Hidden not so secretly in this pretty print are butterflies, birds, shrubberies and flowers! I love prints like these because even though at first glance they look like a symmetrical damask, they have meaning and associations other than the scrolls and fluid lines by a typical damask artist's pen. Remember those brightly colored magic eye prints they plastered on comic newspaper ends, calendars and the like 10-15 years ago? I couldn't see the hidden image, not once, I still can't and it bothers me to no end. I used to think that it was an inside joke, that there really wasn't a hidden image and I just wasn't in on it. Is that what it is? Guys? So here is a fresh graphic ready for your walls with a not so hidden message: The world is beautiful.

Chenonceau in Charcoal by Schumacher. See it in the soft Aquamarine for a cottage near you!

This is the Flower line of tile mosaics by Sicis featured in their New York showroom. I am so captivated by these tiny squares pixilated into gorgeous masterpieces of mosaic grandeur.

Sicis is also responsible for the beautiful bottom in this pool. Black and gold is such a refreshing change from the usual aquatic blues and azure shades.

This bath featured in House and Home is light and airy, and as pretty as can be.

There are just so many to choose from and with technology catching up to our creative artists, I can't wait to see what new collections will befall us in the Sicis spring 2011 collection!

For more ideas, manufacturers and links, check out Wallpaperintrend, Bisazza, or Sicis.

This is a different way of thinking about shower drains. It is usually the least thought about aspect in a shower installation. If it isn't selected by the customer, the plumber will just supply whatever inexpensive chrome circular drain assembly he has rolling around in the back of his truck. Does this sound like the way you want to cap off your super haute walk in shower? Yeah, I didn't think so.

A linear drain from QuARTz by ACO is a long rectangular shower drain that can even be faced with the same tile you are installing on the shower floor.

The stainless steel or oil-rubbed bronze drains are meant to fit in effortlessly into the sleek design you have been looking for. And here is the best part:

My tile guys loathe installing walk in shower floors, when done in the traditional way that is. The floor has to be sloped on four plains to channel water to the central drain. This can mean you have to opt for smaller tiles like 4x4, or 2x2 in order to rest nicely on the concave floor. But see the install method for linear drains? You can slightly slope the floor on one plain only! This means you can use a 24"x 24" tile if you really want to, and the installers will want to kiss you for making the install that much sleeker, or they just might charge you less on labour. Yes, let's go for the last suggestion.

Did I mention you can get optional LED lights that are activated by water? Amazing.

Notice the floor of this spectacular bathroom designed by Glen Peloso. These square tiles by Antica are a gorgeous stripped mix of greys and white and they are a very fresh and contemporary version of the traditional Carrera marble stone tiles.

The tiles have been carried up the wall of the custom walk-in shower which is smart, it draws the eye up. But I have seen this tile before:

I first saw this same Antica Tile while early Christmas shopping in a newly renovated RW & Co store. The tile looked sleek as a vanity mirror and was laid as straight as a high fashion cat walk. I liked it so much I asked the manager if they had any left over tile boxes somewhere that might have a label with product information. Hey, sources are important! This tile nails retail and residential purposes!