Las Vegas Market Trends

At the end of January our team ventured to Las Vegas for the home goods market that takes place there twice a year. We were very excited to see the trends (many continuing and growing from 2016) throughout the market. Below, we break down what we were excited about (and sometimes not as excited about) from the market.

2017 is shaping up to be the year of moody interiors, with dark tones, especially green and blue, featured in many showrooms either as a wall color or in soft furnishings and décor. It was interesting to see many showrooms embracing the darker hues of green (which we adore) instead of the predicted bright greenery from Pantone. While there were some brighter pops of color, rich jewel tones took precedent across the market. 

Woven materials and rattan were on display, with many furniture companies incorporating texture into benches, chairs and tables. “Jungalow” style, a term coined by interior designer/ blogger Justina Blakeney, seemed to influence many show rooms, and her wares were also on exhibit from rugs to furniture. We love textural materials for their ability to give visual interest in a neutral space, and bring a touch of laid back style to any room. Baskets and rugs were another popular item with woven texture, from shallow bowls to belly baskets and woven jute to chunky knit rugs. These materials add a lived-in quality to an interior, taking the edge off of stark minimalism. They also mix well with the ever popular mid-century furniture silhouettes, lending an eclectic vintage vibe. 

Indigo dyed and mud cloth fabrics were everywhere, with many places using the textiles on floor cushions or benches, as well as on pillows of all shapes and sizes. We especially like the use of vintage versions of these textiles, as they lend authenticity to an interior. Velvet was another huge trend, with the luxurious fabric on everything from sofas to chairs to pillows. We loved the deep tones many of the velvets were shown in, often on button tufted furniture with a refined, vintage look. 

Bringing the outside in was ever present as we walked around the market, from large scale indoor plants in baskets, to every kind of hanging and wall planter. Many showrooms used the beautiful forms to make installation art style displays cascading from the ceiling or along a wall. One plant trend we didn't love was the resurgence of faux plants. Although they require a little more maintenance, the real thing is much nicer. 

Across the market, modern brass pendant lights and fixtures, as well as basket pendants were a mainstay. Oversized lighting seemed to be the most prevalent trend, and often the light fixtures were larger than the furniture underneath them. We think the oversized trend might work nicely in a commercial setting but prefer a more balanced look in our home. 

Stripe & Stripe MEN + Stripe Design Services Instagram Giveaway

We are so excited to offer a giveaway for our Instagram followers in conjunction with the Stripe Stores. First the fun part, the prizes! From the Stripe Stores, you will be getting a $100 gift certificate to help decorate your new space (or whatever else you’ve been eyeing there) and from Stripe Design Services, an entire room (of your choice) design through our E Design Service. To enter the giveaway:

1.    Follow @stripedesignservices and @stripe_santa_cruz, if you aren’t already!

2.    Like the contest giveaway photo.

3.    Tag at least 2 friends, the more friends you tag the better your chances. The giveaway ends on February 22, 2o17 at 9am PST.

4.    Once the winner is announced, please direct message us with your email and we can begin the E Design process with you.

But how does E Design work? We’re so glad you asked, here is the run down:

E Design is a way of working with our team without committing to the full design service, this is an affordable alternative and a great option for people living outside of Santa Cruz County. To get started, we will have you fill out a questionnaire and provide us with photos and measurements of the space you would like us to design. After it is approved we will produce a mood board, a space plan (including a rendering) and a shopping list. 

Here is a sample project to give you an idea of how this works:

You will send us before photos like these (this project was for 2 spaces- dining and living room):

In addition to a floor plan with dimensions (including window and ceiling height):

Make sure to send us inspiration photos or add us to any Pinterest boards you have started for your space:

We will then have a detailed conversation with you about your hopes and dreams for your space. We will find out things like how the color orange makes you sweat and how you've had a love affair with woven textiles from a specific country. Now is the time to tell us we have to accommodate your grandmother's 16th century Welsh dresser. We really get to know you. 

Normally, next we would send you a bid. For this giveaway all we will need is your budget for the room. Please keep in mind that you don’t have to buy the items all at once, and allow a reasonable budget so that we are able to deliver a creative and complete design to you. 

Once that is signed off, the fun begins and you will receive mood boards like these:

We will include a shopping list and a paint schedule:

And will supply drawings for any custom furniture we have designed:

We give you absolutely everything you need to move forward. It is that simple. We will be here along the way if you have any questions or need guidance. We are looking forward to working with you. 

Click here to see “After” images for the completed design of this space.

Before and After: Santa Cruz Residence

Kitchen/ Dining Room

Before: For our client’s kitchen, the goal was to refresh the space using the existing layout. Although the cabinets were in good shape, the generic finishes throughout this area were in need of an update. 

The dining area off the kitchen was rarely used for dining and the fan above the table was inconveniently located. 

After: The kitchen cabinets are now a muted blue tone with modern stainless steel pulls. Quartz countertops have replaced the dated granite and an elongated subway tile now reaches the full backsplash height. The ceiling no longer has the 80s popcorn texture and the floors are a smooth vinyl wood plank flooring that is not only more aesthetically pleasing than the laminate flooring but is also really functional for dog owners.  

A gorgeous mobile brass chandelier is now centered over the reclaimed dining table and bench. The Panton inspired chairs create a nice contrast to the rustic-farmhouse feel and are also incredibly comfortable. 

Fireplace/Sitting Area

Before: The fireplace was crying for an overhaul. The yellow paint and matching kitchen granite slab were less than pleasing to the eye. The sitting area, which was never used, felt unloved and impractical without a table nearby.  

After: The fireplace brick now rocks a bold charcoal paint color. The granite slab has been removed and a reclaimed mantle piece now floats above the fireplace. The mod log holder echoes the mid century style of the Panton chairs nearby.  Across the room, a sleek new leather sofa furnishes the room with a modern Danish-inspired coffee table. The textured rug and patterned pillows bring this corner to life. 

Living Room

Before: This room, although functional, left a lot to be desired. The media corner felt cluttered and the two large sofas overwhelmed the space.  

After: After the new flooring was laid and the walls were painted, we furnished the rest of the space with updated furniture and accessories. A large sectional is now anchored by 2 lovely tropical prints framed in reclaimed wood. The new tv and cable free sound system is now centered on the opposite wall above a low profile console. Neutral linen drapes soften the window wall while the woven chair and kilim rug add a layer of texture and color. 

Check out the video walkthrough we created for our client below. We find that these walkthroughs are critical for our clients to visualize their space before making any decisions. 

To view more photos of this space after the remodel, go to our Portfolio page and click on Santa Cruz Residence. 

Design with Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile is a timeless shape that looks good in any iteration. Large format is a modern application, while smaller sizes add a vintage feel. Although we are particularly fond of black hexagon tile, as you can see from the kitchen at Pearl Auto or this lovely bathroom we designed, hexagon tile comes in every size and color under the sun. Lately, we have been seeing novel applications, from leaving variation in the tile edge to bar fronts, which make it clear that hexagon tile is here to stay. 

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For more hexagon tile inspiration, follow us on Pinterest

Best of February

The weather is beginning to change, and we are so excited that the days are getting longer. While the rest of the country may still be in deep winter, California is already feeling the Spring thaw. We are looking forward to everything that the month of February has to offer, from fun local events to reading up on favorite design ideas and delicious recipes that utilize seasonal produce. Join use below as we review the best of the month.

1.     This month, San Francisco’s Fort Mason hosts the SF Chronicle annual wine tasting competition, the largest competition of American winemakers under one roof. Head that way to enjoy tastings from over 7,000 winemakers. Don’t worry, there are food pairings with every tasting, just in case you indulge a little too much. Via Fort Mason, San Francisco Chronicle, image via IACAC.org

2.     It can be easy to get swept up in a fad. It’s always a good idea to step back and make sure that you have created something true to your personal style that will outlast any “trendy” elements that have been incorporated. It’s refreshing to see a blog post about making design mistakes, and how to course correct to make something enduring. Via Eye Swoon. 

3.     We aren’t necessarily the cheesy Valentine’s day types, but we do appreciate any chance to get out into nature, so this guided hike through Big Basin is right up our alley. The cheeky tour guides you through the courtships of our local flora and fauna, so it’s the perfect fun and off-the-beaten path date. It’s happening February 12th at 11:30 am, and it only costs $10 for the day use parking. Via santacruz.org, California Department of Parks and Recreation.

4.     Laughter really can be the best medicine, and sometimes laughing at ourselves can lighten up irritating tasks. As interior enthusiasts, we are also cleaning neat freaks even though it can be tedious. Since spring cleaning is right around the corner, we thought we would share this hilarious list of cleaning related tweets that take the sting out of the process. Via Apartment Therapy

5.     With spring right around the corner, we are seeing a crop of delicious seasonal vegetables popping up at the Farmer’s Market. There is broccoli, leeks, kale and incredible citrus, just to name a few. Enjoy all the end of Winter cozy vegetables with these 50 easy winter dinners. The cod with broccoli and lemon seems especially delicious. Via Delish.

6.     We are suckers for gorgeous wall treatments, so we never tire of looking at lists of wallpaper. These 13 wallpapers over on Design Sponge are all incredibly beautiful, it is hard to choose which one is our favorite. Although this mustard and  floral pattern is hard to beat. Via Design Sponge.

7.     Speaking of Valentine’s Day, If you need the perfect romantic gift for your guy or gal, come down to the stores to peruse their selection. We are especially loving a locally made Scott French cuff (shown) or a Corral Made apron for that special someone. Via Stripe Santa Cruz

8.     The great Santa Cruz tradition comes back to the Boardwalk this February. It’s the Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off, which is a friendly competition with both amateur and professional chefs. Clam chowder is synonymous with our wharf and beach front, so this competition is a great way to show case all of our community’s great local talent. Grab a tasting spoon and cup (all proceeds benefit our city’s Parks and Recreation department) and head down to the Boardwalk the last weekend of February for this tasty event. Via Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Design with Matte Black

Matte black finish has made a big resurgence in interiors, whether as a faucet or paint finish, or on window trim and lighting. We love the way this finish adds a touch of drama and modernizes any space. It is equally at home in a rustic interior as it is in a contemporary one. Black is a timeless color, so this choice will age well in any kitchen or bathroom, like this showerhead we specified in our client’s bathroom. Click below to browse some of our favorite matte black inspiration photos. Then follow us on Pinterest to see all the matte black applications we are loving. 

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Get The Look

In a sea of white kitchens, we are loving this gorgeous monochrome space. We have been obsessing over the kitchens over at Devol, and this one is no exception. The proportions in this kitchen seems just right: a perfect balance of traditional nostalgia and modern practicality. A one tone kitchen can seem like a bold choice, but when executed well, it actually feels both confident and serene. Click on the picture and links below to see how you can achieve this style in your own home.  

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Design with Cement Tile

If you have been following us on Pinterest, you know we are infatuated with cement tile. Whether in a classic hexagon, a modern geometric, or an elegant pattern they are visually stunning. The subtler tones, like the hexagon tile we used in a client’s bathroom or the soft tones we specified in the Venus tasting room, work to create a texture that bring together the other elements in the room. The bold and bright patterns anchor a room, adding vibrancy and graphic interest. Whether you go subtle or bold, cement tile is a confident choice with lasting beauty. 

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For more cement tile inspiration, follow us on Pinterest

Best of January

It is time for the new year to begin, and it feels like 2017 came around so fast. I think it is safe to say that a lot of us are happy 2016 is over, and we are looking forward to a fresh start this month. To stave off those post-holiday blues, join along with us as we read the best articles from around the web and get ready for some great local events. Happy New Year!

1.     This baked brie with wine soaked berries sounds like a decadent treat to keep the holiday spirit going. If we ever had a reason to break our New Year’s resolutions on day one, this recipe seems like the perfect way to do it. Via Lark and Linen.

2.     After putting away all the holiday decorations and cleaning up the entertaining spaces in our homes, sometimes we want to spruce up our decor for the new year. This guide to beautiful bed side styling, shows an easy way to style a corner in your bedroom for big impact. It will make you feel great going into the new year to have a tidy bedside. Via Design Sponge. 

3.     For those that love design, FOG Design + Art, which brings together architects, designers, and artists to Fort Mason seems like an amazing weekend. Head on up to San Francisco January 12 to 15th to check out the makers at the forefront of the art and design world. via Fog Fair. 

4.     The end of the month is Whale Fest in Monterey. We live in an incredibly beautiful place and we are lucky enough to have whales in our waters most of the year. Travel to Monterey for Whale Fest to see these majestic creatures in their sanctuary. Via See Monterey, image via Huffington Post.

5.     The product lists Emily Henderson puts together are always so useful and inspiring! These ottomans that double as coffee tables at every price point are great to peruse while you contemplate a living room redo for the new year. We’ll be here if you need any help with that! Via Emily Henderson, Image via West Elm. 

6.     After a season of eating, getting outside seems like the perfect antidote. The National Parks are free on Martin Luther King Jr Day, including Muir Woods and Golden Gate Park Recreation Area, which are only a short driving distance. So go outside and get your New Year’s resolutions on the right track. Via National Park Service.

7.     End of year lists are always a fun way to close out the year, and we were especially excited to read this round up of the best design blogs of 2016. We see some old favorites and new faces to inspire! These will definitely be on our reading list this year. Via Domino.

Big News

Many people know the story of how Stripe came to be, but few people know the history of the design services. Stripe Design Services was founded in 2005, after Suna Lock moved to Santa Cruz from the UK, and quickly established itself as a contender in the local commercial and residential design scene. The store opened in 2009, as a partnership between Suna and Dana Rader, and they have shared a space ever since. As the design service and the store have expanded and grown, our lovely office nestled above the retail operation has become a little too cozy.

We are excited to announce that we are moving to a new space this year. Don’t worry we aren’t straying too far from the stores, just around the block to 1205 Pacific Avenue. We can’t wait to show you the new space as it becomes complete, so follow along here on our blog, Pinterest, and Instagram to see our new studio. To all of our clients past, present, and future: thank you. We are grateful for the support of the local community and excited to continue working in our beautiful downtown.

Check out a slideshow of some of our favorite design moments from 2016 below: 

Thank you to our local clients including:

Alliance Roofing

Barry Swenson Builder

Birichino

Bonny Doon Vineyard

Citrix

Concrete Rose Salon

Discovery Preschool & Family Center

Ducati North America

Humble Sea Brewery

Impact Creative

Jaguar Restaurant

LifeAID

Marini’s Candies

Pacific Collegiate School

Pearl Auto

Plantronics

Pizza My Heart

Rainbow Light

Santa Cruz Bible Church

Santa Cruz Bicycles

Specialized

Universal Audio

University Business Park 

Venus Spirits

Design with Concrete

One of the latest trends we have noticed is the use of concrete in interior design. It is the simplest way to create an industrial look. We've not only seen concrete being used in easy DIY projects for the home but incredibly designed custom pieces like built in seating and countertops. The opportunities for the use of concrete in your space are endless. 

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For more ideas on designing with concrete, head over to our Pinterest. 

Color Analysis: Textured Walls

There is a quiet beauty about this neglected building. History is hinted at in the peeling layers of plaster, with tinges of turquoise peaking through the soft green. This palette would be an incredible basis for a serene bedroom or bathroom. If these colors inspire you, check out their corresponding paint colors in the links below.

For more color inspiration, follow us on Pinterest and Instagram. 

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Get the Look

December has us thinking about all of the cozy spaces in our homes. It can be frustrating to see endless photos of fireplaces and reading nooks that are effortlessly styled, while wondering why our own homes can’t achieve quite the same low-key chic. This beautiful fireplace, which we found on Pinterest, happens to achieve just the right balance of elements that make us want to sit by the fire all day. By sticking with a muted color palette, and layering in textural elements, this look can easily be achieved in our own homes. Find out how by clicking on the image and links below!                 

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Fireplaces We Love

Tis the season to get cozy and warm by a fire.  This collection of curated fireplaces show a range of different styles, materials and textures. From a beautifully tiled surround to a completely modern and simple design, there is something for everyone.  Here are a few of our favorites:

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For more fireplaces we love, head over to our Pinterest.

Best of December

With the year coming to an end, it is time to gather with friends and family for all of this season’s holiday merriment. December is a great time to be with loved ones, hunkered down in cozy spaces with good food and drink. To that end, we present the best articles and events from around the web to help you eat, drink, and be merry this December.  

1.     Holiday stress got you down? Tired of shopping and planning? Head on over to Motion Pacific to take part in the rollicking holiday fun that is Stockings Cabaret on December 17th. Always good to have a little debauchery thrown into the celebratory season. Via Motion Pacific, Image via dashacayenne Instagram

2.     We love the sense of community in Santa Cruz and the Holiday Parade in downtown Santa Cruz embodies this great community spirit. Come and see the many parade participants from the Santa Cruz Warriors to the Santa Cruz Librarians the morning of December 3. via Downtown Santa Cruz

3.     Green is poised to be the new ‘fad’ color for 2017, but we have always loved this hue. After months of white, grey and blush interiors reigning supreme, it is so refreshing to see a rich tone like green everywhere. That’s why we are loving this list of 11 Green products over on Design Sponge, that will also get you in the holiday spirit. Via Design Sponge, image via Sharyn Cairns  

4.      We are currently salivating over these 40 winter recipes that include all the seasonal treats you could desire. We are looking forward to making all of them, but this one pan roasted chicken looks especially delicious (and easy for those who hate dishes). Via Bon Appetit  

5.      During the month of December, we all start taking more hot baths. Turning your bathroom into a spa like getaway will help those winter blues fade away. Via Apartment Therapy

6.      We love to eat, as evidenced by the many versions of this blog that include delicious recipes. This article that maps all the neighborhoods in San Francisco with the best food seems like a wonderful activity to take on during a cold winter day. Via Thrillist  

7.     Make sure to stop by the shop on December 2nd and December 9th for trunk shows from some of our favorite artisans. First up on December 2nd are leather goods makers Vssel and Corral Made with local jeweler Emily Pegoda and rustic wood goods maker Alibi Interiors. Then come back on December 9th and see jeweler Monica Squitieri, bath goods maker Urb Apothecary and ceramicist Cups of Coco. Shopping is a little less stressful when you get to snack and look at beautiful handmade goods. Who knows, you might even find something for yourself. Via Stripe Santa Cruz

8.      Gather up all the little ones and a thermos of hot chocolate, and walk down to the yacht harbor for the lighted boat parade December 3. It really gets you in the holiday mood early on and reminds you how lucky we are to call this bayside sanctuary home. Via Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor

Faucets We Love

As designers, we see fixtures as the accessories of a room. It's interesting to see the parallels between interior design and fashion. Stainless steel used to be the most popular finish along with silver jewelry. Now, coppers, brass and golds are changing the way we look at jewelry and interiors. It's been exciting to see some tried and true trends come back in an updated way along with new trends we haven't seen before. 

These are a few of the faucets we are loving today:

This black vintage inspired faucet brings us way back as it's paired with some classic subway tiles, a farm sink and copper accessories. //image//

If you're thinking this faucet looks fancy, you're probably on the right track. This would be an 18 karrot gold kitchen fixture in a rose gold sheen. Yes, she's a beauty. //image//

We are loving this French brass and copper faucet that was an eBay find! Paired with Carrara marble counters, plastered walls and rustic wood accents, this faucet has definitely been given an opportunity to shine. //image//

This is a great industrial faucet with matching knobs. You can already see the patina forming on the metal and it would be interesting to see how that would shift over time. They did a perfect job styling this faucet with a modern bowl sink against the concrete wall. It's simple but adds a lot of a character. //image//

We've been seeing some really beautiful white faucets lately. It's such a refreshing, modern and simple approach to adding fixtures in a kitchen or bathroom. Instead of having a strong contrast in color and material, you are matching the colors and counters to create a monochromatic scheme. It's quite lovely and appealing to the eye. //image//

This copper wall hung faucet and knob is pretty incredible. We are loving the way the modern and sleek design is softened by the warm color of metal used. //image//

The truth is that there are endless color and design options for faucets. We continue to find new faucets we love. If you are interested in seeing more, make sure to follow our Faucets Pinterest Board and comment on the ones you like. 

Get the Look

November has us pondering changes to the entertaining spaces in our home, especially the dining room. The dining room will become a hub for the next couple months, as holiday dinners are prepared from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. We found this beautiful dining room on SF Girl By Bay from a home in Southern France with lots of natural light and on trend built-in velvet seating. This room strikes just the right balance between luxurious touches (brass, velvet and marble) and textural elements (classic woven chairs and playful mirrors). This makes it great inspiration for an area that needs to be dressed up or down, whether for a fancy dinner party or cozy morning meal. See our picks below for achieving this look in your own home, no remodel required!                     

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Best of November

November is a month buzzing with activity, as we gather with friends and family for cozy feasts. This time of year is also the perfect occasion to get a jump on holiday planning, whether for gifts or preparing your home for guests. Sit back and take a breath before the whirlwind celebratory season gets to you by reading our picks for best events and design articles around the web.  

1. We can’t get enough wallpaper, a fact you may already know if you follow us on Pinterest. Wallpaper has come a long way since the eye searing patterns of yesteryear. Just take a gander at these insanely beautiful wallpapers with gold flecks and custom color patterns. Via Remodelista

2. The Pantone color trends for next year have already been released, and they continue the tones of 2016 with two other colors that have been showing up everywhere, green and yellow. While it seems to us that any color used well can make a home stylish, this season’s hues are a welcome pop of color from the greys and whites that have dominated interior style. Via Vogue Living Australia

3. These gorgeous bathrooms all use plaster to create beautiful shapes and configurations. Plaster’s smooth texture creates a clean and minimal look that allows the shape and style of the space to shine through. We always love an unexpected material use, especially when the use of tile is the norm. via Remodelista

4. Bathroom remodel dollars can quickly add up, especially because custom options are so tempting. That is why this list of bathroom vanities under $1000 dollars is so appealing. A lot of style for less cash, and we could see swapping hardware out and adding a gorgeous faucet to some of these options for a custom feel. The one pictured comes in at only $349. Via Emily Henderson  

5. If you follow us on Instagram, you know we love a good vintage find. Join us in the hunt for that perfectly worn in item at the Goat Hill Fair, November 12-13. Looking forward to all the vintage goodies! Great time to stock up on some white ceramics or linens for the Thanksgiving table. Via Goat Hill Fair

6. Have you ever walked into a restaurant and wondered how you could make your own home resemble it? Well then you will love this article that lays out 10 Decorating Ideas to Steal from the World’s Most Stylish Restaurants. It elegantly lays out simple ways to bring restaurant style into your home. Via Apartment Therapy

7. We know that you are usually inundated with recipe advice this time of year, so the only one we’ll give you is this delicious looking meyer lemon and sage cocktail to counteract the stress of menu planning for your family gathering. Via Craft + Cocktails

8. The UCSC Campus is a beautiful spot in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The rolling meadows and mountains are the perfect backdrop for the Arboretum. During November, there are several ways to view the lush gardens, from First Saturday on November 5 with a guided tour to the Wreath and Gift sale on November 19. Via UCSC Arboretum.

Dark Interiors

We are loving the look of dark interiors. As we approach Fall we are getting more excited about the weather cooling down, the colors changing and the possibilities to change up your style. Many people fear playing with dark colors because they think it will make their space feel smaller but it really depends on how you style your home and what effect you are trying to get. Yes, you can achieve a very cozy, nook-like feeling with a darker space but you can also create the illusion of more space as the dark colors generally make the corners disappear. 

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Get the Look

October is a cozy month, with fall taking it’s stride and the approach of the holiday season. Luckily for us, 2016 has seen a resurgence of wonderful dark interiors that fit the spirit of the season. A dark interior can be an intimidating prospect for a home remodel, as we have traditionally been advised to stay away from dark colors in our home. Trying this design style out feels less daunting when we break down how to achieve the look in the beautiful modern bathroom below, which has a timeless feel that will outlast the trend. 

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