A Quick Look Back So I Can Plan Ahead...

2014!!! Can you believe another year has just ended? It's so cliche to say it, but time just flies when you're having fun - and are busy as heck.

My horoscope - yes, I like to believe in them when they are good - says that I am going to have a seriously good year, especially the second half. So I need to plan accordingly.

If I may, I would like to take a moment to reflect on 2013. I tried really hard to be diligent about my blogging, but honestly, things got completely chaotic for me in the summer and it became increasingly difficult to get through my regular work day, much less find time to blog. Best laid plans…

So thank you for sticking with me - and supporting me in 2013. As a result, I resolve to do my best to plan and execute more posts in 2014.  

I was also hoping that this was something you could help me with this year. What would you like to see me blog about? If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears and would love to hear them.

Here is a list of the 'my head space' Posts you liked the most for 2013 (and what inspired them):

10. Outskirts of Time in Morocco / book I was reading about Morocco

9. Curious About Icelandic Interiors - Small House / an Icelandic friend's FB pictures created a deep curiosity about this small, beautiful country 

8. I'm Seeing Green! / Pantone color of the year for 2013

7. Oscar Glamour - Home Inspiration / the Oscars of course!

6. Romantic and Sexy Bedrooms / Valentine's Day

5. A Rainbow of Kitchens / an HGTV show that featured a red kitchen made me want to see more colors in kitchens

4. Mint Green and Coral / beautiful, favored color combination

3. Gray + Blue = Cool Spaces / blue with anything, but one of my favorite color combos

2. 5 Ideas for Pretty Outdoor Spaces / the warmer weather had me looking outdoors

And finally…

1. Vanity Fair's Lake Como / my trip to Italy (and George Clooney)

I agree. These were some of my favorites too. Though, I was really surprised at the response I got about the Icelandic home, and not really surprised that homes on Lake Como might draw your attention.

While I draw inspiration from lots of random things, I would seriously really love to hear about what you would like to see as well. So drop me a note - I want to hear from you, please! Did I mention I wanted to hear from you? :)

Well, off I go to start on my 2014 list of To-Dos. Stay tuned for more posts! Wish me luck - and I'll do the same for you!

xo, CM

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Thank you for visiting My Head Space!

Copyright 2013, Cristina Mullins Interiors

A Better Small Bathroom

Compared to the average size home in the US, ours is definitely on the large end. But if you saw the bathroom that my two daughters', and any guest, have to share you would be surprised. We're talking so narrow you can touch both walls if you stand in the center and reach out your arms - and not even that much. And it's dark too - no natural light and not well lit. The sink area can accommodate two people, though it has only one sink, but then the commode and tub are in their own little "room" separated by a small door and wall. The door is impossible to close without having to climb on the commode - and don't even get me started about bathing my kids in the tub with the toilet in my ribs...

Not every bathroom can be big and spacious. Some houses just don't come built that way - and most budgets don't either. 

Here are some great inspirations for small bathrooms with great functionality AND style. They are not any bigger - just better by design.

So how do you make a small bathroom look bigger and better?

1. Eliminate as many visual and physical barriers as you can - an open space will immediately appear larger.

Modern Bathroom by Miami Interior Designers & Decorators DKOR Interiors Inc.- Interior Designers Miami, FL

Beach Style Bathroom by Coronado Design-Build Firms Flagg Coastal Homes

Contemporary Bathroom by Toronto Interior Designers & Decorators Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard

Contemporary Bathroom by Thornhill Interior Designers & Decorators Avalon Interiors

2. If you can, add some natural light. Skylights and/or small windows will brighten any small space immediately making it appear bigger.

Traditional Bathroom by Lexington Design-Build Firms Feinmann, Inc.

Modern Bathroom by Brooklyn Architects & Designers Ben Herzog

Traditional Bathroom by San Francisco General Contractors Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders

3. Speaking of brightness - can't add natural light? Upgrade your lighting scheme. Use a combination of small incandescent ceiling lights, a hanging light and sconces. Side lighting helps eliminate shadows that down lights create. 

Modern Bathroom by Philadelphia General Contractors Hanson General Contracting, Inc.

Contemporary Bathroom by Kailua Interior Designers & Decorators Archipelago Hawaii, refined island designs

Traditional Bathroom by La Jolla Tile, Stone & Countertops Cabochon Surfaces & Fixtures

4. Create additional storage and counter space where ever possible. Creating shelving nooks and additional surface space will aid you in making the space more functional and appealing.

Contemporary Powder Room by San Carlos Interior Designers & Decorators RKI Interior Design

Contemporary Bathroom by Toronto Interior Designers & Decorators Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard

Contemporary Bathroom by Toronto Interior Designers & Decorators Jo Alcorn

Contemporary Bathroom by New York Photographers Chris A. Dorsey

Traditional Bathroom by Tiburon Interior Designers & Decorators Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc.

Contemporary Bathroom by Austin Architects & Designers Cornerstone Architects

5. Use the best materials you can afford - small can still be luxurious!

Contemporary Bathroom by Sausalito Architects & Designers Urrutia Design

Contemporary Bathroom by Other Metro Architects & Designers PLAN architecture | design | strategy

Contemporary Bathroom by Chicago Interior Designers & Decorators Alan Design Studio

Have any favorites? I sure do. I'm ready to knock down that door and wall - as soon as I have it in my budget. 

Stay tuned for more interior design inspiration!

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Thank you for visiting My Head Space!

Copyright 2013, Cristina Mullins Interiors