"When you realize that a beautiful interior has very little to do with objects and a whole lot to do with spirit, general well being and upliftment you find the soul of interior design. If you have respect for your surroundings and everything has it's perfect place you interact with your world differently you carry yourself differently. My father used to say that the state of your surroundings is the state of your mind. Look around your home, let your home be the foundation of your aspiration."

Written by a South African artist, interior designer & product designer.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Wrap it up!

You know when you come across something and it encompasses your style completely?  Well that's how I felt when I saw this lamp.  It was love at first sight.  This is me all wrapped up in a lamp and it needs to be in my house!!  The pair would look so good in my living room.  I found them at a great little home decor store called Stella Bleu.  They have a great selection of pretty chandeliers to modern glam furniture and accessories.  They are always a go to store for me when I'm looking for something special.  Now I need to convince the husband that these lamps are a necessity!








Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Looking for something modern?

I am currently working on a modern family room with minimal colour.  A neutral pallet with great texture can be achieved by mixing fabric, metals and wood tones.  This is a great way to keep a modern space from feeling too cold.  Take note of the beautiful painting done by my friend and designer Karla Amadatsu from Kerrisdale Design.


Throw pillows by Woody Liana and Caitlin Wilson 




















Friday, December 17, 2010

Thom Felicia at Calico Corners

Not sure if I'm the last to know but it's news to me!  Now I have another reason to shop at Calico.



Thursday, December 9, 2010

Holiday decorating

I am finally getting around to decorating the house for the holidays and the first thing I did was fix up my empty uninviting planter at the front door.  It was pitiful that my guests were being welcomed by an empty planter!  I took inspiration from who else but Sarah Richardson.  I loved the planters that she put together with Tommy on her holiday special.   I don't have a green thumb at all so I think it turned out pretty well.  Now I need to turn my attention to the inside of my house.



  




Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Frizzle the elf

Isn't he cute!  After reading Tamara's blog Modern Mommy a few weeks ago I knew he would be a welcome addition to our Christmas traditions.  My kids love waking up every morning and finding our elf perched in a new spot.  Thanks Tamara!



Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Bedroom makeover

I mentioned a bedroom I was working on a couple of months ago, you can see the original post here.  We have installed the wallpaper, added some new lamps, mirrors etc....  It's coming along nicely and wanted to show you a sneak peek.  I LOVE the wallpaper, it is absolutely stunning!









Monday, November 22, 2010

Checked out Rue yet?

Some of my favourites from Rue.










Wednesday, November 10, 2010

New project

I have been very busy helping a client with their main living space which includes the living room, dining room, family room and some small updates in the kitchen.  This is the mood board I originally put together for her living room.  I originally only saw a few pictures of the space before the client moved in and she gave me an idea of her aesthetic.  I wanted to see if this would be the direction she wanted to go and whether to move forward or start again.  Well, she loved it and she has been a dream client to work with. Together we have created a fresh, hip, and sophisticated space.  I am almost finished and will post some pictures very soon.



Monday, November 1, 2010

Millionaire lottery home

I got a chance to visit the new lottery home not far from where I live this past weekend.  I don't go to all of the lottery homes but this one looked pretty spectacular from the outside. The interior was done by Kelly Deck who is a local interior designer here in Vancouver and I have to say that I was really impressed.   A few of the highlights for me was the kitchen/great room, the master bathroom, the wine room and the infrared sauna.  Did I mention the view?   

I am in love with this kitchen!!




Hidden pantry 


Great Room


Another angle looking towards the kitchen


Dining room


A glass of wine anyone?


Master suite with amazing views


Gorgeous master bathroom


Another angle


The view at night

pictures courtesy of Millionaire Lottery 


Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Butterflies

You may be thinking that I have a strange facination with Gossip Girl but really I don't.  Okay, maybe a little,  but between the fashion and the interiors it's a no brainer for me.  I think it was last week where I was tuning in on Monday night and saw the most amazing butterfly wall behind Serena's (Blake Lively) bed. I had to do some digging and find out more about it.  I have been searching since that episode and didn't have a lot of luck but today I finally found some info on the symphony of butterflies that covered the wall so beautifully.  Yes I have become very passionate about these lovely creatures.  The man behind the butterflies is Paul Villinski.  He is an artist that makes them from crushed beer cans off the streets of New York.  I'm amazed at how delicate and fluid they look when installed on a wall.  

This is where I first spotted them


Here are some more images from Paul Villinski's website






Monday, October 18, 2010

IDSwest

So if you read my blog at all then you know how much I adore Sarah Richardson (aka designer extraordinaire).  I knew she and Tommy (aka design sidekick) were coming to the IDSwest and I knew that I had to be there to see them in action.  They mostly answered design questions from the audience and talked about their new shows starting soon on HGTV.  Sarah is working on a new Sarah's House that will feature a typical home you would find in a subdivision.  Her other show called Design 101 starts in January.  Lucky people in the Toronto area submitted a room they wanted redone through Sarah's website.  It it will focus on how to get the room you love on a budget.  Looking forward to both shows!

Of course I was also there looking for new and interesting products and let me tell you there was so much eye candy I just kept snapping pictures.

My new BFF



Sarah's design sidekick Tommy



Loved this display, I'm a sucker for anything blue!


I am a big fan of The Cross in Vancouver.  They have such beautiful things and their booth did not disappoint.



The Cross media lounge


Look at that funky wallpaper!


I was really impressed with the Ikea booth. It was so eye catching with those pendant lights.


I am a sucker for stone tile and I found some gorgeous patterns.








I loved these little plants, aren't they cute?


Bathroom tubs have become so sculptural, this tub came with crome or wood legs.  So cool.


I found these great poofs, they would add some great texture to any space.


I thought these tables were so unique!