BH&G Get the Look: Patterned Floor Tiles From Rachel Shingleton

Today's Inspiration comes from Better Homes and Garden's Style Spotters Rachel Shingleton.

Four years ago in France, I was visiting with my aunt and uncle about their plans to redo their 18th century French home and they introduced me to some of the most amazing patterned cement tiles. You’ll see them all over France in a variety of colorways and patterns and despite their age (often hundreds of years old), they look as bright as the day they were laid. Often you’ll see similar ones made of ceramic, but the process is different in creating the individual tiles so the ceramic ones wear differently over time (see an interesting breakdown of each here).

I’m seeing more and more of these cement tiles popping up. I shot a gorgeous home here in Oklahoma City a few weeks back that featured this gorgeous tile above in their cabana, and it got me thinking about different ways to use these stunning tiles.

In typical French style, Bouchon (above) in Las Vegas offers a nod to its country of inspiration with some similarly stunning floors (not to mention one of my most favorite meals ever). It’s been a few years since we’ve visited, but I distinctly remember staring at the floor, enthralled with the cobalt blue background and swirling design. Go for the floors; stay for the incredible meal.

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In Europe, these tiles are seen in almost any space. I love how it’s used above to create the entryway in an otherwise small space.

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The amount of patterns and colorways can be overwhelming, but there are some similar themes. Hexagon shapes are popular, as are more traditional squares with loads of scrolly organic designs and ornate details. I’m partial to the blue ones, especially that cornflower shade above.

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Philippe Starck designed a stunning hotel in France (shown above), and the hotel restaurant showcases loads of encaustic tiles throughout the space, again acting almost like area rugs to delineate different areas. This black and white design is uber-chic against all the contemporary furnishings.

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I love how subtle the pattern of the floor is above against the warm grey cabinetry. It’s just enough visual texture to keep things interesting without completely overwhelming you with pattern.

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In the US, Kismet Tile offers a selection of handmade tiles, most of which can be customized to the colorway of your choosing. That blue above is mesmerizing — again, everything else is kept super simple, allowing the floor to be the star of the room.

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Also in the US is CementTileShop.com, based in Florida. I’ve pinned practically everything from their Pinterest account, but maybe the most fascinating board shows the step by step process of how these tiles are made. And like Kismet, they also offer a dizzying array of colors and patterns.

I seriously believe the hardest part is picking which color and pattern to go with. Oh, and if you’re looking for more floor inspiration, check out the Instagram account I Have This Thing with Floors. It’s insanely addictive and you’ll want to redo every single floor in your home!

BH&G Get the look: Colorful Interior Doors From Rachel Shingleton

Today's Inspiration comes from Better Homes and Garden's Style Spotters Rachel Shingleton.

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I’m deep in the throes of redesigning my entryway (along with a few other spaces that flow from here), and the one thing I really want to do is repaint our front door to provide a pop of color for the interior. For now the exterior face of the door will remain black, but I’m envisioning something really fun to add that last little bit of visual interest and personality to the interior. After all, if an entryway is the first thing that sets the tone for anyone coming into the house, shouldn’t the last thing they see before leaving be as interesting?

The internet is full of inspiration for colorful front doors, both inside and out. Here are a few of my favorites to help you get that visual punch.

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An acidic citrus color is made all the more interesting with the additional red detailing. It remains the focal point for the space with the all-neutral interiors.

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A classic navy is maybe my favorite neutral of all. Every color looks good with navy and it can be serious as well as playful and preppy.

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For the brave, this chalky pink door made famous in Palm Springs is glamorous and cheeky. A girlfriend of mine has loads of this color all through her house and when I asked her how she gets away with it (she’s got a manly man husband), she said simply with a shrug, “He’s colorblind.” Hehe

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Another citrus yellow door with classic trim – almost feels a little Hollywood Regency/vintage Kelly Wearstler, doesn’t it?

This coral door photographed a little more red than it really is (above); I shot it at our lake house community and it makes me stop and look every time I pass by. It contrasts so beautifully with the grayed-down blue of the home exterior.

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My overall goal for our entryway is for it to feel serene, but with punches of color. I’m researching wallpaper (David Hicks’ hexagon? Cole & Son’s Squiggle) and am planning on a blue and white color scheme with hints of aqua to bring in the aqua accents from the adjacent formal living room. This beautiful mint door from Jenny Komenda’s Little Green Notebook is exactly the same style as my front door. We even have brick flooring too (although ours isn’t painted like hers).

I think it’s back to the drawing board for me, although I’m definitely going to try to get that aqua door past my husband’s approval. What do you think? Could you do a bright interior doorway?

BH&G Get the look: Outdoor Living Rooms From Rachel Shingleton

Today's Inspiration comes from Better Homes and Garden's Style Spotters Rachel Shingleton.

With all the time spent outdoors in the months from spring to fall, I’m intrigued by the idea of outdoor living rooms. In the past, we’ve had a few diferent patio dining sets, but can I be honest? They rarely get used. There’s something about all the bugs in Oklahoma hanging around all that food that makes for a less-than-enjoyable outdoor dining experience. I find that if I were to do it all over again, I’d much rather have a comfy outdoor living room setup with chairs, a coffee table, and maybe a big beautiful umbrella for shade.

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At our lake house, our gigantic front porch has provided ample opportunity for long evenings with friends and surveying the kiddos playing on the boardwalk. We designed the railing to double as a bench to allow for more seating, which is one of my favorite elements of the porch. We’re slowly accumulating some outdoor furniture; a pair of rocking chairs and some lanterns have made their way there, but there’s still room for more seating. Here are some of my favorite inspiration pics from BHG that I’ve pinned as I’m designing the space.

This screened-in porch above is very reminiscent of many of the homes in our lakehouse community. I love the enormous low sectional. This scene could easily be changed up with different pillows and accessories for any time of year. It feels summery and fresh with the pops of color brought in by the boho pillows, but come fall it would feel extra cozy with the addition of blankets and cableknit-covered pillows. The wood coffee table is big enough that you could add a couple of benches or floor cushions to accommodate other guests. (S’mores on the porch, anyone?)

The patio above is maybe the best of both worlds. It’s got a comfy built-in sectional to lounge on, but room for a dining table too. I’d probably want to pull that table up to the corner of the sectional for long, lounge-y brunches. But you could easily do a big round coffee table in lieu of the dining table or possibly a pair of stools like the ones below. And I love the texture that an outdoor rug provides underfoot.

Speaking of lounging, how dreamy is this rustic outdoor living space below? That big comfy daybed just begs you to bring out a stack of books and wile away the hours.

Instead of a coffee table, why not try an upholstered ottoman? Outdoor fabrics from companies like Sunbrella are perfect for the elements, not to mention kids and pets.

This stunning outdoor fireplace scene below would be so dreamy and relaxing once the weather turns cooler in the evenings. And how gorgeous are those stone pavers set in the grass? That’s a gorgeous solution in lieu of a rug.

This patio below feels party-ready with tons of outdoor cushions, a handy bar cart to keep snacks and drinks at the ready for guests, and a welcoming vibe with lanterns to welcome visitors.

Oh, and one last tip: as the summer months march on, now’s the perfect time to keep an eye out for sales on outdoor furniture and accessories. Keep an eye out over the next few weeks as most stores are already prepping for their fall collections to launch, which means huge savings on all spring and summer items!

BH&G Get the look: Matte Black From Rachel Shingleton

Today's Inspiration comes from Better Homes and Garden's Style Spotters Rachel Shingleton.

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Are you a fan of black interiors? Dramatic, moody, uber-glam, masculine, stylish – these descriptives conjure up some pretty amazing spaces much like the stunning living room above. Black is a serious style statement, especially for those who choose to go big or go home with floor to ceiling black paint. Much like one would paint an entire room all white to make the walls recede, black can also offer the same effect.

Black works as a neutral. Any place you might use dark brown or navy could easily be swapped out for black. It plays well with colors but also shines strongly against white or ivory. Just remember: black is about making a style statement, no matter how far you choose to take it. But it’s the kind of trend that can work in practically any corner of your home – even the exterior. So here’s my guide to wading into this hot trend.

Worried about overcommitting? Start small. This simple vessel sink (via this site) makes a statement without going too crazy. Understated and chic, it’s modern but feels approachable thanks to the contrast with the wooden countertops.

Remember when black appliances were everywhere before stainless steel? They’re baaaaack – but they’re chicer than ever, especially this gorgeous Smeg. This fridge would be stunning in any kitchen. Side note: to keep black from feeling cold, try gold or bronze accents to warm it up.

Architectural features can be the perfect place to accent your home with black. I immediately thought of our trip to Rosemary Beach a couple of years ago where I shot this photo of the gorgeous coffee shop in neighboring Alys Beach. The black gate and trellis feels coolly chic against the crisp white walls which is exactly what you need in the extreme heat of a southern Florida summer. The red umbrellas provide the perfect punch of color. Can’t you imagine black and white striped cushions on all those chairs?

White woodwork and window casings make this children’s play room feel polished and grown up. I’ve been noticing a ton of unisex nurseries in this color palette lately, particularly in Europe (thanks, Instagram and late-night feedings with the baby!). The natural wood accents keep it lighter and approachable.

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Matte Black stripes add fun graphic interest to this accent wall below and can be achieved without a ton of time commitment. (source)

Matte black shutters and a traditional front door pop on the stone exterior of this townhouse below. White window casings and trim provide just that extra pop of contrast to crisp up the entire look.

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Finally, for those who are definitely not afraid to commit, this floor to ceiling matte black bedroom and bathroom feels like the perfect place to get some serious shut-eye. The walls practically fade away, proving that an all black space doesn’t have to feel cave-like.

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BH&G Get the Look: Shiplap Walls From Rachel Shingleton

Today's Inspiration comes from Better Homes and Garden's Style Spotters Rachel Shingleton.

Shiplap walls have seen a major resurgence in the past few years. Primarily used in country farmhouses or beach homes, it provides an added layer of texture and charm to practically any space.My own personal style leans more modern than rustic, and I think shiplap can add an interesting spin to a more cleancut aesthetic. Think preppy northeastern boat houses or cool Gulf Coast homes overlooking emerald waters.

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We have shiplap in our lake house leading upstairs and I couldn’t love it more. I hesitate to hang anything on those walls because I can’t imagine covering it up. Ours is a little more rustic than some; you can see the nail holes as well as the knottiness of the wood. It works for the space, and it’s fairly hardy. Plus since I’m kind of a stripe-a-holic, it adds a subtle pattern without going overboard.

I can’t stop pinning shiplap inspiration and it’s interesting to me to see the different incarnations of it. Primarily, most designers seem to prefer it in white or cream, although in our lake house community I’ve seen it pickled. In this stairwell below, it feels equally nautical and whimsical with the multicolored steps and natural rope handle.

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And this comfortable beachy nook below definitelyfeels more on the rustic side with the whitewashed walls and exposed beams (side note: gingham cushions! Yes!).

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But it takes on a whole new feeling in this bold black and white bathroom. I love how it’s evenly split horizontally for high contrast. It’s dramatic, masculine, and subtly glamorous.

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There’s absolutely nothing rustic about the extra broad shiplap in this master bathroom below. Vintage touches like the chrome fixtures and sink detailing add another layer of polish.

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The chicest kitchen I’ve seen in months came across my feed the other day via Style Me Pretty. That gorgeous green island with the white shiplap walls screams high style. Don’t get me started on that abstract painting that pulls in the color of the island.

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The restaurant banquette below feels expertly designed to feel rustic and luxe thanks to a mixture of fabrics and textures. Single light sconces provide the finishing touch of vintage style.

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Are you a fan of the look? Would you go more rustic or more modern? And would you commit to a color or do you prefer all white? So many options, and so much inspiration!

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BH&G Get the look: Colorful Trim From Rachel Shingleton

Today's Inspiration comes from Better Homes and Garden's Style Spotters Rachel Shingleton.

Are you a fan of painted trim? In my own home, I lean towards a crisp white finish on our baseboards and crown molding. But I’ve been pinning loads of images lately of woodwork and I have to say, colorful trim is definitely growing on me. I stumbled on photographer Gray Malin‘s studio tour the other day, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of that navy trim. Against the cool white walls, it’s so crisp and nautical. And in a perfect color pairing, they’ve accented the entire space with loads of coral accents (that border on the window treatments is divine!).

So then I fell down the rabbit hole of researching painted trim. In my mind, it feels like a greater risk to invest in painted woodwork, but the more I think about it, I realize that it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. This is a style statement for the home owner who isn’t afraid to experiment.

If you’re wanting to go bold and chic, black trim reads modern, confident, and slightly masculine. White walls sharply contrast and show off every single angle to its best advantage. Fixtures in brass or shiny chrome can really pop in these interiors and provide the perfect “jewelry” to keep it from falling flat.

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The pistachio green built-in below adds unexpected whimsy to this banquette space. WIth the rest of the built-ins a calming white, it really allows this piece to be the star of the show.

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Mint window frames and doorways bring a certain vintage charm.

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In the “go big or go home” category are these two rooms that feature floor to ceiling monochromatic looks. Love navy? Then you’ll love this deliciously preppy living room. Every single surface is coated in color, from the crown moulding to the wainscoting.

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But if you’re feeling really bold, you’ll love this vibrant orange lacquered entryway. Chinoiserie fretwork, ceramic dogs, and a perfect curvy bench bring high glamour to the forefront.

But that being said, if you’re not ready to take the leap into full-on tangerine, then maybe just in small doses, like in this boy’s bedroom below.

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Check out how this designer contrasted the two rooms next to each other below. The far room features white coffered ceilings and window frames agains the silvery blue walls. But the next room whimsically carries on the same theme, but in reverse. It’s subtle, chic, and serene.

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But maybe my favorite of all of these spaces is this bright and sunny yellow window. I imagine that even on a dreary winter day, your view would be framed with cheer, don’t you think?

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Are you ready to commit to painted trim? I think I’ll stick with white for now – at least until I can convince my husband to let me lacquer the entryway a gorgeous brilliant orange.