Artful Stitches by Textile Designer {Richard Saja}

Images from Elle Decor 

For 10 years, New York City-based textile designer Richard Saja has been rewriting the toile de Joy narratives, traditional French patterns that chronicle the fascinating lives of the French bourgeoisie. What's so fun, witty and unique about Saja's designs is that he spices up the narratives by adding brightly coloured embroidery (not to mention an absolutely wicked sense of humor to boot!) For example, Saja crowned the head of a toddler with a multicolored Mohawk, turned lovers into a pair of clowns and dancing men into moss-green monsters! His work has been translated to home accessories and fashion statements (like the throw pillows and shoes featured above). Not only are they beautiful, but Saja's designs combines history, design, and pure unadulterated fun. They're cheeky conversation starters that will excite any history buff and fascinate the design fanatic. What do you think about his designs and the way Saja "reinterprets" the French bourgeoisie?

Design Through The Eyes of Kyle Schunerman

Before I discuss the topic at hand, I must take a moment to talk about the weather. Although the calendar says that it's still winter, outside in Toronto - where I live - the weather is screaming summer. I don't know how the weather has been like where you are, but Toronto has experienced a relatively non-existent winter. Now, in mid-March, we're bathing in temperatures of 19 degrees Celsius (that's 66 degrees Fahrenheit!) Plus this beautiful weather is supposed to continue (or so says the five-day forecast). No complaints here, I'm just mesmerized by the weather we've been experiencing thus far in 2012. One local meteorologist even said, "records are melting [all across Canada] more than a marble cheesecake in the fridge!" 

Now onto the creative stuff. Have you heard of designer Kyle Schunerman? He's a fellow creative gent. If the name sounds familiar, maybe it's because Kyle was featured as one of the Next Wave of Top 20 Designers by House Beautiful. And who doesn't love some fresh new blood? What I like about Kyle's spaces is they all have a different personality. He favors clean designs with sleek curves and playful colours. He's also very marketable. What I mean by that is his design tastes reach a broad audience. He isn't too flamboyant or extravagant -- even though there's no problem with being so -- and his designs are cost-effective which means many people can take advantage of them. Plus he has a new book out on how to design for small spaces, and since I live in an apartment myself, I'm dying to get my hands on it. Some stand-out design pieces for me include: the-vintage-tennis-rackets-turned-mirrors, the brown-and-white cow patterned coffee table and the purple flower vase. What inspiration to you get from Kyle's designs?

Happy Friday!

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?

Fine Fabrics: Martyn Lawrence Bullard for Schumacher collection

 1.Pasha Paisley (Pomegranate)2 & 6. Pasha Paisley (Sky)  3.Darya Ikat (Jewel) 4.Nebaha Embroidery (Citron) 5 Sinhala Linen Print (Jewel) 

Bright and colouful inspiration for the weekend: Designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard has created a line of fun, flirty and luxe fabrics for Schumacher in vividly bold colours with a bohemian twist. These fabrics are very "of the moment". Plus, they're the perfect inspiration for spring due to their bright hues and eye-catching fabrics. If you're looking for ways to make a statement on drapes or upholstery -- look no further! Martyn was inspired by his travels to exotic locations like Morocco, Turkey and India. I also like this collection because you can mix-and-match the fabrics. Don't be afraid to select your favourites and go crazy! Like the image above with the couch filled with cushions and canopy draped above. It shows fabric on top of fabric on top of fabric ... but looks stunning! What look is your personal favourite (and thanks for Canadian House & Home for the inspiration!)