{Blending East & West Style} Modern Meets Moroccan

 Images via Vogue Living Australia

I love Moroccan - and very similar to it - bohemian style. Maybe it's the colour, patterns and textures that seem to come alive through sight and touch. Just like in the "real" world, I also enjoy a blending of two cultures. In this case, modern meets Moroccan. These images come from the {almost} archive of Vogue Living Australia, which, as you know, is among one of my favourite pieces of inspiration. This space is full of rich and vibrant colour but is kept from being a colour explosion by incorporating the black and white palette and furnishings which is popular in a more modern, Western look. East-meets-West flare is very popular at the moment. I think it was Style at Home Magazine which included it as a design trend for 2012. Some of the stand-out pieces to me in this space are the Moroccan table - look at how detailed and colourful the base is - as well as the black-and-white patterned coffee table (as well as the beautiful blue dish that sits on top of it!) What are your thoughts about this space? Cheers to a Happy Weekend!

A Mid Century Home With a Modern {Twist}

Photography by Agnus McRitchie via Style at Home Magazine. 

Only have 1,000 square feet of space? No problem! Montreal resident and design guru Sylvie Rochon shows us that even with space constraints, transforming your home into something magical, modern, eclectic and memorable is as "easy as pie". Full of bright colours, pop art, and dashes of mid-century Danish furniture, this apartment screams personality. Some of the stand-out pieces to me include the turquoise chandelier, orange lacquer coffee table and colourful throw pillows. The kitchen, although humble, ties in wood elements beautifully - through the counter, wooden bench and mid-century Danish sitting chair. Mirrors on the walls not only add decoration but make the space feel more open and inviting. Be sure to check out Sylvie's vintage store {Spoutnik} which is full of iconic pieces, funky gems and items from private sales. I've heard that it's one of the best of its kind in Montreal! Which room is your favourite? Which piece is your favourite? Have a beautiful Tuesday!

Wallpaper Wars ~ Perfect Spring Wallpapers from York Wallcoverings

 1. Alessa     2. Bengali   3. Fontaine

Check out these 3 wallpapers from York Wallcoverings, perfect for incorporating spring-like energy into your space. Which one is your favourite? Is it Alessa, with it's bright colours and modern, clean lines? Nothing says Spring more like butterflies and green leaves; plus the burst of yellow and blue tones is enough to make anyone smile. I chose Bengali because of its design based in nature. It would look especially stunning as a feature wall. Finally, the more subdued Fontaine has somewhat an artisan feel. The colour is calming and soothing and it's less attention grabbing than the first two. I'd love to hear your comments and thoughts. Have a beautiful Thursday!

Mellow Yellow Inspiration

Mmm. I love yellow. What colour is as bright, cheerful and friendly as yellow is? Plus the overall inspiration for yellow is the Sun, our life source. Which makes me think of sunny skies, warm beaches and all that summery-good-stuff. Yellow is a powerful colour because it has such a magnetic presence. It stands out and grabs your attention (but not in a bold or ostentatious way like red or black could). This "mellow yellow" inspiration all has a modern-meets-vintage twist to it. Some of my favourite pieces include the painted yellow fireplace. How cute is it that the owners actually crafted the inside to look like an actual active fireplace and even placed little logs in front! That yellow sofa is to die for -- think of the assortment and variety of throw pillows you could pair with it. Finally, the kitchen caught my eye because of its use of bold and eclectic accessories. Check out the back-splash! And the vintage toaster and opulent chandelier are totally cool. Which yellow piece is your favourite?

Designer Spolight: Amie Corley

Where I live, February went "out like a lion" - or so the expression goes - and March decided to follow suit. Today, the other famous saying, "March winds, April showers bring forth May flowers" was also ringing in my head because it was so windy (it even merited a wind warning where I live). So this grey, windy Saturday, I was thinking of a bright and happy place. It took me all the day down south to a turn-of-the-century home in St. Louis where these designs by Amie Corley really fit the bill. I love how Ann's designs are modern but true to the historic integrity of the home. What Amie's designs inspire me to do is use more colour and not be afraid to use patterns -- and lots of them! OK. Noted. These bright, bold and multi purpose spaces are great inspiration for the cloudy weekend. Some design ideas that really got my juices flowing were the symmetry in the bathroom, the wallpaper and paint colours that are very functional (and can be used in almost any room of the house) and the antique mixed with modern furnishings in bright and playful colours. What are your favourite things about these spaces?