When lighting a bathroom the first and most important focus should be on the vanity lighting. Ideally a vertical fixture should be hung on either side of the mirror. This allows for light to be evenly distributed across ones face. The fixtures should be mounted approximately 5.5’ above the floor (eye level), and 36-40” apart. This helps to eliminate shadows under the eyes and chin.
Overhead vanity lighting
In situations where installing fixtures on either side of the mirror is not possible due to size and installation constraints the next best option is a light hung directly over the vanity. It should be hung 75-80” above the floor. In larger bathrooms the horizontal fixtures can be used in conjuncture with the vertical lights to give additional overall illumination to the space. A bare minimum of 150 watts of light should be used in lighting the vanity it is always safer to error on the side of too much wattage. In cases where the home owner finds that there is too much light either lower wattage bulbs can be used or a dimmer installed. It is always easier to reduce the wattage of a fixture once it’s installed than to figure out how to increase the amount of light if the fixture installed is improperly.
For additional overall lighting and lighting in the shower and over the bath tub recessed is the ideal option. For the shower and tub make sure a wet rated model is selected. The only place recessed is not ideal is over the vanity, It has a tendency to cast shadows onto the face making personal grooming tasks such as shaving an make up application to be more difficult.
Recessed Lighing in a Master Bathroom
Some clients prefer a little more glamor over the tub and may request a hanging fixture such as a crystal chandelier, or pendant light. Make sure any hanging fixture you choose is UL approved for a wet rating otherwise for safety and code reasons should not be used in that application.
Period Chandelier Over Tub
Country Living Magazine: Elegant Chandelier and Sconces in Master Bath
BLOG.CARLADAVISDESIGNS.COM
It's Enough to Make You (Pink and) Green With Envy!
Ask any Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Soror and she'll tell you that the AKA Sorority colors of pink and green have always been the best. Apparently, the editors of this month's Traditional Homes Magazine also agree.
Admittedly, they can make for fabulous color partners in your home decor, but pink and green may not set well in a household which includes males. In fact, it just may not be a suitable combination for folks of either gender who may be of the more conservative sort. Although I wouldn't categorize pink and green as a fad because the combination has been around forever, it is definitely a combination that will evoke strong emotion...either positive or negative.
If you think you may want to use a pink and green palette for your Spring re-do, consider whether or not you will feel the same way you feel now about these colors in a couple of years. This is a question I ask all of my clients about any proposed changes to their living spaces.
..and pink and green can sizzle outdoors, too!
My favorite Benjamin Moore pink and green paints:
Riverdale Green
Florida Pink
Some of my favorite pink and green fabrics:
Fabricut Manhattan Kiwi Splash Fabric
Kravet 8486 Silk
Laura Ashley Sundance Coral
Kravet 24623 Plaid Silk
Admittedly, they can make for fabulous color partners in your home decor, but pink and green may not set well in a household which includes males. In fact, it just may not be a suitable combination for folks of either gender who may be of the more conservative sort. Although I wouldn't categorize pink and green as a fad because the combination has been around forever, it is definitely a combination that will evoke strong emotion...either positive or negative.If you think you may want to use a pink and green palette for your Spring re-do, consider whether or not you will feel the same way you feel now about these colors in a couple of years. This is a question I ask all of my clients about any proposed changes to their living spaces.
..and pink and green can sizzle outdoors, too!
My favorite Benjamin Moore pink and green paints:
Riverdale GreenFlorida PinkSome of my favorite pink and green fabrics:
Fabricut Manhattan Kiwi Splash Fabric
Kravet 8486 SilkLaura Ashley Sundance Coral Kravet 24623 Plaid Silk
Robert Allen Introduces Fabrics for Real Life!
Dockside and Fireside are two versatile performance fabrics from Robert Allen's new Lifestyles Collection. These versatile fabrics combine style with durability (30,000 double rubs). Perfect for a vacation home or rental property, and ideal for adding throw-anything-at-me durable style to your year-round home. These lively designs add fun to any living space. Coastal-themed patterns in casual linen-looks, matelassés and chenille textures are offered in soft natural neutrals as well as nautical red, white and blue. Rich traditional colors and mountain home motifs distinguish the Fireside collection, which ranges from rustic southwest looks to sophisticated “Aspen casual” designs. Check out a few of my favorites below.
Arizona Desert, Horizon 
Granny's Quilt, Sea
Moose Lodge, Horizon 
Swim Suits, Sand
Sally's Shells, Sand 
Sea Lace, Coral
Coconut Bay, Seaglass
Arizona Desert, Horizon Granny's Quilt, SeaMoose Lodge, Horizon Swim Suits, SandSally's Shells, Sand Sea Lace, CoralCoconut Bay, Seaglass
Erik's Tiny Home...No Way!
This post was written by Blog Partner, Eric Schimek, on March 16, 2010. I can't believe this one!
Erik's Tiny Home
I’m working with several of our craftsmen on a small home design. It is intended to provide a small, custom-designed space for me to work and sleep in.
Erik's Tiny Home
The home is intended to be portable, allowing it to be easily hooked up and moved anywhere with electricity, water & internet available. (We all know internet = water, in terms of importance).
Yes, the space is intended to be fairly utilitarian 
" class="wp-smiley">
Liberty is Coming to Target!
Feather Pillow
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall?
Mirrors aren't just for walls any more! Mirrored furniture has become increasingly popular in recent years...and for good reason. It lends a sophisticated 1940's Bogart and Bacall feel to a room while opening it up with reflective light that bounces off of it in multiple directions. Some of my favorites include:
Dark Antiqued Mercury Mirror Borghesi Console by Jean De Merry 68Wx35.75Hx25D, only $25,000!!
OK, now back to reality...
Free Shipping: Redford House Luna Armoire 54W25Dx78H, $3795, Carla Davis Designs
Handpainted Glass Inlaid Mahogany Bow Front Theodore Alexander 34.25x35.18.25, Contact us for pricing.
Bassett Mirror Co.'s Borghese line
Free Shipping: Armoire, $1979 ; Buffet $1429, Carla Davis Designs
But if you prefer to keep your mirrors on your walls, consider something a little different than the typical. There's nothing more elegant than an eglomised mirror in an entry. These stunners offer high-end style...with a price to match! Eglomisé,pronounced “ay glow me ZAY”, also called called ‘verreeglomisé’ (”vair ay glow me ZAY”), is a decorative glass techniquewhere the glass is painted or gilded on the underside and then backedwih a metal foil. Check out these beauties.
Friedman Brothers Mirror 6830. Contact us for Pricing
OK, now back to reality...
Free Shipping: Redford House Luna Armoire 54W25Dx78H, $3795, Carla Davis Designs
Handpainted Glass Inlaid Mahogany Bow Front Theodore Alexander 34.25x35.18.25, Contact us for pricing.
Bassett Mirror Co.'s Borghese line Free Shipping: Armoire, $1979 ; Buffet $1429, Carla Davis Designs
But if you prefer to keep your mirrors on your walls, consider something a little different than the typical. There's nothing more elegant than an eglomised mirror in an entry. These stunners offer high-end style...with a price to match! Eglomisé,pronounced “ay glow me ZAY”, also called called ‘verreeglomisé’ (”vair ay glow me ZAY”), is a decorative glass techniquewhere the glass is painted or gilded on the underside and then backedwih a metal foil. Check out these beauties.
Friedman Brothers Mirror 6830. Contact us for Pricing
Updated versions of a classic. Above, Theodore Alexander Art Deco Verre Eglomise Wall Mirror 39x53; below, Bois De Bologne Leaves Eglomise by APF Munn Master Framemakers . Contact us for pricing.
John Richard Eglomise screen, Contact us for pricing
Uttermost Melanthius 38.5" Round Mirror , $589 in our store
Grace Feyock Design for Uttermost: Avidan, 28.5 x 1D x 79H, Carla Davis Designs, $425
John Richard Eglomise screen, Contact us for pricing Uttermost Melanthius 38.5" Round Mirror , $589 in our store
March Budget Stretchers: Craigslist, e-Bay, Overstock, and Target
OK, it's been a while since I've tracked down the best bargain to share with you, but here's the latest cool stuff for your Spring home spruce-up!
Pocatello Faux Leather Table Lamp, www.overstock.com, $59.99
Pair Bernhardt Chairs, Houston Craigslist, $250
8 Pennsylvania House New Standards Dining Chairs, $1299
Neiman Marcus mirror Houston Craigslist, $159
Crystal Lotus Candle Holder, www.overstock.com, $39.99
Henrendon Cocktail Table, Washington, D.C.Craigslist, $200
Avington Parsons Stripe, Target, $99.99
Currey & Company Crystal Bud Chandelier, e-Bay, $400
Pocatello Faux Leather Table Lamp, www.overstock.com, $59.99
Pair Bernhardt Chairs, Houston Craigslist, $250
Neiman Marcus mirror Houston Craigslist, $159Henrendon Cocktail Table, Washington, D.C.Craigslist, $200
Avington Parsons Stripe, Target, $99.99Currey & Company Crystal Bud Chandelier, e-Bay, $400
Bathroom Lighting
e-Design Service at Carla Davis Designs
These days, most everyone is watching their budget more closely. But this doesn't necessarily mean that you have to give up the idea decorating your rooms the way you want. With our affordable e-design service, you can do it yourself...with a little professional assistance from us. Talk to us, e-mail us, and send in your room pictures and we'll help walk you through what is needed to achieve the look you desire...and the best part is that you get to implement your design plan at your own pace whenever you are ready, with or without any additional guidance from us. Check out a sample room design below; our fee: $200.
Snow, Snow, and More Snow!
Forgotten Space: The Foyer/Entry
In most homes, the hallway is a transient pass through space. Consequently, it's low on our decorating list, and many of us prefer to devote our cash and attention to more “functional rooms” such as family rooms and kitchens. When it comes to sprucing up the foyer, we seldom devise a legitimate course of action. Instead, we will often use whatever is left from other “more important” rooms. But consider this: with a minimal investment in time and money you can select the right colors, lighting and furniture to take your entry from OK to WOW!
Hallway design tips
• Hang a mirror in your hallway to reflect light and create depth.
• Keep your hallway clutter-free at all times.
• Choose narrow, streamlined furniture and keep it to a minimum.
• Allow light to flow wherever possible: dark and dingy just won't do unless you’re going for a nuevo horror film look.
Hickory Manor House Regency Convex Mirror, contact us to order
Color your hall
A dark hallway says all the wrong things about your home. Use color to make the entrance as light and appealing as possible. The generally advice clients to steer clear of dark and bold colors. But a dark traditional jewel tone color such as red, blue or green would add enormous impact in a large home or grand period home.
1920's D.C. Georgian rocks a red foyer
Some of our faux artistry against a deep red walls make a Leesburg,Virginia client's entry niche spectacular
However, if your hallway is narrow or small neutrals invariably work best. By all means don't be tempted to use a dark color beneath a chair (dado) rail as it will make the walls look shorter and the space feel claustrophobic.
Recently Installed Wrought Iron Balusters
Let in the light
If your hall has a low ceiling, uplights will give the impression of greater height. If you have lofty, high ceilings they're perfect for displaying feature lighting. Go for a luxe look with a beautiful chandelier. Maximize natural light wherever possible. If your hallway is dark, perhaps it’s time to consider replacing your solid wood front door for one with a window and/or sidelights. Windowed entry doors will allow the light to bounce into your hallway. You may also consider painting a dark staircase all or partially white.
Hinkley Casa Olde Black Sconce, contact us for pricing
Currey & Company Wunderlust Chandelier, contact us for pricing 
Furniture
Only store the absolute essentials in your entry space. Anything other than the bare minimum will likely tilt you towards clutterdom. A narrow console table or chest is a good choices, and the chest can easily hide the mail, keys and such that tend to accumulate in entry spaces.
The perfect hall chest: Oriental Accent's Pandora Chest is available in our Marketplace 
...or
Port 68's Madison Bombe chest, avialable in our store
...or
The slim, curvaceous Port 68 Zoe Half-round console, also available in our store. All would look fabulous in most any foyer!
Hallway design tips
• Hang a mirror in your hallway to reflect light and create depth.
• Keep your hallway clutter-free at all times.
• Choose narrow, streamlined furniture and keep it to a minimum.
• Allow light to flow wherever possible: dark and dingy just won't do unless you’re going for a nuevo horror film look.
Hickory Manor House Regency Convex Mirror, contact us to order
Color your hall
A dark hallway says all the wrong things about your home. Use color to make the entrance as light and appealing as possible. The generally advice clients to steer clear of dark and bold colors. But a dark traditional jewel tone color such as red, blue or green would add enormous impact in a large home or grand period home.
1920's D.C. Georgian rocks a red foyerSome of our faux artistry against a deep red walls make a Leesburg,Virginia client's entry niche spectacular
However, if your hallway is narrow or small neutrals invariably work best. By all means don't be tempted to use a dark color beneath a chair (dado) rail as it will make the walls look shorter and the space feel claustrophobic.
Recently Installed Wrought Iron Balusters
Let in the light
If your hall has a low ceiling, uplights will give the impression of greater height. If you have lofty, high ceilings they're perfect for displaying feature lighting. Go for a luxe look with a beautiful chandelier. Maximize natural light wherever possible. If your hallway is dark, perhaps it’s time to consider replacing your solid wood front door for one with a window and/or sidelights. Windowed entry doors will allow the light to bounce into your hallway. You may also consider painting a dark staircase all or partially white.
Hinkley Casa Olde Black Sconce, contact us for pricingFurniture
Only store the absolute essentials in your entry space. Anything other than the bare minimum will likely tilt you towards clutterdom. A narrow console table or chest is a good choices, and the chest can easily hide the mail, keys and such that tend to accumulate in entry spaces.
...or
Port 68's Madison Bombe chest, avialable in our store
...or
The slim, curvaceous Port 68 Zoe Half-round console, also available in our store. All would look fabulous in most any foyer!
