May 14th, 2013

Modern Floral Carpets

Graphic Blue Floral Carpet

 Coventry via Layla Grayce

Well, I hope every Mama out there had a fabulous Mother’s Day! I know I sure did. I ran my first 5K race, worked for a few hours and finished the day having dinner with my two favourite people in the whole world, my boys, in case you didn’t know. What better way to follow up Mother’s Day than to glimpse, peruse and admire some modern floral carpets? Shall we?

 

Blue and White Floral Carpet

Georgia Blue via Layla Grayce

 

These Amy Butler designs caught my eye. Not only are they perfectly pretty in every which way, but they add a modern graphic detail you can use to accentuate colour already present in a room, or to add a splash where there wasn’t one. The blue and white rug pictured above is sweet. I love that the pattern meanders instead of repeating. It leads your eye.

 

Red Floral Carpet

Caracas via Layla Grayce 

 

While I certainly gravitate to teals, blues, turquoises, mints and greens, the pink and red of the carpet pictured above is like a little visual vacay. I love a little clash, especially in a carpet. Not all floral carpets are exquisite like these, saturated with such inviting hues or woven with such divine detail.

 

Violet Floral Carpet

Lacework Blue via Layla Grayce

 

Textiles are my absolute favourite thing right now. I work with fabric and it gives me all these crazy ideas of colour combinations, pattern layers and texture possibilities. Limitlessness sits well with me. Where it overwhelms some I feel like I am home. Grounded in option. Woven into the pattern. Everyone needs a little bliss in their everyday life.

 

Gray and Green Floral Carpet

Parrot Tulip via Layla Grayce

Multi-coloured or two-tone each of these modern floral carpets begs for bare toes, long reading stints, and of course a good session of on your belly colouring.

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May 2nd, 2013

Pattern Painted Ceilings

Painted Ceiling in Blue

Ty Pennington

I am surrounded, very happily surrounded, with colour and pattern at the sofa shop these days and I love experimenting with combinations of solids and patterns. Today this translated to painted ceilings. In the two examples I love the best, the painted ceilings are like the icing on the cake of the room’s design. Thoughtful details are everything.

 

After such a tumultous few weeks of weather, today felt like a delicious treat. The sun was warm, the air fresh, and so finally the blooming shall begin. After work we headed straight to the river valley for our first spring jaunt at Rundle Park. I always feel this expectant-laden stasis at this point in the spring when the weather has warmed, yet the branches are bare and everything is yet to embrace it’s green. So much potential everywhere.

 

Okay, back to the ceilings! Imagine waking up and staring at the ceiling of the one pictured above. So fresh. So elegant. So pretty. Reminiscent of the blue skies of today. However I would have used a different carpet to unify the ceiling in a pale watery blue with a floral or stripe in it. But that’s just me.

 

 

Painted Ceiling in Grey

4 Men 1 Lady

 

A pretty palette of grey with a pattern painted ceiling. Wow. I do not know if I like the ceiling or the ruffled curtain better. What do you think? The sky palette or the stone palette? Stencilled patterns are a good option for more intricate designs but you could also paint stripes, chevrons and other simple geometrics with a good old roll of painter’s tape.

April 19th, 2013

Pink Sofa Love

Pink Two Cushion Sofa

Pink Wallpaper 

 

I keep seeing pink sofas everywhere and I love them!!! Inspired by Jules’ sofa on Cougar Town, I did a little searching of my own to see what I could find and oh my! So pretty. The thin arms and the extra wide double cushions in the sofa pictured above are perfect, not that girly either. Well, maybe a little girly. So my question is, can a pink sofa be used in a space without becoming super girly?

 

Pink Sofa with Single Cushion

The Decorista

 

The square tufted cushions on this sofa give it a masculine edge especially paired with the edgy black painting and other dark accents. You could really play this masculinity up I think, if you needed to justify a rather large and important sofa purchase if say, for instance, you bought one on impulse while shopping without your husband.

 

Pink Sofa with Curved Back

Pinterest 

 

I have developed a love for curved back sofas. The elegant shape is very appealing. Coupled with tufting. Sigh. Let’s talk about pink for just a second. It adds warmth and depth and a touch of feminity to a room and doesn’t necessarily overwhelm to the point that it need be tucked away into the princess’s chamber. Right? Come on guys are you with me?

 

Pink Scroll Arm Sofa

Bright Nest

 

Pink leather!!! Seriously. Wow. In tabacco shades of brown this sofa would be uber masculine, fit for a smoky den, but in this shade anything is possible!!

 

Pink Sofa with Contrast Piping

Pinterest 

 

Contrast piping in this room ties the accents together. Black and pink is so Chanel. Love it.You could also flip it and add pink piping to a neutral sofa.

 

Pink Tufted Sofa

Maison Luxe

Lighting gives this beauty a warm soft glow. While you may not commit to an entire sofa in pink I think an accent chair would be a perfect way to experiment with delicious shades of petal, watermelon, blush, salmon, fuchsia, grapefruit and rose.

 

Pink Sofa

The Glitter Guide 

Everything about this room is lovely. The black and white photos above the sofa are such a cute idea. You could also balance this shade of petal pink with geometric pillows in more masculine tones and textures. So I think the answer is yes. Yes, you can bring a PINK sofa into a room without rendering it girly. Really. Try it and send me a pic!

 

 

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April 7th, 2013

The Writing on the Walls

Quote Written on a Wall Post

Pinterest 

 

The writing on the walls is a summation of events which you may or may not interpret, but what if you could alter that? Determine the outcome? Write the writing on the walls? While many of you may be scrubbing little people’s ideas of writing on the walls, perhaps they aspire to leave great messages for you to ponder. Or maybe it is a sign for you to take matters into your own hands and write what you write.

 

Writing on Blue Wall

Design is Mine

 

If the writing on the walls were laid out with clear logic in poetic verse… on a wall painted the blue of a sunny skied day, I think the days would be good! And also I am in love with tufting as seen here and three images below. Gorgeous!! Just wait until we get into sofas. Coming soon!

 

Hand Writing on Dining Room Wall

Recycled Consign and Design

 

What do you want your walls to say? Your favourite verse, quote, lyric… maybe even a directive or idea for your family to live with or by?

 

Large Writing on White Wall

 Pinterest

 

I want to write a Haruki Murakami novel all over my walls. How surreal that would be, even now I get flashbacks from the Windup Bird Chronicle when he’s in that tunnel and can’t get back. Of course my favourite Hardboiled Wonderland and the End of the World would be more of a contender for my walls.

 

Lyrics Written on Walls

First Time Fancy

 

Make sure your penmanship is top notch to avoid it taking on that gone off the deep end look we see in movies about serial killers. Writing on the walls is something many of us have tried our hands at, at one point or another (admit it! bathroom stalls, graffiti, etc.) but let’s try it again, with deliberation, because with deliberation great things come.

 

Writing on the Wall

Wall Written

March 26th, 2013

Good Ideas: Clipboards

Clipboards with Inspiration

 decor8

Well helloooo! It has certainly been a while. A busy busy while. But as Dorothy would say “there’s no place like home” and here I am, home camp set up and ready to get back on track. And yes we did go see  Oz the Great and Powerful yesterday and it was SO GOOD! I love Glinda the good witch. It is spring break and the weather was beautiful today (a lovely treat after all the snow we have had!). There really are some good ideas out there and this week I want to show you this idea for using clipboards to organize your magazine cut-outs. I might have a mild to moderate magazine hoarding problem and have trimmed down my collection quite considerably in the duration of the move.

 

This idea will  help me edit things even more! I love it! Paint them or wallpaper them and hang them up. Add your favourite magazine excerpts and you are good to go. A great idea for your office space, a movable changeable take on a dream board and you could even use it in the kitchen for recipes.

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March 5th, 2013

Painted Stairs

Painted Stairs in Turquoise Ombre

Real Simple

 

Stairs, when bared of their carpet might just beg to be left uncovered. What do you do if they are in less than pristine shape? Why, paint them of course! Cheery yellow, turquoise, blue, green, red, black or brown, the options are numerous. You could incorporate your favourite decor trend into the mix—numbers, letters, quotes, ombre, stripes, chevrons…etc. Personally, I would love to see some kindred soul paint a polka dot stair case. Any paint happy adventurers ready to take it on? Message me with pictures of your polka dot painted stairs!

 

Painted Stairs in Yellow with Numbers

Pinterest

 

Paint the risers in a contrasting colour or combine paint and wallpaper (not on the risers!) for tremendous (what a great word, I need to use this word at least twice daily) contrast. Stenciling is another option if you wish to include a graphic design.

 

Painted Stairs Pink and White

Poppytalk

 

I love the eclectic look of the high gloss risers pictured above. It gives the room personality, character, depth as it shouts ‘lived-in’ and ‘don’t take me too seriously’. I like that.

 

Painted Stairs with an Aqua Runner

Apartment Therapy

 

A runner riser. Pale aqua. You can’t go wrong, just up or down.

 

Painted Stairs with Yellow and White Patterns

Smitten Design

 

That’s a whole lot of pattern! You could try to emulate this look or choose one or two patterns and repeat them. Trellis, lattice, trellis, lattice…

 

 

Painted Stairs in Pink Ombre

Design Sponge

 

I know the first ombre staircase was pretty perfect, but look! This one is gorgeous too. And to be honest, the sneak peak of the rest of the room drew. me. in. If you follow the link you will see what they started with. It makes the end result that much better. And if painted stairs aren’t your thing, take a look at some salvaged stair options. I found them interesting for a shop of sorts, but wouldn’t do it in a home, but you might like it. Right?

 

 

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February 19th, 2013

6 Lovely Bedrooms

Dual Mirrors Above Side Tables

Laura Lee Clark

 

The great move is imminent and coming quick! I believe the house has sold although I haven’t received the final word. This means big change for us. Exciting change. New colour. New patterns. New ideas. And a fresh start. While my search for a new place begins I am dazzled with the possibilities of decorating each of the new rooms, especially a lovely bedroom.

 

Pale Gray Room with Tufted Headboard

New England Home

 

Inspired by opulence and the idea of creating something dreamy and new for my own bedroom I have come up with some images of elements I would like to introduce. First, I had to ask myself what makes a really great bedroom. For me, that means a balance of beauty and comfort. I want a soft, muted space for dreaming. A place with soft textures, elegant patterns and a pop of colour I can change when need be. My current bedroom has some pretty, but the vision was never finished. And that is okay. Life itself is a work in progress and some visions require alterations and alternate blueprints with secret, hidden rooms behind the bookcase and beyond the stars. New visions are calling so here we go!

 

Sweet Bedding

Zsa Zsa Bellagio 

 

Layers and layers of soft, texturally appealing bedding is what I am after! How cosy.

 

Bedroom Ideas for the New Room:

 

Symmetrical side tables

Pretty bedding

An upholstered headboard

Twin mirrors to hang above the symmetrical side tables

An upholstered bench for the end of the bed

A reading chair (oh, yes, I have my eye on one! Stay tuned…new job equals new inspiration!!)

And a sprinkling of pretty sparkly things

Reflective lighting, if not a chandelier some curvy glass table lamps. Daylight and nightlight reflect in their own shimmering ways, each equally elegant if chosen right.

 

Pale Blue with Chandelier

Better Homes and Gardens

 

Things I hope for in the new place:

  • Lots of light
  • More light
  • Light so I can pull off a white with a pale hint of a colour, colour scheme like the blue above or the gray below.

 

Lovely Bedroom with Symmetry

Casa Sugar

While the yellow carpet may look surprising in this room, if you follow the link and tour the whole home, the yellow appears throughout the space. Love the tour!

 

Upholstered and Tufted Headboard

The Cross Design

 

I love the stacked pillow detail and the side table. Such a simple detail, in a lovely bedroom. You can change it every day when you make your bed. By the way, I am a make your bed every single morning kind of girl (not just on behalf of teaching kids proper human behaviour, but because I like to give things a little polish, especially to start the day, every day is kind of special in its own way, yes?) and I am always surprised when I hear of someone who doesn’t!! So tell me, do you make your bed every day?

February 11th, 2013

Valentine Red in the Bedroom

Red Headboard

House Beautiful

 

Splash and dash Valentine red in the bedroom everywhere or use it to rev your heart and up the pulse a beat or two. Yes, relationships can be complicated. But love? Love is ever so simple. To appreciate the light and truth and good in another being is what it’s all about. To actively honour that sweetness with love is special, so if you are lucky enough to have that person in your life, embrace him or her with all your might!!

 

Red Bedroom with Pillows and Tables

Pinterest

Like attracts like as you can see with these twin red tables at the foot of the bed. I love this combination of pink and red. So Valentine. The bright hues are well balanced with the black bed, and the white in the bedding and the carpet.

 

Red Bedroom with Patterned Headboard

House to Home

 

My favourite element in this room is the lamp. The combination of red and fuchsia is vibrant and juicy and makes my mouth water for fruit punch! Grown-ups do not drink enough fruit punch!! Whether you choose to commit to a colour-tastic colour scheme or a muted one with pops of red, Valentine red can be added to your bedroom for the day or on a more permanent basis. Experiment with pillows and accessories or go for it and paint a wall red.

January 31st, 2013

Keychains for your Valentine

Valentine's Keychain E.E. Cummings

Tesoro Jewelry

Keys and locks are these wonderfully archetypal symbols for keeping sacred things safe. So of course with Valentine’s Day fast approaching it only makes sense to keep your heart all locked up until that worthy knight (or the lady equivalant) appears. And then you can give him or her a keychain with a sweet message on it! How’s that?

So I was looking around Etsy and I noticed an abundance of Valentine-inspired keychains and I thought ‘hey, that’s cute!’ This is a collection of my favourites. The one above topped my list. I love the quote from E.E. Cummings!

 

Valentine's Keychain in French

Temporal Flux 

 

This one looks manly. The quote translates to ‘I love you more than yesterday and less than tomorrow’.

 

 

 

Valentine's Puzzle Keychains

Pat’s Design 

 

His and her’s. How adorable.

 

Valentine's Keychain with Bottle Opener

Fleur Designs Jewelry 

 

This is another one I adore. And so true. This heart wants what it wants. Doesn’t yours?

 

Matching Valentine's Keychains

Shop the Copper Fox

 

Simple. Elegant. These ones could be added to your existing keychain without bulking it up.

 

Wooden Valentine's Keychain

Havok Designs 

 

Alright. Most of these would be best for a man. So if you don’t know what to buy your man… get him a keychain.

 

Valentine's Heart Keychain

Lizabettas 

 

An anatomical heart in a lovely setting. Yes, it beats. and it beats for you.

 

Heart and Key Keychain

Korpse Crafts 

 

Keychains for your Valentine come in many shapes and designs. Like the matching set pictured above. I like how the lady can keep the sentiment on her keys and the man can keep the key on his and it will blend right in with his other keys. Whether you choose to lock your heart up and hold tight to the key, or give it away to some kindred sweetheart, make sure you keep that key somewhere stylish!

January 30th, 2013

Upholstered Beds for a Boy or Girl

Kid's Upholstered Bed Gray and White

IHeart Organizing

 

Winter is upon us in full force. I find it hard to keep warm when this portion of the world is brittle and unforgiving! Winter, winter, cold, snow. On Tuesday we woke up to a cool -42 degrees Celsius. Yes, you read that correct. Winter in Edmonton at its finest. So what is a girl to do but think about the move (yes, the house is for sale) and new configurations for the future. The boys have been begging to share a room and I am entertaining the thought, but I am not convinced. I have been looking at different options for beds including upholstered ones. Upholstered beds for a boy or girl as seen here can be tailored to suit any room depending on the fabric you choose for upholstering and the colour scheme of the room.

 

Cottages and Gardens 

 

Upholstered beds are everywhere right now, which is great if you are looking for your own variation. Some ideas include purchasing one, modifying a simple store bought bed or creating an upholstered headboard which you can hang on the wall. All of the options result in a custom look which I absolutely love. My favourite look so far is the twin upholstered beds placed side by side. So cute!

 

Kid's Upholstered Beds in Navy

Pottery Barn 

 

I think there are three factors that make an upholstered bed irresistible. The fabric is first and foremost because it catches your eye right away. Especially if you use a bright colour or a bold pattern or a mix of the two.

 

Kid's Colourful Upholstered Bed

Houzz

 

Second, is the shape of the headboard. The classic rectangular look is appealing in a classic sort of way. But I love curved and scalloped edges. Even a rigid geometric pattern looks great.

 

Kid's Upholstered Bed Green

The Shabby Nest 

 

And third, is detail. Details like tufting, monograms, nail head trims and accessorizing. Using the upholstery fabric elsewhere in the room can tie things together in a neat little succinct way. However, if you use it everywhere you might achieve that ‘fabric was on sale’ look or the ‘a little too homemade’ look. There are fine lines. Tread softly.

 

Kid's Upholstered Bed in White

Serena and Lily 

 

Whether the boys end up sharing a room or maintaining their own rooms, upholstered beds are definitely an option. I love how you can modify them to suit a boy’s room or a girl’s room depending on the variables chosen. It is best to exercise all of the options while I figure out this next phase! What do you think? Shared room or private rooms?

 

Kid's Upholstered Twin Beds

Decorpad 

 

Thankfully this cold snap is ending tomorrow which will make life so much easier to live.  Cabin fever be gone! Click on the link beneath the first photo for a tutorial on how to make an upholstered bed if you are so inclined to dream one up!

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