KOHLER Colour Sinks Featuring Jonathan Adler

Have you seen the new colourful sinks designed by Jonathan Adler for Kohler? They're proof that a little colour can go a long way. Once I saw these beauties, I was instantly in love. Like the images above, I love the look of an all white kitchen with one of these sinks on prime display. With four fabulous colours to chose from, I found it difficult to pick my favourite. But true to my love of green, the "Greenwich Green" tone won me over {although I am a big fan of blue, especially the "Annapolis Navy" hue}. The sinks come in three different sink styles: Iron/Tones, Whitehaven {my personal favourite} and Riverby. What do you think of these sinks and which colour is your favourite? Happy Tuesday!

Image source ~ Kohler; Video source ~ Lonny Magazine

{Wallpaper Wars} Soleil vs. Shimmer Collection

Time for another installment of wallpaper wars! {By the way, I'm not a very big fan of the word war - so my hope is to turn it into something fun and non-violent.} Which wallpaper collection gets your vote? Both collections - unique, different and equally special - can be found at Crown Wallpaper and Fabrics. The first is the Soleil Collection, full of bright, girly and playful patterns. You'll love this if you're fond of soft, feminine cheer and floral prints. The second is the Shimmer Collection that features contemporary designs on non-woven paper. This choice is for those who perhaps like more sophisticated choices with modern trails and geometric patterns. The Soleil Collection is by Wallquest, Inc. and the Shimmer Collection is by Printers Guild Productions. Which one wins the war in your eyes? Happy Monday, everyone!

Image source ~ Crown Wallpapers website

{6 Inspirational Things To Do This Week} + My Week in Review

This week I'll be starting a new series every Sunday which features some inspirational things you can do for that week. Some ideas will be related to home decor but most will have something to do with nature, weather and beauty that's at our fingertips {and beyond!}

What I was up to this week:

A June picnic in the park.

Headboards are the bed's crown.

Get the look: an at home summer safari.

Magical inspiration ~ out to sea with the mermaids.

Sizzlin' summer patio ideas.

Colour inspiration ~ crazy about copper. 

Image source ~ Vogue Living Australia. 2006.

{Colour Inspiration} Crazy About Copper

My dream home would consist of many copper elements. There's something regal, elegant and magical about copper. Not only does it have healing properties - for example, if you bathed in a copper tub - but, to me, it's also very "era-decent", so to speak. It takes me back to another time and another place; for example, a castle in Great Britain during the medieval ages or a stately home in the twentieth century. I loved the forest green and copper combination in the one kitchen photographed by Elle Decor. Also, I'm very fond of copper pots, pans and other kitchen accessories on display for everyone to see. They're definitely something that doesn't need to be hidden away. What copper accessories do you love? And which image by Elle Decor is your favourite? Cheers to a beautiful weekend!

Image source ~ Elle Decor

{Magical Inspiration} Out To Sea With The Mermaids

Mermaids are simply magical. Yesterday I had a feeling that I wanted to write about mermaids, and as a result, that feeling inspired today's post. And I realized how much mermaid home accessories there actually are! {You are not alone in your adoration of mermaids.} Designed and hand-crafted by The Iron Fish, these beautiful mermaid sculptures look like they're dancing and swimming across your walls. Not only are they perfect conversation pieces for mermaid enthusiasts and coastal art collectors, but they are also unique, vintage furnished works of art that are available in many sizes and colour combinations. I also loved these mermaid fabrics by Heather Ross. They would be perfect complements to any space. Not only can I see them in a bedroom or a bathroom but I also feel that they'd make for an excellent feature wall. I'm inclined to say these would be perfect choices for a girl's room, but I firmly believe that anyone - of any age - can enjoy them, especially if they bring out the inner child in you. Finally, I chose to include this mermaid tote bag because its attention to detail is simply beautiful. The bouquet of flowers and French baguette are a nice touch - I almost feel as if the owner of the tote came back from a chic market in Paris or a beautiful boardwalk on the East Coast. What do you think of mermaids? Would you ever consider adding these accessories into your design scheme?

Image sources ~ The Iron Fish // Heather Ross // Tartx

{Get the Look!} At Home Summer Safari

Cardboard animal heads from Cardboard Safari | Elephant tapestry pillows from Yves Delorme | Giraffe tote bag from Zazzle | Safari vase found on Alibaba | Global safari map off of Amazon | Treasures of Kenya trunk cocktail table by Lexington Home Brands | Victorian antiqued steamer trunk from Wayfair

{Scroll over for links}

Happy Wednesday, gang! Today it's all about the summer safari. I keep seeing cute advertisements for the Toronto Zoo which have been putting me in a safari mood. And you know, I've never been on a safari personally - I guess that's something I must put on my to-do list. I've complied some must have home decor items to achieve a safari look. Mix-and-match them together or add them into your already existing design scheme. Some of my favourites: animal heads that are actually made out of cardboard. The result? Designs that are both environmentally friendly and easy to maneuver about. I also loved the Victorian antiqued steamer trunk - not only because of its safari appeal but also because of it's historical roots. What would you bring on a safari? What else would you include to complete your safari home look?

{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!

{That's So May!} 10 Market Picks That Scream May

1. Dash and Albert micro hooked rug.

2. May flowers.

3. Celia Birtwell garden tools.

4. Mauvey Liberty print coaster.

5. Floral heart print from Rifle Paper Co.

6. Celia Birtwell gardening gloves.

7. Custom Chippendale Carver chair.

8. Pillow shams, various prints, standard size. As seen on Plum Pretty Sugar.

9. Jessie Steele floral print oven mitt. 

10. Meadow floral swoop seat.

Can you believe that the month of May will be ending this week? In honor of this beautiful month, I've compiled a list of things that screams May {at least to me}. What do you think of when you ponder about May? For me, it's all about flowers blooming and the beginning of warm weather. People start paying more attention to their gardens, planting flowers, herb and veggies that will last them through the summer months. Also, may is all about Mother's Day, Victoria Day {in Canada} or Memorial Day {in the U.S.} so there is an energy of warmth and love that surrounds this time. I've compiled 10 market picks that remind me of May. Anything from gardening tools to rugs - most of which have a floral theme. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Happy Monday!

{The Art of Photo Hanging} 3 Different Ways to Battle Bare Walls

 

Images Clockwise from the left: Apartment Therapy, Poppytalk, Domino Magazine

Just another short-but-sweet post from me today as I prepare for tomorrow's Blog Podium event. It's my first time attending and I'm excited about the knowledge that I'll be receiving, the possibilities that are within reach, and the connections I will create with fellow creative gurus. {Stay tuned for more posts about the event!} With that being said, yesterday's post was all about hanging plates on the walls. Today, it's all about tackling that boring, blank canvas {a.k.a. the dreaded blank walls that everyone seems to fear}. For many of us, blank walls mean one thing: unfinished. I've been impressed how people have chosen to hang their frames, in unique and often inspiring ways which brings forth how skilled we can be at balance, perspective, shapes and synergy. These three photos show photos hanging in different methods. Which one is your favourite? I'm partial to the bedroom scene in which framed portraits of various silhouettes seem to dance along the wall. Maybe I just like the vintage look of the space. What's your pick? Happy Thursday, gang!

{1 Room, 2 Perspectives} ~ Plates On The Wall

 Images via Elle Decoration UK

Plates aren't just for tables anymore. One design trend - and I use that term loosely - that I've been seeing quite often lately are plates from the walls. Yesterday, via Facebook, I posted a Moroccan-themed room which featured gorgeous hand-crafted plates on the walls that were painted beautiful shades of purple, pink and yellow. Today, I was inspired by these images from Elle Decoration UK simply because you get the whole perspective of the space. Although the first image depicting the plates hanging on the navy blue wall wall would have sufficed, the second image gives us deeper perspective. Just call it: 1 room, 2 perspectives. Happy Thursday, gang!

{It's All In The Details} Spring Table Setting Ideas

 Images from Canadian House and Home magazine

Check out these gorgeous Spring table settings. I love the orange and pink colour combination in the first one. The tablecloth looks like a beautiful tapestry adorned with exotic plants, flowers, palm trees - and even elephants! There's also a lot of attention to detail from the hand-written place-card to the butterfly clip on the napkin. Eggs seemed to be a recurring theme in many Spring table settings I looked at. Either decorating eggs and using them as unique place markers to using them simply as decoration the way nature intended (naked!) Keep in mind that creating your own setting for a party or event can be really simple (as shown in the last image). Just find a pretty vase and arrange flowers in it as you wish. Even simple things from the garden, like babies breath or berries, work as beautifully as expensive flowers from the florist. It's all in the details, my friends, not necessarily in the budget. Which setting is your favourite?

{Inspiring Spaces} Cottage Coastal Charm

 Photography by Thomas J. Story; Sunset Magazine

Today it's all about coastal cottage charm lovin'. Maybe because, in Canada, we're on the heels of a Victoria Day long weekend. These images are from Susan Delurgio's cozy beach house in Fairfax, California. Susan says she wanted something "carefree and simple". What separated this design to other beach-house spaces, at least for me, is the use of colour. I love the palette of blues and greens with some minty teal thrown in for a splash. The boat-wood frames and salvaged bamboo table are some of my favourite pieces. Also, how cute is the orange toaster? Who would have thought that orange, teal and bright green would be so complementary? Very bold and daring; I love it! What's your favourite thing about this cozy coastal cottage house? Happy Tuesday, folks!

{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!

{Wallpaper Wars} Graham and Brown ~ Frames or Crowns: Take Your Pick!

Images via Graham and Brown

It's time for Wallpaper Wars again! Graham and Brown is one of my favourite stores for wallpaper goodies. Not only do I love their designs but I'm also a fan of their grassroots approach to business and how they support young designers and creative professionals. This installment of wallpaper wars features two entirely different designs from G&B. Which one do you prefer? Is it the playful frames wallpaper that adds an element of fun and whimsical to your space? What's cool about this design is you can actually interact with it and decide how you want to utilize it. Do you want to put up pictures and artwork that your kids created? Or how about paint directly on the frame? It's up to you! Or do you like the regal crowns and coronets wallpaper? Jewels are attached directly on the paper so it almost comes to life in front of your eyes. Perfect for the King or Queen inside of you. So with two completely different choices, which one gets your vote? Happy Friday!

{Design Inspiration} Brilliant Bookcases

 Images via Elle Decor

Whenever I think of books and bookcases in the home, I'm always reminded of the quote by John Waters. He says {and I'm paraphrasing} that if you go home with someone who doesn't have any books on their shelves, don't sleep with them. I'm always amused by that quote; not necessarily in a snobby way but because I find books enchanting and stimulating. (I guess I should feel that since I'm a writer myself!) Books are symbols of your interests, hobbies, travels and experiences. They can say a lot about you. For instance, part of my bookcase is covered with children's literature. I adored reading as a child - still do - and one of my many career aspirations is to inspire young people to build a love of reading. I also have many political classics like Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes and Aristotle from my days as a political science student in university. My spiritual and New Age books are positioned beside my books on popular culture and I still keep with me some of my favourite textbooks from school, like one on urban planning, democratic artworks and environmental geography. I hope that these images from Elle Decor inspire you to incorporate more books into your design scheme. Bookcases are also good places to display your favourite photos, nicknacks, and other memorabilia that you're connected to. You can also fake it with faux wallpaper (which I will get into in more detail in a later post). Which one of these is your favourite images? What's on your book shelves? Happy Thursday, y'all!