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!

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!

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?