A sweet playroom escape
A cozy cabin basement makeover
So much is possible
Kelly's new build has some pretty spectacular views
Ashley's house is full of charm
I'm very slowly making progress on the guest bedroom refresh. I've got the new metal bed frame sitting in my hallway and I can't wait to put it together. [Side note: the King sized bed is showing at $84 on the Wayfair.com site?! That is a crazy amazing price!!] But, truth be told, there's a long list of things I should do before we even unpack that bed. Like deciding what to do with the walls in the guest bedroom.
Walls can often be an afterthought. Provided they're in good condition, you don't have to do anything with your walls. But what if wanted to make them a bit more special? Here's five ways to add interest to bedroom walls, or any wall in your home.
1. Paint
The simplest treatment would be to paint the walls. For bedrooms, I like to have a calm and soothing environment. That's pushing me towards soft warm neutrals like in this room designed by Monique Gibson...
or even this soft grey green I used in my sister's bedroom. For contrast, we painted the ceiling a barely there pink which enhanced the feminine colour palette.
Paint is the simplest upgrade you can make to your walls. It's easy to do and even if things don't turn out quite the colour you expected, you can always repaint.
2. Panelling or Moulding
Beadboard, board and batten, panel moulding, shiplap... I love moulding and trimwork in all it's forms. It seems you do too - the panelling we put in our master bedroom is still one of my most popular posts here on the old blog. Moulding is a very inexpensive and easy way to add texture to your walls.
I wouldn't want to do the same wall treatment in the bedroom next door, but something like this black painted wall panelling is very intriguing (note the contrasting trim. So sharp!)
I love how this wall treatment adds texture but is still subtle and doesn't overwhelm. The dark colour also helps to make the treatment stay calm and recede.
3. Wallpaper, Fabric or Decals
Wallpaper is a great way to bring colour, texture and pattern to any room. Nowadays, removable wallpapers and decals make it easy to get the look without the commitment. Similarly, you can apply fabric to a wall with liquid starch (like Miss Mustard Seed did in her bedroom) and easily remove it when you tire of it.
4. Canopy
5. Mirrors, Art or Wall Decor
Hanging art or decor on your walls can really make your room come alive. Mirrors are fantastic at bouncing the light around a room and expanding the space. Artwork can invoke an emotion - imagine a large scale beach scene which can make your room feel like an escape. In this room, designed by Andrew Brown Interiors, the black and white art and gilded mirrors evoke a tailored, masculine vibe that is echoed by the neutral bedding and black accents.
There are a lot of ways to refresh our guest bedroom and make it more interesting. I just have to decide what to do - and quickly. Walking around a giant bed box in our hallway is getting old fast!
Affiliate links have been used in this post
Oh, Ikea Billy bookcases, you are so versatile. Love this DIY office over at Southern Revivals.
Dressing room with clothes storage + a private sink? A dream!
Carrot cake cookies with cream cheese frosting? Also a dream.
I had the pleasure of attending a preview of the Samantha Pynn for Simons collection. Simons has long been a favourite shopping destination (I would schedule my work flights so I would have time to shop at the Montreal store!) and this new collection is soft, pretty, and glamourous - all the things I love about Sam's style. Go check it out online.
Helpful bookcase styling tips. P.S. I fall in the hoarder category ;)
This Swedish home is the antidote to those all-white spaces.
But, I still love white rooms. In my latest article for BHG.com, here's a roundup of a few I think are Pinterest-worthy.
Planning a kitchen renovation? You'll want to read these budget-saving tips.
Your desktop needs this pretty wallpaper.
If you're in Toronto and a fan of art, I have a giveaway at the end of this post!
Selecting art for my home has always been a tricky thing. I would love to fill my walls with art that stops me in my tracks and elicits an emotional response without my realizing it but finding the right art can be a challenge, especially when Sean and I have differing tastes!
One thing we agree on (and look forward to) is The Artist Project. This annual show brings 250+ contemporary artists together and is your chance to buy directly from the artist. Here's a few artists I look forward to seeing at the show:
The Artist Project runs this week and I have a pair of tickets to giveaway to attend Friday, Saturday or Sunday! To enter, head over to my Instagram and tag two art loving friends. Winner will be announced Wednesday at noon.
Do you have a favourite artist? I'd love to hear whose artwork moves you!
Selecting art for my home has always been a tricky thing. I would love to fill my walls with art that stops me in my tracks and elicits an emotional response without my realizing it but finding the right art can be a challenge, especially when Sean and I have differing tastes!
One thing we agree on (and look forward to) is The Artist Project. This annual show brings 250+ contemporary artists together and is your chance to buy directly from the artist. Here's a few artists I look forward to seeing at the show:
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| Patrick Lajoie |
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| Maureen O'Connor |
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| Erin Rothstein |
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| Peter McLennan |
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| Eleanor Lowden |
The Artist Project runs this week and I have a pair of tickets to giveaway to attend Friday, Saturday or Sunday! To enter, head over to my Instagram and tag two art loving friends. Winner will be announced Wednesday at noon.
Do you have a favourite artist? I'd love to hear whose artwork moves you!
It all started with the dresser. The dresser in our guest bedroom needed to be replaced so we got this one. Then the entire room, with its pale yellow walls and nursery art, leftovers from when we used the room as Chloe's nursery, started looking really tired. The idea for a guest bedroom makeover was set in motion.
I'm on Wayfair constantly these days, shopping for the cottage, so when I spied the Fulton Bed on sale I ordered it. We had a DIY headboard in this room and I was ready for a real grown-up bed. I love metal beds but have never had one so now was the time. I think they're fantastic for showcasing beautiful bed linens and have great architectural lines. Here's a few bedroom looks that have me inspired.
These looks are more country and farmhouse (which I love), but since this is our 'city' house, I'd like to veer things to be a bit more modern and polished. What do you think... is that possible or will a metal bed always conjure up images of rumpled bed linens and timeworn furnishings?
I'm on Wayfair constantly these days, shopping for the cottage, so when I spied the Fulton Bed on sale I ordered it. We had a DIY headboard in this room and I was ready for a real grown-up bed. I love metal beds but have never had one so now was the time. I think they're fantastic for showcasing beautiful bed linens and have great architectural lines. Here's a few bedroom looks that have me inspired.
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| Sainsburys via Bright Bazaar |
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| Midwest Living |
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| Better Homes and Gardens |
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| Creekline House |
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| Love Grows Wild |
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| Lonny |
These looks are more country and farmhouse (which I love), but since this is our 'city' house, I'd like to veer things to be a bit more modern and polished. What do you think... is that possible or will a metal bed always conjure up images of rumpled bed linens and timeworn furnishings?
Sometimes you style for yourself. I love Emily's thoughts on this gorgeous vignette.
A helpful post on how DIY/decor/lifestyle bloggers can start a YouTube channel
This seared chicken lunch bowl looks so good
Artsy family photo inspiration
Did anything from the Indigo preview catch your eye? They've got 15% Off Regular Priced Home Decor and more
this weekend! Time to stock up on the cutest coffee accessories and buffalo plaid throws ;)Cheeks for days
Ugh, I haven't bought Sean a Valentine's Day card yet! No worries because these printables are exactly what I'm looking for.
A lovely farmhouse dining room makeover
It looks like winter finally arrived here in Toronto in a big way. But that won't stop me from looking ahead to spring. I've been to a few Spring/Summer media previews lately and there are some exciting products headed to stores soon. Do you lie in wait until the new products arrive and then pounce and buy them as soon as they hit the shelves? I do! I hate that feeling of not buying something only to go back and then see it's all sold out :(
I was really impressed by what I saw at the Canadian Tire preview and thought I'd share my top picks with you. This isn't a sponsored post - I really do think Canadian Tire is doing a phenomenal job with their products lately!
1. This CANVAS Seabrooke Wicker Patio Chair was my favourite by far. It had a nice rounded back that was really comfortable to sit in. The peg legs are definitely on trend making this a versatile piece that would work both indoors and outdoors.
2. Attractive inexpensive lighting is hard to find. Trust me, I've been looking! Brass finishes are still going strong and the Harlowe Chandelier is simple and elegant and will add some warmth to modern interiors. I think it would look fabulous too over a more rustic table.
3. Most every home could use a piece like the Evelyn Credenza. Fill it with pretty dishes and cookbooks and use the top to hold drinks for dinner parties. Or, use it as a media stand with a TV on top and use baskets in the cupboards to store unsightly electronics.
4. I was intrigued by the Keter Cozie planter. It's made of plastic but looks like it was knit which adds a nice texture to your outdoor decor.
5. The CANVAS Seabrooke Concrete Patio Table is a really fabulous piece. Most round outdoor tables are made of cast iron, but this one features a concrete top and aluminum base. Classic and timeless, I'm sure this table will last many summers long.
6. I seem to be on outdoor table kick, but I had to include the CANVAS Palma Tressel Base Patio table in this roundup. It looks like a nice wood table, right? But it's not. It's aluminum made to look like wood! Clever.
7. The CANVAS Oslo Console was the most talked-about piece at the preview and it's easy to see why. I could see this sleek console used as a desk in a child's room, as a table in the entry way, or even as a makeup vanity.
What do you think... anything catch your eye?
If you're in the mood for more shopping, hop on over to my Facebook page to see products from the Spring/Summer previews of Indigo and PC Home. Lots of lovely stuff I can't wait to bring home!
I was really impressed by what I saw at the Canadian Tire preview and thought I'd share my top picks with you. This isn't a sponsored post - I really do think Canadian Tire is doing a phenomenal job with their products lately!
1. This CANVAS Seabrooke Wicker Patio Chair was my favourite by far. It had a nice rounded back that was really comfortable to sit in. The peg legs are definitely on trend making this a versatile piece that would work both indoors and outdoors.
2. Attractive inexpensive lighting is hard to find. Trust me, I've been looking! Brass finishes are still going strong and the Harlowe Chandelier is simple and elegant and will add some warmth to modern interiors. I think it would look fabulous too over a more rustic table.
3. Most every home could use a piece like the Evelyn Credenza. Fill it with pretty dishes and cookbooks and use the top to hold drinks for dinner parties. Or, use it as a media stand with a TV on top and use baskets in the cupboards to store unsightly electronics.
4. I was intrigued by the Keter Cozie planter. It's made of plastic but looks like it was knit which adds a nice texture to your outdoor decor.
5. The CANVAS Seabrooke Concrete Patio Table is a really fabulous piece. Most round outdoor tables are made of cast iron, but this one features a concrete top and aluminum base. Classic and timeless, I'm sure this table will last many summers long.
6. I seem to be on outdoor table kick, but I had to include the CANVAS Palma Tressel Base Patio table in this roundup. It looks like a nice wood table, right? But it's not. It's aluminum made to look like wood! Clever.
7. The CANVAS Oslo Console was the most talked-about piece at the preview and it's easy to see why. I could see this sleek console used as a desk in a child's room, as a table in the entry way, or even as a makeup vanity.
What do you think... anything catch your eye?
If you're in the mood for more shopping, hop on over to my Facebook page to see products from the Spring/Summer previews of Indigo and PC Home. Lots of lovely stuff I can't wait to bring home!
Late last November, we snuck off to the County and took possession of our cottage. The cottage resort itself was closed (it'll reopen in April) but we were able to move in much of the new furniture we had been storing in our garage. I thought I'd give you a quick tour and show you how things look.
Sorry for the poor quality of the photos. Most of these were taken late in the afternoon (which in November is almost pitch black) and I've had to lighten them in Photoshop so the colours might be off. Come spring, we'll get to doing some DIY projects, get the rest of the furniture in place, and really start to enjoy our summer home.
Here's the view from the front door towards the living room. The lofty ceilings really make the cottage feel open and airy. Everything was finished beautifully; the paint, trimwork, floors, and carpet were just as expected and there were hardly any deficiencies noted during the inspection.
The Serena and Lily Riviera counter stools were a splurge but I just knew I wouldn't be happy with anything else. We plan to have this cottage for a very long time and these chairs are a classic that won't go out of style. They're made of rattan and woven plastic which will be easy to keep clean and they're stable enough for a young girl who rarely sits still (I'm talking to you Chloe).
The kitchen has ample storage but definitely needs some colour. In the backsplash maybe? I asked them to leave the handles off as I want to source my own. We have a black swing-arm sconce for above the window and I'm leaning towards mixing metals and using brass handles (these ones would be a dream). We debated white or stainless steel appliances, but budget won out and we kept these white but opted for the Ceran cooktop.
White, white, everywhere. The sofa was another item of debate: do we go for the practical dark colour or go for light to keep things open and airy? We will be renting the cottage out at some point so you do need to consider those types of things. I have a philosophy though that guides me in most "house" related decisions: get the best you can afford and get what you really want because tomorrow may never come. I'm very much of the mind that you 'use the good dishes' and stop holding onto them for 'someday'. Ultimately, this cottage is for our enjoyment and we shouldn't let the possibility of a red wine spill deter us from getting the cream sofa. We can always get a slipcover, right?
Here's the dining area, piled with junk. We'll be using these Canadian Tire outdoor wicker chairs around a custom table built by Chris. If you need custom wood furniture, she's your girl! I'm on the search for just the right light fixture to replace the fan overhead. Any suggestions??
Onto the main bathroom. I asked them not to install the mirror as it would be one of those frameless ones glued onto the drywall. I've already purchased an awesome light fixture to replace the strip lighting.
This is Chloe's bedroom. A simple bed, trundle, and dresser are pretty much all she needs. She has room for a small side table and a bookcase but I think we'll spend our time looking for vintage ones. We can't have everything looking too new!
We managed to get our bed assembled too. I really love the rattan headboard and distressed finish which feel suited to a casual summer bedroom. I do have to tell you that we put in the boxspring and mattress and the bed looked really big and high for the space. But, I'm reserving my judgement until we get side tables and lamps in and dress the bed. Empty rooms can be deceiving.
And then there's the loft. The ladder tucks up against the wall when not in use, but judging by how often Chloe was up and down those stairs, it will always be out. She loves it up there. Me, not so much. I never was afraid of heights (still love roller coasters!) but this space makes me feel a little woozy. I'm getting old!
We had just enough time to assemble our sectional up in the loft before we packed up and closed up the cottage for the winter. It'll be open again in two months and I can't wait! I've stockpiled more furnishings and am excited to show you some of the plans for the rooms.
The cottage is a blank slate which is exciting but daunting. Tell me, what would you do to this space? Would you paint? Leave it white? What colours would you use? So many possibilities!!
A clever use of colour in this white kitchen. Via Design*Sponge.
A must read for bloggers, influencers, marketers, and agencies
Cute printable valentines for the classmates
I'm a breakfast loaf kind of girl. I need to make this recipe.
A roundup of white farmhouse kitchens.
I'm on the lookout for lighting for the cottage and keep debating whether to go modern or more farmhouse over the dining table. I really love the drama of a singular pendant like this one. And something like this copper pendant has been in my head ever since we visited this cafe.
Have you seen the new Farrow & Ball colours? So moody (and they have the best names).
Great tips on how to redecorate for free
My phone is full of random but interesting photos and things I've come across
lately so I thought I'd share some with you. I apologize for the low quality of
some of the pics!
Chloe asked to sleep in a tent the other day so her dad came up with this clever solution. He used the flexible poles from our beach tent, zip-tied them together, then then threw two bedsheets on top. Clothespins hold the bedsheets to the poles and allow her to have the tent 'walls' up or down. I took a nap in here the other day and I'll tell you it's just as cozy and warm and dark as you think it would be.
Another small change happened in this bedroom. I have the Marie Kondo book "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" (which I've misplaced... a sure sign I need the book!) and recently reorganized my drawers, folding my clothes to stand up, as she recommends. Chloe saw my drawers and asked me to show her how to do the folding. This weekend, I was putting away the laundry and saw that Chloe had Kondo-ized all her own drawers. Even funnier, she had enlisted her friend who was over for a playdate to help with the folding. Now that's the sign of true friendship!
This is what January 2016 in Toronto, Canada looks like. Definitely not the white winterland you'd expect. Crazy!!
I came upon a new consignment store, Elle and Eve. It had some great pieces like these two side tables priced at $130 each. They would have been great for the cottage but sadly weren't wide enough. I would have painted these up, maybe in a chalky dark grey with contrasting white interior to bring out the wire mesh. Somebody buy them please!
A trip to The Door Store is always inspiring. It's like a trip back in time and is full of amazing vintage and reproduction finds. I have my eye on that barn light pendant with cage!
This tile from
Saltillo Tiles
stopped me in my tracks. Doesn't it look like real barnwood?? I love how
they've mixed different tile sizes - 2.75"x24" and 8.25"x24" - which gives it
a more authentic reclaimed look. The tile was called Retro Negre and was
priced $9.95 per square foot. I think this would look fantastic in a farmhouse
mudroom.
Ever since we painted our grey walls white, I've been searching for a piece of art for the top of the stairwell. I knew what I wanted: something large scale, portrait orientation, primarily dark colours to contrast against the white walls, and more realistic than abstract. And sometimes you put a wish out into the world and it gets granted!
I came across Kristine's post and loved her pink flamingo print. Who knew that you could get high res Audubon downloads for free? Not me. It's such a great resource that I had to share so hop on over to Kristine's blog and scroll to the bottom for detailed instructions on where to get the prints.
I've long admired Audubon's White Pelican and knew it would work in this space. After I downloaded the file, I resized the photo to 24"x36" in Photoshop. I had it printed at Staples for $30 and popped it into an inexpensive frame from Michaels. I put a faux forsythia arrangement on the window ledge to pick up the yellow.
The high resolution of the file really makes a difference and you can see how detailed the print is, even up close. Given the great quality, you can do much more with this digital file: print it on canvas; or go to a commercial printer and have it printed at even larger scale.
John James Audubon has many famous paintings you might recognize: the pink flamingo, the blue crane, the great blue heron, and the common American swan, among them. I am tempted to print even more of these. I think they would make a wonderful grouping for a gallery wall or over a long bench.
Don't you love it when you find great things for free?
