Monday, December 20, 2010

before and after - Dublin kitchen

I love the use of the dark wall and accessories to make this boring kitchen really grab your attention! Check out the rest of the apartment here.  What a great vibe!!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

perfect lighting for shabby chic interiors

Don't forget to visit me here for further decorating blogs from here on in...

These chandeliers add just the right hit of 'grounding' to complete the spaces.  In your white spaces, consider a bit of dark in the lighting and it will complete the look.  And think unique too - aren't these just?

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

cottage company - barrie, on


If I had a cottage this is exactly how I would want it to look.  I love love love this place!!  Cottage Photos

Courtesy of The Cottage Co. in Barrie Ontario

Monday, December 13, 2010

rustic white house




I can see myself reading in this living room - so perfect and tranquil. 

And in the dining room - it is so effortlessly simple and unpretentious.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

green living rooms


Green is such a versatile colour - here you can see it being used in this traditional Kim Coleman designed living room / hallway, and in this very modern and graphic space in a much more vibrant hue.

There is something for everyone when it comes to green.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

modern elements

If you want an easy, clean and beautiful fireplace, Modern Elements has the simplest solution.  Check out their site - Modern Elements - to see how simple and gorgeous it can be.  They are clean burning and eco-friendly.  See their website for all the details.

I have had a small canister for years that uses the same burning ethanol these fireplaces take and I love it... and I may just be ready for a 'real' fireplace now that I see how gorgeous the options are!

Friday, December 3, 2010

navy walls

photos courtesy of Lonny Mag | J.Crew
Is navy the new black?  I love it!!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

watchtower interiors inc.


Today I met with Tony, general manager at Watchtower Interiors Inc.  He runs a company that does beautiful custom kitchens, millwork, built-ins and furniture. Check out the website to see what it's all about.

I am looking forward to working with him in the hopefully near future!  And if you yourself need an amazing kitchen or other custom woodwork done, he's the one to call!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

vanderhurd

Striking textiles from this company.  Have a look through their site for inspiration, and if you like anything, you can get it at the Y&Co showroom, here in Toronto.  This room was one of Vanderhurd's projects - gorgeous!!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

my white office

Well, I decided to go with white walls and here is the office now.  I put a few less pictures on the walls - I just couldn't bring myself to put so many holes in the walls again.  But it is organized and I did purge tons of stuff!!  I only have decorating magazines from 2007 on now!! ;)

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

2011 trends - by lynda reeves

 Meg Ryan's Country Home 
Courtesy Elle Decor magazine
I saw Lynda Reeves at Elte tonight.  She was very personal, friendly and very excited to be talking about the 2011 Decor Trends!  Here is a sneak peak into her thoughts, to be seen in the January issue of House & Home:
black walls
white walls
black kitchens
minimalist country
urban country
French mattress upholstery
linen fabric
patterned sofas
multi-headed light fixtures
black painted windows...
and a few others that I'll have to let you wait to see in the upcoming issue!

It was a lovely evening at Elte.

Monday, November 15, 2010

another ikea kitchen

Can you believe this is an Ikea Kitchen?!  Who says it can't look custom and gorgeous.

Friday, November 12, 2010

blue and green

White with blue and green accents - that's really quite perfect!  So fresh and clean.  The wood and sisal rug calms everything down just the right amount.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

michael simardone design

 
He's simply the best at it in town - recycled, salvaged design - gorgeous, meticulous and naturally original.  Check out his website.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

tarnished silver bowls for storage

Vintage silver is as flexible and easy to maintain as stainless.  Just let it tarnish.  Consider old silver trays and bowls for bathroom storage - use them for your Q-tips, make-up brushes and soaps.  They are so charming when not too shiny.  Take yours out of hiding and use them - it's a great look for any style, especially urban country.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

loft living

Loft living at its best - can't you just picture yourself here if even for just a weekend?  I love it!

Friday, November 5, 2010

thom filicia collection

I was at Elte tonight to see Thom Filica speak about his new furniture line.  He is great - funny, endearing and to use one of his words, inspiring.  He has some really whimsical pieces of furniture that could inject a real mix to your space; some classic and some just fun!  I love his console table pictured here.

His full line is available at Elte so it is very exciting to have these interesting pieces so available now.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

a versatile daybed

A daybed is such a versatile piece of furniture.  Consider it for its ability to do double duty - a sofa by day and a place to sleep by night.  You might even consider a daybed as the perfect room divider - one that is open on both sides works wonderfully with pillows piled at the head and foot of the bed.  Consider one for your office too, pushed up against a wall with tons of pillows.  It will look and feel like a sofa but be ready in a pinch for an out of town guest.

This daybed is by Laneventure and is called the Zinnia Wicker daybed.  Isn't it amazing!?

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

design 2.0

What is the future of decorating?  My vision - keep it simple and listen to yourself.  There are no rules, no hidden agendas, no copycat of glossy magazine images.  It's simply about being personal and practical above all else.  Because that's good design every time.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

sisal rug

A sisal rug is so versatile.  It has become a staple in interior design over the years and I don't believe it will go away anytime soon.  It is perfect for any design style and the texture adds so much to a room.  Of course you can layer more sophisticated rugs over it too. 

For a softer feel underfoot, consider a low loop-pile wool rug that has a similar look. Then pop an underpad underneath for the ultimate in comfort.

They are sold at different price ranges, so consider one for your empty floors for a nice winter touch.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

laundry room glam

It doesn't matter how big or small your laundry room is, or even if it is in an unfinished basement, why not glam it up?  Add a chandelier and a great little rug and you instantly have a nice place to go.

Imagine your dark unfinished basement with the cement walls and floors decked out with a crystal chandelier and a colourful Persian rug.  Wow!  And you can fake it too - the Persian can be olefin and the crystals plastic - pretending is just as much fun in a laundry room!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

cool furniture for very small spaces

I am always amazed at how we really can live small but most of us don't.  Check out this link to see how one manufacturer makes you almost want to downsize.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

home green home

When I look at this house it reminds me of the house in the animated movie UP because of how it is situated amongst all those high-rises.  It makes me smile.

Check out its interior and what it's all about on the Country Living website.  And while there, have fun with other house tours.  It's a fun site to visit.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

painted stairs

Chances are you have some leftover paint in your basement so wouldn't it be cool to paint the risers of your stairs in the colours of your home?  Simply tape and paint for a fresh and fun idea to spruce up your staircase.  Great for cottages, modern homes, or older homes that need some life put back into them. 

Monday, October 25, 2010

living room

Some may call this shabby chic - I just call it classic.  Gorgeous and up to date with all the right textural elements to make this space, devoid of any strong colours, really work!  The only thing I see wrong is the size of the picture to the left of the window - just a tad too big for the space.

Friday, October 22, 2010

lots of pictures

This is my office.  I know, it's busy and messy and crazily unmatched (but totally organized, just so you know).  It is the only room in my house like this.  It has black walls (the rest of my house is white), and it has pictures from ceiling to floor, or basically wherever I can put something.  It is my room to showcase everything out in the open.  And I love it!

But now it is time to paint.  The walls just need it and behind all those pictures are tons of holes!  So, should I go white, or stick with black?  My inkling is to go with white. I have a month to decide before my painter can get here... and I'll need it because choosing the right white now is key!  It's always so much harder for me than for my clients.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

edenwool

If you really want something unique and fun, why not try a gorgeous little lamp like this!!  It's made of wool and looks equally nice when not lit up, but when lit, is it not just perfect for Halloween?  Or for a night light for your child's room?  Or just a sweet piece by the front door, attached to a timer so that no matter what time of day you come home, a light welcomes you.  Great prices too!

Check out all of Janna's creations here edenwool and visit her at the upcoming One-of-a-Kind show in Toronto.  She does such beautiful unique work!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

umbra store

I visited the Umbra Concept store today.  It's bright and open and I love the Lucite stairs.  They have all of their iconic pieces there from their famous garbage bins to penguin soap dispensers, frames and all other sorts of smaller items.  But did you know they also carry furniture?  Sofas, coffee tables, rugs, ready-made curtains... and at great prices too.  Have a look for yourself.  They are at King & John in downtown Toronto.
Umbra

Sunday, October 17, 2010

french empire bed

I love this bed from Restoration Hardware.  Unlike their huge line of raw woods, this one is classic with its hardwood and veneer topped with an antique black finish.  Pair this with equally strong pieces and you have a room fit for a King.  And no fussing on bed-skirts either - just fit the box-spring with a fitted sheet and you're ready to go with a duvet cover to your liking. 

Saturday, October 16, 2010

gardens

I love a natural looking garden with various bushes, trees and grasses.  But I have to admit, I lack desire and talent in making it look beautiful in my own garden.

Today was good for me though - I met with a young man named Ola, passionate to no end about gardening and recommended highly by a neighbour, so I hired him.  I gave him carte blanche in my garden with very little guidance and I can't wait to see what he comes up with.

If you enjoy sitting in your garden but don't like to do the gardening, find your own Ola if you can, and start looking at gardens in magazines that appeal to you for inspiration.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

homesav.com

Check out homesav.com and join this great new site.  It's free to join and will be offering you great savings on all kinds of really great home products.  I will be blogging with them as well as still doing this blog, so check them out often.  They are constantly updating and have great input from various sources.  My first blog with them is up now.  Have fun!

Monday, October 11, 2010

the door store

When I am faced with a new house that cries for some history added to it for character, I always head to The Door Store.  There are beautiful architectural pieces from XL antique doors, to knobs and hinges, and everything in between.  I have twice now installed older mantels that have been retrofitted into new homes for a fantastic finish that adds so much character!

Have a look - it's an easy place to visit in Designers Walk north in Toronto.

The Door Store

Friday, October 8, 2010

sinks

Cool!

Light The Night - fundraiser

Last night the Light the Night fundraiser for Blood Cancers took place at Nathan Phillips Square.  It was a great success and Toronto raised over $700,000!  I was so proud to be a part of the event having been asked for the second year in a row to implement the Garden of Hope, seen here.  For those taken by this cancer, rocks were marked with messages and tossed into the bowl for a beautiful memorial. We then walked along University and around all the hospitals in the vicinity, stopping for a special tribute at Sick Kids, where the children were by their windows with flashlights waving.  It was truly a special night.

Thank you Light the Night foundation, for allowing me to continually be a part of this event.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

shabby chic bedroom

I know, I am so predictable, shabby chic again.  But it just feels so good to me... and it's timeless.  I love the generous bedskirt and painted night stand.  I would, however, to my taste, have toned down the blinds and cabbage rose pillows... that's just a bit too much. 

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

candice olsen design

Candice Olsen does amazing work, but if you didn't know she had a line of furniture, lighting and rugs you are missing out.  I often see her at Union Lighting with her camera crew, moving in and out of her beautiful lighting line there.  Here is one of her rugs from her rug line - so perfect for so many spaces!  I love the classic lines of it with the contemporary contrast of black and white.  Gorgeous!

Monday, October 4, 2010

candle chandelier

If you're thinking of putting your dining table in a place where there is no electrical box above the table for a chandelier, don't fret and try the new spot for the table anyway.  And then go for candles! There are so many gorgeous candle chandeliers out there now that take easy to find dripless candles that it almost makes me wish I didn't have an electric box over my table.  How cozy is that?!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

art show

 Ann Katz - website

Ron Katz - sawdusters
I wasn't sure I could, but I made it to my friends' art show today and I'm so glad I did!  Ann and Ron are a married couple from South Africa and they both have beautiful and unique artistic talents that I have always admired.  But not so much as I did as when I saw them in their realm, at their art show, with their creations displayed all together in one place.  The impact was great!

Check out their websites for a glimpse into the beauty of their art.  Excellent pricing on all original pieces!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

bistro decor

Today I did my running around for the tent I am decorating for the Leukemia & Lymphoma walk in downtown Toronto next week.  It is my second year decorating the booth (third year walking and raising funds) and this year I decided to do a bistro theme... on an extremely tight budget, with crazy logistics along with some favours pulled in from suppliers.  It won't be anything like this fantastic bistro in The Distillery District in Toronto, but I do hope it conveys a similar feel.  And isn't it more about the feel of a space than the food sometimes?  Or is that just me?  Maybe it needs to be both...

Monday, September 27, 2010

range hood / exhaust fan

 
Today I had to find a new range hood for a client and I had to find it quickly and with a small budget.  It was fun going through all the images on-line and I came across this gorgeous one.  It was totally out of my client's budget but I wanted to share it.  And wow!  How sweet is that?!  Designed by Luca Casini, manufactured by elica.com, it even has a remote control.  Who says functional things have to look utilitarian!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

computer on my desk

It is so hard to be without a computer - a whole week!  I just got my pretty pink laptop back and I couldn't be happier.  It had some major issues which are now all cleaned up and it is just such a relief to be back in the 'real' world again.  Amazing how we can't live without our computers anymore.  Thank goodness for blackberrys but I am ever so glad to have a full sized keyboard again!  Not to mention a space on my desk filled with such a pretty coloured computer again. ;)

Thursday, September 16, 2010

layering rugs

I like the idea of layering area rugs.  A more intricate rug with pattern and colour is beautiful layered over a plain sisal or wool rug.  It adds depth and coziness.  And it is great if you have a favourite rug that is too small for a space - just layer it over a neutral area rug that is bigger and it simply becomes art.