The Bath. A time to relax and rejuvenate. There is nothing quite as soothing. It is small wonder that this time tested ritual has become a focus of beautiful design. I was reminded of how important a bathtub can be when enjoying the latest issue of Elle Decor and seeing this brilliant example of a "bathing room":

Elle Decor, September 2008, Photo by Grey Crawford

What struck me about this space was not just the beautiful tub (Waterworks Candide tub), but the very beautiful and witty tub filler dreamed up by the home owners/designers Fisher Weisman. A stream of water flows down from a shell encrusted "chandelier" reminiscent of the unique creations of Tony Duquette. Question....just where does one turn it on? No matter...this is my idea of luxury.

Another master of the bath is Axel Vervoordt. Bringing that European sensibility, he never fails to bring a certain sophistication and fresh simplicity to this kind of space. Here he has placed a nineteenth century zinc tub in a bedroom. Heaven.

Another of my favorite bath spaces was created by Vicente Wolf. I think that combining different styles and periods will always make a space more interesting, and Mr. Wolf accomplishes this with great style. His Baccarat sconces and English eighteenth century mirror are the perfect foil for the blue glass walls and contemporary concrete tub.

Another designer who never disappoints is Michael Smith. This example of his authentic style takes me to another time.... one where things were slower. And isn't that what one would want when trying to unwind in the tub? Look at the details: the basket of magazines, reading glasses on the stool, the fresh towels, slippers at the side of the tub. And of course Rover waiting patiently. Perfection. (All bath fittings and fixtures designed by Smith for Kohler).

House and Garden, December 2000, Photo by Melanie Acevedo

This bathroom was created by Juan Pablo Molyneux for jewelry designer John Landrum Bryant. The bath here is adorned by Bryant's signature tiger heads on the tub face as well as the filler (Custom created by Bryant). The fantasy comes through, but in a way that is not overstated. Very "chic" I think!

Veranda, January-February 2005, Photo by Hickey-Robertson

This bathroom has all of the elements necessary for a long relaxing soak. Designers, art dealers and home owners Cynthia Cage McClain and Robert McClain thought of everything: candles, reading material, a little wine, flowers. Mix these with such personal, beautiful art and photography, and one feels like this is really home.

House and Garden, October 2005, Photo by Francois Halard

Milan based designer Roberto Peregalli created this amazing Master Bath for Claudio and Maria Luti of the famous family firm Kartell, most well known today for the production of the Philippe Starck Ghost Chair. I love the Robust-patterned marble flooring with the striped Venetian stucco walls. The dramatic Carrara marble tub surround contrasts so wonderfully with the Kartell Eros chair here.

Veranda, September-October 2006, Photo by Alec Hemmer

This bathroom just says "California" to me. Designed by Napa Valley designer Barbara Colvin this space is beautifully done. I love the French Doors off the garden and the stone floors. The simple elegance and connection to the outdoors creates such a wonderful spa-like atmosphere.

House Beautiful, July 2006, Photo by Karyn R. Millet

One of designers I am following lately is Ken Fulk. This California designer created such a pleasing space here using the Vintage Bath form Kohler, the owner's leaded glass pendant, and the Greek Key trimmed Roman Shade. Victorian side chair from Swallowtail. Very pretty!

Southern Accents, September October 2008, Photo by Pieter Estersohn

I love this bath with it's Loius XIV mirror and antique Swedish chandelier. Designed by Amelia Handegan for a couple in Charleston, it has a very European flavor. The pale gray-blue and white palette with the pewter and gold metal colors seems to be something I am drawn to time and again.

Southern Accents, July-August 2008, Photo by Roger Davies

Phoebe Howard decorated this beautiful bathroom for a vacation house in Ponte Verde Beach, Florida. A custom mosaic floor and hand-painted mural are what make this bathroom unique. So very pretty. The tub in this room seems to show up quite often in bathrooms that catch my eye. It's classic style works in so many places. Like in this all white bathroom:

House Beautiful, November 2006. Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Sally Markham created this vision in white for a couple in Connecticut. White glass mosaic tile line the walls and the floor creating quite an ethereal effect. One could float away to dreamland here. The heart shaped chair becomes an exclamation point against this white palette. Lovely.

House and Garden, July 2005, Photo by William Abranowicz

In contrast to the more traditional western aesthetic, this bathroom incorporates a decidedly Eastern influence. The architect William McDonough creates a sanctuary in the style of a Japanese country house. One could sit forever in this custom tub from Concrete Works looking out at the meadow of native grasses on South Carolina coastal island.

House and Garden, July 2005, Photo by Jonn Coolidge

The Master Bath in this Spanish Colonial Revival home takes on the California Craftsman flavor through the artful use of custom tile by Ann Sacks. Designer Jarrett Hedborg created a wonderful, cozy bathtub alcove here. I love the arched window echoed on the interior with the tiled arch. Beautifully done!

Elle Decor, July-August 2005, Photo by William Waldron

This is such a fun loving design for a bathroom by designer Robert Couturier. He combines glass tile and mosaic pebble floors with fresh and vibrant colors. This tub is is the Paris tub by Water Monopoly.

Elle Decor, July 2003, Photo by Dominique Vorillon

Then we have the classic claw foot tub. There is a nostalgia about it that cannot be put aside. This beach house bathroom in Malibu designed by Kerry Joyce is brightened by the sunny yellow-painted tub. I love the mosaic floor with the label identifying it as the "boys" bathroom. The surfboard is a fun touch.

Elle Decor, August-September 2003, Photo by Simon Upton

Another example of the classic claw foot provides quite a contrast to the way it is used above. This elegant New Orleans bathroom was designed by Ann Holden of the two Ann's of New Orleans: Holden and Dupuy. I love the New Orleans feeling here of the rustic painted wood plank floors paired with the silk drapery panels. The claw foot here was found at a salvage shop. The sink and fittings were original to the house. I love the photo reflecting the room through the antique mirror.

This is a round-up of some of my favorite tubs and the spaces they occupy. To get going with your own private sanctuary, you can start by looking at the Waterworks website. Many of the tubs can be found there. And for those on a budget, salvage shops are a great way to go. I hope this room, one of the most often used, can become a place for more than just the everyday chore of getting "ready". I hope it can become a place to relax and spend some down time.

While the biggest music release of the season will be Coldplay's Viva La Vida, it's not exactly the kind of album that will prompt non-stop dancing and fun at your summer party.

For that, you will want something that moves and sways. Chuck Brown is a perfect good-time starter.

Known as the "Godfather of Go-Go" (a musical mix of funk, R&B, and hip-hop), Chuck is over 70 and still pumping out exuberant, swaggering songs.

You won't regret picking up a classic like "Do You Know What Time It Is" along with extra ice and bug candles.

What gets your party started?

Wishing all you lovely blogger friends a very happy and bright Diwali! The 'Festival of Light' where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being.
Sorry for the late post, have just about found some quiet time to sit down and assimilate all the festivity around me:-) Today I am going to share the festivities in our home....Welcome!A simple rangoli made with white poster colours greet you at our doorstep. My favourite Frangipani flowers in terracotta bowl.Traditional brass peacock lamps at the entrance.Tealight candles in 'Chai' glasses add light and festivity to our dining table which is dressed in it's colourful best;-) Also seen here are some traditional Indian Sweets.Flowers & candles...what more can you ask for:-)
Waiting to burst some sparkly fire crackers with my family:-)

Happy Diwali and thanks for all the encouragement, suggestions, appreciations and love that all of you have shown me during the last couple of days.

Thanks Everyone!!! Have a great Diwali!

From Julie & Francesca:

Last month in New York we admired this table setting at our favorite interiors shop, Ochre. The pale blue farm table paired with black Hans Wegner wishbone chairs is a combination we wouldn’t have come up with on our own. We also love the matte black candlesticks, the simple white tableware, and the blue tinted glassware.

Below: Original Painted Farm Table from Pennsylvania from East Meets West Antiques. Also consult Joseph Spinale Primitive Furniture.

Below: Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair with natural cord caning; $599 at Hive Modern.

Below: Lacquered Wood Candlestick in satin-black finish; on sale at Gump’s for $29.99 (down from $40).

Below: Barbara Eigen designed the cream-colored Studio Dinnerware line for Pottery Barn; $144 for a 16-piece set.

Below: Dibbern Glass Odeon Tumbler from Bavaria; $12 each at Rose and Radish.

Below: Studio Large Pitcher by Barbara Eigen; $49 at Pottery Barn.

Below: Hand-made, satin-finish stainless-steel Lambert Flatware with black Bakelite handles from Germany; $58 for a four-piece setting at Terrestra.

Below: Kenyan Salad Server made of coconut wood and bone; $55 at Ochre.

Below: Vintage hand-woven napkins of organic boiled linen; $25 at Ochre.

Below: Natural Rush Round Placemats; $25 for a set of four at Amazon.

Something about this vignette grabbed my attention. The homeowner, Teresa Ginori, has on her rustic Italian property an abundance of enormous wild hydrangea bushes. So she has plenty to bring inside. I love the contrast of the fresh greenish-white flowers juxtaposed with the black lacquered Asian chest and the silver candlesticks.

The punch though seems to come from the zebra portrait. When I saw it I was reminded of the famous Scalamandre wallpaper.

[Image is from Italian Country Living]


Be sure to also see this safari animal holiday card by Kate Spade for Crane.