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By candace kramer, August 4, 2011 11:03 am

Hello! Hope your summer is going well. Mine has been very busy – working, gardening, planning my remodel and visiting with family and friends! Finally had some time to check out the internet for some inspiration and I had to share this with you…

Found this amazing design contest  via Jovoto, that has closed but the plans submitted are just fabulous! The assignment was to design a “Jewel Box” studio apartment within 420 sq. ft. Here are a few shots from the 1st place winner…

{images via}

Some really ingenious ideas here. Go check out more of the design entries…I could have spent all day going thru them! So inventive!

Have a great rest of the week!

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By candace kramer, June 1, 2011 2:09 pm

Hello friends! Hope you had a fantastic holiday weekend. We went on my favorite quick getaway and caught the train up to Seattle. I absolutely love the train ride – reading magazines, sipping wine and just relaxing. By the time I arrive, I have unwound and I’m ready to enjoy the city! Traffic and parking can really burst my weekend escape bubble…Speaking of trains, I recently headed over to the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation site to discover an exciting event coming up on June 30th – The Willamette Bridge groundbreaking – which will bring light rail, cyclists and pedestrians straight by the Engine House & Rail Heritage Center. For more info go here.

Okay…on to Seattle…We stayed at the fabulous Hotel Max. This place is all about art and photography – featuring 39 local artists! Each floor has its own vibe and influence…we stayed on the Rock n’ Roll floor!

Images via here

With its eclectic mix of luxury, art and culture we would definitely stay here again and I love that it’s sister hotel – Hotel Lucia – is right here in Portland.

Okay, now for a couple of my fav restaurants that we hit…and yes, a little I SPY bathroom design to boot!

For a decadent French breakfast complete with a cocktail happy hour, you can’t miss Toulouse Petit Kitchen. I had to have a French mimosa with my crispy beignets and pork cheeks confit with eggs! I told you it was decadent!

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Think of funky-bistro with a bayou twist (so fun) and the bathrooms didn’t disappoint either…

Honey hued with a mix of tile, stone and bronze the bathrooms were very elegant. I love the little detail of the fleur de lis in the flooring. So très French…

For dinner we headed to Barolo Ristorante…Glamorous and sexy with a good dose of modern Italian flair…this place is a must!

Images via here

The food was impeccable, with an impressive wine list. It’s a hot spot for sure…just look for the flashy cars pulling up to the front!

On to the gorgeous bathrooms…dripping with glitter and shine…I just love the beaded curtain below the counter top! Genius.

Image via here

It was such a wonderful weekend and by taking the train we avoided all the hassles (and pollution) of driving the car. Consider taking the train for your next weekend getaway.

Now all we need is one of these…

Image via here

Meet China’s amazing new bullet train…I’m dying to ride this one! This would get me to Seattle in about an hour! Get with the program Amtrak! Seriously!

Where have you traveled by train? Did you enjoy it?

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By candace kramer, January 17, 2011 5:08 pm

During the holidays everyone calls and wants to dine, it really gets to be too much trying to fight the crowds, not to mention the calorie & wine intake! This year, I suggested to a few friends that we should go and celebrate in January instead. It is fun catching up after the holiday whirlwind and trying the new dining spots and yes, of course, the fun bathrooms! It is rainy and cold and so presents more reason to take in the comfort food and wonderful red wines at Little Bird, this is Le Pigeon a new Bistro on the SW side.

I SPY a very spring Paris bathroom, lets go inside to get inspired!

very french, very cozy, tucked behind big pink on the transit mall

the decor is whimsical and the walls bird egg blue – perfect for rainy days!

small birds everywhere, the bathroom delightful!

inspired? breath of spring….

Bye Bye little bird with the moon over head – till next time – which will be soon………

Let me know any new cozy spots you have visited.

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By candace kramer, December 17, 2010 3:47 pm

This year-end, I have created a “suite” of bathroom ideas to share with you!

These ideas come from all my travels near and far, this past year. As you all know, I have a…sort of…fetish about bathroom design. As an interior designer, I find bathrooms the most challenging, given the small space and the all the requirements needed.  Not to mention all the building code issues! The clever part is coming up with the “ah-ha design”- the “wow factor”.

Let’s face it, everyone has to use this room, so it should be in an interesting space – you have a captive audience! These ideas can also be used in other areas of the home, not just the powder room! Let’s go explore…

Always start with an interesting piece of artwork! Nudes in bathrooms – PERFECT!

We will go with the slick and cool, streamline look first.

I love the three patterns of tile and the shift in scale – let’s get a closer look…

Horizontal tiles are HOT right now! The dark matte tile up against the glass mosaic and smooth, creamy marble is so beautiful, right?

Let’s check out a traditional European feel, again, always start with great ART - sure throw a branch in there, why not!?

See the textured venetian plaster on the walls – soft and subtle.

Here the door and vintage mirror set the mood. Old world for sure!

A glass ice bucket for towels and a single flower – simple perfection.

Time for a glass of wine! Cheers!

Be on the scout for “I spy” great bathrooms to be continued…

Have a fabulous weekend!

p.s. for more AMAZING bathroom design check this out here.

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By candace kramer, November 24, 2010 9:57 pm

Well, we have a dusting of snow here in Portland and the temperatures are downright frigid, so I couldn’t help but think about how fabulous a cozy winter cabin would be.

I love this tiny 800 square foot home. So perfectly quaint. Makes you want to grab a good book, warm your toes by the fire and sip hot cocoa (or wine).

A wonderfully charming rustic kitchen! That vintage blue hutch is a perfect fit! Mixing furniture pieces like this with cabinetry really adds to the character of a kitchen.

How inviting is this little reading nook in the loft? I wouldn’t leave that chair!

So great right? It’s like a winter version of my beach cottage! Love it! Do you have a winter retreat?

Where ever you are, I hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving! Stay warm, enjoy your family, friends and of course, the food!!

All images via www.loghome.com