsplashes have become very trendy lately. The powerful geometric patterns are a sure way to show off your personality and style in your home. Since each tile is hand crafted, you can customize these tiles.  If you do not see a color combination, shape or size you like in stock, the manufacturer can simply create one to fit your needs. I also love that they are environmentally friendly too, comprised of natural components and pigments. Cement tiles function well as a protective shield over the wall in your kitchen which helps prevent damage from spills and splatters;  so much easier to clean and keep clean. 

For a bit of history, Cement tiles were first produced in the South of France in the 1870s. They are known under various names such as Mission tiles, Cuban tiles, Victorian tiles, and hydraulic tiles. Cement tiles are popular in Mediterranean and Latin style spaces and are generally highly patterned with geometric and floral designs. 

Cement tiles are formed by hand pouring pigmented cement into decorative molds in order to separate the colors. When the cement has been set, the molds are removed and the tile compressed with 2,000 pounds of pressure. The result is an irresistible work of art to create a beautiful kitchen backsplash. Cement tiles are technically concrete tiles since they include aggregates such as marble dust and a layer of sand for reinforcement.

Something to Consider:

The floor, countertop and backsplash must all work together for your kitchen to have an even, balanced look. Keep in mind that the backsplash should not be treated as a separate entity to the overall space. All elements need to work to create an overall effect.

Tip: In order to calculate the amount of tile you will need, measure the square footage of your kitchen backsplash, then be sure to add an additional 10 to 20 percent to that total. This will help to account for any waste you have from trimming or breakage.

Materials and tools you will to create your own backsplash:

Adhesive, tile spacers, notched trowel, bucket, tape measure, grout and grout sponge. Tip: Pick a grout color that complements your tile, avoid an exact color match. Select one that will be easy to keep clean and try to stay away from bright white, unless you love scrubbing. Premixed grout that already has a sealer mixed in helps you save a step as opposed to using a topical sealer.

Cement tiles are typically 8 by 8 inches and run about $15 to $29 per square foot. Installation would be the same as ceramic or porcelain tile, with one big difference. Cement tile has to be sealed with two coats of penetrating sealer after is has been set but before grouting. The sealer will protect the front facade of the tile from absorbing the grout material.

I think one of my faves are the black and white patterns. This is a modern style kitchen with a display of classical black and white color tones. The kitchen features 8"×8" Moroccan cement tile backsplash creating an astonishing wallpaper effect with its daring black and white design. 

Image credits: Rustico Tile and Stone

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MOD Must Have: Anjolee, Jewels great for a Bride

MoD Must Haves

stylish, tactile, novel 

for jewel lovers

I just celebrated my 15th wedding anniversary. It feels like yesterday when I was living in Manhattan and planning my wedding. At that time there wasn't pinterest or any online magazines to search for ideas. I had to rely on magazines and comfortable pumps to hunt for the perfect dress, headpiece and jewelry. In a small shop in Brooklyn, I scored and an exquisite vintage headpiece but no other jewelry really spoke to me. 

Who is that lovely couple below?

9/9/2000

Fast forward, the internet has opened so many doors for artists, and online companies. If Anjolee had existed 15 years ago it would have made my life so much easier. One of the largest diamond jewelry manufacturers in the U.S., Anjolee diamond jewelry offers some stunning selections from rings, to bracelets, to necklaces and wedding rings. Great customer service and an education center too. You can learn about the different cuts of diamonds and how to care for them. 

 Timeless Dreams Tennis Bracelet

I didn't get diamonds, but I am now rockin a new CZ Timeless Dreams Tennis bracelet that I customized.  Yes, custom. To your taste and budget, you can customize any gold or platinum jewelry design. 

Thanks Anjolee, I just love it! It's the bracelet that I was looking for my wedding day 15 years ago!

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