Glebe House Tour

It was a perfect afternoon to tour the Glebe.  The sun was shining and the neighbourhood was buzzing with people.  I managed to get to four of the six houses included in this year's lineup.  And they all showed off some stunning designs  There was a mix of modern and traditional elements in the houses.  Designs were done professionally but, also by some of the homeowners.  If I could sum it all up, the looks had a definite electic mix.  A good lesson for design today, don't take it too seriously, add elements to a room that you love.  Whether it's a favourite family photo or small artifacts from your travels around the world.  Those are the things that tell the story of your life and our homes should reflect your story.  All that being said, I was not allowed to take any photographs of these homes.  :(  There are so many things that I wanted to capture.  I made sure to take a lot of good notes after the tour.  I will show a few photos from my favourite house.  (Source: The Ottawa Citizen  and Desire to Inspire)

I loved the front entrance of this house. The stonework set the stage for this house. 

 

 Although this house did not have a formal entrance, I immediately got a warm and welcoming feeling.  

 

A curved wall was created to hide a support beam between the main hallway and the dining room/kitchen.  I love how the owners used it to create a chalkboard.

For the backsplash in the kitchen, marble bubble mosaic was used.  So much fun!

There were so many things to love in this house but, this had to be my favourite!...A garage door in the living room that opens up to the patio.  So amazing.  You'll also notice the wood panel sliding doors in the background.  These are made with reclaimed wood from the walls that were taken down in the house.  An amazing way to keep a little bit of the old. 

 

 

Love this colourful wallpaper used in the main floor bathroom.

 

 

 

 

There was a definite retro feel in this work area and bathroom.  Love the turquoise and orange colour combination!

 

 

 

Rumour has it that this table and chairs were found on kijiji! 

 

 Now to the second floor....Here are the bedrooms of two lucky kids!

 

 

 

 

In both kids' rooms the closets are IKEA's Pax wardrobes.  This was customized to accomodate the sloped ceiling. 

 

Love this hit of colour in the media room (I have a room very similar to this in my house) and the artwork in the wall.

Even the exterior was given as much attention as the rest inside.  Every bit of space was used to create a beautiful, modern living area. 

 

 

 

Sorry I didn't get to show you more but, you can see lots more of photos of this and another house on the tour over at Desire to Inspire. 

2012 Annual Glebe House Tour

This weekend I am headed to the 12th Annual Glebe House Tour.  It's a chance to explore six fabulous homes in the Glebe (a neighbourhood in Ottawa).  I can't wait to show you some great ideas and designs.  Here are the houses that are a part of this year's event:
 

Arts and Crafts Gem

Designed for Life

Fusing Old and New

Mid-Century Retreat

One Planet Reno

Social Spaces

Home Tour

I wanted to share with you some of my own design work.  Our last house was a custom built house by Infinity Architectural Inc. in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  It was an amazing process to go through and here are the results.

My Living Room

What I loved most about this room was the 15ft cathedral ceilings with skylights.  There was always so much light in this room.  Becuase of the height of the ceiling, I definitely wanted to light fixture that could make a statment.  The light fixture is by Origina Lighting. 

I created a gallery wall surrounding the TV with black and white family photos.  The TV alone on that wall looked bare, and the placement of the frames helped to incorporate the TV into the whole look.  Frames were purchased at IKEA and Michaels. 

I was definitely going for softer colours on the walls throughout the whole house.  For the living / dining room and the main spaces throughout the house, I used Benjamin Moore, Thousand Islands.

For the wall opposite the TV, I had to balance it with a large piece.  So, I chose this clock from Sears.

I chose a navy blue leather sofa and loveseat.  They were definitely compromise pieces for me.  I originally wanted a fully tufted sofa but, you can guess who ruled that out ;)  But, I am definitely happy with the choices made.  The sofa and loveseat are form Palliser. 

The wing chair was from Homesense.  Again, you'll see in the next photo, the tufted back on this piece, which relates to the sofa and loveseat without using the same fabric. 

This photo looks into the dining room.  You'll see another large light fixture.  I definitely didn't want the same fixtures in both rooms and I think I came up with ones that work well with each other. 

More rooms to come soon! 

If you would need help designing your home, contact me.

The IT Colour: Bordeaux

Fall 2012's 'IT colour' is Bordeaux.  A rich, luxurious colour that is a classic and easy to wear (and with any reference to wine, I'm in!)

Fashion and interior design have never been so closely related, as they are right now.  Anytime you 're looking for inspiration to decorate a room, your closet is a good starting point, especially this Fall.  

The best way to incorporate fashion trends into your wardrobe, can be done by adding a few key pieces.  As for interiors, the same holds true.   Here are a few ideas that will help you get started:
 

Dino Vase, Kosta Boda

 

Talisman Kilim Rug, West Elm

 

KitchenAid Artisan Mixer

Caroline Dinnerware, Horchow

 

Everton Cushion, Zara Home

Dale Chair, Horchow

Gibson Velvet Curtains, Horchow

Manak Pendants, Horchow

"Pretty in Pinks" Giclee, Horchow

Ikat Farbric, Robert Allen
 



Paint: Radicchio, Farrow & Ball

Need more ideas or need help incorporating Bordeaux into your space?  Contact me.

2012 Hampton Designer Showhouse - PART 2

Equestrian chic is certainly a popular in decor right now and this living room designed by Patrik Lönn is so luxurious.  Incorporating timeless pieces gives an authentic feel to the space and the classic colour scheme of white, taupe, brown and black creates a very handsome look.

I think that the brown used in the club chairs is the perfect colour for  suede/leather.  I love the the layering of fabrics and textures.  Even the saddle stitching on the chair adds to the equestrian style of the room.

In addition to the dramtic artwork used throughout the space, the ceiling displays custom wallpaper inspired by a Hermès scarf.  Gorgeous!!!

I always look for ways to incorporate fashion into interior design and these riding boots look so stylishly cool in the room. 

Favourite details: The stunning wallpaper on the ceiling, bronze wall sconces, subtle patterns used and lots of throws and pillows.

This open, bright and airy den, designed by Kate Singer is the perfect place to relax, read or have a cup of tea.  This blue and tan room is a perfect example of how to mix fabrics and patterns.  As dramatic as the drapes are, balance on the opposite side of the room is absolutely required. 

And it does not disappoint, with this beautiful gallery wall.  This is a mix of mostly original pieces of land and seascapes.  The vignette created below with the table and chairs is casually comfortable.  Even the Tiffany saphire blue suede tote is effortlessly incorporated into the room. 

The guest suite designed by Jennifer McConnell is a mix of blue watery tones with pops of bright coral and fuscia.  This room has a real nautical theme with the blue stripe carpet, tie-dye inspired print on the curtains and side chairs.

Favourite details: Tufted daybed, four small tables used as one large coffee table, tie-dye printed fabric used on the curtains and side chairs.  Tip:  When you introduce an accent colour into a space use it at least three times (as done here with the cushions and the ottoman pillow). 

Source: Traditional Home via Facebook

 



2012 Hampton Designer Showhouse - PART 1

Showhomes are so much fun to tour and this one in the Hamptons would be no exception.  If you ever get the opportunity to visit a showhome in your area, you should.  The work of highly talented interior designers is showcased and you get to see what some of the current trends are and how you can incorporate them into your own home. 

This shingled house, located in South Hampton, was built by Grande Design Residential, Inc. and is currently on the market for $5.395 million!!

Until I can actually make it to this annual event, I will have to settle with this online tour. Here are a few of my favourite rooms.

A fabulously designed room by Mabley Handler Interior Design.  This room has impact and in order to make it work, repetition of the aqua and peacock was perfectly done.  Favourite details: the painted wall and ceiling panels, drum shade pendant and the dining room chairs.

A "great" room designed by Lilian August.  This goes to show that you can still make a huge statement with a neutral palette.  Favourite details: Textures used, ceiling height, as well as all of the architectural details. 

Fun Room designed by Libby Langdon.  The perfect seating arrangement makes this a great room to hang out in.  The sofas and chairs have a sophisticated, yet casual feel to them.  Notice the oversized brass chandelier over the coffee table.  Yes...brass is back!   Favourite details: Colour scheme, the globe arrangement and that beautiful chandelier!

A gorgeous kitchen by Bakes & Company.  This is a modern take on a white kitchen with white classic cabinetry, walnut lower cabinets and two islands!!!  The working island has some open storage, carerra marble counters and a beautiful nickel bridge faucet.  The second island is used for the eating and entertaining.  A simple gooseneck faucet with a long, narrow sink can be filled with ice and a few bottles of white wine, champagne, etc.  The ultimate design feature in this kitchen has to be the gorgeous mosaic backsplash.  It's a showstopper!  It anchors the room and provides a modern, yet sophisticated vibe. 

This master bedroom, designed by Robert Passal, was inspired by a bouquet of fresh flowers.  This bright, eye-popping colour scheme mixed with luxurious, tailored furniture creates a space with major appeal.  the beautiful watercolour painted walls truly create magic in this room.  Stunning!  Placement of the bed in the middle of the room commands prescence (not to mention the lush green Schumacher velvet).  Favourite details: Green velvet bad, wall of windows and doors to outside and the watercolour walls.  Heaven!

Source: All photos (www.facebook.com)