10 Rooms

my blog review - the good, the bad, and the ugly!

2012-02-08T10:19:00.000-05:00

Do you read the blog Inspire Me Heather?

If not, you may want to add it to your reading list -

Heather is a creative diy girl, a great writer and truly gracious,

featuring diy projects from around the blogosphere regularly.

At the moment, Heather has a new feature that's designed to improve everyone's blog,

called What I Like About Your Blog.

The premise is simple -

by signing up, you agree to review two blogs, and likewise two fellow bloggers review your own.

The results are private, only shown to the bloggers participating.

Well, one of my reviews is in,

and it makes me realize there are some areas of the blog that really need improving.

Want to see the review?

How about I mix in some eye candy?!!

What I liked about their blog: I love all the white.

It makes it look clean, and it makes the images really stand out.

I LOVE the large photos. They are so inspiring and it is nice that they are easy to see.

I like the frame around the buttons -

that that theme carries over throughout the whole blog (including photos).

I like the brevity of words. The author does a great job at describing what she likes without going on and on. It is the perfect combination of great pictures + great words.

**blushing** thank you very much...

I was thinking about making the buttons smaller, and simpler -

but still using the frame.

Perhaps in black and white.... I'll try some better versions out shortly.

And I'm wondering if you like the way the text reads - centred.

Is it more difficult to read?

I know Barbara's reviewers covered this one (that's where I first heard about Heather's feature).

I like symmetry, and having it all off to one side just feels so unbalanced,

but I'll change the alignment if you would prefer to read it another way.

LOVE the header - but I wish it were centered over the whole blog instead of over the posts.

me, too!

I made it the right width,

but I think I need to decrease the height (does anyone know?)

because blogger keeps shrinking it like that :)

I love that she has inspirational blogs to read - it would clean up the sidebar if she made that a page instead of links on her side bar. Not a big deal though.

need to share love for the people that inspire me - I can move it down,

but many of these people have become friends, and there's always room for friends, yes?

She does not link back to the original sources (or at least the pinterest pin where she found) of the photos.

That is a huge no no.

Okay, this one surprised me, because I actually work hard to include links in my posts.

But it's pretty serious, because I don't want people to think that I don't give credit - I think it's really important.

I usually do a source "line" under the last image of the post, where the links are presented as numbers.

I used to link under each image individually,

but it seemed that placing links under each pic is visually distracting, and I usually do photo collages.

It's the second time someone has said this to me, however,

and so I'm thinking that what I am doing is TOO subtle -

thoughts?

What about listing links at the bottom of the post under the signature?

Would it be better to skip numbering and present them as words, such as, "pink vase", etc...?

I don't like the shadows around the images. They seem a little much, and sort of distract from the photos.

I have actually been feeling the same way.

Frames will be going....

I don't like that the followers widget + subscribe, etc. are all the way at the bottom of the page.

I was trying to keep down the sidebar noise, and I don't like the number of followers to define a blog -

there are so many great undiscovered reads out there!

That said, maybe I can work these back in - I agree they feel a bit awkward down there.

The font is just a little bit too small. Maybe up the page font size by 1 or 2.

I don't think it's the size, but more what a light font it is -

I would like to keep it,

but I could move it up in size a little -is that better?

It feels a little big.

** can't help it - must interrupt just for a moment - I NEED THIS BAG!!!.... okay, back to the review.... **

Move the photo of Anne Marie above the text that begins with "Colour Consultant" - I'd like to see her pretty face as soon as the page loads. Would like to see some pages - especially about who she is.

Will add pages. And I'd like a new photo, in colour - that one doesn't feel very happy, does it?

There are three buttons - "Crushing on Color" "Palm Beach Week" and "The Great Clean Out" -

you don't really know what they're for.

When I clicked on them I was kind of surprised they were labels for her content - they didn't seem to fit the rest of the blog.

(I thought they were "I've been featured" buttons for someone else's blog.).

I know. That needs to be re-worked somehow.

The Crushing On Color series is one of the best parts of my blog.

I really enjoy catching that glimpse into all you talented lovelies.

Maybe just a button for that one, lose the other two,

use the same scalloped frame I use for my logo, and placed up higher, with the other buttons....

Also, how about a my house tour page? Would that be something you'd be interested in seeing?

Overall, not too painful!

Thank you very much for being gentle, mystery reader.

I'm hoping you all will share your thoughts in the re-do process...

Then I'll get on with it -

design and colour, more pics and less talk, that's what this space is all about.

Thank you! x

(now go over there to Heather's and sign up, and get your blog looking it's spiffiest!!!)

***update***

okay, I've figured out how to make just the links to other sites open in a new page, rather than all links opening to a new page - because it drives me crazy when I get a zillion pages open from one site - you?

Just go to your blogger overview, click template, click add new gadget to your footer, choose the HTML/JavaScript gadget. No title, just copy and paste the following code into you gadget, save, and voila - link magic :)

Just be sure to change the xxxxxxx in the code to your blog name, without spaces - for example, I substituted 10rooms. Let me know if it works for you!


<script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
var arr = document.getElementsByTagName("a"); //get all links in the page
for(var i = 0; i < arr.length; i++)
{
if(arr[i].href.indexOf("XXXXXX.blogspot") < 0 //not links that are 'inside' blog
&& arr[i].href.indexOf("javascript:") < 0) //not javascript links
arr[i].target = "_blank";
}

that's it, and yes, I'm having fun....

photo links: bracelets feather necklace mint ring packing hair bag

a spectacular kitchen floor + ceiling, and some fantastic art lighting

2012-02-06T10:13:00.000-05:00

Happy monday!

How was your weekend?

I was bit under the weather this weekend, so not much got accomplished around here -

did manage to squeeze in a wee bit of time for pinterest, somehow -

funny how that happens, lol...

When I saw this kitchen pinned over the weekend my jaw dropped.

Barrel-vaulted brick ceiling.

Exquisite painted timber floor.

Open shelving + lattice cabinetry.

Art + a few hits of playful colour.

Spaces like this make me want to ditch this place and move into a century home stat.

A little digging, and found the rest of this home via apartment therapy and kikette interiors.

It has a very consistent look.

The white walls continue throughout, as do those floors.

The decor is clean neutrals, again with the pops of colour place sparingly.

There was one detail that I absolutely loved.

Look at the way they've lit their artwork.

Wall-mounted reading/work lights that not only light up these pieces in the evenings,

but also to frame the art and draw the eye in the daylight.

They become part of the composition.

I've never been a huge fan of those unappealing mini lights tucked in over the top of the frame -

they aspire to be invisible but just end up a visual distraction -

but these are a different story, yes?

If you're interested, here are a few versions from...

barn light electric, shades of light and circa lighting

must be off, busy, busy day today...

hope you all have a lovely monday....x

I need your help...

2012-02-03T09:21:00.001-05:00

Okay, you know how it's always harder to make design decisions for yourself than for everyone else?

I've just been standing over this beauty....

my future dining room chandy,

with two cans of spray paint.

One is black, and one is "Chinese Laquer" Red.

With a teak table, chairs upholstered in black,

white walls, with black & white art and bits of colour,

and a sisal painted out with red, white, black and magenta...

which one will work?

The black is classic, and will continue on the black lighting we have throughout the rest of our home...

but in red?

In red she'll be the party girl, dancing around over the table.

Hmm... maybe I've just answered that one for myself....

Thoughts, please!!

*******UPDATE********

it's red.

20 minutes after I posted I picked up the red laquer and went to town.
The difference was incredible -
like slicking on a coat of fabulous red lipstick....

I'll be showing pics shortly, once the chairs are completely finished
(a very cool diy I'm working on this weekend)
and I've painted the carpet.

Thank you to those who stuck up for black, though -
for a minute there I thought it was going to be a bit of a wash,
and black really deserves better than that!
I've been challenging myself to up the colour quotient of this place...
sometimes when you work with colour all day you just want to come home to quiet,
but it's become a bit bland around here.

Thanks for all the votes, lovelies!
Happy weekend... x

the entertaining posts: dining room

2012-02-01T19:58:00.001-05:00

No. 2 of the entertaining post series...

Last time we looked at kitchens,

and part of the discussion we got going was whether or not we like formal dining rooms.

Not everyone likes a formal dining room,

but we have one here, and it is well-used.

(although we won't be using it this weekend, as it's currently under a bit of an upheaval -

we've just painted the walls, have to hang the art, change out the chandy, and add a carpet...

both of which i also have to paint :) You can see the previous incarnation here....)

We try to have friends in at least every other week for dinner,

and we host all the big holiday celebrations for both sides of our family.

Nothing makes me happier than the house being full of our favourite people.

I've gathered up a few beauties here for inspiration...

any of them tickle your fancy?

for the maximalist, a plethora of pattern...

for the elegant country home...

for the organic mod -

in black

or white......

(I really, really love the welcoming feel of this room,

truly one of my favourite spaces, ever)

for those of us that adore "junktiquing"....

the classics, happily re-imagined....

a room for stilettos and champagne, non?

If space is an issue

(and who isn't it an issue for?)

a dining room and office combine perfectly...

How about adding a piano, or a DRUM SET?!!

I love these rooms -

the decor not be quite my style,

but the idea of that little munchkin rocking out in the corner just makes me smile.

speaking of kids,

these clever kids have found a way to ensure it's not a wasted space...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

So, how about it?
Do any of these make you long for a formal dining space?

Since we are revamping our own,
I've come up with a short list of the elements I prefer -

I'm particularly partial to round tables, I think they encourage good conversation.
I like striking art, to peruse during dinner.
An unusual, dimmable chandelier as your focal point.
Lastly, since this isn't a space you normally spend long periods of time in,
some daring colour and pattern to fill in the space visually.

What does your list look like?

(next up, sometime during the next few days....
a post looking at entertaining-friendly living rooms-
hope you'll stop by..)

the entertaining posts

2012-01-30T11:15:00.000-05:00

How about a theme week?

Are you up for it?

Fresh from a wonderful weekend filled with some of our favourite friends,

and one which we were at their houses, not ours,

my thoughts today are all about entertaining.

Of course, the company always makes or breaks the evening,

but I love to go over to a friends home and try out a new gem of a recipe,

or enjoy an old favourite,

to relax, inevitably, around the kitchen table,

and catch up over a bottle of wine...

It makes our family happy to have our home filled with the laughter of those we love,

and so we have company almost every weekend.

I think that D and I tend to be attracted to people who, like ourselves, are very relaxed about entertaining.

Are you the same?

Even at holidays, while the table may be a bit more spiffy,

the atmosphere in our home is always one of relax, eat (I am half-italian, after all!), and be merry.

It's all about the food and the company.

That said :) I'd like to know how you all entertain.

This week I am going to open discussions about what type of kitchen you prefer, where you entertain in your home, what's on your table, the cocktail area,

and entertaining with children, and see where you stand.

Sound good?

Let's start with the kitchen.

Are you an open kitchen or closed kitchen sort?

Do you choose to serve food that can be prepared in advance and left to roast away in the oven,

while you are off somewhere else?

Or too you chop merrily away while chatting with your guests?

I tend to do quite a lot of prep ahead of time, and always try to have some appetizers ready to go,

but no matter who comes over, we always settle in at our kitchen table,

or if the kids have claimed that space,

our dining room table, which is also open to the kitchen.

The country style kitchen, with the table literally at the centre of it all,

is the most intimate type of dining.

As a bit of a klutz, I love an open kitchen, but one where the cooking are is clearly delineated,

so that you don't end up with major traffic while you whirl around with pots of boiling water

and enormous, sharp knives.

And in smaller spaces, the galley kitchen is perfection.

and of course, somewhere comfortable to sit is an absolute must - entrer dans la banquette.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Now let's hear about your kitchens -

do you spend a lot of time there when you have company?

What do you love about your space?

What would you change?

yay or nay: mixing metals

2012-01-25T11:05:00.000-05:00

With gold back, and black always en vogue,

it's becoming more and more common to see a mix of metals in interiors.

(apologizing now for the irregular sizing ahead, but I really wanted you to be able to see the details,
and they were all strangely sized today!)

Kitchens, in particular, are veering away from all stainless.
I know I'm feeling tired of it - you?

both of these dining room have got a splash of gold warming up these grey metals.

Black, white, and gold - need I say more.....

but wait, maybe black, white, gold AND silver?!!

here gold and grey tones form the basis for the palette....

and several layers of metals are seamlessly incorporated into this space.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

I'm wondering if this is more common because
people are slowly switching over from cool to warm metals,
they are just adding hits around the home (as an easily removed trendy item),
or it's just become more modern to mix finishes, just like we do furnishings.

what do you think -
is mixing metals something you do in your own home?
Is it a look that's here to stay?

changes at headquarters

2012-01-23T09:53:00.000-05:00

so we've been working double overtime round here...

during the holidays I looked at those dreary grey walls and decided enough was enough.

Down came the art,

out came the plaster,

and with it promise of a clean slate.

There's nothing quite like rolling on that first coat of primer, is there?

That cinderblock grey ran through our entry, the halls on each floor, the kitchen, dining room and family room.

Just a wee bit of painting!

Along with the walls, the dining room and living room are getting the attention they deserve...

I've embraced the hue of the Love Chairs (as the darlings have named them), and here's a hint at the direction we're headed...

1 2 3 4 5 6

It's been years since I've truly embraced such pure, saturated colour into our home,

and the energy that it brings is incredible!

The posts may be a bit sporadic as I endeavour to get the painting finished...

wouldn't life be easier if I could be satisfied with someone else's painting skills?

Just can't do drips, darlings...

creativity fix

2012-01-18T09:14:00.003-05:00

hullo, hullo!

You may have read that one of my resolutions this year is to get back to making,

to take the time to create.

So, since I've had some interest in featuring the 10 Rooms headquarters on a rather fabulous venue,

(akkk!)

and I've got to get busy zhushing up the place,

it seemed like the time to was nigh to break out the paint brushes.

It's been a LONG time,

so please be gentle in your comments :)

Whether or not they are masterpieces, it felt wonderful to be playing with paint on canvas,

ans I think they are going to the the first of many more...

We got a foot of snow here last night,

and I have a consult across town, so off to shovel before heading out -

have a lovely day!

blue monday - what does it mean to you?

2012-01-16T09:10:00.000-05:00

Apparently today is blue monday.

Have you heard about this?

When I heard "blue monday" images of azure, cobalt and sapphire flashed through my mind,

it sounded gorgeous!

However, that's not what they meant.

It's supposed to be the most depressing day of the year.

I like my version better.

source

cheers!

the difference between gray, grey, warm grey, beige, greige, and taupe

2012-01-13T13:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was speaking to a client about the difference between grey, greige, beige and taupe.

It's a conversation I have A LOT!

I thought perhaps a post about how I explain it to my clients
would be helpful to sort through these terms more easily,
and so here we are :)

First off, for our purposes,

gray (American spelling) and grey (Canada, the UK and Australia) are the same thing.

Just like color (American) and colour (Canada, UK and Australia).

In some technical circles, gray would describe only the grays from the grayscale,
but we're not all that fancy here at 10 Rooms, are we?!
I'm trying to make this simpler, not more difficult...

Let's just start off by saying true grey is any mixture of black and white.

That means that black, white and grey are the only true neutrals.

That said, when we are discussing colour,

we generally include more than just those colours.

Once pigment is added to a mixture of black and white (grey),

it actually becomes a colour,

although the undertone may be almost imperceptible to the eye.

Therefore, grey, as we know it, can actually have any undertone,

but only purple, green or blue can be added in larger quantities

for the colour to retain it's title as grey, because these will all produce cool tones.

Are you asleep yet?!!

Lets' define grey as

black + white = grey

black + white + green/blue/purple = grey.

Sound good?

Now let's head into the beige territory.

Beige basically describes the umpteen versions of light brown.

To make brown you add complements from the colour wheel.

When you add complements,

what you are actually adding are all the primaries together in varying amounts.

Blue + orange

is actually

blue + yellow & red.

Yellow + purple

is actually

yellow + blue & red.

Red + green

is actually

red + yellow & blue.

That is why adding complements always makes a brown,

and why adding different complements creates different browns,

usually ones that are predominantly yellow, red, or occasionally orange.

So, we know beige contains some red and some yellow, and some blue,

but what else is in it?

White.

White lightens up your brown to beige.

So lets define beige as

white + red & or yellow + a little blue = beige.

So where does greige fit in?

To grey down beige, you simply add black, because the white is already present.

Let's define greige as

white + black + red & or yellow + perhaps a little blue = greige

Yes, that would be the entire colour wheel!

That's quite a colour-techy way to look at things,

but I think it's helpful to understand the way colours interact,

and then it all makes sense, doesn't it?

SO -

when you're looking at a colour, and trying to determine what it actually is,

you need to look at the subtle undertones.

If it's cool, with a blue, purple, or green tint, it's a grey.
(I wrote a post about choosing the right grey, here)

If it's warm, with a red, orange or yellow undertone visible, it's a beige.

And if it's warm, but contains black, it's a greige (or as so many people say, a warm grey)

source 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Does that makes sense, lovelies?

If you have more questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will respond tout de suite - x

Happy friday... hope your weekend is filled with love and laughs...

oh - and taupe?

That's just a fancy way of describing a red-based beige,

with a little green thrown in,

so that what you end up with is a slight dirty pinky-beige.

It's not actually a group of colours, but different variations of the same mix.

le très chic brass pendant light... you're going to want one of these!

2012-01-11T09:50:00.000-05:00

Have you seen this new pendant light over a Urban Outfitters?

This brass beauty can fit over a cord kit, to be hung anywhere,

but she could also be hung from a ceiling fixture.

At just $64, how's that for an affordable, tres chic alternative to the boob light?!

I am think about buying two and hanging them on either side of my bed.

Which will lead to fresh paint on the walls, and a new headboard, naturally!

Now, to convince the mister... x

2012: Looking Ahead

2012-01-08T09:51:00.002-05:00

Hello lovely friends :) How are you? I've missed you.

I love this time of year, don't you?
We've had heaps of great visits with people we don't get to are all that often...,
it's a glorious snow globe out the front door,
and after the great rest of winter,
I can feel the energy of spring beating just around the corner.

Just spent a few hours attempting to catch up on all your news from around the blogosphere...

Sounds like you were as busy as we were!

It was a wonderful mad holiday here, as always.

We hosted Christmas, plus three other dinners, and two birthday parties;

attended two dinners, a cocktail and a birthday party;

and managed to squeeze in a few days of skiing.

Quite happy to get back to regularly scheduled life,

& squeezing in some time for design love!

Having said that, the new year always finds me setting some personal goals, and this year they are....

to embrace the changes ahead

(it's on it's way, the most change in a long while, and it's due....

more about that later x)

and to spend more time MAKING -
life has become so busy, and I dearly miss painting and crafting.

source 1 2

Of course, that may also mean cutting down on the ~~hours~~ minutes spent on my pinterest "habit"...

maybe that should be a resolution?
Hmm. Nah. :)

What are your goals for this year?

Do you set any?

( btw -have you seen the pantone colour pick for the year?

of course you have :)

I'm going to be doing a post about it shortly.... hope you'll pop by and share your thoughts.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-17T14:38:00.001-05:00

Hello lovely friends!

t's been a week of highs and lows,

and one that has made me realize a few things...

the first is that I need to make more time for my family right now...

and that means certain things need to take a backseat... like this blog.

so thank you for sticking by me, and dropping in and reading,

but,

I am going to take a blogcation 'til the new year...

I'll come back happier and more inspired, with heaps of useful colour posts - promise!

and...

since I had a couple of giveaways lined up for the holidays,

they will be here for the taking in January!

Also, last year we did a really cool re-organizing link-up party, with The Great Clean Out.

Since January seems to the the time to clean up and clear out,

I'm thinking about hosting another one this year.

I've got at least six or seven spaces that could benefit from "the treatment" around here :)

We found it was really motivating to all do it together last year -

because when you really just wanted to stuff everything back in and shut the doors,

you knew you weren't alone, and that all the other ladies were feeling the same thing!

You also knew you had committed to a reveal, and so you just got it done -

and it felt so great after!!

So, if you'd like to tackle something around your place

(anything, from a cupboard to a room!)

please email me at amezeard@10rooms.com

and we'll figure out a posting date late jan/early feb that works for everyone....

Hope you all have the Merriest of Christmases

and Happiest of New Years Eves.

the antler, embellished and re-thought

2011-12-12T09:55:00.000-05:00

Okay.

This is a much discussed topic,

but I've found some unique antler art that is making me re-think the whole antler thing.

This look has been around a while...

1 2 3 4

And of course the last few years have brought countless faux versions

that have been witty and clever, but are fairly common now.

(and there it is, that dirty word - COMMON :)

I do love this branch version!

But....

what if they weren't hanging on a wall?

What if they were separated, embellished in a slightly glam, tribal way,

and used as sculpture?

I found those on Etsy a while back, and can't stop thinking about them...

I can picture a gold and black version lounging atop a pile of art books

on my future shelving in the family room....

this visualization skill is how I manage to convince myself that I need something :)

do you do that?!!

Anyhow....what do you think?

Would you have one of these in your home?

( BTW - if you're interested in this as a DIY, as I think I am,

but don't happen to have any extra antlers lying around,

surprisingly Ebay is a good source for antlers!)

Novogratz Event at The Foundary

2011-12-08T08:18:00.001-05:00

Set your clocks - in a few hours The Foundary will be hosting a special shopping event,

with items hand-picked by the Novogratz duo.

I'm over at The Foundry all the time,

run by Hayneedle, it's a constantly rotating sale of a wide selection of goodies,

and you won't believe some of the deals you can find.

The Novogratz have SLIGHTLY eclectic, unconventional taste,

so I have a feeling this one is going to be good :)

See you there!

Tech, design and eye candy :)

2011-12-07T08:39:00.001-05:00

A few years ago I had no idea what blogging was all about.

No twitter account, no linked in account, and my Facebook was checked monthly, if at all.

Oh, how life changes!

After three years of refusing to pay huge amounts of cash, I finally got the dot com for 10 Rooms - success!

I was checking each day to see if it became available, and one day, poof - there it was...

I'm going to set up a wordpress site, and am trying to decide if I should move the blog over there, as well.

Thoughts?

Do you think an integrated site and blog are more effective?

I think the less clicks to a destination, the better!

Also, a blog format will certainly be easier to update, and add portfolio pics to....

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In any case, I have today off, and am spending the day learning wordpress -

which will require a few hours of shopping and be-sparkling of some objects around the house

to decompress, I'm sure....

yay or nay: vintage lucite chandeliers

2011-12-05T08:49:00.001-05:00

Received an email from Pieces over the weekend,

linking over to the newest fab finds on their site,

(oh, how I'd like to go on a shopping spree over there -

have you seen their burled wood and lucite desk? Love.)

and this chandelier really caught my attention.

It's lucite. Not lucite trying to be crystal or glass, but lucite reveling in being lucite.

Lucite doing things that glass and crystal cannot easily do, massive arcs sweeping in perfect curves...

massive arcs that are lightweight enough to be hung from a standard receptacle.

Want some of this clean-lined glam vibe? Check out 1st Dibs here and here.

What about the classic waterfall or tiered styles?

1 2 3 4 5

You can find them on 1st Dibs as well,

but a quick kijiji search almost always reveals one around here...

and way below budget.

(right now you could pick this one up 15 minutes from my place for $50!)

With all the seventies/eighties swish happening right now,

is a lucite chandy on your wish list?

Are you feeling the love? Yay or nay?

what are you wishing for?

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when I ignore a question or an issue around here D emails it to me...

is that weird?!

It's like, hey, would you PUH-Lease get on this!

So today I received an official request for Christmas gift ideas.

You'd think after 15 years he'd know it's all about art and jewelry!

I sent him back three links.

this.

and this.

a girl can dream...

what are you wishing for?

it's glitteriffic...

2011-11-30T10:47:00.000-05:00

This year I'm all about sparkle...

and the way to my heart is through glitter!

(I've even glittered up the blog header, it's a madness)

Since I've bought about ten kinds of glitter at the craft stores recently,

and went looking for some clever ways to use it.

So here's a collection of amazing glitteriffic holiday DIY's....

first off, just in case you want to go organic, glitter made from salt.

Not sure how this would do when mixed with liquids, but maybe spray adhesive?

How about skipping the tired old bows and wrapping your presents up

with a wee strip of glitter tape,

velvet ribbon and some mod glitter discs?

Serve champange in these sparkly flutes (wouldn't they be cute done up with 2012 for New Years?)

pack some pretty flatware for a winter picnic,

or elevate cupcakes to new heights with this charming, simple DIY cake stand.

Add bits of shimmering art, hang some chichi lanterns (you can also buy them, here),

add a scalloped border (these are from Etsy, but so cute - why make them?)

or some sparkly love to your mantle...

Glitter in pinks,

glitter in blues,

glitter on fingers, bags and shoes....

Small hits of glitter might just make me happy every day of the year.

how about magnets or tacks at your desk, or a

GLITTER FLOOR! LOVE!

Who's going to the store to buy glitter?!!!

If you are, a little tip I picked up along the way...

to prevent glitter from getting EVERYWHERE (unless you want it that way, in which case, go crazy :)

mix the glitter with the glue/paint/etc PRiOR to adhering it to whatever surface your shushing up -

a LOT less messy and it stays put after.

Happy last day of November, darlings - x

so, uh, what do you know about bake sales?

2011-11-28T09:51:00.001-05:00

Have I mentioned how much Miss N loves to bake?

This summer, a friend of her would pop over every few days and they would experiment in the kitchen...

it started out with me being called in every few minutes to answer a question,

but now she can whip up a batch of cookies or cupcakes without any help,

and I'm pretty impressed with the results!

So when the two of them decided they would like to hold a bake sale before Christmas,

and donate the proceeds to the food bank,

I was all for it.

A few other friends have decided to join in,

and so we're making four recipes here

(as a start) and they are each planning on bringing some extras.

This weekend we made a practice batch of The Worlds Best Sugar Cookies

and I thought maybe I'd share this recipe with you (it's printable!).

These are the simplest and most yummy cookies you'll make.

We add candy corn on top for Hallowe’en, conversation hearts for Valentines...

for the bake sale, we will make green and red and add a Christmas hersheys kiss to each.

Of course, now my head is spinning with ideas for presentation and so on...

Thoughts? Suggestions?

I'm thinking red tablecloths, white paper snowflakes (which the girls can make)

and some candy cane decorations.

How to package everything?

Cupcakes in drinking cups? Have you seen this?

We'll be making another type of ball cookie, snowman cupcakes, and chocolate dipped oreo's...

one of the girls is bringing brownies, and another banana bread,

and another a gingerbread house to be raffled off.

I may make a few pies if there is time :)

Here's where I need your help -

we're trying to figure out price points... how much does a cupcake go for these days?!!

obviously we want to raise as much money for the food bank as we can....

I'm thinking we'll package everything to be sold for either one dollar or five dollars,

and have two tables, one for each.

What do you think?

(I'll show you the other cookie recipe geek week - it's a drop cookie, but gingerbread!

Just as easy and just as delicious!)

destination friday: Veuve Clicquot Hotel

2011-11-25T08:24:00.001-05:00

What are fridays for, if not for grabbing a bag and heading out on an adventure?

a destination friday post is long overdue....

and so...

Although it's technically a hotel,

The invitation-only Veuve Clicqout guesthouse is not a place many of us will ever set foot in.

More than decoration, more than architecture...

it's an attitude, an atmosphere...sultry, chic and very adult.

But what would you expect from the creators of one of the greatest Champagnes of our time?

the sparkle, who would have ever thought to use mirror like this? genius.

and that staircase....

more mirror, herringbone floors....

whats a party without crystal?

serenity reigns in the boudoir...

decadence.

the cellars below, imagine the champagne.....

sigh.

Another one for the travel wish list...

found via The Diversion Project - thank you for introducing me to this gem, Jules!!

happy friday, friends - hope you are heading into a long, relaxing weekend...

we're starting early with a lunch with friends today - x

(oh yes, and my black friday post can be found here - I was a week early!

This is what happens when I try to schedule posts ahead of time, lol...)

gather round and give thanks...

2011-11-23T09:03:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving for all of you south of here,

and so a table setting with just the right amount of rustic and sparkle...

I particularly like the idea of wrapping glass cylinder vases with birch bark....

lots of impact, but doable, right?

(found via the ever-fabulous Will of Bright Bazaar,

head over there for more details and a few words from the stylist that created this beauty)

Since I won't be posting tomorrow, Happy Thanksgiving, all -

hope you spend the day surrounded by those you love - x

have at it: ottoman vs. coffee table

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

think the pendulum may be starting to swing...

lets' take a vote-

Ottomans.

fantastic to put your feet up on...

but drinks balance precariously atop a tray...

can be very bulky, visually.

Coffee Tables.

shins and toes beg to be bruised every time you venture round...
but that stack of books and little pot of flowers look so, so pretty :)

or do we just want it all?!

(such a silly question :)

source 1 2 3 4 5
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1 2 3 4

Which one would grace your dream living room?

an homage to Black Friday

2011-11-18T09:18:00.001-05:00

via

Artist: Kim Davies

2011-11-17T08:40:00.001-05:00

If you've ever left a comment here,

you know that "they are my favourite part of blogging"...

that's what it's all about right?

Sometimes it's hard to hear what others have to say,

but I'd rather hear the bad with the good than hear nothing at all.

Most days :)

So when someone new drops by I try to go by their blog

to see what wee bit of wonderful is happening over there..

Last week Kim Davies left a note about the post, Setting Your walls Free.

She mentioned being an artist, so naturally I went straight over to her blog, Inspired Lines,

(nothing better than procrastinating over art, is there?)

which led to her gallery....

and you are going to be glad I did!

How about this....

and this....

and if the eye candy isn't enough to draw you in,

the day I passed through she had posted an online tutorial about line drawing -

how generous is that?

I've actually never seen an artist offering up the technical bits of their brilliance before. Ever.

Immersed in all this brilliance, I couldn't help myself..

I bought these two drawings (originals!)

and a print of Lip Service...

She also has a giveaway going on....

I'm sure you've all left by now, but if not, hope you have a splendoriffic thursday - x

inspired design: forest lush

2011-11-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

A few weeks back I created a design board - lightening love - based on a quilt that inspired me,

and since y'all liked it (and since I'm always freaking out over some piece of art of furniture!)

I thought maybe I'd start to share more of where those inspirations take me...

voila, the inspired design series - posted semi-regularly, of course!

I don't know if you all know who Kathe Fraga is,

but you will want to once yo see her work.

She is a hugely talented artist,

who paints romantic pieces inspired by France, and nature.

I have the pleasure of being her "friend" on Facebook,

and so see all the beautiful photos she posts

from her glorious world (she lives on Bainbridge Island).

Recently, this one literally took my breath away.

It was taken in Gazzam Lake Preserve,

a place that, sadly, is at risk of being developed.

Aren't the colours incredible?

Aubergine to lilac, tawny caramels, deep mossy green,

and those snowy mushroom caps to punctuate it all so perfectly.

I was inspired..

and so naturally the result was to try and create a space with that same feel...

Grrrreen velvet, an overdyed southwestern carpet (never say never)

and anthro's Little Owl wallpaper set the scene..

furniture 1 2 3

art 1 2 3

lighting 1 2 3

accessories 1 2

But my favourite thing is that insane Paul Mayen coffee table.

so reminiscent of those gorgeous mushroom tops.

What do you think?

Does it have the same vibe as that stunning photo?

thank you

2011-11-16T06:17:00.001-05:00

I've been given a few blog awards lately,

and haven't said thank you properly....

For me, blogging is all about getting to know other crazy, creative types...

those people who understand that although I've found 35 different beaded empire chandeliers,

none of them are quite right for my dining room :)

You just get it.

And so I want to thank these lovelies for honouring me with an award:

Carol of The Design Pages

Beatrice of The Crafty Bee

Jo of In The Corners Of My Mind

You guys are peaches :)

I did a post way back when listing the things you may not know about me....

and since the blog was so new,

most of you probably haven't read it :)

So if you want to know the strangest place I've ever lived, whether I ride motorcycles, or drink tea :)

you can read this....

I'm meeting with a client today to begin the process of re-working her entire home....

such a luxury to be able to go in a whole new direction...

what are you all up to?

Crushing On Colour: Heather from Love Your Space

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Happy, happy monday, lovelies!

I hope that it's a bit chilly wherever you are right now,

because this zinger of a post is going to warm you up!

Today's Crushing On Color post is all about raspberry,

and Heather from Love Your Space

has rounded up some delish pics for you...

enjoy!

Anne-Marie is such an amazing resource on colour,

I'm constantly consulting her posts for practical advice.

We've both been collecting photos with today's object of desire

--raspberry--

and I'm so glad she let me put together this post!

My family of four moved into our current house just over a year ago

when we retruned to the Twin Cities, where I grew up.

Our house is bigger and more modern than the places we have previously lived,

and while I didn't come into the space with any preconceived notions about decorating,

one thing quickly became clear:

the house wanted Raspberry.

It started with the guest room curtains,

made it's way to my daughters' headboards

and an accent in the living room.

And dining room.

I never considered myself a red person, but raspberry?

On the cusp of pink. Both regal and playful. Definitely rich.

As masculine as a pink can be.

And suddenly h-o-t hot

(as my dad would say when ordering his french fries.)

Doesn't it seem like it is EVERYWHERE?

I love that raspberry is so versatile. Surprising, I know, but it truly works in ALL decor.

Raspberry can modernize a traditional interior

Or wake up a modern, neutral space.

This is a color with major impact, whether you use a little

or a lot

It's a bold color, but no need to be afraid.

Raspberry is friendly.

It elevates white

Plays nicely with jewel tones

And has an especial affinity for the (also hot) peacock, teal, and turquoise blue.

(I'm a redhead. We know blue is our colour.)

As if that wasn't enough, raspberry can quickly impart a global, bohemian vibe.

So what are you waiting for?

Surely you need a little raspberry in your life.

I'm not sure I have enough in mine, and the living room curtains are just calling for some raspberry trim.....

Heather

Thank you so much, Heather!

I have been collecting pictures of raspberry infused rooms,

but I've got to say that yours are better!

That first living room, with it's luxe velvet chairs, is one of my favourite spaces.

And how cool would it be to work in that just a little office?

If you haven't been over to Heather's blog,

you are missing out on a little bit of fantastic...

she is a decorator with fabulous taste,

and shares her design processes regularly,

as well as bit from her own space

and some great finds.

Today, since we are celebrating all things raspberry,

she is going to show a little fabulousness in action in her own home...

head over and check it out.....

Anne-Marie x

kijiji and the power of photography

2011-11-10T19:43:00.001-05:00

so I'm cruising through the kijiji furniture ads...

somewhere I really should NOT be allowed to wander unsupervised :)

and I come across these pics...

might not have stopped me in my tracks,

but a closer read revealed these are pics of

Ralph Lauren writers chairs...

giant upholstered beauties that are as comfortable as they are dashing.

In perfect condition.

Hmmm...

A pair of emerald green velvet armchairs are on my wish list for the family room.

But could these work?

They look a little worse for the wear in the pics, don't they?

A quick email exchange with the owner reveals they are indeed in perfect condition.

While I spend a few days considering working with this deep rich merlot hue in the future redo,

the seller emails me three times with huge price reductions.

By $375 I had no resolve left.

Pretty damn sexy, aren't they?

I think if these had been the pics posted online they may have sold just a wee bit faster!

Of course now I need to change a whole bunch of other things in the design plan I had cooked up...

ah, the dreaded ripple effect!

But they're worth it :)

ps. have a really, really good Crushing on Color post lined up for monday,

it's delicious, truly.. stop by for decadent eye candy!

the vintage pieces you've been searching for...new

2011-11-07T10:04:00.000-05:00

Everyone shops vintage now, don't we?

Gone is the stigma of venturing into the local thrift shop.

We've all been lured back., searching for that elusive piece to upcycle...

the one with with the superior construction of yesterday and the amazing price tag!

But sifting through all these dusty treasures,

how many times have you wished that someone would just begin manufacturing these again?

Well, DwellStudio has answered the call.

They've teamed up with Precedent to create a collection that has some serious swagger..

and the styling of these pics is parfait.

I need these tables.

(and the art, and that lamp!)

The sideboard has a fabulous patina, right?

But what about that art, and who wants black built-ins?

clean lines, check

perfect scale, check

a dash of gold, check

sumptuous tobacco leather, an très chic octogonal table and that art...

look at those legs!

Love the headboard... love that there is over 300 Dwell Studio fabric choices.

Am I the only one who gets excited by perfectly upholstered pieces?

This is how all patterned pieces should look, seamless pattern matching...

Nailed it, didn't they?

a door romance

2011-11-02T09:43:00.000-04:00

one day a handsome sliding barn door

met a set of parisan beauties....

and soon they had this

❤ true love ❤

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T07:50:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween!

Tonight should be a breeze after the party we had this weekend!

25 12-years olds, some spooky decor, heaps of junk food and really LOUD music

all morphed into some unforgettable memories....

Bones kept bar..

and watched out over the action...

empty wine bottles filled with coloured water and re-labelled upped the creepy factor...

even water became arsenic :)

the gallery wall beyond...

The food table -

a folding table, with a piece of wood placed behind,

the whole shebang covered with dollar-store tablecloths and destroyed old cheesecloth.

Added some string lights and strobe lights for twinkle, black lights for effect.

Pickles became ogre fingers,

spider dogs became baby arachnids.

The tray was heaped with pizza later..

Chips served up in cauldrons.... such a healthy menu!!

We had a guest with life-threatening nut allergies

and so have been nut-free for a month..

but I was still relieved when they all went home safely.

First guests arriving, checking out their "fortunes"

(we did up a basket of spooky ones)...

On the floor you can see a few of the balloons -

this was the greatest idea, and so simple -

we placed glow bracelets inside 30 white balloons and they floated around the floor all night, luminous.

That was the last moment of calm,

from here on in it was all shrieks and giggles...

Miss N was Katy Perry, and in true form she danced the night away :)

Hope you all have a happy halloween,

we'll be walking the 'hood,

spiced apple cider in hand....

Spooky beginnings...

2011-10-27T10:04:00.002-04:00

Did I mention that I was a bit of a masochist?

No? You'll see..

The darlings attend catholic school,

and for some unknown reason the school has decided against having any dances.

Those awkward dances are a right of passage, no?

I remember my first one, the floor was empty,

and I asked a boy to dance!

We were the first ones out there, and I think he was ready to kill me :)

It was such an exciting time,

and it eased the transition from child to young adult.

So... I decided to honour my promise of a halloween party to Tash this year,

and this weekend we are hosting our first boy girl party.

BOY/GIRL.

Nail biting has begun.

1 2

Anyhow, of course we've needed to get decorations started...

thought you may like to see a sneak peek -

I'll get some better, in-the-dark ones because the lighting is what really makes it

(isn't it always?!!)

The gallery wall...

this was a joint effort -

Tash and I found most of the pics online,

printed them off, and hung them inside wall decal frames.

Lots of giggles and evil laughing!

that crazy woman front and centre positively GLOWS when the black lights are on....

a bit of disco on the mantle...

the food table...

(we've planned a gourmet menu of pizza and chips)

these guys are flanking the table...

their eyes light up and change colour :)

we tucked a skull into some old silk flowers

a crow sits on a mossy bed of pumpkins....

the food will be served in cauldrons...

Bones, our bartender for the evening...

There's lots of other bits and bobs,

pics to come....

Are you working on any projects for halloween?

Yay or Nay: art + bath

2011-10-24T05:19:00.001-04:00

Art and steam don't mix.

I'm usually reluctant to put framed art or canvasses in the bathroom,

and definitely think twice before placing it above the tub or near the shower.

But it LOOKS so good :)

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What do you think?

Are you daring, precariously hanging your art near the bath?!!

(ooooh, the dangerous lives we lead :)

Is it a yay or a nay?

This Artist is an Inspiration

2011-10-21T09:59:00.001-04:00

You've never seen pictures of my son's room,

and there's a reason for that :)

We've ended up with an entire matching ikea set - remember the robin series?

We bought him the bookshelves at our last house,

then my brother offered us his son's desk (same series)

then D's sis offered us her son's bed and nightstand.

Crazy.

Although it's functional,

the sizing is becoming a little small for him,

and it's a bit matchy-matchy for me.

A plan is slowly forming,

and yesterday I was cruising around looking for pics of reclaimed wood accent walls,

and found the most inspiring, amazing blog.

It's called Brooklyn to West,

written by Ariele, a builder/sculpter/furniture maker living in Brooklyn.

Sounds interesting already, right?

Ariele drove acroos the country with her business partner and friend

collecting wood and antique chairs,

where she spent five months designing and building

a restaurant from reclaimed and salvaged materials.

She is truly passionate about her work,

and her phenomenal photography perfectly captures the beauty of her designs.

If you ever wanted to read about an artist living their dream,

go over.

Some of the magic...

Thank you, Ariele,

for re-igniting the artist in me.

The Difference

2011-10-20T13:24:00.000-04:00

Some people spread joy.

Real true joy.

I hear from you every time I post.

Yesterday I got a comment from Mr Goodwill Hunting.

One of my diy heros!

He complimented a diy I did - WHA?? Did that actually happen?

Thank you for making my day :)

Today, however, I had to deal with an issue that has been dragged on for far to long,

and it was finally resolved, but not without me losing my cool.

I'm trying very hard not to be bitter, because

and I've learned

My father worked at his grocery store seven days a week his entire life

(giving away as much food to people who needed it as he sold,

money was really never high up on the priority list).

I respect him so much for the way he has lived his life,

and he taught us to

and that

But most of all, really, who can put energy into holding a grudge when the world is so full of this

all images via pinterest

x

(thank you for listening, we will be back to gratuitous interior eye candy next post, promise :)

lightening love

2011-10-18T10:01:00.000-04:00

Have you been to Anthro in the past few days?

They've lost the paper header, and sharpened up their graphics.

A little less shabby vintage and little more graphic.

I feel like the return to eighties edge is upon us.

Case in point, these one-of-a-kind quilts by Fred Shand,

(on sale now for just $750.00!!)

that have that perfect anthro balance of kitsch, artistry and 80's vintage.

Ever since I first saw them I've been dreaming of the bedroom I would put one in,

particularly this one...

it would work quite nicely with the anthro campaign bed that they style it up on,

but what else?

Perhaps a shagreen wallpaper,

a lush overdyed carpet,

hits of black,

and a wee bit of sparkle and shine?

art art art art art

Lightening Love.

Simplicity loves Energetic Color

2011-10-11T19:53:00.000-04:00

Right now I am completely obsessed

with neutral spaces that use saturated color in clever and uncommon ways,

and if this home by Kay Douglas doesn't qualify, I don't know what does.

Revelling in the contrast of fabrics, finishes and accessories chosen with such restraint-

and then bursts of joyful color, splashed about with abandon.

(Thank you, Verdigris Vie, for sharing this one - I don't usually pick up a copy of Veranda,

but perhaps it's time to start!)

Amazing how the lack of pattern and accessories can balance out the intense energy of these hues, isn't it?

Makes me want to put away half the bits and bobs around my own place!

Hope you all had a happy thanksgiving here in the north -

we survived two days of hosting huge dinners,

(23 lbs of raast beef, two turkeys, two spiral hams, potatoes, yams, brussel sprouts,... you get the idea!!)

and had such a fantastic weekend visiting with our families.

Topped it all off with a fall boat ride yesterday,

touring our muskoka coastlines and admiring the gorgeous fall colors.

It left me glowing, truly, and very grateful for all that we are blessed with.

Weekends like that are what it's all about....xo

the easiest diy art....

2011-10-06T21:36:00.000-04:00

I promised you a post about the DIY art we made for Natasha's room,

and here it is :)

This is so incredibly simple, and you can customize it to any color scheme.

Supplies:

two canvasses (dollar store)

neon paint (dollar store)

leftover paint from around the house

low-tack tape

ruler, black sharpie

The fast one:

First I taped off the triangle piece....

paint and remove tape....

after an hour these shapes were dry enough to repeat the process with the next layer.

Done :)

Told you it was simple, lol!

There are two really important steps to ensure crisp paint lines:

be SURE your tape is adhered well before painting to prevent bleeding,

and remove the tape right after painting, to avoid pulling off half-dried paint later.

Second painting took a bit longer, because there is more detail and more layering...

First tape off the stripes that you want across the front,

then tape off the back layer.

Paint the back stripes, skipping some.

Remove tape and let dry.

Re-tape additional back stripes, and remove tape.

Now, if you are painting a color on the front stripes,

wait til all the stripes dry,

then tape the front ones off (tape on the outside of the stripe) and paint.

(sorry about the color of the pics, it was late afternoon when I started and dark when I finished!)

This is where I cheated a little!

I wasn't particularly careful with my taping and the edges were pretty rough,

but I knew that I was going to do this last step, and they wouldn't show.

I was painting the top layer black, so I just filled in the centre of the stripes and let it all dry together.

Once it dried, I got out a sharpie and a ruler,

and edged all my black portions and in between the colors.

(not that I'm OCD, but imperfect edges bug me...

but I'm really not type a.... well, maybe just a little!)

I added a few extra stripes in here as well...

Then we hung them, and added a quick little "take a smile" bit in between...

this is a joke between Tash and I, we're always trying to get each other to smile.

If you'd like one just print this off..

That's it!

Kinda makes you want to try one, right?

If you do, please send me pics and I'll post them ...

We have back-to-back thanksgiving dinners this saturday and sunday -

and they're both at our house!!

21 on saturday, 17 on sunday...

needless to say I won't be blogging :)

See you monday!

Hope you all get to spend the weekend with the people you love - x