Polyvore Monday | May 21

Did anyone else see Keeping up with the Kardashian’s last night (I know, I know, major guilty pleasure show), where they have a couch in their master bathroom? A couch people! How amazing (and slightly unnecessary) is that?

I guess you could say the Kardashian’s inspired Polyvore Monday today and it wasn’t a total waste of an hour of my life.

What women doesn’t love an over-the-top, luxurious master bathroom? I think along with a huge walk-in closet, it’s right up there on the list of top things women want/look for in a home. Fact: Whenever Ian and I are planning a vacation, I always look up the hotel on | Trip Advisor | and search for photos of the bathroom (I could care less about the actual bedroom part). I have no idea why, but a luxurious bathroom + vacation = a little slice of heaven for me, and I have to make sure the bathroom’s up to par! Plus, when it’s not yours, you don’t have to clean it yourself. Bonus!

Thanks to | Houzz | I can drool over beautiful master baths 24/7 and never run out of ideas. Here’s a few favorites from my ideabook:

traditional bathroom design by new york architect Linda Yowell Architects

I am  in love with this subway tile. Retro, yet still feels modern and so clean.

traditional bathroom design by los angeles general contractor Reaume Construction & Design

eclectic bathroom design by portland interior designer Donna DuFresne Interior Design

A little nook to bathe in is so fun and just what every home needs. Do we love that arch or what? Who wouldn’t want to spend hours soaking in that bathtub until you turn into a prune. I’m a big fan of the detailed ceiling as well. Feels slightly like a beach cottage, but a warm, cozy beach cottage. The bead board along the walls and below the tub in the second photo give it the feeling of an older home and the contrast between the tub, bead board, and wall color are also great.

traditional bathroom design by seattle kitchen and bath Kayron Brewer, CKD / Studio KB

Umm…yes please! Does this even need an explanation? This many built-ins are absolutely necessary for a bathroom (I hate when clutter is left on the counter), and such a great way to hide it all, but still keep it accessible and at eye-level when you need it.

traditional bathroom design by orange county design-build Spinnaker Development

White marble. Need I say more?

contemporary bathroom design by toronto interior designer Toronto Interior Design Group

I’ve never understood how showers like this don’t cause a flood in the bathroom (and how that towel would manage to stay dry), but I still like them! Little privacy with only half of a glass door, but when it’s in the master bath, who cares! Cutouts in the shower wall that create shelves are perfect for storing pretty bottles, and a good use of space in a small bathroom.

To the 2 of you (I’m new to the blogging world, 2 is better than none!) who commented on Freebie Friday, you each get a card! Please e-mail me at | designbylulublog@gmail.com | with your address and I’ll get them shipped out to you ASAP!

Make sure to come back this week for tutorials from the baby shower this weekend, I promise you won’t want to miss them (and they’re EASY DIY projects!)

Polyvore Monday | May 7

Another beautiful weekend here in the Pacific Northwest, means yard work for Ian and I + my parents.

No joke.

I think we are blessed with the best family in the whole world. Here’s why: My dad built us a porch swing as a housewarming gift when we moved in last July, and came out this weekend to help Ian hang it up. My mom decided to come with him and helped me do yard work for 4+ hours.

Did I tell you I hate yard work? Like, literally despise it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked Ian if we can hire someone else to come do our yard. Especially come springtime when it seems like everything needs to be weeded, cut back, mowed, watered, etc. You name it, it probably needs to be done.

But after my parent’s help this weekend, we now have a yard that looks a-mazing, and a porch swing!

So fun, right?!

Our new and improved yard inspired me to do an outdoor version of Polyvore Monday. Who doesn’t love a fun place to relax outside as the weather starts to get nice? (click on the image to be redirected to Polyvore and see the sources)

Backyard Patio by designbylulu on polyvore.com

1 ) The gazebo is super cheap from Ikea (maybe too cheap?), I actually saw it in person when I was there not too long ago and it’s not of a horrible quality. Obviously, for this price, you get what you pay for, but it’s a great way to add a little privacy to your yard without splurging.

2 ) I’m loving these drfttwood balls from Crate & Barrel and trying to figure out if there’s some way I could recreate them. Wouldn’t they be fun if you could somehow string lights through them and make them not only cute but functional too?

3) Every back yard needs a basic chaise, even if you’re not pool-side! This one is a pretty good price, and because it’s neutral, throw some fun outdoor pillows on it for a more personalized look.

4) These rustic wooden planters would be great as succulent holders.

5) Confession: I’ve always thought outdoor rugs were super-cheesy, until recently. I don’t really know what’s changed my mind, but it’s a simple way to add some color and pattern to an outdoor space without being too over-the-top. Plus, they’re cheap enough that once they’re ruined, you can throw them away and buy a new one next season.

6) Love this simple outdoor table. Some of my favorite memories from childhood are the nights we would take the kitchen table outside and have dinner on the patio as a family…a tradition we will definitely continue.

7) No fuss, folding chairs that are easy to put away and store when not in use are ideal for a small, backyard patio.

8) Mint mojitos! The perfect end to a warm, summer day!

Happy Monday!

Polyvore Monday | April 30

Polyvore Monday got a little crazy today and became more of what-I’m-obsessed-with-right-now-and-someday-want-in-a-home-because-I’m-living-out-my-childhood-fantasies…

I always wanted bunk beds.

Like, really bad.

Now that I’m an adult, I want an entire room devoted to bunk beds. How fun would that be? I would sleep in there for sure.

I don’t know what it is about bunk beds, but it seems like every kid loves them.

Now that I’m adult and enjoy design, I think I like bunk beds and bunk rooms even more. Each bed is like a separate part of the room that can be designed according to each child. 4 different beds can have 4 completely different styles, yet still manage to complement each other and work well in the same space. Plus, they are so so cozy! It’s like your own little niche away from the rest of the world.

Here are a few of my favorites from Houzz:

traditional bedroom design by other metros architect Locati Architects

I love the camp-like feel of this one, with the sinks right there in the same room. Bonus! With double beds on the bottom bunk, there’s room for even more!

contemporary kids design by chicago interior designer SemelSnow Interior Design, Inc.

The nautical look of this room is so clean and airy. Plus, the lights in each bunk allow for some to stay up without disturbing others.

mediterranean bedroom design by austin design-build JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

The curtains on these bunks remind me of a tour bus, yet somehow they work. Drawers under the bottom bunks allow for extra storage in a room where all the wall space is being used. You could also have false drawers there and make it into a trundle to allow room for a few more kiddos.

contemporary kids design by salt lake city interior designer Lynsey Humphrey

This is, by far, the coziest bunk room I have ever seen. Less cabin-like and more retreat-like! How can you not picture 4 girls enjoying their first sleepover, painting their nails and giggling into the wee hours of the night? This room is the perfect combination of color, light, and space.

traditional bedroom design by other metros architect Locati Architects

Another rustic bunk room that feels more like the boys cabin with its thick wood, defined lines, dark colors, and exposed beams. Still inviting none-the-less.

traditional kids design by denver general contractor Highline Partners, Ltd

Is this not the perfect rec room for teenagers? I love the way stone was incorporated into the space, plus the wall-washers that flood the rock on the bunk wall make the texture pop.

…not exactly Polyvore Monday today, but it still works!

And in case you were wondering, I did not forget about the freebie for followers that I mentioned in my post on Friday. Things got a little hectic this weekend and those 48 hours went way quicker than I was hoping. If you are a follower, check your e-mail within the next 24 hours, I promise there will be something fun from me. If you’re not a follower, consider becoming one to get all the latest and greatest from Design by Lulu!

Polyvore Monday | April 23

I’m a little late in posting Polyvore Monday today. We went to the coast for the weekend, and the weather was too beautiful to be inside on the computer. Plus, when I woke up this morning, I felt like I’d been hit by a bus.

Who gets a head cold in April? This girl.

The mixture of NyQuil and only a few hours of sleep the night before left me wondering which way was up when I woke up this morning. Not to worry, I’m feeling much better now after another sunny day, tea, and even some fresh strawberries this morning. So let’s go!

In my dream world, our kitchen would look like this:

contemporary kitchen design by seattle interior designer Shuffle Interiors

contemporary kitchen design by seattle interior designer Shuffle Interiors

But this is reality, and let’s be honest, chances are, my kitchen will never look exactly like that (there’s no way I could ever talk the hubby into an all-white kitchen).

I do love our kitchen and all the space it provides, but it could use a little pick-me-up, here’s my idea: (click on the image to be redirected to Polyvore and see the sources)

kitchen & dining by designbylulu on polyvore.com

That banquette from World Market I love! Throw some pillows on it that you can change with the season, plus it’s  not only functional, but cute.

The art is also from World Market and adds a nice punch of color. I’m trying to figure out:

1) if I like the silverware idea or if it’s cheesy;

2) how I could somehow make that myself.

I’m loving the navy/yellow/and gray color scheme right now. It’s a little bit modern, a little bit nautical, and perfect for spring. If only I had the courage to do a bold navy on our walls.

The ‘Beat It’ print is super fun, but right now, I have | these | hanging by our pantry.

Every kitchen needs a Kitchen Aid stand mixer. In so many pretty colors, it’s hard to pick just one, but the silver is timeless.

I adore that kitchen cart from Ikea even more now that I saw | this | makeover. Such a fun way to add storage to a kitchen with little space.

Those mixing bowls from Crate & Barrel are my absolute favorite!

This Amy Butler rug by Chandra would be fun under the dining room table, and dark enough to hide any spills.

Polyvore Monday | April 16

Our living room is simple. White couch,  beige walls and carpet, and brown coffee table- it’s safe.

I’m over it.

We bought the couch first, and although I love how big it is, the color is  tough. Yes, it’s easy to throw a few pillows on it depending on the season, but sometimes it just looks like a huge, bland eyesore. The living room is also the first things people see when they walk into our house, which is why I’m in the mood to change it up. Here’s what I’m proposing:(click on the image to be redirected to Polyvore and see the sources)

designbylulu on polyvore.com

The coffee table from Ikea we already have and it’s pretty versatile. I have some baskets similar to the ones pictured, which I love because it’s a place to stash our games, magazines, and any other clutter we want to keep put away. I’d love to have a floor lamp that reaches over to the middle, like the one pictures. Who doesn’t love those?

Lord knows we could use a little color on our walls, and I love this dark gray-blue. The chalkboard is in the works (stay tuned), as are those letters, with a twist!

Finally, because it’s spring and the sun is beginning to make itself visible, I’m loving the mismatched, bright Ikat patterns that seem to be all over right now.

Happy Monday!