Fashion Friday

Two fierce and influential forces on the fashion scene, Sartorialist's Scott Schuman and Garance Doré. Superb couple, superb style, superb photographers and she is a superb illustrator to boot. L O V E



images via teen vogue

Habitat SOS

I recently found out that Habitat might be in trouble as they are looking for some buyers .... oh no!!!!
They have a fresh approach in their latest campaign whereby they feature the spaces of real folks, well of the super stylish variety. I particularly enjoyed this one featuring supermodel Helena Christensen. By the way, Helena your twin lives next door to me.

[images via decor8]

First Impression

I really like this entrance - fun!

[image via desire to inspire]

Rangoli

Another Diwali has come and gone and I have yet to foray into the world of rangoli art. I admire it sooo yet fear creating a disaster rather than a masterpiece. As I understand it, the patterns are drawn in chalk and then filled in with coloured powders. As Diwali is the Festival of Lights, candles also feature prominently. Here are some inspiring photographs I wanted to share. Maybe next year I will include some photos of my own work ........ maybe ...... yet hopefully!






image via flickr
image via life kafunda
image via blurtit

Photo Walls - A Love Story Continued

mmm - here's another fab photo wall! Thanks for sharing Anna!!

[image via Absolutely Beautiful Things]

Headboard by Grace

I, just like Grace [Design Sponge], was really taken by this headboard in Cookie Magazine. Grace actually created her own version and kindly offered us an instructional video so we too could have our own. I think she did a terrific job - well done Grace!!


[images via Design Sponge]

Linen Sofas

My clients just bought a pair of these linen sofas and I am coveting them for myself!! If I had a bigger kitchen, I would want one of these to lounge in and for reading the morning papers. They have such a relaxed feeling, clean lines and are slipcovered in linen which is my most favourite detail - love!

[image via Remodelista]

Yep!

So sweet - a poster by theloveshop on etsy.

Picture Walls - A Love Story

I am obsessed with picture walls and this one really caught my attention on All the Best's blog. It is a sampling of Eric Cohler's work and I love the whole shebang - carpet, framing, mix of images, wall colour ....... mmmmmm LOVE!!

[image All the Best]

Lord Trafalgar and his peeps

Sunny summer day in Trafalgar Square. This picture snapped only a month ago seems really classic and timeless to me -it's hard to determine the time frame. Click on the image to enlarge it.

[image by MOI]

English Handyman

HOW CUTE!! This English handyman had the sweetest truck - equipped with a bubble maker and microphone - yes, he was a singing handyman!! He certainly turned heads along Marylebone High Street.

[image by MOI]

Monocle Shop

I had the opportunity to check out the Monocle Shop in London - one of the trip's highlights! Each item beautifully selected for its quality and design. The best of the best! LOVE Monocle!!

[image by MOI]

Oysters and Sparkling Wine ... Yes, Please!

Look at this!!! We spotted this oyster stall along the Embankment of the Thames River. How civilized!! Have I mentioned how much I LOVE London?!?!

[image by MOI]

An Education

The Toronto International Film Fest was last week and I got to check out a brilliant film called An Education.
Halfway through the film I was driven to lean over and whisper to my husband "I LOVE THIS MOVIE". I have watched the trailer at least 5 times since and have checked out all of Beth Rowley's tunes too!! She sings the most beautiful song with the most incredible voice!! Evidently, the soundtrack will be coming out in October - guess who will be first in line!! Keep your eye out for this film - the styling, the music, 1960's England, the charming Peter Sarsgaard - it is ALL amazing!!




[images via icelebz]

MMMint

This gorgeous vintage barn is one of Mint's Rental Properties. What a sensational spot for a wknd away with friends!! Of course, we would all look positively gorgeous lounging around ... with lots of candlelight!!





[images via Mint]

Chris Young - Photographer

An acclaimed photographer, Chris Young, that I have made acquaintance with has launched his brand new website and I am in love with these shots - here's a taste.



[images via Chris Young]

Crazy Bear

We found what could possibly be the most obscure restaurant in London. I found this first pic on flickr and not surprisingly, the photographer had the same experience we did. Stood right in front of the restaurant GPS map in hand and yet still unable to find it. A smoker outside directed us in to find the most brilliant surprise!! My jaw dropped and I took it ALL in!! Here are some snaps for a taster. Have I told you how much I LOVE LONDON?!? xx



[top image via flickr TrevorLowe]

A Temps Perdu

I found myself in Hudson, Quebec recently and for those who have never been, it is such a great little town. It is just outside Montreal with many gorgeous lakefront homes. You can't help but long to own one of those pretty stone houses with the most gorgeous lake views. There are some real highlights in Hudson and one of them is Finnigan's Market, and another is a sweet little shop offering comfort for the soul. A Temps Perdu is a creative feast for art, music, design and the written word that can all be topped off with a little caffeine. Here are some quick snaps I took.




[images by me :-)]

Teatro Verde

One of Toronto's loveliest shops, Teatro Verde, has always inspired me. I love their styling, products and mix and they truly have the best window diesplays in the city!! Take a peek!!

[images from Teatro Verde]

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 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

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

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!

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]

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]

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!

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

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]

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

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!!

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

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]

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

[image via flickr photog Chat in the Hat]

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)

Tableaux Cloths

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

(image Mark Cutler Design)

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.

(image Steven Randazzo)

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!

(images Absolutely Beautiful Things)

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!

(images Russell Brohier)

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]

Look What I Found

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

Hella Jongerius


Marcel Wanders


Riempie





Piet Hein Eek



Pet Peek

Jane Reiseger

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!!!

(images little fashion gallery)

happy happy

happy 40th birthday sara jane!!!

(image marie-claire maison)

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)

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]

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 -

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!

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

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!

(images Point Click Home)