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Bathroom Design Ideas: Four Bathrooms, Four Stories
Nobody gets excited about bathroom design until they're standing in a shower that actually works. I say this after spending a few months designing four bathrooms for a client who trusted us with something most people don't think twice about: the rooms where they're most vulnerable, most tired, and most in need of beauty. A powder room is a performance space. A kitchen is where you gather. But a bathroom? A bathroom is where you meet yourself. This project taught me that bathrooms are the honest spaces in a home. They don't pretend. And once you design one well, you wonder why bathrooms ever got relegated to "necessary evils" in the first place. --- The Brief: Creative Freedom + Constraints The client gave us something rare: complete creative control over three guest en-suite bathrooms, and thoughtful parameters for the primary bath. The mission was clear—make these spaces feel intentional, not transactional. Make them places where a guest feels welcomed, and where the primary user feels like themselves every single morning. The constraint for the master bath was graceful: we'd be working around some existing pieces—an antique chandelier and the client's artwork. Rather than fight it, we leaned into it. This bath honors the client's existing collection and became a study in how to build around what matters, not just what matches. --- Bathroom 1: "The Gilded Garden" Walk into this en-suite, and you walk into a moment of deliberate drama. We chose House of Hackney wallpaper, a lush, jewel-toned botanical pattern that feels like you're bathing inside a garden at dusk. It's bold. It's not neutral. And it's exactly right because the client had creative freedom, and we used it. The brass Jamie Young mirror echoes the wallpaper's warmth without competing with it. Rejuvenation fixtures and Emmeline Sconce lighting feel collected, personal—like they've been there for years, not days. Here's what I love about this bath: it whispers. Despite the wallpaper, despite the color, there's no shouting. The fixtures are quiet. The mirror is simple. The wallpaper becomes the story, and everything else knows it. --- Bathroom 2: "Patterned Elegance" Not every bathroom needs to make a statement. Sometimes the statement is quiet. This guest bath is luminous and clean. We let Rejuvenation fixtures and Hudson Valley Lighting sconces speak for themselves—no wallpaper, no drama, just light and order. The geometric marble tile with its green-and-white quatrefoil pattern commands the room. The Hudson Valley Lighting sconces echo the same geometric language, creating a conversation between the fixture and the floor. It's a sculptural moment that calms. For a guest who just wants to splash water on their face and feel calm? This is the room. It's the palate cleanser between bold choices and what comes next. --- Bathroom 3: "Sculptural Elegance" This bath splits the difference: sophisticated without being showy. The Serena & Lily grasscloth wallpaper brings texture without pattern, warmth without color. It's the kind of choice that looks effortless and takes actual conviction to make. The Surya mirror—bold, round, geometric—sits against that texture and feels collected rather than matchy. Hudson Valley Lighting sconces bookend the vanity with warm, functional light. It's a room that trusts itself. --- The Process: Where We Fell in Love with the Details Some of the most beautiful moments in a project happen before the project looks finished. Watching Moda Tile being laid—the precision, the pattern, the way each piece locks into place—reminds you that bathrooms are craft spaces. The care in installation is part of the design. Watching House of Hackney wallpaper go up, pattern aligning perfectly across seams, is watching someone's vision become real. These moments don't photograph pretty until they're done. But they're where the magic lives. --- The Master Bath: Building Around What Matters Here's where the honesty comes in. The primary bathroom holds an antique chandelier and a gallery of art that the client adores. Rather than replace or minimize these pieces, we designed around them. House of Hackney wallpaper in a warm, sophisticated tone became the bridge between old and new. The dark Moda Tile in the shower—with its arched ceiling detail—creates drama without competing. Hudson Valley Lighting sconces flank the vanity with warmth. The Rejuvenation medicine cabinet mirror is modern enough to live alongside the antique elements without apology. This bath taught us something important: the best design doesn't erase what came before it. It honors it. --- What Bathrooms Taught Us A bathroom is where someone begins their day. It's where they cry, get ready, take a breath. It deserves the same intention you'd give a living room or kitchen—maybe more, because it's private. These four bathrooms taught us that creative freedom isn't about how many bold choices you make. It's about making each choice with purpose. It's about understanding that sometimes the loudest statement in a room is the quietness of everything else. It's about designing around what matters—both the new beauty you're introducing and the old meaning already there. A good bathroom doesn't ask you to perform. It lets you just... be. --- The Vendors Behind the Design Bathroom 1: "The Gilded Garden" Wallpaper: House of Hackney Mirror: Jamie Young Sconces: Emmeline Sconce by Made Goods Fixtures: Rejuvenation Bathroom 2: "Patterned Elegance" Mirror: Rejuvenation Sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting Fixtures: Rejuvenation Tile: Moda Tile Bathroom 3: "Sculptural Elegance" Wallpaper: Serena & Lily Grasscloth Mirror: Surya Sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting Master Bathroom Wallpaper: House of Hackney Mirror: Rejuvenation Medicine Cabinet Sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting Tile: Moda Tile Construction Imagine Beyond Photography Darlene Halaby --- Ready to rethink your bathroom? Get in Touch for a Design Consultation
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Whiskey Tasting Room Design in Coto de Caza
Inspired by old Chicago speakeasies, this Coto de Caza whiskey room was designed as an intimate, layered space for evenings in. When we first started this project, the goal was simple: create a whiskey tasting room that could double as a bar and an elevated hangout space. But like most of our favorite projects, it quickly became something more. The client gave us one request: incorporate a library ladder somewhere in the room. From there, we looked to old Chicago speakeasies and classic bars for inspiration, spaces that feel intimate, layered, and collected over time. This wasn’t about adding a room. It was about creating a destination within the home. An Invitation In From the moment you walk through the doors, the mood shifts. The space feels quieter, warmer, and intentionally set apart from the rest of the home. Layered textures, warm tones, and architectural details draw you in, creating a room that feels both elevated and deeply comfortable. The Ladder, Reimagined This was the one request from the client: a library ladder somewhere in the room. Instead of treating it as an add-on, we made it the focal point. Integrated into the built-in shelving and framed by brick arches, it becomes both functional and architectural. It draws the eye upward and reinforces the layered, collected feel we wanted throughout the space. Where It All Comes Together At the center of the room, the bar anchors everything. Wrapped in deep tones and surrounded by layered materials, it creates a space that feels grounded yet elevated. It’s where conversations linger, drinks are poured, and the room comes to life. Lighting That Defines the Room Lighting plays a defining role in this space. The Bridget Chandelier by Arteriors anchors the room — sculptural, dramatic, and intentionally unexpected. Inspired by Hollywood Regency and Deco forms, its layered chains and vintage brass finish create movement and scale that immediately draw the eye upward. Along the bar, the Itzia Sconces by Arteriors bring warmth and texture. Their hammered antique brass finish adds a soft, reflective glow, while the twisted metal form gives the room a sense of play and subtle energy. Together, the chandelier and sconces create a balance of statement and atmosphere — layered lighting that makes the room feel intimate, elevated, and unforgettable. The Result What started as a single idea became one of the most distinctive rooms in the home. The textures, the lighting, the architectural details, everything works together to create a space that feels timeless, intimate, and entirely personal. Ivory & Olive Decor completely transformed our vision for the Whiskey Room into something truly special. What started as an idea became a beautifully layered space that feels timeless, warm, and incredibly personal. From concept through construction and final styling, their attention to detail, creativity, and project management were exceptional. It’s now our favorite room in the house and a space our family and friends can’t stop talking about. Their design vision and hands-on management made the entire process enjoyable, and the final result is beyond what we imagined. — Client This is why we love what we do, creating spaces that feel as good as they look, and that people truly live in. xoxo, Katie + Shana Project Partners Design: Ivory & OliveRemodel Partner: Imagine BeyondPhotography: Darlene Halaby Photography Material Highlights Sconces: Itzia Sconce by Arteriors Chandelier: Bridget Chandelier Arteriors Bar: Peter Bar by NOIR Leather Chairs: Porch View Wallpaper Ceiling: Worn Timber by Painted Paper Barstools: Damon Swivel by Four Hands Coffee Table: Aria by Arteriors Paint: Mahogany by Farrow & Ball Custom Neon Sign: Yellow Pop
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The Mission Viejo Kitchen + Entertaining Remodel: Elevated Living, Effortless Flow
Removing One Wall Changed Everything The Mission Viejo kitchen + entertaining remodel, reimagined for flow, light, and everyday living. When we first stepped into this Mission Viejo home, we saw potential everywhere — but the layout wasn’t working. The kitchen and front room were divided by a wall that blocked natural light and interrupted the flow. The ceilings felt uneven. There were unused nooks that made the space feel smaller than it was. And the dining room wasn’t truly being used. It wasn’t about decorating. It was about rethinking the architecture. Reworking the Bones of the Space With the homeowner’s trust (and complete creative freedom), we removed the dividing wall and eliminated the unnecessary nooks that weren’t serving the design. We leveled and restructured the ceiling, anchoring it with beams that brought intentionality and scale to the room. Suddenly, the home felt cohesive instead of compartmentalized. To tie the kitchen and family room together, we used the same natural stone on both the backsplash and the fireplace. That continuity creates a visual conversation between spaces — subtle, but powerful. Designing for Real Life The homeowner didn’t truly need a formal dining table — so instead of forcing one into the layout, we made the island the hero. We extended it beyond traditional proportions and added two stools at the ends for flexible seating. Now it’s a place for casual dinners, homework, entertaining, and morning coffee. Photography: Darlene Halaby Photography Lighting That Anchors the Entire Room One of our favorite moments in this kitchen is the lighting. Four alabaster globes suspended from chains create scale and drama against the newly structured ceiling. The Lucent Lightshop alabaster 4-light swag chandelier works beautifully with the height we created and feels both architectural and warm. The Result What was once broken up and underutilized is now connected, anchored, and layered with warmth. The kitchen flows into the entertaining space. The stone connects rooms. The lighting defines the ceiling. The island supports everyday living. Working with Ivory & Olive Decor was the best decision I made during the remodel. I gave them creative freedom, and they delivered a kitchen and front room remodel complete with an entertaining space/wine bar that feels sophisticated yet comfortable, with stunning materials and lighting that completely changed the home. The family room now feels cohesive and inviting, and the entire space has a warmth that’s hard to describe. The compliments from neighbors haven’t stopped. — M. June She gave us creative freedom. She trusted the process. And today she’s not just a client — she’s a friend. This project is why we love what we do. Photography: Darlene Halaby Photography Material Highlights Kitchen Cabinetry: White Oak Kitchen Paint: Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (75%) Hardware: Plank Hardware Lighting: Lucent Lightshop Alabaster 4-Light Swag Chandelier Barstools: Häti Home Wrapped Hood: Custom (and a stunner) Entertaining Space Bar Paint Color: Sherwin-Williams Black Fox Chandelier: Aloni by Made Goods Coffee Table: Roma, Essentials for Living Swivel Chairs: Marcel, Essentials for Living Pillows: DV Kap Rug: Surya Bar Sconces: Milano, Jamie Young Co. The bar was painted in Black Fox — rich and grounding — and paired with mirrored tile sourced from Paris to add reflection and star power. The velvet swivel chairs bring comfort without sacrificing elegance. Explore More Want the full story and the complete look? Visit the project page for imagery, details, and shopping links. View the Project Project Partners Design: Ivory & Olive Remodel Partner: Imagine Beyond Photography: Darlene Halaby Photography Kitchen Lighting: Lucent Lightshop Bar Chandelier: Made Goods Furniture: Essentials for Living Bar Sconces: Jamie Young Co. Textiles: DV Kap Rug: Surya Hardware: Plank Hardware Barstools: Häti Home
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Market Recap: What We’re Loving Right Now
Every market trip leaves us inspired, and this one was all about bold lighting, rich texture, and pieces that instantly spark a project idea. From sculptural lamps to dimensional wallcoverings, here’s what made it straight to our “must use in a client home” list. A New Dimension in Wall Design We were completely drawn to Dimense Wallcoverings from Leftbank Art. This isn’t just wallpaper, it’s a texture you can see and feel. The sculpted depth transforms a flat wall into something architectural, immersive, and elevated without construction costs. For clients who want impact without demo, this is a design dream. Statement Lighting: The Tiber Lamp This oversized ombre lamp by Arteriors was an immediate add to cart. The seeded glass base, finished in a smoky luster ombre, feels like gathering storm clouds... moody, dramatic, and completely captivating once illuminated. It’s already heading into one of our client homes, and we can’t wait to see it styled. The Counter Stool We’re Dreaming About The Laney Counter Stool stopped us in our tracks. A slim antique brass frame paired with cascading taupe suede details? It’s eye-catching from every angle. Shana has already envisioned the perfect bar/club room built around this piece. We’re just waiting for the right client to say yes. Small Scale, Big Personality Baby lamps are having a moment, and we’re here for it. The Posie Table Lamp by Four Hands features a tan speckled ceramic base topped with a scalloped silk shade. It’s soft and bold at the same time, perfect for layering into bookshelves, powder baths, or bedside moments that need just a little extra glow. Candle Sand by Napa Home & Garden One of the most fun discoveries? Candle Sand from Napa Home & Garden. This versatile product lets you create one-of-a-kind candles using your favorite vessels in an effortless way to add warmth, texture, and personality to any space. It’s already in store and ready to style. Shop Candle Sand Design is constantly evolving, and that’s what keeps it exciting. We can’t wait to bring these finds into upcoming projects and into the shop.
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The Mattress We’re Recommending More Than Ever (And Why Clients Love It)
< This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely use and love in our projects. When we design a bedroom, we think beyond its appearance. A truly successful space supports how you live and how you rest. One of the most common questions we’re asked is surprisingly simple: “What mattress do you actually recommend?” Our answer lately has been Saatva. We’ve been specifying it in more and more of our projects, and the feedback from clients has been consistently positive. Why We Recommend Saatva for Real Homes 365-night home trial — an entire year to truly live with it Lifetime warranty — long-term peace of mind Free white-glove delivery & setup Free old mattress removal These details matter. They remove friction and make the buying process feel thoughtful—just like good design should. Explore Saatva mattresses → Every sleep style is different—this lets you explore and choose what’s best for you. What Makes the Saatva Classic So Comfortable The Saatva Classic is the mattress we specify most often. It strikes the perfect balance between support, comfort, and durability—especially for clients who want that elevated, hotel-like feel at home. Inside the Saatva Classic 3” Euro pillow top inspired by luxury hotel mattresses for cushioned comfort and pressure relief Dual-coil construction made from triple-tempered recycled carbon steel to prevent sagging and improve durability Patented Lumbar Zone® Technology is designed to support healthy spinal alignment in any sleep position Breathable organic cotton blend cover for cooler, healthier sleep Guardin™ botanical antimicrobial treatment to inhibit bacteria, mold, and mildew This layered construction is why the Classic works so well across different sleep styles and body types, and why clients often tell us it’s the best sleep they’ve had in years. We often start clients here, but comfort is personal, which is why we love that Saatva makes it easy to explore options at home. Explore Saatva mattress options → The Memory Foam Hybrid: For Cooler, Contouring Comfort For clients who prefer a more contouring feel but don’t want to sacrifice airflow, we often point them toward Saatva’s Memory Foam Hybrid. Why Clients Love the Memory Foam Hybrid Premium AirCradle™ memory foam for body-contouring comfort and pressure relief Individually wrapped coils for responsiveness and ease of movement LuxeCool™ system that increases airflow and draws away body heat Gel-infused memory foam + Lumbar Zone® Quilting to support spinal alignment and relieve back pain Guardin™ botanical antimicrobial treatment for a cleaner sleep surface This option is especially popular with warm sleepers or anyone who loves the feel of memory foam—but wants a more breathable, supportive upgrade. Explore all Saatva mattresses → Not Sure Which Mattress Is Right for You? When choosing a mattress, we recommend thinking about: Your preferred sleep position (side, back, or stomach) Whether you tend to sleep warm or cool How much support you like versus sink-in comfort Saatva’s generous home trial makes it easy to try what feels right—without the pressure of getting it perfect on day one. Our Designer Takeaway Great interiors don’t just photograph well; they support everyday life. Choosing the right mattress is one of those behind-the-scenes decisions that make a home feel truly finished. If you’re planning a bedroom refresh or starting from scratch, comfort deserves just as much attention as aesthetics. Explore Saatva mattresses → `
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Behind the Design: Our Speakeasy-Inspired Game Room (As Seen in Orange Coast Magazine)
We’re honored to share that one of our favorite projects was recently featured in Orange Coast Magazine. This speakeasy-inspired game room was designed with entertaining at its core — but without leaning into anything overly themed or campy. From the very beginning, our goal was to create a space that felt elevated, timeless, and deeply connected to the rest of the home. Inspired by the home’s Spanish-style architecture, we layered architectural detail through ornate window casings, anchored the room with a custom plaid wool carpet, and brought drama through lighting and contrast. A pair of chandeliers were chosen for balance and visual impact — and they’ve since become the homeowner’s favorite feature. The space needed personality too. A Pac-Man game set the tone, and a custom neon sign adds a personal touch — something we always aim to capture in our work. For seating, a banquette-style couch and layered chairs kept things warm, inviting, and perfect for gathering. We’re so grateful to our client for trusting us with this room — and to Orange Coast Magazine for telling the story so thoughtfully. Moody layers + playful details Shana + Katie celebrating the final reveal A personal neon touch Originally featured in Orange Coast Magazine Words by Chelsea Raineri Photography by Darrin Williams / Gravity Red Productions 👉 Read the full Orange Coast feature here Special thanks to our partners who helped bring this space to life: Chandeliers: Arteriors Home | High-top table + stools + dining table: NOIR | Shuffleboard table: Four Hands | Wallpaper: Painted Paper | Carpet: Fibreworks | Paint: Peppercorn by Sherwin Williams | Art: Leftbank Art | Construction: Imagine Beyond Builders | Design: Ivory and Olive
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The NOIR Edit – Year End Sale
✨ The NOIR Edit ✨ As the year winds down, we’re leaning into timeless design; think rich materials, bold silhouettes, and pieces that make a statement without saying a word. NOIR has long been one of our go-to brands for effortlessly elevated furniture and lighting, and to celebrate the season, we're offering a rare end-of-year sale on the full collection. Now through January 2, you can shop select NOIR pieces online at a special price. Below, we’ve curated our current favorites, hand-picked by each of us. Whether you're refreshing a room or just dreaming about your next design moment, we hope this edit sparks some inspiration. Shana’s Picks I’ve always loved how NOIR strikes the perfect balance between bold and timeless. Each piece makes a statement, but still blends beautifully into a lived-in home. My picks this season are versatile and elevated. I picture these anchoring a space with warmth and structure. Zurich Console Thinking Cap Floor Lamp Kirill Table Katie’s Picks I love how sculptural and unexpected NOIR pieces feel, every design has a little edge to it, and that's what makes a room feel interesting. These picks are a mix of old-world charm and modern lines... a little glam, a little grit. Otto Hutch Carol Chair Bala Bowl Things We Both Love Some pieces are just too good not to agree on. These are the styles we both keep coming back to: endlessly versatile, effortlessly cool, and signature NOIR. Porto Bed Modena Chandelier Sedes Bar StoolAs seen in our Speakeasy Project
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Ivory & Olive Holiday Gift Guide
The holidays are here, and if you're anything like us, you want gifts that feel thoughtful, elevated, and a little special. Whether you're shopping for the hostess, the design lover, the entertainer, or the mahjong-obsessed friend, we’ve curated our most-loved pieces to make holiday gifting effortless. From luxurious candles to cozy throws and handcrafted décor, this is your go-to guide for beautiful, meaningful gifts—curated right here in Dana Point for homes across Orange County, from Newport Beach to Coto de Caza. 🍾 Gifts for the Perfect Hostess Thoughtful pieces that elevate entertaining—beautiful, functional, and always appreciated. Glasshouse Fragrances Luxurious candles and diffusers that set the mood instantly. Pampa Bay Medium Footed Bowl A sculptural serving piece that doubles as a beautiful centerpiece. Resin Sorbet Cheese Set Playful, giftable, and perfect for cheese boards and gatherings. 🕯 Gifts for the Cozy Homebody For those who love warmth, texture, and pieces they’ll enjoy all winter long. Merry Christmas Lumbar Pillow A festive accent full of holiday charm. Copenhagen Throw Plush, luxe, and incredibly soft. Woven Striped Pillow A timeless textured layer for any room. 🥂 Gifts for the Entertainer Elevated essentials for hosts who love to gather. Aquarelle Glassware Playful color meets modern design. Giselle Red Wine Glass A sculptural silhouette with a soft green tint. VIDA Nube Ice Bucket Modern barware with sculptural appeal. 🏡 Gifts for the Design Lover Sculptural, timeless pieces for design-forward homes. Alabaster Long Rectangle Tray A refined serving and styling piece. Cinq Wood Link A sculptural accent with quiet impact. Encanto Serveware Luminous finishes with heirloom appeal. 🀄 Gifts for the Mahjong Lover Playful, elevated pieces designed to make every game night special. Mahjong Ornaments Perfect for trees, gifting, or year-round display. Mahjong Mats Designed to elevate the look and feel of play. Mahjong Starter Kits Everything needed to play—or upgrade beautifully. ✨ Shop the Holiday Gift Guide Every piece in this guide has been hand-selected by Shana & Katie to celebrate thoughtful gifting, beautiful design, and joyful homes. Visit us in-store in Dana Point or shop online to make holiday gifting effortless this season. Happy Holidays from Ivory & Olive.
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Black Friday Featuring NOIR and Jamie Young
Closed for Black Friday, Celebrating Small on Saturday We're skipping the Black Friday chaos to be with our families and to make room for something more meaningful. At Ivory & Olive, we believe in slow mornings, shared meals, and supporting the people who make our community special. That’s why we’ll be closed on Friday, November 28, to rest and recharge and then open our doors on Small Business Saturday with something sweet (literally). Small Business Saturday: Donuts, Decor & Holiday Cheer Join us Saturday for a festive day of sipping, shopping, and celebrating. We’ve partnered with our friends at Gourmet Mini Donuts to bring a little extra joy to your shopping experience. 🍩 Complimentary mini donuts for our early shoppers ☕ Cold brew lattes in three holiday flavors 🛍 Shelves stocked with holiday décor, gifts, and cozy finds Can’t Make It In? Our Online Sale Starts Wednesday ✨ Whether you're near or far, you can still take part in the fun. November 26 to December 3, 2025, discounts are automatically applied: 20% off Jamie Young 25% off NOIR Shop Jamie Young Shop NOIR Thank You for Shopping Small Your support means the world to us. Whether you’re a day-one shopper or popping in for the first time, you’re helping us, and other small businesses, keep doing what we love. See you Saturday 💛Shana, Katie & the Ivory & Olive Team
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