Thursday, April 30, 2009

Home Videos

Designer Kelly Hoppen has shot some candid behind the scenes videos of her own personal home renovation that I found interesting. I had the [mis]fortune of studying under Ms Hoppen a few years ago as part of her design school and found these videos rather entertaining. Take a peek if you get a chance on her website.

Paper Cut Maps

Paper cut map of Paris above and London below - L O V E !!


Outstanding!! A marriage of two of my most favourite things - silhouettes and London!! La Famille Summerbelle has created this masterpiece - a paper cut map of London!!!

images La Famille Summerbelle

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Sweet Paul

I have found the most inspiring images on food blogs lately. I am amazed by the talented food stylists, most especially Sweet Paul. He has inspired me both as a designer and as someone desperate to turn out a healthy, tasteful meal. I would love a room decorated in these cabbage colours. Main colour would be the grey/taupe for walls and upholstery with accents in both citrus and richer greens and a touch of soft purple .... pretty!


L O V E these paper flowers especially on the black background. Very textural!

Divine!
My most favourite natural tones all paired together!

images Sweet Paul

Warm and Fuzzy Toast Catalogue





images Toast

Taj Hotel Mumbai

Visited the newly renovated, post-bombing Taj Hotel in Mumbai and it was brilliant! Beautiful memorial in the lobby to lives lost in the horrific attacks.



Daybed

I heard that Ikea was going to release this fab daybed - haven't seen it yet but I'm hoping to soon!!! It would be brilliant on my deck!! Fingers are crossed!


A Royal Lunch


I want to have lunch here!! The Royal Cafe in Copenhagen in Denmark! They have redesigned the open-faced sandwich into a piece of art. Looks yummy all around! Locations in Asia opening soon starting in Singapore.





images The Royal Copenhagen

Friday, March 27, 2009

Modern Mumbai


Gorgeous example of Modern Architecture in Mumbai. The exterior of this glassed structure was wrapped in bamboo poles.

Honeymoon in Kerala

A beautiful state in southern India, Kerala, was our little piece of paradise. The one on the left was our floating cottage on the private island of Poovar.

Kerala backwaters cruise where we found this chap filling up buckets of sand from the bottom of the lake by HAND!! You can spot the sand in the boat which he will then take to the shore to unload it into a truck. They use this as construction sand.

Our terrific skylight in the shower - really nice having the sun shine upon you!


There was an Ayurvedic spa on site where we indulged in spectacular Keralan massages. Here are some shots of the treatment rooms. Beautiful!



I LOVED this bed!!

LOVE classic Ambassadors! Hubby found one with A/C to drive us 2 hours between destinations.


Heading to the Arabian Sea!


Indian Celebration



Gorgeous sofas at our wedding reception - sooo fun!!

The beautiful marigold garlands adorning the pathway to the reception - so pretty!

Our wedding garlands flanking the entrance to the house

Wedding Season


I was fortunate to celebrate a month long cermony of love, friends, travel and reunions! With some wee wedding vows tossed in!

Friday, September 12, 2008



A picture speaks a thousand words while I am left absolutely speechless!! Can anyone explain ?!? I couldn't help but share the insanity that is found within this picture!! .. and yes, that is Sarah Palin in her Alaskan office!!!

[image patricia gray]

Eye Candy :: Nathan Egan


















[images Nathan Egan]

Movie Lust

When I watch a film, I always check out the set design and styling and sometimes enjoy it even more than the plot. This was true of a film I watched last night, Flawless with Demi Moore. The set styling was as incredible as the wardrobe styling and definitely kept my interest through the film. Tonight I watched one of my favourites , The Holiday, while I know this set has been referenced many times in the design community, I really wanted to compile some images for my own little blog!




[images Chameleon Interiors]

Let's Shop!

Exciting times are ahead for us wee Torontonians!! Our retail options are expanding in a very exciting way!! The very first Canadian Crate and Barrel will be opening later this month followed next month by the very first West Elm!!! Here are some things I have my eye on from West Elm!! Now if we could only convince habitat to move over to the North American market!!




[images West Elm]

Julie Charbonneau

I've really enjoyed the last 2 issues of Canadian House and Home magazine. This month's cover features the work of Quebec-based designer, Julie Charbonneau. Her site is definitely worth a look - classic and French. I wish I had more images to show you!!

[image des Poitiers]
[image Canadian House and Home]

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Balinese Eco Beauty

I like checking in with Cookie Magazine for its playful children's rooms and featured homes. They are usually really eclectic and fun - and of course super -stylin'. Case in point...






[images Cookie Magazine]

Al Fresco al Getty

This is exactly how I love to entertain outdoors - one long, table with benches down each side. I've always been intrigued by Balthazar Getty too and this happens to be a dinner party at his LA home.
[image Harpers Bazaar]

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

My Work

I've been asked for a portfolio recently and I must admit, I haven't really worried about photographing my work mainly because the majority of my work is referral basis. I decided I should take some snapshots to record them on my blog at least!! Over the years houses have been bought and sold and I now regret not photographing them. While we move on to new projects, I will be sure to photograph them!

Family Room - waiting on a couple more details to finish this room. LOVE the pillows!!



Kitchen - I just installed this roman blind the other day - LOVE IT!!! and LOVE the picture wall!!!


Dining Room - we are waiting for a piece of art for wall between 2 windows. Thinking something figurative. What we can't see is the most wonderful painting on the right wall that fills a large portion of the wall so we need somethin simple and light to balance it. Very pretty!



New outdoor furniture- love the square table and comfy chairs!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Eco London

Promoting greener living. LOVE IT!! AND LOVE IT MORE!! Eco London is a great new concept in green retail and design. It's a store, showroom, consulting firm and interior design firm. Thinking green on any level - these are the folks to call - if you are in London of course!!! LOVE the live walls!!






images Eco

Friday, April 25, 2008

Fashion Friday

This post is sooo long overdue!!! Today's Fashion Friday is all about The Red Carpet King himself, Jay Godfrey! He is a household name in celeb circles and we are talking hot celebs!!! Hayden Panettiere, Eva Longoria, Eve, Carmen Electra, Audrina Partridge and Lauren Conrad - yes LC is a fan too!! My most fave is the floor length ruffle bottom gown as shown below in Vive magazine - how stunning!!!! Beautiful effect!! Oooh he also did a fab job on America's Next Top Model last week. The guy is on fire!!


Windsor Smith

Here are some images from Californian interior designer Windsor Smith's portfolio. I am very fond of soft, creamy, wall colours mixed with pattern and colour via accent pieces and soft furnishings. I find it much more gentle than a strong wall colour - so here are a few portfolio images that struck a chord with me!




I LOOOVE the detail on this range hood below!!!


[images Windsor Smith]

Monday, April 7, 2008

Big Chain Baby Collections

Baby Gap Home has launched.


Now, we wait for the launch of Restoration Hardware's baby + child collection.

baby gap
baby + child

Take Away Sink

Jessica Nebel's take away sink is a clever idea!! A sink and a bucket in one! The footstool that pivots for wee ones is also a nice touch!



jessica nebel

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Loathing Spammers!!

Nasty, nasty spammers have forced some changes on how you can leave comments!!!! So sad!!! Now I have to moderate all those lovely comments because some nasty ones slip through. Sorry!!

Friday, April 4, 2008

Vanilla Bake Shop

This week was cupcake week on Martha Stewart TV and I caught a glimpse of this fabulous bakery - ok it was the cupcakes they made that really caught my eye!! Look at how fabulous this bake shop is!!! Such a strong, eye-catching graphic!!! Their neighbours look pretty cool too!



vanilla bake shop

Paula Reed

Grazia magazine's Style Director, Paula Reed's house was featured in the last Living etc magazine and I really liked it!! I was envious of her beautiful wall of glass doors with a skylight as well - really not fair!!! I would love all that natural light.

Interesting shower/bathtub combo!

livingetc

Viktor + Rolf Boutique Italy

How clever!! The beautiful millwork and herringbone flooring would look right at home in Versailles - but there's a twist!! The showroom was built entirely upside down!!!





viktor-rolf

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Fashion Friday

In honour of Toronto Fashion Week and Fashion Friday, here are some fashion shots. I can only imagine the fashionista this little girl will become with such an early start - and a most magnificent start at that!!! The photo was taken at the Viktor and Rolf show.

[images sartorialist]

India Contemporary


I got a fabulous new book today and I am just drinking it all up!! It is such a beautiful gift!!
I encourage you to check it out!
[image amazon]

Monday, March 3, 2008

A Wedding Engagement for ME :: at last!!!

[image via flickr photog Chat in the Hat]

Monday, October 1, 2007

New Beginnings!

Fall is such a great time of year - a time for new beginnings. I love hunkering down for the winter and immersing myself in my hobbies on those cold, wintery nights!! I've already enrolled in some screenprinting, felting and print transfer courses. I just need to find some letterpressing classes and my winter will be complete!!
Some of our favourite bloggers have also embraced the season and today is a brand new beginning for Poppytalk Handmade and Design Sponge. Poppytalk has launched Poppytalk Handmade an online market to showcase, buy and sell handmade goods from around the world. I just took a peek and loved what I found!!!















(all images Poppytalk Handmade)

Friday, September 28, 2007

Tableaux Cloths



Mark Cutler has launched his new tableaux cloths - very witty!

Blog Roll


I finally got a chance to update my blog roll - the next few posts are shout outs to these wicked bloggers. Enjoy wandering through their blogs.

Absolutely Beautiful Things

A few inspiring pics from Absolutely Beautiful Things!!! Anna is an Interior Designer in Brisbane Australia and also owner of fab shop Black & Spiro. Very inspirational!




Black White Bliss


A new blog on the roll is black white bliss. As you can imagine all things black and white are shared. We seem to share a love for typography so I like to visit daily! I especially loved this hallway posted recently.

(images via black white bliss)

Turqoise


I've also added Turqoise to my blog roll! I love this bathroom that she just posted. It is a project for her client. It reminds me to photograph and post images of work that I have completed. I love big mirrors in bathrooms and love this vanity.
(image via Turquoise)

Patricia Gray






A new addition to my blog roll - Patricia Gray is a Vancouver based interior designer whose work is quite modern and fabulous! Have a peek at her portfolio as well as her blog [an incredible amount of postings - something I aspire to!!!] Thanks for your lovely comments on my blog Patricia I really enjoy your blog as well!
(images patricia gray)

Girls In the Boys Room

Fabulous!!!!
I LOVE IT!! So funny! This hilarious men's room is in the Sofitel hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand.

(image via patricia gray)

Pain and Suffering



Happy weekend!
I am very happy to say goodbye to this especially challenging week that I have had!!!!
A root canal, sinus cold, strep throat and too many work headaches!!!! TGIF!!!
(tooth image flickr)
(relief image flickr)


Beverly Owens


Here is another Toronto favourite, Beverly Owens. I have admired her work for a while now and was happy to stumble across her work at the Queen West Art Crawl. Beautiful encaustic work that is so textural. Absolutely stunning results!



(images Beverly Owens)

Russell Brohier


I am a HUGE fan of resin coated artwork whether it be oil paintings, photography - whatever!!! Cover it in resin and I'll take it! Russell Brohier's work stopped me in my tracks! They are the most gorgeous photographs of derelict buildings, abandoned churches, theatres, architectural details and they are coated in thick resin which makes them shine. The contrast of the dusty, old images with the shiny resin coating is a stunning result!

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Wooly Friends

I always love finding new talent in my little city - here's a real charmer!!! Toronto Illustrator Tai Kim McPhail's uniquely handcrafted figures and cupcakes are made from recycled wool/cashmere sweaters, vintage buttons & lots of whimsy! So cozy and loveable!!

[images Miru's friends]







Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Look What I Found

Look what I found in my blogging travels - yummy stuff over at the style files!!!

Cote Bastide

[all images via the style files]


For the Kid in ALL of Us

Ahhh to be a kid again - especially with all the fabulous furniture and toys available today!!!


Tuesday, September 4, 2007

happy happy

happy 40th birthday sara jane!!!


(image marie-claire maison)

Monday, September 3, 2007

Ceci New York

My friend, Erica, reminded me of this fabulous stationery designer Lisa Hoffman of Ceci New York. Her work is absolutely glorious! How incredible to receive this beautiful silver paper weight as a reminder to save the date!! So beautifully packaged and addressed - makes you yearn for what's to come!!! I'm hoping to learn the art of letterpress this winter. It is so beautiful!!





(images Ceci New York)

Blueprint Mag

I don't have too many beefs with Blueprint Magazine but this is a BIG one!!! I have seen the magazine at newstands all over town and yet mine still hasn't arrived in my mailbox!!! It is so frustrating because I long to dive in every time I see an issue but I refrain for hopes that it might be waiting for me when I get home -I really can't wait much longer!!!! I always think that subscribing takes you to the head of the line but sometimes that just isn't the case. Fingers crossed that it comes tomorrow!!! How pretty is this stack of bedding!!!

(image blueprint magazine)


Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Tickety Boo at Tickety-Moo


Like a lot of design junkies - I am a sucker for great packaging and branding. This is such a great example of clever, smarty-pants packaging and branding! The product also warrants a huge shoutout too - Awesome!!! We were treated to this real treat in the Irish hills. I had to share! but not my honeycomb ice cream - no way!!! Cutest website!!!

The Lotus Lamp

I just picked up this Barbara Barry Lotus Table Lamp for a client and it took everything I had not to keep it at my house - true love!!! House and Garden magazine describes it as "demurely chic." I could only find an image of the floor lamp version - I will post pictures of the room once we are all finished - almost there!
[image
houseandgarden]

Friday, August 17, 2007

Fashion Friday - Grazia

Discovered new English glossy - Grazia magazine. Fabulous!
(image Grazia)

Heathrow and My Favourite Mag

I spent a mere 90 minutes in Heathrow airport but it was long enough for me to get my shillings out to buy the latest issue of Living etc!! I felt like I was home again!! There really is a classically English style that is light and airy with shots of colour - perhaps to compensate for the dreary, rainy days? An homage courtesy of Living etc...
(images Living etc)






























Yummy Ireland


Well it seems all I have done this summer is pop from country home to country home - many thanks to my more fortunate friends! Having the honour of being named godmother to my friend's gorgeous daughter Isabella is what drew me to visit and how thankful [on many levels] am I?!?!? Here are some pics -


























Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Paradise







It's high time I share my little secret with you. I have a second love and his name is Eric. Not only is he the most adorable man but he is also the sweetest, most compassionate man EVER and he is HILARIOUS!!! One would think that would be enough in a girl's best friend but look what else he comes with ..... The most beautiful and most peaceful piece of paradise I've ever known. He is also incredibly talented and because of his most incredible soul he has created paradise. What you can't sense are all the perfect details like the CD waiting to be played in the dining room or the bedroom [right next to your bed] and the imported French lemonade in the fridge and how about the tea selection! All is so very, very, perfect in this little country getaway!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Mediterranean Lifestyles

Ok - this is a site, Mediterranean Lifestyles, for a rainy day -you will want to lose yourself in all of these gorgeous pages. Here is a taste to wet your palette! This time of year reminds me of a trip I took years ago through France, Italy, Switzerland and Greece. I chose images from some of those wonderful places - hope you enjoy!
(images Mediterranean Lifestyles)




Muzo Hotel


OH MY! OH MY! The ultimate in pet luxury!!! If you need to board your favourite furry friend while you travel the world this summer - they just might ask to stay here!! Muzo Hotel in Montreal is where you will find this bit of paradise. And paradise means an 80 sq. ft. suite with a plush bed and flat screen TV. For nervous parents you can also watch them on the Webcam installed in the suite! How poochie-licious!
(image

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Canada Day

Had a great Canada Day weekend - filled with lots of friends! Hope yours was good as well!

(image flickr)

Point Click Home


Point Click Home. com Have you seen this new online resource for design and decorating? You can find homeplans, colour tools, design calculators as well as lots of inspiration. The best part - It all comes straight from some of our favourite design magazines - Elle Decor, Metropolitan Home to name a couple! Happy browsing!

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Jordan


I'm sorry that I haven't been able to post as often as I certainly would like lately. Life just got a little more than we could handle - but I am back by popular demand ;)!
This post is a little get well to one of my favourite friends [and a big fan of this little wee blog!!!] - get well soon Jordan!!
PS: Jordan has a FABULOUS shop in Toronto called Hardware and they are currently working on a website but I must pop in and take some pics to share with you - he and partner, Murray, make the most beautiful things!!! Here's a beautiful staircase for you to look at!

(image flickr)

John Gruen Photography



I found these great images of white on white from John Gruen Photography courtesy of An Eye for an I:nterior's blog. So fresh and lovely!!!

Lovely Lanterns

Not sure if you have seen these lanterns in a shop near you but I just have to say that they are absolutely incredible when candlelit!!!! I highly recommend you pick one up the next time you see them - you will have a lovely surprise when you get home!!! I love them so much I just had to buy 2!
(image from my garden)

Thursday, May 31, 2007

More Jade

Jade Jagger's fabulous Ibiza retreat!



Jagger's studio building and its lapis-colored pool.

Jagger's sleek, chic sunken living room.

(all images style)

Fashion Friday


I love Jade Jagger. I have for years and she just never ceases to amaze. It's fascinating to watch her re-invent herself over and over again!! I love this shot of the family on the bed all the while Jade looks the picture of effortless fashion perfection. With a mother like Bianca Jagger it's easy to see where she gets it from! Pure gorgeousness [a word I just made up in honour of Jade!]
I've always loved the idea of Mongolian yurts too - so to see Jade in what seems to be a yurt - well, it just doesn't get any better than that. Jade rarely disappoints!
(images ba-reps and style)

Jade NY



For years I have admired the style sense of Jade Jagger - yes daughter of Mick. Clearly a lot of people also agree. Known as Matthew Williamson's muse, jewellery designer and Creative Director for Garrard and now she is a success in the property development world as well! She has teamed up with Phillipe Starck and Tom Bartlett to design
Jade NY. New York living Jade Jagger style! LOVE!!!
(images Jade NY)

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Memory Lane


I spent three years in the UK and I have to say it changed me for life! I marvelled at how I could walk the streets in my neighbourhood every night and take a completely different route each time. Most of the streets I was familiar with growing up were always on a grid system so you really couldn't wander too far without knowing that somehow you were parallel to the street you started out on. In London, that most definitely was not the case. I discovered new things in my neighbourhood all the time - it was AWESOME!!! Granted 2 years were spent at the foot of Portobello Road and the famous Portobello Market but beyond that there were sooo many amazing things to discover. One of my most favourite things to do was to pick up the glossy, shiny listing sheets from the letting agents [ for rentals] and the estate agents [for purchases] just to appreciate the gorgeous interiors that lay so close yet so far to me. Living in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea had its pluses one of which was calling Princess Diana - my "neighbour." But more so were the most magnificent flats and rowhouses that lined my local streets. Pure heaven for an interiors junkie!!! Flipping through the images of Shootfactory UK's site brings me right back to those days. Gasping at the scale of those rooms, the height of those ceilings, the size of those windows, the gorgeous plaster mouldings and details, details, details. I love looking through these homes and imagining who might own them and oh I hope they enjoy all the beauty that surrounds them!

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

AMY


Saw my girl Amy Winehouse on Saturday night at the Mod Club!!! It was nothing short of fabulous - well actually being vertically challenged was a bit of a nuisance!! Why oh why do tall people who can see from any spot in the place insist on standing right in front of someone who is easily 5" shorter than them. I had a wall in front of me for most of the show! Oh well - was still able to groove! I was just so happy to be there - 20$ tickets were selling for 150$ but they were nowhere to be found!! There wasn't a ticket around and I really wrote it off UNTIL my girl Sara called with the big news on Friday - a ticket was floating around her office at Universal Music [she's a publicist] and it had my name on it!! wooHOOO!! Absolutely wicked - ta babe! LOVED IT!

Sixx Design










The girls at desire to inspire have reminded me of the fascinating duo Cortney and Robert Novogratz. It isn't enough that the homes they design are receiving international acclaim but they also have six children under the age of 9-including two sets of twins!!! Hence the name of their design firm - Sixx Design. How insane!!! I love how they follow no design rules in their homes. They've lumped the 4 boys in one room and the girls in another room claiming that kids don't really need as much privacy as we think when they are so young. I first saw their home in Cookie magazine and shortly after it appeared in my fave Living etc. This would be the best house for kids to live in especially with a domed basketball court on the roof!
(images Sixx design and Cookie magazine)



Friday, May 4, 2007

Audrey

Fashion Friday - Here's a little vintage Hepburn - so lovely!
(images BFI)



Bottega Veneta



BOTTEGA VENETA is designing an incredible 1700 square foot suite at Rome's St. Regis Hotel. Having furnished a similar suite at Manhattan's St. Regis Hotel two months ago, this latest Italian project will open in September. Here are some images of the Manhattan suite - not really digging it. It's all very tasteful but can't identify any star pieces that make it WOW. Surprising as I covet their handbags and fashion - just not digging their interiors. Et vous?
(images St Regis Hotel)

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Kate Spade Home


A personal note to Kate Spade - Dear Kate, I really love the colourful dinnerware and accessories that you have designed for your Kate Spade Home collection. As a fan I plea to you to expand this collection - please give us more!! We need more and more colour!!! With great thanks!

Happy Anniversary Domino!!!



Domino has celebrated their 2 year anniversary and they are commemorating it on their website with the best of domino - featuring "the stuff we went nuts for" [which was pretty close to everything for me! ] It's interesting to see what was most popular and what were misses.
All in all it is an anniversary worth celebrating!!! I would be lost without my fix!
(images domino)

Selvedge







UK magazine Selvedge covers fine textiles in every context: fine art, interiors, fashion, travel and shopping including online! Their online shop features such yummy objects as linen bedding, clothing and accessories.