Thursday, October 24, 2024

One Room Challenge WEEK 4 KIDS BATHROOM: Choosing the right grout for blue tile, ordering the vanity & mirror/medicine cabinet!

 

Welcome back! It is WEEK 4 of the ONE ROOM CHALLENGE and let me tell you...the pressure is on my friends. If you missed what I am doing check out WEEK 1 HERE  to find out the details! But if you didn't know we actually don't live in this house just yet..yeah long story I may go into soon but thanks to our brother and law and my sister we have been blessed beyond belief....but the pressure is on and we basically have two weeks. That is why the bathroom has taken the priority to get running water and well a shower haha This house has been done backwards and we haven't followed any sort rules when it comes to what you should do first haha Between budget and well time we have just been winging it basically haha with the help of Daniel who basically has been our angel and voice of reason and well therapist if you will. More about Daniel but check out my first part of my interview in WEEK 2 HERE! 

On on to PROGRESS! 



It turned out amazing..now we are just trying to seal the grout but the black keeps getting everywhere stay tuned for that. We went with the Mapei sealant boy was that hard to find. Also we went with ULTRA BLACK Grout from Mapei as well in case you were wondering...



SO...the next step was finalizing the tile which we did last week...and put the order in FINALLY after giving up on my dream of COBALT blue I am really happy with the color we went with!

Not the best lighting but Daniel came by so we could choose grout. Did I mentioned I HATE choosing grout it stresses me out and for some reason it just seems so difficult to visualize haha but I am getting better...Daniel has helped me see and I feel like I have the hand of it. As you can see with the above pic.
FIRST you must take it in the space it will be in with the lighting and the flooring we can truly see how it will look. 


These are some Mapai options...will share more on the process on instagram if I can sit down and just post some stories! Some were slightly too yellow, maybe a little too blue it was so interesting...we then brought it over to the bathtub and knew the color we wanted needed to be more on the less yellow and more blue toned white it will make the tile pop as we plan on doing a herringbone pattern excited about that! 
But we ultimately ended up going with a Custom Color in Arctic White Not sanded...FYI take pics so you don't forget what you are doing haha

I ddin't even realize it but I was wearing a shirt with a WOLF on it that was literally the color of the tile...my son's name is wolf in hebrew...and with that I took it as a sign! haha 

If you saw my inspiration pic you may have seen the Vanity that I ended up choosing in addition to the medicine cabinet/mirror. I did explore other options but honestly we just didn't have the time to search for a mid century piece of furniture and when we priced out a slab of quartzite or marble for the bathroom it turned out to be the SAME cost as this vanity from WEST ELM. I also had a credit card so NO interest AND 10% cash back ( maybe I can get lighting with it ) So they should be delivered this week so follow along on INSTAGRAM for more updates! BUT I loved the color of the wood and it is the same as Zev's Crib that was in his bedroom!


Mid Century Closed Bath VanityDouble V2 QuartzWoodAcorn72 inch

I was initially wanting some sort of vintage mirror but again with timing and also functionality and also the size it must be I was so excited when I found this one!! 

With two small windows on each side I needed something to fit in between...PLUS the fact that it was a medicine cabinet was a plus...now I will be honest is it going to bother me that there is a slit in the center...I am not sure...but I think overall I really loved the look we went with the gold brass...


Next week we will be talking fixtures..toilets...and accessories for the bathroom and MORE PROGRESS!!! 


FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/shanaemily_ 

FOLLOW DESIRED SPACE ON

HOUZZ HERE 

INSTAGRAM @Desiredspacellc

WWW.DESIREDSPACE.COM





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Wednesday, October 16, 2024

One Room Challenge WEEK 3 KIDS BATHROOM: The FLOOR IS IN! All things TILE! Color, Pattern, Grout



WOW. Week 3 of the One Room Challenge is HERE! . October is flashing before my eyes and while I am enjoying the process I am STRESSED. See, this isn't the only thing going on for me right now...more will come I promise I am just trying to stay above water but it will all be worth it soon! This week was the week of making final decisions and TILE! I have just loved being able to explore options, colors..and while in the end I wasn't able to go with my initial inspo, I think I am actually even more happy with what we decided on! I also have a few designer tricks and tips thanks to Daniel of Desired Space! In case you missed out on who Daniel is, check out Part 1 of my Interview with him HERE!  This house was old and while I LOVE old, I am not sure we would have made it to this point without Daniel. This bathroom was oddly shaped, small and big at the same time so I am excited about our direction we are going! 
In case you missed the first 2 weeks of the challenge, you can catch up here! Week 1 ( Before & Inspo) and Week 2 ( Demo, tub, & Daniel's Interview Part 1)

Last week we prepped the bathroom, insulation, dry wall, as well as leveling the floor which was a disaster haha I would rather get into that when we do another room in this home! We did use a waterproof dry wall in the tub area and Adam added in a niche. It is set up to where we could do a double shelf which now that I am realizing haha we need to get! ugh I swear this seems never ending. 

Before I go into the PROGRESS of the room I wanted to share some of tile selection process. Not gonna lie, this picture doesn't show the many other placed we went to, the nights I spent scrolling through inspiration, the trips with my son to the tile store ( arguably my favorite part of this process) and the many phone calls with Daniel exploring all of the BLUE's in all the land haha and realizing that no one knows what COBALT is.. NO ONE. 

The floor tile was probably the easiest. Zev said he wanted the floor to look like the floor in NY. He specifially remembers the bathroom from the Pizza place that Spiderman went to. Our trips to NY during my IVF process was absolutely amazing and I immediately LOVED the idea. The black and white, the small hex it was perfectly classic yet felt so modern. 


I won't even show you the original COBALT blue. I have tons of clips I will share on Instagram of Zev basically picking the tile. He wanted the COBALT but long story short Fire Clay tile just didn't fit into my budget AT ALL. Like $4k over my budget. So we started looking at ALL the other blues. 
Grey blues, Blue Blues, Green Blues...This is at DALTILE here in Vegas and they were so amazing...and thankfully Daniel is a superstar there so we got treated like we had money to remodel like the rich haha 

Anyway if you know me you know I don't do WHITE. I know...it would look so CLEAN...but I don't want clean. I want to feel a spark...and NY made me feel a type of way.. I also don't love anything that seems normal haha but I did want to make Zev happy! 

So we decided on the floor and don't forget the grout! Have you guys ever had to pick grout? I haven't and why have I never even considered grout? Like before now I don't think it ever really came to mind unless it was dirty...and that brings us to our decision. We could have gone with white...but lets be honest, this is a kids bathroom and we all know it was going to turn black anyway haha SO...HERE is the PROGRESS of the floor! 



SOOOOOOO UGH I LOVE IT! It turned out so good and makes the space feel even bigger! Love the shine...didn't think I would like the shine but I do and the black grout is perfect!



I would love to hear your thoughts on the process and progress!! Are you experience with tile or grout? Which blue do you love? I have been loving everyone's progress and excited to post more videos on Instagram! check us out there! CLICK the LOGO below for the other participants! 


FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM

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FOLLOW DESIRED SPACE ON

HOUZZ HERE 

INSTAGRAM @Desiredspacellc

WWW.DESIREDSPACE.COM
















 

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Tuesday, October 08, 2024

One Room Challenge WEEK 2: Drywall, Insulation, plus a new bathtub is in + PLUS MEET DANIEL MATUS of DESIRED SPACE!

Hi friends! 
If you are joining me for the first time, WELCOME! My name is Shana & I am a THRIFT addict and lover of all things vintage & design. We recently bought our Mid Century Modern Dream Home here in Las Vegas, & I am currently remodeling my sons bathroom in the One Room Challenge. You can see all of the before photos and details of what my vision is from Week 1 ( HERE


But as a reminder here is a BEFORE pic...I swear we took more before pictures of this bathroom but this is what I could find! 60's meets 80's! 

WEEK 2 is here...and a lot is happening! Insulation and Dry wall went in as well as plumbing and electrical... AND without thinking about it we realized that the plumbers needs to put the niche in and a tub...See not sure if I explained before but our General Contractor is well...my husband haha So yeah...here we are. We decided to go with this one below as well as the windows. We ended up ordering a new window for this area as well in a 2 pane...Did you know how expensive windows are??? ugh 
We ended up putting the niche across from the shower this was hard to figure out and we had like 24 hours...did we do it right? no clue haha we will see we made it big haha 
I believe it was this one with the Brass. We also decided to go with DELTA for the shower more to come on the pictures...but this one needed to be done before the dry wall and insulation went up!!

Underscore (Acrylic) Actual Height (Inches): 19”, Soaking Depth (Inches): 15.5”, Actual Length (Inches): 60”, Actual Width (Inches): 32”


It was A LOT...but honestly...we could not have ever gotten here without a special angel named DANIEL MATTUS. Once we demolished the damaged walls and had to re do the pipes we realized we were in over our head in the kitchen and well with the rest of the house for that matter. I was literally in tears searching online to see if there was someone who could help get us through.. I mean as much as I like DIY and Design I have a full time career, a 5 year old and we just moved! plus a side passion and business with my BFF! I immediately did a search on HOUZZ... and about 5 interior designers popped up. I submitted my name, number and our project and timeline as well as budget and waited. 

Within 24 hours Daniel Matus of Desired Space was the first to leave me a message. I have been a broker for over 23 years and if there is anything I have learned in business it is RESPONSE time. And with the way we are moving with this house I knew we needed someone who was responsive, was detail oriented and well quite frankly not an asshole haha So I called him back, explained the space and scheduled a time for him to come and check out the madness. 

Daniel came out and immediately won our heart! I mean I checked out his designs of course and they were great...but more importantly I wanted someone who I could communicate with...someone who got me..and someone who was just as excited about this project as we were...and he was it! 


LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO THE AMAZING Daniel Matus of Desired Space! I hope you love him as much as I do! Check out his INSTAGRAM and give him a like as we will be sharing it all! Design tips, Design do's design no no's and everything in between! 

THIS IS PART 1 of our Interview!


What sparked your interest in Interior Design?

As a child, I was always captivated by the beautiful homes I saw in movies and on television. They weren’t just backdrops—they had the power to evoke emotion, set the mood, and influence how people lived and felt. I was fascinated by how the design of a space could completely transform an experience, making a home not just a place to live, but a reflection of personality and a source of comfort. That early passion for how environments can shape our lives is what inspired me to pursue a career in interior design.


When did you establish your business? Tell me your story of how you started.

 

At the age of 25, my world was turned upside down by the crash of 2008. The architecture and interior design firm I worked for—the place where I had envisioned building my career—suddenly closed its doors. I was left heartbroken, unsure of what to do next. As I walked into my home that day, the weight of my situation hit me. I had just bought my first house, filled with hope for the future, and now I was jobless, uncertain about how I would make it through the next few months.


Weeks turned into a month, and despite my best efforts, my job search yielded nothing. The frustration and fear began to creep in, but alongside it, a determination started to grow. I realized that waiting around wasn’t an option, and I needed to create my own opportunity. So, with nothing more than hope and grit, I placed an ad on Craigslist, offering interior design services. I didn't know what would come of it, but I was ready to take a chance on myself.

A few days later, I received a call. My first client—a local ER doctor—had reached out to me. I’ll never forget that feeling. It was like a door had cracked open, and I was determined to burst through it. This wasn’t just any project; it was my first solo job, designing a large home that would push me to my creative limits. I was nervous, excited, and utterly determined to prove myself. I poured everything I had into that project—every bit of passion, every late-night idea, every detail I could perfect. I knew this was my chance, and I gave it everything, hoping it might lead to more opportunities, to word of mouth, to something bigger.


From that one job, my career began to unfold. What started as a one-man show, running my business from the back of my Nissan, slowly grew. And today, after more than 15 years of hard work, countless challenges, and unwavering belief in what I could build, that small seed has blossomed into a multimillion-dollar business. It's a journey I look back on with pride, knowing that every step, every obstacle, and every triumph has shaped the company we are today. What started from devastation became a story of resilience, passion, and a relentless pursuit of my dreams



How would you describe your aesthetic?

 

As an interior designer, it’s hard for me to stick to just one aesthetic—that’s part of what I love about my career. It allows me to explore a variety of styles, always with my clients' vision at the forefront. However, if I had to choose a favorite aesthetic, I’d lean towards transitional with a touch of casual elegance. There’s something special about creating a space that feels cozy and inviting, while incorporating timeless, traditional elements that never go out of style. It’s a balance that brings both warmth and sophistication to a home.


Daniel, what makes a design a "good design" in your opinion?

 

In my opinion, good design is all about how well it suits your personality and lifestyle, no matter what the current trends may be. It should reflect who you are and cater to your daily needs, creating a space that feels genuinely yours. When a design resonates with you personally, it transcends fleeting trends and stands the test of time, making your home a true sanctuary.



How do you help clients choose materials? What is the benefit of having a designer when choosing materials?

 

I help clients choose materials by guiding them through the selection process, focusing on their vision, preferences, and practical needs. I provide insights into various options, helping them understand the benefits and drawbacks of each material. The advantage of having a designer in this process is that I can navigate the overwhelming choices available, ensuring that clients select high-quality materials that not only fit their aesthetic but also work cohesively within the overall design. This expertise ultimately saves them time, reduces stress, and leads to a more successful outcome for their project




You have been doing this for more than a decade, I imagine you’ve “developed” your own personal philosophy ...

 

After more than a decade in the industry, I’ve definitely developed my own personal philosophy when it comes to design. I believe that every space should be a true reflection of the people who inhabit it. It’s not just about following trends; it’s about creating environments that resonate with individuality and enhance the quality of life. I prioritize functionality and comfort, ensuring that each design choice serves a purpose while also being aesthetically pleasing. Ultimately, my goal is to craft spaces that bring joy, foster connection, and provide a sense of belonging, making every house feel like a home.


You’re a design curator and also an interior designer. So you must be constantly looking to the future...


I am indeed always looking to the future. I believe that staying ahead of trends and emerging styles is crucial in this industry. This means continuously researching and exploring new materials, technologies, and design philosophies. I aim to blend innovative ideas with timeless elements, creating spaces that are not only functional but also forward-thinking. By anticipating what’s coming next, I can better serve my clients, ensuring their homes are both relevant and enduring, ultimately providing them with a unique experience that feels fresh and inspiring.




 How do you combine beauty and function?

 

Combining beauty and function is at the core of my design philosophy. I believe that a space should not only look great but also serve the needs of those who use it. To achieve this balance, I start by understanding my clients’ lifestyles and how they interact with their spaces. From there, I select materials, furnishings, and layouts that enhance both aesthetics and usability. For example, I might choose stylish yet durable fabrics for high-traffic areas or incorporate clever storage solutions that keep a space organized without sacrificing its visual appeal. Ultimately, I strive to create environments that are as practical as they are beautiful, ensuring that they enrich daily life while being a pleasure to behold.


What inspires you?

 

My inspiration comes from many sources, but travel is one of the most influential. Exploring new cultures, architecture, and landscapes opens my eyes to different design perspectives and techniques. Whether it's the vibrant colors of a marketplace, the intricate details of historical buildings, or the way natural light plays in a serene environment, each experience adds to my creative palette. I also draw inspiration from my clients’ stories and lifestyles, as their unique needs and preferences shape the designs I create. Ultimately, my goal is to blend these inspirations into spaces that feel both personal and innovative, making every project a reflection of the beauty I encounter along the way.


If a student wanted to enter the field, what advice would you give them?

 

If a student is looking to enter the field of interior design, my biggest piece of advice would be to embrace curiosity and stay open-minded. The design world is constantly evolving, so it's essential to explore various styles, techniques, and materials. I also recommend seeking out internships or hands-on experiences; these opportunities provide invaluable insight into the practical aspects of the profession and help you build a network.

Additionally, honing your communication skills is crucial, as design is about understanding and collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life. Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks and develop your own voice. Trust your instincts, stay passionate about your craft, and remember that every experience—whether a success or a challenge—will contribute to your growth as a designer.


What do you look for in a candidate during a work interview?

 

During a work interview, I look for a combination of creativity, passion, and a strong willingness to learn. It’s important that candidates demonstrate an understanding of design principles and an ability to think critically about their work. I also value good communication skills, as collaboration with clients and team members is key in this field.

Equally important is a candidate's adaptability and problem-solving mindset; the ability to think on your feet and handle unexpected challenges is essential in design. Lastly, I appreciate candidates who show enthusiasm for the industry and a desire to contribute to our team's growth. Ultimately, I'm looking for someone who is not only skilled but also aligns with our values and can bring a fresh perspective to our projects.


FOLLOW DESIRED SPACE ON

HOUZZ HERE 

INSTAGRAM @Desiredspacellc

WWW.DESIREDSPACE.COM





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Tuesday, October 01, 2024

One Room Challenge WEEK 1: NY Mid-Century Eclectic Kids Bathroom


It is October 2nd 2024. HOW. HOW IS IT OCTOBER 2024. The last post I made was THIS gorgeous Entry way in our OLD home. Yep. you heard that right. WE MOVED. Well Sort of. More on that. It has been a hell of a year since we moved in 2023. Long story short...we moved, I went in for my Embryo transfer and it failed in December. I was left to once again pick up the pieces in silence. If anyone has gone through multiple miscarriages, IVF, and well LIFE..than you know what I a mean. I had gained a good 25lbs and moving over 17 years of STUFF was well absolutely OVERWHELMING. But, I am ok. I will be ok. My husband, my son, my sister, my brother in law, my father and my best friends have been there for me through it all and I am forever thankful you know who you are! 

Anyway, How do I even begin...sadness was not even the right way to explain how I felt moving into this new home..I know...why the hell am I sad. I should be blessed and elated and all the things...it is literally our DREAM HOME and I am about 22 steps away from my best friend ( my sister ) The thought of the additional bedroom becoming a gym rather than a nursery just broke me and I found myself not even wanting to go into the home. How can I visualize a home without the baby I had bean visualizing over the last 3 years. 

Here we are October, and the house is slowly starting to feel like a home. I feel a new sense of freedom letting go of what it was all supposed to look like and I am ready to dive into what will be. If you follow along on my Instagram I will probably share more there on BEFORE of the home and man was it a BEFORE! While we have done so much I will be going through room by room and hopefully sharing the journey to remodel this mid century Eichler inspired A frame home here in Las Vegas! 

I am also going to be introducing someone very special who I will be working with...and when I say I feel like god helped me in bringing him in our lives...he has been an angel! More to come on him in Week 2, so stay tuned!!!

SO, here we are WEEK 1 of the FALL ONE ROOM CHALLENGE! THIS is the start to what I think is the biggest challenge yet...we never did much renovation mostly just painting and building..but this time around the project could not be any more complicated! haha I will go into it more on my instagram and probably my youtube, but this beautiful home just needed so much love. IF you know me you know my love for OLD and vintage so I was down to keep as much as possible...but after inspections and well quite frenkly us sitting in the space we realized that the plumbing, the electricity, the roof the installation, EVERYTHING need to be replaced, gutted and put back together. I know. We didn't have a blue toilet or I would have kept it!! So we literally built this from scratch with the layout pretty much staying as is! We will be putting up walls, floors, shower, toilet, vanity, lighting ...haha basically EVERYTHING! 

Hoping to work with some amazing companies more to come on that! 

So...here are some inspirations I have had in addition to my son's vision whose bathroom this is! 


INSPIRATION:

My vision for this bathroom is a mix of mid century , as this home was built in 1963, as well as some modern elements. Honestly, Zev spent some time with me in NY when I was going through IVF and during this time he was OBSESSED with Spiderman and all things New York City! So I am trying to pull some of that into this! If you know me the art work will probably change and even the color of the tile but it is a good start. 

  • So I started with the flooring as that was what I took from all of the NEW YORK bathrooms! I came across THIS bathroom and I just LOVED the mix of the blue ( which is what Zev wanted) and the black and white flooring...plus I LOVE the herringbone! 

  • As far as the Vanity...while I loved this metal I really wanted to incorporate wood to mix in that mid century modern vibe. I was trying to do maybe a vintage dresser but the space we have is literally EXACTLY 72 inches and I am just not finding anything but THIS was the inspiration!!
  • Fixtures- So I have gone back and forth with black, gold, brass..but since we had to do the plumbing so quickly without having an actual design, yes I am aware this is backwards haha wait till you see how we did everything haha we decided on brass a brushed brass is what we are thinking. The brass on the blue tile is what I am loving. Hoping to be working with a company on the vanity faucets and fixtures for the bathroom we shall see! 
  • Color- So I mentioned blue...that is the main theme haha it is just deciding on the tile, does it fit into the budget, can we get it in time etc etc. Painting the walls probably a warm white and THIS blue tile from Studio DIY I just love her use of color, it just popped but I am thinking not only is it hard to find but it just may not be affordable! 
  • I want to add Wallpaper. I know. It is a lot but I don't care haha I just haven't figured out what wallpaper I want to add and how...so we will come up with that together k? K.
MY PLAN

So ultimately the goal is to end up with a gorgeous, NY Mid century, Avenger Filled, Eclectic bathroom for my son & well my future child...I will put it out there..since when I started this blog it was always about manifesting my life anyway what do I have to lose! 

Here are some BEFORE shots after we had to gut it...I do have a walk through video that I will share on Instagram if you are interested! @SHANAEMILY_

I will share more on why we moved and more on. This special 1963 Eichler inspired home...but let's chat about our first project ! 




This is the entrance


This is where the vanity and sinks would go



We are also going to replace this window... but I want to keep the vanity windows I love them! 





After taking some of the ideas here is what the mood board looks like NOW...haha I am not a professional designer so this will change... but wait until I introduce my special guest next week....


I can not wait to be back on here regularly. And I can not wait to share with you our week one wrap up next week!! Make sure to check back as I will be updating every week and more on INSTAGRAM









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