Tuesday Inspiration: Pool Houses, Cabañas and Pavilions

Lonny

Today is all about pool houses, cabañas and pavilions. That's right, we're having a pool party!

So grab your swimsuit and prepare to be inspired by these little architectural gems.

Architectural Digest

After all, it's the peak of summer and we could all use a little dip!

Make that a "design dip!"

Elle Decor

What fascinates me so much about pool houses is how they have to blend architecturally with the landscape, the existing house and pool.

Architectural Digest

They can have many purposes, from being a refuge from the sun, a cabaña that serves as a guest house, or a party pavilion. The list goes on and on...

Houzz

Most important though, they serve as a focal point and anchor for the pool.

Houzz

A mini-house that delivers a lot!

Architectural Digest

Pool House Designs

Taylor Lombardo Architects

The ultimate pool house: Bunny Williams' with it's pine cone studded pediment and log columns.

Last, but not least is our pool house in the wine country.

Originally, it was the vision of the previous owner, drawn on a napkin.

It serves as an outdoor kitchen, living room, bathroom and upstairs bedroom.

If it was the only house on the property, it would be ok!

Architect John Keenan said, "If a house is a novel, then a pool house is a short story."

I couldn't agree more!

Tuesday Inspiration: Carrara Marble

Drummonds. UK

When it comes to marble, Carrara is definitely my favorite choice.

Whether it is for the bathroom or kitchen, I love the simple and clean aesthetic look that white marble lends.

Drummonds, UK

Contractors have been discouraging homeowners from using Carrara forever because it stains and scratches easily and generally is not a good application. My answer? So...?

Drummonds, UK

Have they ever been to Italy? Have they seen marble stairs there that are hundreds of years old?

Have they been to our local Il Fornaio restaurant with a marble counter at the bar?

Scratches and stains add to the patina!

I say, "throw caution to the wind," and go for it!

If you are trying to decide whether to use Carrara in the bathroom or kitchen, here are a few photos from my inspiration archives to help you decide:

Plastolux

The ultimate luxury: a marble soaking tub!

No need for a shower curtain here!

And finally, a kitchen counter that is absolutely amazing! I am loving all the grey veining in this slab.

Carrara marble comes from Carrara, Italy, a town in Tuscany that I have passed by twice while on our way to Cinque Terra. I wish we would have stopped to see this town that is rich in history with the marble mountains looming above.

This is where the chunk of marble came from that became Michaelangelo's David.

And this is where the chunk of marble will come from that will become my bathroom counter when the time comes.

(Oh, and for the record, it is spelled Carrara, not Carrera.)

Now you know!

Tuesday Inspiration: Rooms With A View

Today's inspiration is "rooms with a view."

No words.

Just "ahhhhhh"

Feast your eyes....

Everyone's fantasy view!

Tuesday Inspiration: Bar Stools--The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Picking bar stools as the subject for Tuesday's Inspiration is kind of a joke, since I have found very few bar stools that are stylish or inspirational. This cane bar stool from Ballard Design though is an exception to the rule. It is not only stylish, but the seat can be easily reupholstered in your own fabric, giving it a custom look.

Ballard also has this bar stool, which can also be customized.

Buckingham Interiors

Here it is customized in a fun turquoise fabric. I'm loving this chair! The nail heads and the COM option make this chair a winner. With one exception: I am not a fan of the swivel!

Frontgate

It just seems to me that bar stools should be like regular chairs that don't turn! I love these leather chairs, but I suspect they swivel!

The swivel bar stool reminds me of this chair growing up! We had something very similar, and my brother and I were always spinning around and hitting the counter.

ebay

I think the swivel idea is a carry over from vintage mid-century design, when bar stools were relegated to the basement or family room bar. Let's take a look at some bar stools from the past.

1stdibs

A pair of bar stools from the 40's. Not bad, not bad...

ebay

Ah, there is nothing like avocado green naugahyde!

1stdibs

Can someone say "Meet George Jetson?"

ebay

At least these classics from the 50's don't swivel!

ebay

And my personal favorite....!

Have you had enough?

Restoration Hardware

Let's take a look at my favorite picks from a few retail sources.

This retro chair from Restoration Hardware has a fabulous industrial chic look.

Can't you see it in a NYC loft?

Wisteria

A classic metal stool, reminiscent of a science lab. For some reason, I don't mind that these swivel!

Another classic, this metal industrial stool is from Pottery Barn.

Southern Accents

Industrial style stools looking great in a traditional kitchen.

I prefer a traditional bar stool though, like this caned back stool from Restoration Hardware.

Or this classic, traditional chair, also from Restoration Hardware.

Restoration Hardware

This chair is very popular right now.

This French style chair from Pottery Barn has been around a while.

Country Living

I like how it can be gussied up with a simple, pleated slipcover.

Southern Living

Another slipcover option, these chairs are adorable!

Southern Living

Really fancy slipcovered bar stools. Maybe a little too much for my taste...

House Beautiful

Loveseat bar stools? I'm not so sure...

I saw this plaid upholstered chair at ABC Carpet and Home in NYC recently.

What a beauty!

Then, there was this unique stool that I saw in Santa Fe. I like how it is simple, yet stylish with the barley twist legs. The upholstery webbing is a great idea, and one that can be copied easily.

Restoration Hardware

Sometimes, the simpler, the better.

A simple stool, upholstered in burlap. Perfect for a natural, rustic look.

Noir Furniture

Simone from Antique Style sent me a link for this chair, which is similar to the black version I almost bought at Big Daddy's Antiques. Love the burlap seat!

Another natural approach: kubu wicker from Restoration Hardware.

Pottery Barn has this wicker option.

Or these seagrass stools, which I love.

They remind me of our bar stools in Asti.

We found them at the Alameda Antiques Faire, from Big Daddy! They are a thin woven kubu wicker and they replaced the green stools that came with the house.

"Before"

There is nothing wrong with these chairs, but I love the wicker ones better for that rustic look that goes well in the wine country.

I think bar stool design has come a long way since I was a kid, and even a long way in the last ten years. Companies like Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Wisteria and Ballard Designs are paying attention to customer demands.

It is about time!

Stay tuned this week for a special giveaway, an exciting announcement and a reveal...