The Hidden Jewel of Asia

I finally got around to watching this week's episode of the Bachelorette.  While this season has been quite lackluster, what has been capturing my attention is the scenery of the travel destinations on the show (so far Thailand and Hong Kong).  And this week they were in Taiwan, which according to the show is known as the "hidden jewel of Asia", and hidden jewel it is.  The scenery was just gorgeous.  When I pictured Taiwan, I had only thought of its major city: Taipei, but there is so much natural beauty to behold in addition to the bustling city:

Images via Pinterest

 I have been almost all over Asia and it always remains my favorite part of the world to travel to-- so I definitely hope to make it to Taiwan one day!

Hotel Spotlight: Colony Palms Hotel Part 2

After visiting Palm Springs for Modernism week back in February, I highlighted my visit to the Colony Palms Hotel.  So when Martyn Lawrence-Bullard returned to the hotel on last night's episode of Million Dollar Decorators to re-decorate the Palm D'Or (or what appears to be the Colony Palms Hotel version of the presidential suite), I was quite enamored.

Martyn describes the aesthetic of the Colony Palms as Spanish-Colonial-Meets-Moroccan-Totally-Delicious.  This choice of words aptly describes the hotel and probably beats out my description.  But you can see my original post on the Colony Palms Hotel here for my take on the property and for more photos.

Here is the finished Palm D'Or suite:

Images via Bravo

I was bummed to find out that next week marks the finale of the first season of Million Dollar Decorators.  Hopefully, it will return next season and not go the way of the other cancelled Bravo design shows: Top Design and 9 By Design!

Secrets from a Stylist + Design Star

My hands down favorite show on HGTV is Secrets from a Stylist (followed by Selling New York).   Hosted by Emily Henderson, after winning last season of Design Star (I rooted for her all season), her presence on HGTV is a breath of fresh air.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with the show, I love her style diagnostics where Emily sums up your style after you pick a few choice objects: the objects are always different whether it is a set of tiles, flowers, or wallpaper.  Saturday night, she summed up a couple's style after having them choose their favorite towel and chair from a set of miniature dollhouse chairs complete with Eames recreations.  I often pause the TV and have my husband pick out his object to see if our tastes match.  My husband is such a good sport to be subjected to most of my TV whims :)

Then, she diagnosis your style based on these items and sets out to design a room first by incorporating only one style and then layering in the second style to create two complete looks.  Emily Henderson also documents a lot of her sources on her blog, Style by Emily Henderson, after the show airs.  The second season of Secrets from a Stylist just debuted on Saturday night, and I think Emily Henderson hit it out of the park with the first renovation of a Master Bedroom.  Here are some of her past designs:

Images via HGTV

 Last night, the new season of Design Star started, did you watch?  Who is your early pick for this season's winner?

Monday Escapes with Lonny Mag

Lonny's travel issue has arrived (July/Aug).  Inside they detail packing/style lists for different destinations around the world:

They read my mind with this Greek location, I have been dreaming about traveling here this summer for awhile!

It is hard to believe that it was 8 years ago since I last left for Australia at almost this exact time of year!

The focus of one Monday Escapes (see here), I wouldn't mind traveling to San Juan this summer and making sure to pack that Trina Turk bikini...

For the rest of the travel style guides check out the most recent issue of Lonny.

House Progress 8

Thanks everyone for all of your comments on my House Progress.  It is fun to hear what you think and receive your encouragement, it is truly appreciated!  Let the countdown begin: we are three weeks away from closing.  It's hard to believe it will be finished in time but it still sounds like we are on track even if they are rushing.

They finally painted our exterior, and I am happy with how the color turned out:

Now they have to add the shutters, do all of the landscaping, and a number of other exterior things--this is the biggest obstacle to closing.

They installed our mosaic marble tiles on our tub, which is the same tile we have on our backsplash.  I have to finalize the trim piece to finish it off:

They also installed all of our mirrors except for in the master bathroom.  One of the less exciting Jack & Jill upstairs bathrooms:

The opposite side is very similar along with our second upstairs bathroom all with the same basic mirrors and fixtures.

The powder bathroom with the mirror and electricity!

Couldn't figure out an angle to take this picture without me in it :)

Have a great weekend!

Powder Room Wallpaper

I had mentioned earlier this week that I was thinking about painting my powder room Benjamin Moore Old Navy.  But if I could really have my pick, I would certainly put up one of these gorgeous patterned wallpapers from Eskayel.  In all the wallpaper I have ever laid eyes on, this company is my favorite.  Any one of these patterns would add the perfect interest and color needed to dress up the small space:

Surya Rug Sale

While browsing One Kings Lane today as I often do, I cam across the rug I purchased for my family room in an array of colors.  Most of the rugs in 8 x 11 are sold out but other sizes (and styles) are still available:

It's not always the best feeling when you discover that something you bought full price goes on sale, but at least I didn't end up paying too much more than the discounted price!