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!