{Sunday Inspiration} + My Week in Review

For this week's lazy Sunday inspiration, I turn once again to the lovely Vogue Living. What I enjoyed about this space was its simplicity. There isn't much in the room but everything that's present makes a bold statement. The ornate mirror hanging above the fireplace and the beautifully detailed cabinet in the corner are busy enough that no other pictures, paintings or art need to be displayed on the walls. I love the use of the many coloured chairs because it adds personality and an element of playfulness to the otherwise somewhat detached space. Which chair would you pick to sit in? I'm a fan of grey, even if it's given a bad name sometimes for being cold and unfeeling, and in this case, it really makes the colour of the chairs pop. What's your favourite thing about this space? Happy Sunday!

What I was up to this week:

10 market picks that scream May.

3 pendant lights I'm currently loving.

Inspiring spaces ~ should location matter?

Illustrative & fun fabrics with a historical twist.

Market pics inspired by rain, ocean & coastal life.

Summer patio style ~ bright & cheerful Marni chairs.

Also, did you read my post on Blog Podium yet?

Image source ~ Vogue Living

{Happy Long Weekend} + My Week in Review

Images by Carolyne Roehm

Happy Long Weekend! What are you up to? It's been an absolutely gorgeous - sunny and mild - weekend here in Toronto, a sure sign that summer is fast approaching. And you know what that means: sandals, shorts, beaches, patios, cold drinks, fireflies and more! I'm keeping it relaxed today so there is not much to report. I wanted to share these beautiful images by Carolyne Roehm for VERANDA Magazine. I love this blue themed party. Striped blue tablecloth, stools, blue-and-white dishes, flowers and vases. Oh my! What are you up to on this long weekend?

What I was up to this week:

Living in colour thanks to Vogue Living Australia

Inspiring images by Josephine Wall.

Colour inspiration: blue so good it's "royal".

Brilliant bookcases from Elle Decor.

Wallpaper Wars: Frames or Crowns & Coronets from Graham and Brown.

Modern meets Moroccan style.

{A Day in the Countryside} + My Week in Review

 Images by Francois Halard

Today is a gorgeous Spring day: bright, sunny, breezy and warm. It's the perfect day for a little retreat to the countryside. Since I couldn't do that today, personally, I thought I'd travel to the country through these beautiful images by Francois Halard (as seen in Vogue Living Australia). I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Cheers to a beautiful Sunday!

What I was up to this week {the first week of May!}

The House on Spruce Street was this week's first inspirational space.

Now you can follow me on Blog Lovin'!

Portland Heights by Ore Studios was this week's second inspirational space.

Artful stitches by NYC textile designer Richard Saja.

Spring gift ideas ~ turn pretty produce into 4 edible gifts for friends and family.

I loved the kitchen from The House of Windsor.

{Sunday Inspiration} + My Week in Review

Image via Vogue Living Australia

Inspiration boards. Mood boards. They're the best friend to any creative person. The avenues are limitless (as is your creativity!) According to the Law of Attraction, daily visualization and affirmations help to achieve the things in life that you want or desire. I like the idea of inspiration and mood boards being like little keys to fulfilling your dreams. What are your experiences with inspiration boards? What do you fill your boards with? 

What I was up to this week:

Adding geometric shapes to your designs.

Chalkboard China had me feeling like a kid again.

Rug Wars! Take your pick between these 3 beautiful rugs.

The kitchen nook ~ 4 different looks.

5 things I'm currently lovin' from happiness guru Mr. Jonathan Adler.

6 quick & simple ways to prepare your space for spring.

(Sunday Inspiration} + My Week in Review

It's said that a picture is worth a thousand words. When I stumbled across this space, I was blown away. It's an eclectic mix of many elements: wood counter tops, fur throws on the chairs, contemporary lighting and fun, cheeky "look at me" colours. The person who lives here isn't afraid to take risks. That's evident in the bright fuchsia wall colour. I love the blending that was done on the walls - it looks fabulous in the natural lighting. With the "N" on the shelf, I'm guessing that's the letter the owner's name starts with. So I'm going to call her Nora. Nora is a young hipster who lives alone, loves cups of tea with friends, and works as a fashion buyer for a chic department store. She loves pattern, texture and colour. New things excite her but, at the same time, she's a slave for vintage treasures. Are you loving this space as much as me? What ideas or feelings do you get from it?

What I was up to this week:

Style at Home & Beauti Tone paint collections. Take your pick between manor & romance.

A Mid-Century home with a modern twist.

Colour palette wars. Pink & grey VS. pink & yellow.

Style at Home & Beauti Tone paint collections. Take your pick between loft & townhouse.

Hanging terrariums: an unexpected way to display plants {indoors & outdoors}.

Kitchen islands that pop.

Sunday {Colour} Inspiration + My Week in Review

Moody colour palettes have their own unique beauty. And did you know that black & white are two of the most emotive visuals in nature? There's something about how these two polar opposites come together. White, often a symbol of purity, brightness and natural innocence combats the dark and authoritative black. I just love how expressive the colours can be without being too audacious. The image on the left is from Elle Decor's March 2012 issue whereas the image on the right was shot by Mikkel Vang for Vogue Living Australia. Which one is your favourite?

This is what I was up to this week:

The perfect Spring DIY that will cost under $50 and take you only 5 minutes! 

I'm currently head-over-heals for Lana Del Ray.

I was under rug swept by Christian Lacroix's tempest rug.

The fine linens from La cerise sur le gateau were just too cute for words (but I managed to say something anyway).

I visited Toronto's Allan Gardens and got some flower power inspiration.

I was inspired by the colour and detail of Tom Antil's Vancouver impressions collection.

~ Happy Sunday!

Sunday {Chair} Inspiration + My Week in Review

Last night I had to "Spring forward" and set my clock ahead one hour. That may be one of the only downsides to Spring. This morning I woke up to a sunny, bright, cheerful, and absolutely gorgeous day (which I'm still gushing over!) I've always been fascinated by the weather and it's days like today which make me understand why. So it's not surprising that I felt inspired by this bold, colourful CB2 Parlour Chair when I first saw it. Look at the magnificent blend of colours: swoon, orange, chartreuse, storm and white radiate off-center in an eye-catching way. I'm partial to the idea of building your design around a strikingly patterned statement piece like this one. In fact, this Parlour Bold Chair can single-highhandedly set off a contemporary tone and colour scheme, ignite your imagination and cause some serious flowing of the inspiration gears. This piece looks striking at all angles...and I love how the barrel arms gently curve and the back of the chair is tapered nicely. Isn't this the perfect design accessory for spring and summer? 

Monday ~ Diane von Furstenburg's rooftop apartment was this week's inspirational space

Tuesday ~ Delightful dinnerware options

Wednesday ~ Discovered Colorstrology ... did you find out what your colour was yet?

Thursday ~ Yearnin' for Navajo prints

Friday ~ I was inspired by Iacoli & McAllister's modern lighting (especially the Spica light!)

Saturday ~ 6 things I currently love from Restoration Hardware

Happy Sunday, gang!

Seasonal Inspiration on a Cozy Sunday + My Weekly Round Up

 

On this rather cozy Sunday, I wanted to fire off some seasonal inspiration (a la winter!) We haven't really had that much of a snowy winter in Toronto thus far - and I'm appreciating, not complaining -- so part of me cannot believe that March will creep up on us later in the week. But as always, I think nature is one of the most glorious sources of inspiration. I loved all of these images above (but for different reasons). Which one is your favourite?

What I was Up to This Week:

1. Canadian themed home & decor got me so inspired that I wrote entries on the topic: One & Two.

2. I showed a little love for blue.

3. Storage solutions from The Pottery Barn reminded us that spring cleaning is on the way and gave the organizational folk a little excitement. 

4. Neon, the Spring/Summer 2012 colour trend, was popping up all over the place.

5. Fun, flirty, retro & colourful fabrics designed Martyn Lawrence-Bullard for Schumacher are the perfect Spring accessory.