{Holy Headboards!} The Bed's "Crown"

Today I was headboard dreaming. I don't have a headboard myself but I'm fascinated by so many options, many of which are cool DIY projects. {I've even seen a headboard made from place-mats!} I've compiled some of my favourite headboards thanks to images from Style at Home throughout the years. What I've learned about headboards is that you can do anything from painting them on to personalizing them. They're effective ways to add texture and colour - you can even match them with accessories in your bedroom for a cohesive look. My favourite image is the one on the bottom right. The bright red antler headboard matched with the antler on the wall, the fur throw and pillows with a wool blanket draped over the top makes for a very Canadian look. What does your headboard - if you have one - look like?

Images sourced from ~ Style at Home magazine

{June Inspiration} A Picnic in the Park

June is the perfect time for a picnic in the park. Not only are there plenty of sunshine-filled days but the thermometer hasn't reached it's peak yet - which it often does in July and August - which means you won't be sweating through your meal {let's hope!} I was inspired by these images as seen on At Home with Kim Vallee. Did you know that the picnic basket used in the image is actually a bicycle basket? How chic and innovative! The strawberry limeade looks too delicious to pass off. Plus I had to include those delectable ice-cream sandwiches - a must to cool down your body and invigorate your taste buds. The last image I discovered through Funkeytime blog. In this image, an old suitcase was converted into a picnic basket. It's a simple DIY project: all you need is some lining or wallpaper and you'll all set. Attach some fabric to the case to hold objects in place, like dishes, silverware or glassware. The popcorn and the flags were included in this "birthday picnic basket" which I feel is a genius idea, and perfect for any of your Gemini or Cancer friends who are celebrating a June birthday. What's your favourite food item to bring to a picnic? What are some of your favourite picnic baskets? Happy Monday, gang!

Image sources ~ At Home with Kim Vallee {top 3 images} Funkeytime {bottom image}

{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

{Summer Patio Style} Bright & Cheerful Marni Chairs

 

Have you seen these chairs? With bright, eye-catching colours and a cheerful esthetic, they're definitely hard to miss. But besides their colourful appeal, what I also like about these chairs is the back story behind their creation. Italian fashion label Marni teamed up with former prisoners - yes, prisoners - to create a collection of 100 chairs woven in a traditional South American style but adorned with bold Marni colours. Proceeds of the chairs go to help children of imprisoned women. I'm drawn to the fact that prisoners, which are held in a negative light in society, helped to create such beautiful, colourful and inspiring furniture. Not to mention that there's a real sense of grassroots community here - prisoners giving back to children of prisoners. So I feel that there is a true light shining from the darkness. Don't you think these would make stunning additions to your summer patio lineup? I can just picture them with bright towels draped over the sides and backs of these beauties. Which one of these Marni chairs is your favourite?

Image sources ~ Telegraph UK {top} // Fresh Fish {bottom}

{Anchors Away} Summer Market Pics Inspired by Rain & Ocean

Happy first day of June! Can you believe that summer is almost here? I woke up this morning to a dreary, rainy day. So much rain that there have been some floods reported {most notably a flood in Toronto's TTC; Union Station}. But despite the floods, the rain doesn't bother me because I knew that it's helping to rejuvenate and cleanse the Earth. Rain also happens to be a great source of inspiration. I've collaborated these market picks that remind me of summer rains, oceans, beautiful breezes and coastal living. From wallpapers to umbrellas to bedding and home accessories, I've got a little something for everyone! Plus many of these finds are environmentally friendly to boot.

1. Nautical themed design.

2. Organic bedding by Feel More Human.

3. Nautical themed wallpaper from Design Your Wall.

4. Tropical fish vases by Viva Terra.

5. Reusable tote by Nautical Luxuries.

6. Summer shell wreath from Williams-Sonoma.

7. Inhabit Cattails pillow from 2Modern.

8. Anchor umbrella from 2BHip.

{Fairytale Fabrics} Illustrative & Fun Fabrics With a Historical Twist

I've been noticing a more recent trend toward fabric designs that are illustrative and have a hand-drawn quality. As a result, I thought I'd show you a few of my favourites {that also have a little historical twist}. So if you're a design and history lover, you'll love this. The first two fabrics are by Pierre Frey, and the first was inspired by promotional brochures advertising holidays in the 1950s. It has a nostalgic vibe to it and is sophisticated and playful at the same time. The second arboretum textile was inspired by botanical sketches often found in children's books. I thought the textile from Zoffany featuring 19th-Century London was really cool because of all of the detail. Check it out! A beautifully drawn map of nineteenth century London with detail right down to street level! Finally, Lewis & Wood's history of birds print was designed by the 17th-Century naturalist Thomas Bewick and is charming, uplifting and all around lovely. Which one is your favourite? Happy Thursday!

{Inspiring Spaces} Should Location Matter?

I was browsing through old magazine issues that I purchased at a thrift store when I came across these two spaces featured in the March 2009 issue of Architectural Digest magazine. But before I get into more detail about the spaces themselves, I must admit that I was torn. I liked these spaces but something wasn't fully resonating with me. Can someone have too much floral print? Is there such a thing as texture and pattern overload? You hear about it ... and these two spaces definitely demonstrate a high frequency of texture, pattern and colour. Take a minute to look at the spaces and decide whether you give a thumbs up or thumbs down. Then let me tell you their location. The first flowery house is actually in Florida and was designed by Mario Buatta. The second location is also in Florida, more specifically Key West. When reading that, I thought, "Okay, these spaces do reflect their geography. There's something tropical about both spaces." But would I feel the same way if, let's say, the spaces were in Iceland or Greenland? {Basically somewhere less exotic.} Should it even matter? And what's with all these preconceived notions that I, and others, have? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Image source ~ Architectural Digest. March 2009.