front porch spruce up…

It’s that time of year when I start paying more attention to the little details on my front porch, like all the cobwebs, dirt, raccoon footprints on my chair cushions…it’s endless. Almost time for a fresh lick of paint on the deck too. Gotta love spring!

living room makeover…

Nyla Free is an incredibly talented up-and-coming Canadian interior designer, and I owe her a HUGE debt of gratitude! I was lucky enough to win a draw for a free Design In A Box by Nyla, and she completely transformed my crazy “Ralph Lauren Fail” living room. It’s still a work in progress, but I think Nyla has given up on ever seeing me complete her design, so I’m posting some pics.

I still have a few pieces of furniture and decor to complete the look, but my strategy for decorating before my hubby notices, involves a highly complex system of sneaking pieces in very slowly. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t know I had the living room painted last year…heh heh heh.

Please keep in mind that this is my interpretation of the design and samples that Nyla sent me. She might shudder at some of the changes I’ve made (e.g., my hubby insisted on having his own chair, rather than having two couches in the room…sometimes a girl has to compromise).

Nyla, I can’t thank you enough. I am finally madly in love with a room that drove me crazy for 12 years.

BEFORE (shudder!):

AFTER (ahhhhhh…that’s better):

My favourite splurge–Candice Olson wall sconces with mother-of-pearl. They’re gorgeous, like buttah!

Sun wherefore art thou?

Okay…this isn’t funny anymore…I’m not impressed. WHERE IS THE SUN? The look on my daughter’s face at Crescent Beach yesterday says it all for me. Not. Impressed. Seriously people…I’m thinking of moving to Arizona!!!!!! Lush green lawns be damned. Give me dust and sage brush if it means seeing the blazing ball when I wake up in the morning. I’m getting old.

At least I can keep dry on my verandah! But I still have to wear a winter jacket and clutch my glass of Chardonnay with a gloved hand. Ridiculous. Don’t tell Mark that I dipped into my inventory for a new cushion to lift my spirits. Chartreuse & black just makes me happy.

There. That feels better. I’ve now dumped my bad mood into the universe.

NAMASTE!!!!!!

very vignette…

I love a good story and I guess that’s why I love decor vignettes. They’re a glimpse into the homeowner’s  joy–what makes their toes curl and their hearts swell (okay…perhaps a bit dramatic, but you get my drift). What books do they love? Where did they pick up that seashell? Where did they find that exquisite vase? Where was that photo taken?

photo courtesy This is Glamorous

It gives me a lot of pleasure to arrange and rearrange little vignettes all over my house. I’m constantly sprucing up my arrangements with fresh flowers, forgotten treasures I find in my storage closet, old paintings, favourite decorating books, beach rocks, my latest purchase from a favourite store, photos… They’re all precious and I love to see them every day.

photo courtesy House Beautiful via One Simple Addition

My styles constantly change (hey, I’m a Gemini…I’m allowed to flip flop) and vignettes are an inexpensive way for me to express myself, without having to make the major renovations!

I just love old phones, and this sweet little orange one is featured on Habitually Chic. There’s even a source for vintage phones listed, if you’re on the lookout for one: oldphone.com.

photo courtesy Habitually Chic

There’s a happy trend well on its course of using typeface decorating. It’s all about words in different typefaces, and I love it (notice the framed “LOVE” above and the gold “D” peaking out from the phone–at least I thinks it’s a “D”). It really tickles my fancy if it’s an vintage factory or store sign–they’re fabulous!

photo courtesy House Beautiful via Belle Maison

I predict a huge comeback for clogs. I saw a pair on a TV show last week, and now I’m seeing this pair. You mark my words–everybody is going to have a pair of colorful wooden clogs on a table somewhere in their house!

photo courtesy i l'aria's photostream via Decor8

This definitely qualifies as a beautiful vignette. One of my best friends did something very similar in her entrance and it’s absolutely stunning. If you get a chance, check out Jon Jensen‘s website of gorgeous photography. Uh huh! I see a typeface “3” and “x” on that shelf! I should really be posting a blog about typeface decor!!! Maybe tomorrow.

photo courtesy Jon Jensen Photography

wood it work?…

Yes it wood. These gorgeous reclaimed wood panels by B&N Industries are soooo cool. They would definitely inject style in a front entry! I came across them on House Beautiful’s twitter post and just had to let you know about them.

photo courtesy B&N Industries

what's in your hallway…

When I walk through a home, I love to see how people decorate their hallways. Hallways are tricky, and it’s interesting to see how creative some folks are. Let’s peak into the hallways of complete strangers…kinda voyeuristic!

These are fabulous mirrors. I’d love to see the rest of the home!

photo via Houz by Amoros Design

What a fantastic picture–it lengthens the short hallway. But I don’t like the floral arrangement–it doesn’t fit in with the look they’re trying to achieve, and it’s right in front of the door!

photo by Pierre Senechal Interiors via Houz

This hallway is just so inviting. It’s soothingly calm and the gorgeous runner is just the perfect hit of colour.

photo by Hanrahan Meyers Architects via Houz

Hot pink on white walls–fantastic! The flooring is beautiful too.

photo by Chelsea Atelier Architect via Houz

This is Nina Van De Goor’s hallway. She’s a young Dutch artist with such a playful design aesthetic. A few of the walls in her home are covered with clothing on hangers. I love it. Drop by Nina’s Etsy shop, Ninainvorm.

photo of Nina van de Goor's Home via Houz

Rustic flooring, divine drapes…it’s like a martini with an olive…they just go together perfectly!

photo by John Bessler via JuBella blog