Bathroom beauty

I (Holly) am in the process of building my first home with my boyfriend (carpenter & plasterer.. very lucky). I tell you what, this owner-builder nonsense is bloody hard work, and to add to the pressure we are now picking out all of our interiors. I have a strong love for bathrooms, you really do spend a lot of time in there, and sometimes it's the only time in your day when you can relax (if you're not frantically washing your hair like I usually do). Here's a few images that are inspiring me  xx

I love the simplicity of this space, the recessed towel storage area is a great use of space and looks effective. The concrete surfaces of the bathroom are to die for (if I only I could afford it)

This space doesn't have a whole lot of storage space but the sink looks great without a bulky cupboard below it.

The only thing I don't like about this bathroom is the floor tiles. The basins, lights, cupboards, storage shelf... all fabulous. The mirror is effective but if it was mine it would be bigger, the mirror can never be too big haha

This space is not a typical bathroom but it is what I would call a 'powder room' or equivalent, which I automatically associate with a bathroom. It's so luxe, the fur covered stool, perfume bottles, large mirror and timber floor are gorgeous.

This entire room is stunning. You may have realised that I like decor very plain, straight lines, neutral colours, stainless steel and timber. This has all of those elements... and a rain shower OMG

The tiles in this bathroom are perfection, exactly what I want in mine! I'm not really into built-in baths but the storage area along the side of the bath makes it far less ugly and a usable space. Again, the simplicity of the vanity makes this very appealing.

More white and natural light and more great storage areas, what more can I say?

The free standing bath adds real wow factor here. But it does not completely detract away from the concrete surfaces, fur rug and adrorable stool.

I love all of the timber in this bathroom. The overhead lighting is also a great feature.

More natural products..... stone and timber

The two basins built into the bench and the timber shelf below, along with the natural light coming through that window are just beautiful

The timber grate, timber bench and recessed shelving area in the shower make this bathroom stunning. I would love the floor of my shower to be timber but I worry it would get mouldy and slimy, has anyone got any experience with these?

Basin - Need I say more

I love the shape and size of this tub and the timber feature wall with recessed shelf add the simple beauty of this room (shells, not so great)

Another stunning tub, and more timber. I could imagine soaking in this room looking out into the tranquil garden, ahhh it's relaxing just thinking about it

Have you noticed how I love timber shelves, white walls and neutral tiles floors? This is another example of how those elements work so well together

The timber feature ceiling does not take away from the stark light of the bath and basin, it just adds to the drama

Another fantasy. Soaking in this spa at dusk with candles lit and a serene garden, mmmmmm yes please

Last but not least, this shower, with the recessed shelf and neutral colourings, is lovely. I would gladly shower in here every day of my life

Please let Poodle Stalkers know if you know of any good websites/blogs/etc that will help me with my designing dramas!


images: archilovers.com, behance.net, eclecticlivinghome.fileswordpress.com, houzz.com, ikeafamilylive.com, gilldedmint.blogspot.com, marieclairemaison.com, myparadissi.com, pinterest, pitsou.com, remodelista, smg.photobucket.com, spada.co.il, tumblr, welke.nl

Quickie DIY: exfoliator

Hi ladies!

I've had so many special occasions lately that I've been stuck with a major first world problem... Getting my old tan off and skin primed before my next spray tan!

So I thought I'd go back to basics and share my secret DIY exfoliator.
You will feel like a delicious pancake... I'm not even kidding.

This can not get any easier.

You need two ingredients (that you already will have in your pantry.)

1. Sugar
2. Lemon Juice

Step one. Put in about a cup of sugar and then squirt some lemon juice in.
Mix together until a thick paste forms. If your mixture is too runny, just add more sugar.

Step 2. Lather all over your body and scrub away.

TIP: rinse out your shower/container afterwards... Unless you like ants.

Your body will feel so soft and smooth and your hand will be amazing!

Give it a try and tell us what you think.

MONDAY MOMENT: Olivia Palermo

This socialite and actress has been on the scene for a number of years now and has more than proven herself to be a fashionista. Starring in 'The City' and modelling for the likes of Tatler, Marie Claire and Shop Til You Drop magazines, we think that

Olivia Palermo

must be one of our absolute favourite style icons.

Stats
Name: Olivia Toledo Palermo
Age: 26 (DOB: 28/2/1986)
Origin: New York, USA
Height: 1.63 cm (5 ft 4 in)  (is it just us or does she seem waayyy taller?)
 

 

Credit: oliviapalermo.com, designlovefest, outfitidentifier, dreamboatfashion, tumblr, lolobu, pinterest, stylecaster, theyallhateus, whowhatwear

How to: FISHTAIL BRAID.

Fishtail braids look amazing on all types of hair and can easily go from a day look to a glam night style.

STEP ONE: Start with brushed hair, add a bit of volumising mousse or dry shampoo before you start to give extra texture. Part top of hair as desired. Separate the back of your hair into two equal sections.
STEP TWO: Separate a small piece of hair from the right side.
STEP THREE: Cross the small piece of hair over to combine it with the left section. At this point you should have two separate sections again.
STEP FOUR: Separate a small piece of hair from the left section.

STEP FIVE: Cross the small piece of hair over to the right section.
STEP SIX: Combine the small piece of hair with the right section. Again, you will now have two separate sections.
STEP SEVEN: Repeat step 2 by separating a small piece of hair from the right side.
STEP EIGHT: Repeat step 3 by crossing the hair over to the left side and combining.

STEP NINE: Continue to repeat steps 2-6.
STEP TEN: Keep braiding down the length of the hair, ensuring you maintain a firm grasp on each side as you progress... I know it takes a while.
STEP ELEVEN: You can do it, you're nearly at the end.

STEP TWELVE: Secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic.

STEP THIRTEEN: Begin to loosen the braid slightly towards the top of your braid.
STEP FOURTEEN: Gradually make your way down the braid, loosening as you go.
STEP FIFTEEN: Admire your handiwork.
STEP SIXTEEN: Slip the braid over one shoulder to add a girly touch and so you can show your fishtail off.

Keep in mind:

• Try to keep the top of the braid relatively tight so it doesn't fall out too easily.
• If you find it too difficult starting the braid off, you can secure it with a hair elastic (low ponytail) first. You can then either leave the elastic in or remove it.
• You can choose to keep the braid tight down the length of the hair, which will leave your braid looking very neat and will stay in for longer (this is the option I chose).
• Alternatively, you can braid in a looser fashion, which means you'll be able to pull the braid apart more, creating a tousled "look how effing sexy I am" effect, which is also gorgeous. But note that this braid will not last as long (may fall out throughout the day or over night).
• It is best to finish off the braid with a small clear hair elastic or a small elastic similar in colour to your hair.
• The first few times you do this style, it will be frustratingly slow and may not look exactly how you want it. But after you've done it a few times you get quicker and more consistent.