{Inspiring Spaces} Cottage Coastal Charm

 Photography by Thomas J. Story; Sunset Magazine

Today it's all about coastal cottage charm lovin'. Maybe because, in Canada, we're on the heels of a Victoria Day long weekend. These images are from Susan Delurgio's cozy beach house in Fairfax, California. Susan says she wanted something "carefree and simple". What separated this design to other beach-house spaces, at least for me, is the use of colour. I love the palette of blues and greens with some minty teal thrown in for a splash. The boat-wood frames and salvaged bamboo table are some of my favourite pieces. Also, how cute is the orange toaster? Who would have thought that orange, teal and bright green would be so complementary? Very bold and daring; I love it! What's your favourite thing about this cozy coastal cottage house? Happy Tuesday, folks!

{Inspirational Spaces} Fashion-Forward Design

 Photography by Virginia Macdonald

Here's something for the fashion lovers. When I first came across jewelery designer Maryam Keyhani's home in Canadian House & Home magazine, I was blown away by how she mixes her love of fashion with an eye for home design. Maryam's space is truly a beautiful work of art. It's simple, elegant and refined. One of my favourite pieces in her Victorian home in Toronto are the hat pendants. How cute are they? In the dining space, I love how she mixed many elements that don't traditionally go together - like concrete (the bench), velvet (the chairs) and mirror (the table). Her shoes, hats and accessories aren't hidden away in wardrobes and closets, but instead, they're beautifully displayed for all to see. Looking at her artwork, you can tell this girl loves her fashion. I thought it was quite cheeky how she draped a dress over art, almost as if it were a 3-dimensional art piece. What is your favourite thing about this space? Do you love it as much as I do?

Inspirational Spaces ~ Ore Studios {Portland Heights}

 Images via Ore Studios

Portland Heights is another high-style space designed by Ore Studios for a family whose house overlooks beautiful Portland Oregon. I'm loving the casual and fresh look of this space! Pale paint colours and simple Do-It-Yourself projects - like the branches which make a bold and natural statement - make this space both charming and inviting. The custom millwork is quite impressive as is the collection of vintage textiles (that are used as pillows and lampshades!) I also love the red antique carpet in the living room. If you love this space as much as I do, you can read more about it in Portland Monthly Magazine. What is your favourite thing about Portland Heights? What room is your favourite? Happy Wednesday!

Inspirational Spaces ~ Ore Studios {Spruce Street}

 Images from Ore Studios

This week's inspirational space is a doozy of delightful design. I recently discovered Ore Studios and I cannot get enough of the design duo made up of Andy Beers and Clara Scarola. Their design schemes don't fit any specific genre or style but their work is always fresh, colourful and fun - which I love - and I also enjoy that they mix up their design esthetics. The house on Spruce Street is actually Clara's home in New Mexico. I love the use of sustainable materials and how the designers kept the integrity of the original home where possible (like refinishing the hardwood floors). You can easily see the mix of vintage pieces with modern ones and I loved how patterns and colours are a recurring theme throughout the house. The design is simple, not too cluttered, but has a lot of pop and presence. I will definitely be featuring more inspirational spaces by Ore Studios in the upcoming weeks. What is your favourite thing about this space? Happy Monday!

Inspirational Spaces for a Beautiful Weekend ~ Alfresco Style

Design: Deirdre Heekin & Caleb Barber    ~       Photography: Ditte Isager

Every once in awhile I come across a space that literally ignites my inspirational juices. For many, their dream home consists of a grand and glorious mansion. Although a mansion would be nice, for me personally, there would be too much space wasted. This cottage in Vermont (which was once a summer camp) is very close to my idea of home perfection. It's quaint, cozy and full of character. It's surrounded by nature, rustic yet modern at the same time, and exudes a bohemian-chic flare. I love the luminous shade of blue on the wall which pops against the grey wall in front of it. I also adore the office space and how messy and cluttered it looks -- but in an organized way. And the inspiration/vision boards are a beautiful touch. They make me inspired just looking at them! This space definitely has an urban-country look to it combined with a mix-and-match of styles from different areas (like the King Louis XIV-inspired Hanna chair, slip covered settee and the Barcelona chair in the living room). And books, books -- so many books (and alcohol!) I can take a few guesses as to what the owners like to do in their spare time! An essemblage of old and new, this space certainly expresses layers of time, love, living and memories. Do you love this home as much as I do? What is your favourite thing about this space?

I hope you have a relaxing and rejuvenating Saturday!