A Short Story and Insights From a Successful Bathroom Renovation



Photo courtesy of House Beautiful

Nearly a decade after losing her husband in a plane crash, my client decided to start a new renovation project. I had always admired her spirit, her let's-get-this-done attitude and her decision to forge on with her life. This was the second project working with my client and I looked forward to this next adventure.

I remember the tiny powder room and how we chose a particular item to make the tiny room both memorable and fun. Since the room was windowless and had no special charm of its own, I suggested we add a 'window' of sorts.

We decided to use a boat port hole window, perfect for the location of the house which is on a canal and minutes from the ocean. We mounted the port hole window high to protect privacy for those who entered. On the other side of the powder room's port hole wall was a hallway wall. But the surprise was that when the powder room's light was on, it also gave the outside hall a bit of character with its brass finish and classic design.

This was  not the only room that has a story in her home. But, it just shows that if you look a little further, try a little harder and take a chance - you might discover treasure where there was none before.

M. A. Smith Interior Design
masmithinteriordesign.com
bestdesigncoach.com

5 Easy Ways to Become Healthier this Year

Photo courtesy of Health Magazine 

A Healthy Home = A Healthy Life

It may be part of the new year, but if you’re like me, you’re thinking of going more ‘green’ at home and with your diet.

Where to begin? Here are 5 ways we are updating our home and our menu this year:

• Instead of using a ‘caustic’ cleanser, clean porcelain floors with a mixture using white vinegar and water with a drop of detergent (non-caustic). 

• We are decreasing our use of plastic. This means instead of water bottles of plastic, we will use our filtered water in a glass container. Also, we are changing to the use of glass for storing food vs. plastic bags.

• This year we’ll install an under counter water filtration system. The American Plumber WLCS-1000 will decrease the contaminants often found in local water supply systems.

• Our microwave will be quieter than usual. According to one of my new books, The Paleo Cardiologist and also an article by Dr. Joseph Mercola on Huffington Post it’s suggested that foods that are microwaved may create high levels of electromagnetic fields in your kitchen and may cause issues with the heart (according to Dr. Magda Havas of Trent University.)

• Since starting to follow the Bulletproof Diet plan, we now eat more organic greens and protein. No need to consume greens or proteins hampered by pesticides. Just the thought of pesticides affects my appetite!