A Happy Medium

Last weekend I was at a friend's house and we were talking paint colours and she said that she really wished that she had chosen more gray undertones throughout her house.  Meanwhile, all of her furniture, window coverings and accessories are in the brown/beige family.  So, what to do?  So many people are in the same boat, where they want to embrace the gray trend but, don't want to have to get rid of everything they already own.  So, how do you marry the cooler tones of gray with the warmer look of browns and beiges?  Let me introduce you to greige!

Greige...a colour between gray and beige.  Kind of like Brangelina, Kimye...you get the point! haha.

Here are my go to greige paint colours!
 

Edgecomb Gray HC-173 (Benjamin Moore)

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Grant Beige HC-83 (Benjamin Moore)

 

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Manchester Tan HC-81 (Benjamin Moore)

 

 

 

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All of these paint colours are great neutrals that work well in a variety of space and lighting conditions.  If you would like help incorporating these new neutrals into your space, email me.






No Doorknobs Allowed!

Last month, a bylaw in the city of Vancouver came into effect, banning the installation of door knobs in new homes.  Say what?  When I first heard this, I thought it was so ridiculous.  Then I researched it a bit more and discovered that the extinction of the doorknob will be replaced with lever handles, a more sensible option for those with limited strength and movement.  I understand that this is ideal for people with accessibility issues but, why should anyone who is perfectly capable of turning a doorknob be forced to install lever handles?  

Apparently, doorknobs have been on their way out for a while now as some manufacturers stopped making them as they knew this trend was coming.  Other municipalities will likely follow suit, as building codes are updated.

What are your thoughts?  Do you think the banishment of doorknobs is excessive and unnecessary?  

Say goodbye to beautiful looking doorways like these.  

In my opinion, this is probably the worst ban ever!  What's next?  They'll probably be telling us what light bulbs we can and cannot use.  Oh right....they already did that!

My new baby: Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant

The fiddle leaf fig tree has to be the hottest house plant right now.  It has been featured in countless design magazines and is a fave of designers Jonathan Adler and Emily Henderson.  It has large, floppy leaves that gives it so much character.  A full sized tree can run upwards of $350!  Something that I am not prepared to spend given my history of having two black thumbs!  Check out these beauties...

 



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I have been on the hunt for a fiddle leaf fig plant that is smaller and a little easier to take care of.  This plant is native to West Africa, likes light but not too much and lots of warmth and can be a little finicky when placed in a new environment.  Great!!!  Cold, dry winters in Ottawa probably not the best climate but I'm willing to give this baby a lot of attention and care.  Yesterday, my search came to an end at IKEA!  And to make it even sweeter, I paid only $7.50!  So, no pressure, if my black thumb conquers all, I’m only out $7.50.  

Now to find the perfect planter!



I'm in the mood for...

A pink room!!  I'm not normally big into decorating with pink but, today I'm bringing you a little mood board just in time for Valentine's Day!  I would describe this living room as pretty, romantic and feminine. 

My must haves for this room:

1. Bold ombre wallpaper

2. Gold

3. Overdyed pink persian rug

4. Statement chandelier

5. 'Nod to fashion' art 

6. Starburst mirror

So what do you think?   If you would like a mood board for your house, contact me.  

IKEA at IDS 14

This weekend the Interior Design Show took place in Toronto.  Each year this show features all the new and upcoming designs for 2014-15.  One showcase that always stands out is IKEA Canada.  Last year this is what they featured. 



IKEA (Facebook)

 



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This concept kitchen was phenomenal! I loved the 85!!! HEKTAR pendant lights used over the island...talk about repetition!  The design featured IKEA products mixed with antique elements encased in warehouse windows, an exposed brick wall and a grand fireplace that created a rich and eclectic design.  This industrial Scandinavian lux design was so good that IKEA won the Gold Booth Award!  So, at this year's show, what could they possibly showcase that would top this?

Drum roll please...

Can you believe this is IKEA?  Absolutely stunning!  The designers took inspiration from 18th century France, mixing classical wall paneling and antiques with modern touches. 

I also had to include this photo of their concept bathroom.  The gold mirrored tile was a showstopper!  What a bold statement!  And surprisingly affordable...at $9.50 per sheet (1.2 sq/ft). Could you handle all this glamour???

 

IKEA (Facebook)

 

 

Well, they did it again!  IKEA Canada won the Gold Booth Award again this year! 

 

Hopefully, I have provided some inspiration for you.  It's easy to see that by incorporating items from IKEA, you can really create that designer look.  It's all about thinking outside of the box!  If you need any help or decorating advice, contact me.

Making a Statement!

Right now, in fashion, it's all about the statement necklace or earrings.  As interior design takes the same approach as fashion, we are seeing lots of statement pieces in lighting.  Think of it as jewelry for your room!  I am loving the options out there right now and the price point for some of these beauties makes them accessible to everyone.  Granted, there still are those chandeliers that are far beyond what I am willing to pay...but a girl can dream! 

I've come up with a few of my favourites.  It's all about high impact. 

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Breck Chandelier, Maison Luxe, $1500

Carousel Lantern, Currey and Co., $740



Green Goddess Chandelier, Currey & Co., $2630



Inca Pendant, ET2, $477

Lily Juiliana Chandelier, Layla Grace, $6000

Ion Pendant, Hinkley Lighting, $1300

Zanadoo Chandelier, Arteriors, $2400

Venus Pendant, Worlds Away, $567

Meri Drum Chandelier, Oly Studio, $3250

Olive Leaf Chandelier, Shades of Light, $550

 

 

I love these so much!  I actually bought one of these for above our kitchen table.  Can't wait to show you!  What's your favourite?

 

Need help selecting lighting for your home? Contact me.

 

An Organized 2014 & An Office Tour

Happy New Year! 

At the start of each new year, I look forward to a fresh start and to find ways to simplify my life and get organized.  This year, I'm especially excited to keep track of my life with my new Sugar Paper monthly/weekly planner!  If you don't know about Sugar Paper, it's a Los Angeles-based stationery brand that recently launched an exclusive collection at Target.  It includes wall and desk calendars, date books, and desk blotters — all designed with the brand's signature pattern and colour combinations.  This collection does not disappoint. 

Everything looks so chic! 

Discovering this brand made we want to find out more.  Sugar Paper is a stationery company that creates simple but elegantly designed cards, invitations, calendars and wrapping paper.  This company definitely proves that the art of stationery, thank you cards and beautiful calendars is still alive.  Check out their gorgeous office! 

I love the open, airy feeling of the space...

 

and the gold polka dots and the Hicks pendant light.

 

Totally organized shelves!

Contrasting black, white & pink! 

Oh, how I would love to come into work each morning, if I worked in this space!

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All of these ideas could easily be translated in a home.  Simplistic, yet creative!