Adorable Kids Art!

I absolutely LOVE Etsy! The endless shopping possibility are amazing!I I found this adorable page which was featured on Bloomerism blog- and it's SO CUTE!!

  They're called Trendy Peas specialize art for our little mini-me's including wall decals, custom and pre-made art, as well as custom invitations and printing needs. 

How Cute???

 

I would use this not only for babies but toddlers and up to school-aged kids. It's so chic and classic. Very good for people who are planning on using their nursery for more than one baby and want something that is timeless (and will look good for 5 years or more)

all images from Trendy Peas 

Completely in Love With: Smythe

For a LONG time now, I have adored the newly Canadian Designers known as Smythe, especially for their beautifully tailored Jackets. 

Image from Smythe Facebook page

Here is  Smythe's Pouf Sleeve Equestrian Blazer in Lemongrass. Don't you just LOVE their lines??

The Design Duo have been making quite the head-way with Celebs across Canada and the US. My birthday is coming up and this is what I want the most!




Some of my other Fav's from the Spring '11 Collection 

For more info on Smythe, go here!

The Most Adorable DIY Chandelier

I came across this posting today on Apartment Therapy . It's a feature of the cutest DIY Bubble Chandelier from CasaSugar! How fun is this?? Normally, the price point on this would be few G's....this was done for a few hundred.

For more details - including step by step instructions click here!

How Do you Read Efficiency???

Everyone knows that Energy Efficient just makes sense, but can you make sense of their sense?

The Canadian Government makes it easy to understand the sticker prices...and 'second sticker prices' for any and all appliances. 

 

For more information go to http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/appliances/energuide.cfm?attr=4

Here is some information (broken down) for you to understand (easily)

The Black and White EnerGuide Label

1. Average annual energy consumption of the appliance in kilowatt hours (kWh)
2. Energy efficiency of the appliance relative to similar models
3. Annual energy consumption range for models of this type and size
4. Type and size of the model
5. Model number

What Is a Kilowatt Hour?
Your power utility measures electricity use in kilowatt hours, which is calculated by multiplying the wattage of a product by the number of hours it's in use.
For example:

• a 100-watt light bulb × 10 hours of use = 1000 watt hours, or 1 kWh
• 1 kWh of energy = running a hot shower for three minutes
• 50 kWh of energy saved could run your dishwasher 20 times
• 100 kWh of saved energy could run your clothes washer 50 times – that's almost a free load of laundry every week for a year

Old is the new Contemporary

I received my new Restoration Hardware catelogue today and like usual, it's filled with nummy design elements, furniture and fixtures. As I was reading through, I noticed yet another example of what I seem to be seeing all over the place: Old is the new contemporary. 

What does that even mean? Well, it is a reference to people using vintage, warn elements as main pieces and accessories in their home. The  balance between old world 'charm' and new, modern elements. 

Such as this bathroom

The fixtures, although very modern and clean lined are paired with vintage, iron side cabinets. Even the accessories in this space reflect that of an era close to this industrial time.It adds texture (both physical and textural) and breaks up what could easily be too new  or too designer.

Accessories and lighting are also referencing this old world feel. These fixtures, both from RH, are clear examples of my point. Referencing the really old into ultra modern spaces.

 

Corbels are also making their way into nearly every room in the house. Before, Kitchens saw the most corbel-action, usually under an island or shelf for added decorative flair. This time their chunky and large-scale and being used as tables, stands, and accents in the room. This is actually being sold as an end table.

I know that I have blogged about this before, but I love the new 'Country Kitchen'. Particularly, I love the large scale mantel and open shelving. It has the feel of an old bakery to me. Who wouldn't love to have this?

As a designer, it's important to know Balance, and how to properly achieve it.  Balance is referencing two or more elements in a space (or connecting space), or combining more than one style (contemporary and old world). Its about having just enough of one element to balance out the second element...its about balancing color....balancing weight....light. It's all about balance. 

In Nova Scotia, we are lucky to have some of these elements already lying around our homes, or our parents homes. In an old barn, perhaps. I think this particular blend of Old World/Time and Contemporary has more roots than just visual as well. It's about remembering our history, the quality of the time (in respect to craftsmanship) and enjoying the story it tells. 

all images by restoration hardware

The Challange

I haven't blogged in some time now- life has been really busy for me!!

I've been working on some clients homes that have exhausted most of my days (pics to come soon!). That and my daughter has been sick every-other-(three)-days with the flu, which in of itself is exhausting. Needless to say, I have lot's to talk about coming up.

The great news is that my husband has FINALLY agreed to get rid of our couch in the main living room. I have been after him for some time now to exchange it for something more 'my style' (that being contemporary). This is a good couch. There's nothing wrong with it- it just doesn't work with our home. I find that I am getting to a point in my home where it is no longer a reflection of who I am and how I want my house to read. So, new couch it is.




Don't get me wrong, this couch has contemporary lines- but not to the level I want. To be honest, I am torn between something ultra sleek and modern- or a total revamp of a classic. I am thinking a early twentith century victorian piece reupholstered in a great leather.
I really love the Tannery faux fabrics from Joanne Fabrics.

Like something like this

 

Source

Or this couch by Nine by Design

This is more my style.


My concern is how well it will handle kids. I have a toddler...and we all know what that means. Jumping, spilling juice (hence the leather option), scratches from toys- the poor couch.


My ONLY problem is my husband has given me a challenge. It has to cost $500. Is this even possible? Well, I am going to find out. Obviously, I'm not going to get what I want, but something similar would be nice. Why am I doing this? Well, as a designer, it's my job to do the impossible. Work with the impossible. And I am setting a personal goal to get this couch for $500. Wish me luck.

Inside the Toronto IDS

Well everyone I'm back from Toronto and tired, tired, tired. What a weekend this has been!


The Toronto IDS was a smash to say the least! With over 300 exhibits to check out, this is the place to be if you are a designer or design enthusiast. 

The weekend started off with the opening night Gala, featuring a sneak peak at all the exhibits, and of course with all the big name Designers in house.

I was SO honored to meet Sarah Richardson and Samantha Pynn inside the `sibling rivalry` exhibit that Sarah and her brother Theo featured. It just happens to be one of my favorite (of course!)

This is the first room of three the duo completed. I love how it feels so Nova Scotian. All the elements speak that of of a warm, sophisticated cottage. Love the bright red, mix-matched dining chairs as well. This would be so easy for anyone to do - design savvy or not. 

This being the second, informal living room and office. The cool tones work very nicely as a middle point to the high-energy bedroom to follow.

I have seen Sarah use this bright yellow before in a bedroom (something most people would not necessarily think to choose). I love how unexpected can seem so right. So comforting. 

And I love this lounge. I have been on an antiques kick for a couple of months now, and this speaks my language. I love the V-stripe fabric as well. Subtle and lovely. 

 Over the course of the weekend several talks were hosted on the main Krups Stage. Literally thousands of people crammed together on louis ghost chairs to hear the latest in design debates. 

Now, for the big moment: MY FAVORITES

Right off the bat, and I think a lot of fellow designers would agree, the IKEA booth really grabbed my attention.

 Featuring an all black Kitchen...something we don`t really see anymore, with an entire wall of storage, large island and detailed cabinetry. Over the entire installation were various shapes and sizes of pendant lanterns, which broke up all that black and really created a massive focal point. Centered in this beautiful display was the large scale island featuring a leathered-granite. The texture was to die for. 

To me, the wall of storage separated by a large mirrored wall which housed a built-in TV by Radian Audio was a show stopper. At first glance, the mirrored wall just looks like that. A nice break in the center of a storage dream. Until the TV is turned on and a hidden plasma shows it`s delight. I really see a movement toward this type of design in homes. TV`s that are either behind glass and installed flush into walls, or TV`s that are hidden behind art. Which brings me to my next favorite.

 This gentleman featured his creations of a dual purpose. This television mount sits flush in the wall, and with the slightest pull, comes out and flips around to show either the television or the custom art option. Slick. 

Next is this beautiful area rug. I also saw a trend in rugs this year which lend a hand to 'art for the floor'. How much would I love to have this?

For anyone who loves and appreciates tile for what it's worth in artistry, this was the place to be. With new, more daring and contemporary tile available, these were my fav's.

 I love this Cedar tile. A beautiful change from the usual. 

One thing the IDS did have this year for sure was heat. There were a number of suppliers featuring the newest in Fireplace technology and installations, but I love these outdoor pits. 

These large scale fire pits use gas to feed their flame. With just a simple turn of a key (literally) you can control the desired temperature.

Lastly, this Rolls Royce of contemporary Kitchens features a hide-away-kitchen. The sleek design features cabinetry that slides up and down (into the cabinet base for an ultra smooth glide) to expose all the normal functions and features of an everyday kitchen.

 Pictured here is the faucet that swings out, as well as the interior cabinet structure. Even the sink is hidden by either a rolling butcher block cutting board option or a stainless steel plate. Either gives the illusion of a simple counter work surface- such as a home office or built-in storage system. Beautiful. Pricey- very pricey- but beautiful. 

Some other mentionable displays are below. Who wouldn't want that chandelier?? 

And I love this kitchen design. It's part island, part fixture, with an arched base. I think this would work lovely in an open concept, contemporary home. The lighting underneath also up's the wow-factor!