{Purple Palette Inspiration} + My Week in Review

Image from Veranda Magazine

This purple palette inspiration is perfect for a beautiful Sunday in May. Did you know that purple is the colour of wealth and royalty? At the same time, it represents wisdom and spirituality. In the colour world, purple is the balance between red stimulation and blue calm. I find that fascinating! What are your thoughts on this gorgeous colour? Happy Weekend!

What I was up to this week:

The art of a perfectly made bed.

Inspiring table settings for patio season.

Eco-friendly glassware.

This week's inspirational space was a "fashion-forward" design.

Piet Oudolf landscapes.

From magazine to market: achieving a nautical look. 

Colour Palette Wars ~ Grey & Pink vs. Grey & Yellow {Take Your Pick!}

I love grey. It may not be the most cheerful of colours but there's something sexy and trend-forward about it. Plus I feel that grey brings forth the true essence of any colour it's paired with. Essentially, grey tones makes other hues pop and stand-out more. But what would you label grey as? Cold and unfeeling? Or how about misunderstood and versatile? I love grey paired up with just about any colour but I decided to highlight two colour choices teamed up with grey: pink and yellow. Which one is your favourite? Do you like the playful, darling pink tones that blend with grey like a delicious strawberry milkshake? Or do you prefer the yellow and grey combo where the cheerful yellow vibes compliment the darker grey?

Colour Magic ~ Red, White & Blue

Why does the colour palette blue, red and white blend so beautifully together? Maybe it's because red and blue are such strong and complementary primary colours, that when balanced with a neutral and non-threatening white, they create magic. Have you noticed that across the globe, many of the country's colours are red white and blue? (Several countries immediately come to mind, such as USA, UK, Australia, France...) I wonder why that is. The blend of these three colours not only creates a feeling of being proud of one's country but also sparks a nautical feel which, frankly, who can resist? These rooms would be cozy in January yet classic in July. These images were photographed by Stacey Van Berkel-Haines and styled by Margot Austin. I love how the rooms also incorporate pale yellow hues, which aren't too overpowering and reminiscent of soft sunshine or blooming dandelions. Also, the key to this colour palette working so wonderfully in this space is using it in just the right doses. Splashes of blue and hints of red do the trick! What's your favourite thing about this colour palette and where have you used it before?

Spring DIY ... in 5 Minutes!

The Goods: IKEA frame ~ Amy Butler ~ Vervain ~ Lee Jofa

Today I was inspired by the perfect Spring DIY project that will only take you 5 minutes and will make your space ready for a new season. Now we all know that artwork can be expensive, but here's an idea that won't break the bank (and will encourage you to "think outside the frame" -- pardon the pun). All you really need are 2 items: a frame + your favourite piece of fabric. My suggestion is a simple frame from IKEA. They have a wide selection ranging from under $20 to over $100. I just stuck with something that was mid price-point at $34.99. Next, slip in your favourite fabric. I loved the coral tones for Spring and I was also dazzled by the purple and pumpkin combination. For this project, you don't need a lot of fabric (and you can even use fabric left over from a previous DIY project). This is a smart design idea because you can swap out the fabric for a new one when you want a change. I personally love the idea of alternating the fabrics to go with each season. What do you think?

A City Chic Colour Palette

How do you know if you're "city chic"? For one thing, the city lives in your -- wherever you go. Regardless of whether your live downtown or in the suburbs, the city is never far from your heart. Your style of decor favors crisp lines and sleek accessories. You're crazy about fashion magazines, design blogs, and maybe you've slept with the latest issue of Vogue once or twice. You're not afraid of colour but prefer tones like black, white and grey (which are always in style and never lose their appeal). You're not afraid of animal prints or eccentric art. Tip: Throw in a bold colour, like Benjamin Moore's Margarita, in with your staple hues. Other bright and bold colour suggestions include magenta, teal, Pantone's Tangerine Tango -- anything with an extra twist. What do you think of this colour palette?