Wednesday 18 April 2012

Diamond Jubilee

For all you British patriots out there, as you know it is the Diamond Jubilee marking the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II. Whether you're planning on hosting a formal tea party or informal street party, I believe it's time to bring out anything Union Jack. If you're bringing furniture pieces into the mix as well why not keep them around longer then the party and style them into your living spaces? Your guests eyes will definitely focus on the amazing pieces. The Union Jack pattern won't fit in with every space so play around with the item and see how it looks in each room. Bring a little sixties mod back into your home, Austin Powers is making a come back! A fun idea for a party is to rent a photo booth that looks like an old red telephone box, it will become the main attraction of the night! And it will give your guests a little souvenir to bring home with them.

Decorating will take on a mind of its own but don't forget to make the food and people the key ingredients to your party.
Long live the Queen! xx

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Industrial Furniture



We have been seeing industrial furniture as a back drop in the fashion industry for the last few years, so naturally we now want to convey it into our own spaces. Industrial furniture has been re-invented many times before and we are now are seeing it being mixed with different design aspects like modernism, traditionalism and country. One of the biggest trends with re-inventing industrial furniture is to find antique pieces and transform them into something new. Like a large antique wall clock turned into a glass covered table, or changing a factory cart into a statement coffee table or wall fixture. If you're really into this style movement at the moment I would definitely recommend watching The Picker Sisters show it's about two friends who travel around the United States in search of antiques and rare collectibles to transform them into unique pieces for their home decor store in Los Angeles.
I recommend checking out www.antiquesdirect.ca for a full range of distinctive furnishings and lighting and Restoration Hardware/Pottery Barn for similar pieces. Antique industrial furniture is a part of a new global style and I believe it is here to stay.

Monday 16 April 2012

Decorating with Botanicals


Spring has sprung and now it's time to decorate your house accordingly, a good way to decorate with spring in mind is bringing in botanicals. These aren't your grandmothers botanicals,  rather than the faded, generic prints we're used to seeing, 2012's springs versions are big, bold, with punches of modern looks. Why not add a punch of colour with botanical prints to a statement piece in the room? You can either bring in throw pillows with bold prints or a slipcover on a chair or sofa. This would definitely scream spring! A great way to create your own botanical art is to pick wild flowers and dry them out by placing them into books, then going to antique stores and looking for unique picture frames.

Wednesday 11 April 2012

Joining Spaces

Do you ever wonder how the heck you're going to move in to a space with your significant other? I say don't throw away all the glitz and glam, just have less out in the open! (obviously all the glitz and glam will be brought out when your hosting a ladies night) I believe men don't mind a feminine touch every once in a while, they just care if the space is comfortable for them! And they should feel like they have made some design decisions. Why not have an eclectic feel to make both parties happy? A traditional lay out with modern accents? Below are some ideas to have a positive living space together.

1. Having leather and darker woods is always a great start to make him feel comfortable.
2. Grey hues will work with every colour that you decide to put into the room (even the feminine colours!)
3. Some fabrics/textiles that will work well are burlap, leather, basket weaves, metal, and reclaimed woods.
4. Let him have his own inputs as well. He lives there too!
5. Big pieces of art work for him, maybe he's into old movie posters or aviation? Incorporate his hobbies into the space.
6. Or even give him his own man cave? Far away from the rest of the house!
7. I know most men aren't fond of too many throw pillows, so take it easy with them! He will want to cuddle with you not the mountain of pillows.

A place to check out masculine art pieces that could suit both your styles are Restoration Hardware and Country Furniture.



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Tuesday 3 April 2012

Statement Pieces

One way to bring a dull and dreary room to life is by adding that special statement piece. When walking into a room you should be able to select pieces that stand out and make the space complete. A punch of colour or a unique fabric choice will always do the trick. One way to bring a unique piece or accessory into a room is to check out second hand stores or antique shops, it might take awhile to come across something special, but I have been able to find "the diamond in the rough". An old Victorian chair or console table might just need a new coat of paint or to be reupholstered to come back to life. You'll not only have a new stand out piece but also a story behind the purchase! One of my favourite places for distinctive second hand pieces is a quaint consignment store on Lonsdale , North Vancouver called La Lucy Thift & Boutique.

Tuesday 27 March 2012

A great way to bring in some personal art into a space is by hanging up eclectic picture frames. Where ever you travel pick up a frame and add it to your collection. In no time you will have gathered enough to create an art piece of your own! Each frame will tell a different story and you will be able to bring home a little of your travels each time. Don't hesitate in mixing and matching the frames with sizes and colours, that's the beauty of having that eclectic touch you want. Even if there isn't any photos to go in the frames that's fine because each frame has its own story. Or what about a picture box frame? That will definitely catch some glances, having a picture box frame gives you the ability to put memorable items inside it. For example sand and shells from your favourite beach destination or maybe something more sentimental like baby booties? Anything is possible!

What's your choice of bedroom style? Are you a traditionalist of a minimalist? Or do you prefer many looks combined for a eclectic feel? Let me know what your style of choice is!


Wednesday 21 March 2012

One of the biggest trends in fashion this spring is colour blocking. I believe you can always convert style into interior design, so don't be afraid to be fashion forward when dealing with your own rooms! I  am abosolutely obbessed with this room. It's not just the colours that make this room a big hit for me but also the symmetry in all the assessories. I might change up the side tables and make them a darker tone but other than that it's pretty much perfect. Picture found on http://www.lelalondon.com/2011/12/interior-design-inspiration/ check it out!
So it's that time of year again when were dusting off patio furniture or looking to buy new pieces. I believe a great way to have a comfortable living space outside is to bring the inside out! Why not add a outside rug to your patio set? I still want to have a feeling of comfort when I'm out side relaxing. If you're starting from scratch I would recommend the look of an outside sectional, with this piece you have so many variations of how the sectional can be set up. Maybe bring in a theme? One of my fav's for summer is the ocean theme, make it feel like you're at the beach sipping on a cocktail...or two.

Monday 19 March 2012



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When having a dinner party I believe it's a must to have a stand out centre piece! I want my guests to be talking about it all night. Some simple rules to a stellar centre piece is having variation in sizes with the pieces you will be using, but not so large that you can't make eye contact with someone across the table. Having eclectic pieces makes for a great looking table but also great conversation starters. A great piece to have is a hurricane candle holder, where you can put vase fillers in and be able to change the fillers every season. Even though it doesn't feel like it should be the first day or spring tomorrow don't let that discourage you from bringing the sunshine colours inside. Help the summer colours warm up your space. Pieces from Pottery Barn and Urban Barn.
From the run way to interior design I'm crazy for paisley. The Indian heritage print of swirling curling shapes finds new looks in design to be used all over your house. Layer paisley print accessories on neutral back grounds and have that signature classy but chic effect you've always been looking for. Use a splash of colour for the spring/summer seasons and why not bring in royal blue into the mix. It can be seen as a bright colour to lighten up a room or a darker hue to mellow out a space. In paisley prints I always love the combination of blue hues with brown and a touch of cream. Check out this paisly print lamp shade at Pottery Barn, such a classic look.

Friday 16 March 2012

If you haven't already seen the Million Dollar Decorators tv show on the W Network then I'm sorry for you. This elaborate group of designers couldn't be more entertaining, and I've grown to love each one of them for their own take on design. If you're strangley addicted to reality tv and have a passion for design like me then this is the show for you! Check the cast out.
http://www.wnetwork.com/Shows/Million-Dollar-Decorators.aspx

So I'm obsessing over bold bright prints for this spring/summer 2012. If you're looking for a way to brighten up your boring winter rooms then this is the way to go! I would recommend bringing the bold prints in with accessories, for example throw pillows, window treatments or a sheer throw blanket or if you want an even bigger statement then what about a slip cover for a chair or couch? Why not even bring a punch of colour to your bedroom with a new bed spread? And don't be afraid to add colour! Changing up accessories is always the easiest way to make a room look different when moving into each season, so why not have fun with it! Nothings permanent. So many possibilities! The top left textile is by Kathryn Ireland,(amazing designer) check out her inspiring website! http://www.kathrynireland.com/ 
I went to Tritex Fabrics on Alexander St. in Vancouver a couple days ago and was amazed at the quality of products they have. I will definitely be going back to look at new drapery for my room, it's in need of a change up! Loving the wall paper in this picture, when having dramatic walls in a room the space will need the simplicity of a neutral couch and accessories with another touch of colour, it really brings the room together.


This Pottery Barn Townsend coffee table is such a great statement piece in a space. Having the different compartments gives the opportunity to show off personal treasures to guests. Each season you will be able to change up what you have on display. I love when pieces are interchangeable! http://www.potterybarn.com/
Found this unique chandelier/lamp (what ever it's called) on Main St. in Vancouver. You can't get a feel for the actual size but believe me its huge. and for some reason im in love with it... To find odd pieces I would deffinetly recommend checking out antique stores, there's plenty in Vancouver; you won't be dissapointed!
Absolutely adore this piece! Love to see when older chairs are reupholstered with new fabrics. It brings the chair back to life. If you haven't already been to The Cross in downtown Vancouver you are missing out! It's a one of a kind store with one of a kind pieces! a bit pricey so I would recommend saving a few dollars before going in because, like me you will want to buy everything! http://thecrossdesign.com/
Loving the new look of Fashion Police! Would love to see the rug made into drapery (for my room of course)