Baby Blog Party: I'm Hosting!

Hey loves! Today I'm hosting the blog party over at Simply Baby where I'm thrilled to be a style contributor. 
Do you think I created a mixy-matchy nursery, or a matchy-matchy one?
You'll just have to head on over to find out ;)
But I'll give you a hint, it features this fab jumping off point:

via The Animal Print Shop

Click on the image below to head on over and check it out!

I Finally Got Instagram!

my first instagram pic ever!

"If we're going to be friends let's get one thing straight...I hate snoops!" - Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Well Holly, you would most likely hate me then (although the thought of that truly torments me since I want to be your best friend) because I love snooping.  Whenever I'm at my friends' houses I'm always looking in their closets and drawers to see what they've got. I realize this makes me seem incredibly nosey... and I'm okay with that. I am a blogger after all.
And now I'm inviting you to snoop my life, because I FINALLY GOT INSTAGRAM. And I can snoop you right back.
My old phone bit the dust and I hopped on the iPhone bandwagon.
As of right now, however, I'm the instagram equivalent of Lindsay Lohan in Mean Girls when she eats her lunch alone in the bathroom....friendless.

Please ladies, lets be Instagram friends! I promise to post lots of pretty, decor related things (and probably a few too many photos of my cat). Plus, you'll get an inside look on my everyday happenings.
Follow me here! xo

Black and Gold Lamps: So Glam

I was visiting my parents the other week and I found a brass lamp base in a box in the basement.
Unreal Find.
When I looked up 'brass lamp' on Pinterest, you wouldn't believe how many 'paint that old ugly brass lamp' pics I came across, and lets just say mine is of the same variety...you know, the old school ones that generally had dusty rose lamp shades and whatnot.
Maybe it's just because brass is so hot right now, but I'm in love with the lamp...I see the potential. I just need to find the perfect black drum shade to go with it... trickier than you might think! I found one at HomeSense but it wasn't tall enough to hide the ugly stuff.

In the mean time, here is some inspiration of the hollywood glam I'm hoping to recreate:

Eddie Ross via DecorPad

via Lonny August 2012

Amanda Dawbarn via the Glitter Guide

via Pinterest

via with-intention

I saw a possible lamp shade option at Walmart but they were sold out. I'll have to check in soon!
xox

Five Pieces of Furniture you can Add to a Washroom

You probably won't be able (and shouldn't try) to fit all of these suggestions in one washroom, but it sure is amazing what adding a piece of furniture can do to a bathroom. It improves functionality, adds warmth to the space, and makes it feel more decorated, and more like a living space. I love it.

1. Garden stool
Any stool takes up very little space, and is therefore a great option for those of us with smaller bathrooms. I like garden stools because they won't be damaged by moisture or humidity, and are easy to clean. Use one in a large shower as a little seat or table, pulled near the tub to perch on while washing the little ones, or as a little side table for a glass of wine during a nice bubbly bath.

via

via

2. Chair
A chair also doesn't take up much room, but it can add a great amount of texture, warmth and pattern to a generally stark space.

via

Sarah Richardson via

3. Bar Cart
Now, we know bar carts are all the rage right now. As much as I adore a bar cart stocked full of booze, I also love them in the bathroom to hold pretty soaps, towels, apothecary jars, etc.

via

via Linda McDougald Design

4. Vanity
I'm talking a free standing vanity here people, one not attached to the walls or floor and definitely no sink on top. This is an option that requires a little more space, of course, but if you've got it, use it! It doesn't have to be a huge vanity, just a perfect little perch for your perfumes and makeup. How glamorous.

Sarah Richardson via

5. Dresser
Alright, most of us won't have this kind of space, so you can always convert an antique dresser into a sink base to achieve this look. But a separate dresser in the washroom can add ample storage, mega warmth if it's wood toned, and even act as a great perch for a lamp if you so choose.

Ralph Lauren's home via Habitually Chic

Other great ideas: a bench and a shelf or etagere.
What is your fave 'extra' furniture piece to see in a washroom!?
Happy Monday xox

Favourite Furniture Fridays: The Green Room Interiors

 I'm thrilled to have talented designer Kim from The Green Room Interiors here today sharing her favourite piece of furniture. Did you guys see her reveal for the One Room Challenge? Seriously good stuff. And her fave piece? Well...get ready to be jealous ladies! I know I am.

Hi there! I'm very excited to be here at the lovely Tiffany's blog today.  I love following Tiffany's career path and seeing her work and her style develop. No doubt this talented and adorable lady will have clients waiting in line!

Actually, we're stretching the definition of "furniture" today, because my favorite piece is my bed.  And it's a stretch because my bed is basically a big chinoiserie screen mounted to the wall behind my bed frame and mattress. Like this:

  The screen was a very lucky find I discovered at a local resale shop.  I spied it one afternoon and couldn't stop thinking about it the entire night  so I went back the next day to make the purchase.

 The screen was really the jumping off point for the entire room. Obviously I love to use Chinoiserie and my bedroom really pushes the envelope.  I also knew that with the screen being such a big and dramatic element in the room, that everything else in the room should play a supporting role.

And I think Ellie approves:

 

And that's my favorite piece of furniture!  If you'd like to see more of my bed and bedroom, you can click here.

Thanks again for inviting me over, Tiffany!!
___________________________________________________
Thanks so much for sharing this gorgeous piece with all of us Kim! I'm terrible at making a bed look so nicely made...I need your secrets!

On another note, I'm very excited to announce that I'm a new style contributor over at Simply Baby's blog party taking place each Friday over the next six weeks. I know I don't have a babe (nor plan to for awhile) but I sure do love designing nurseries! Click on the image below to head on over the the party to see my blog friend Beth of Design Post Daily, who is getting the party started today! The theme of the shindig: Matchy-matchy or mixy-matchy nurseries. Mine will be next Friday!

These are the other talented bloggers involved:
 Elizatbeth of The Little Black Door
Heather of Vivid Hue Home
Cindi and Emily of Scrappy Love
Katherine of Rhymes with Smile
Kelley of Forever's Like a Dream

Tassel Garland Pinboard

I've added a little tassel garland (that I made for 2 dollars using this tutorial) to my DIY ribbon and linen pinboard. I'm planning to add a couple of mint and silver tassels as well, but my dollar store didn't have those colors so the hunt continues.

So far my biggest challenge with this pinboard has been actually filling it! Although I'm inspired by so much, I just hate ripping pages out of my magazines...I know it's silly. One day I will commit to really putting together a well styled board, but for now I think this garland does the trick of filling it up nicely!

Today I am praying for Texas, praying for Boston, praying for the whole world.

My NOVICA Tunic

 I've been wanting a cute tunic for awhile now, so when NOVICA contacted me a few months ago offering to send me a gift from their lovely site, I knew exactly what to choose. They have a variety of gorgeous, handmade, hand blocked tunics. I ended up going with this gorgeous hot pink one with turquoise detailing, and I can't wait to wear it to the beach! Hurry up warm weather!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

 NOVICA is one of the leading fair trade artisan websites. They work with National Geographic to give talented artisans around the world a place to express their artistic talents and provide access to the world market. I'm a huge fan of anything fair trade, and the tunic was sent to me beautifully wrapped all the way from India, with a picture of the artisan and a personalized note. So sweet. The quality of the tunic is great and it's so lightweight and perfect for summer.

I also seriously considered getting these tortoise shell glasses for my bar cart:

They remind me of this shot of one of my favourite dining rooms ever:

via The Long and Short of it

NOVICA truly has a site full of wonderful treasures. I encourage you to check it out and support fair trade! My one word of caution is that shipping on some of these items will cost you a fair amount (although this is UPS brokerage fees.. not Novica's fault) , but prices on the objects themselves are very reasonable and, in my opinion, 100% worth it!
Right now they've got some great gift ideas for mother's day!:

Unique Gifts for Mom
Jewelry Gifts for Mom 
Necklace Gifts for Mom

Sculpture Gifts for Mom     

Thank you so much NOVICA for my beautiful tunic.

Stylish Coffee Table Books

I'm a total sucker for coffee table books. I love to read them, I love how they make a space look styled, and they truly make the perfect gift for any occasion. Here is a list of a few of the many books I'd love to add to my slowly growing collection:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Here is a look at my current collection:

I've received each one of these as a gift (excpet for GBGP which I won in a giveaway!) and I love each and every one.  Thank you to my brothers and their beautiful girlfriends, my godmother Aunt Trish, my darling friends Bre and Mike, and my loving Boyfriend for these beautiful books!
xox
To end off today, I'd like to send my thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the horrible events that took place in Boston yesterday. I am filled with sadness for all those who lost lives and limbs and loved ones. My heart goes out to you.

Client Patio: Beginning Stages

My newest client (and best friend) Laura has recruited my help in designing the itty bitty patio attached to the condo that she shares with her boyfriend Greg. These are the requirements for the space:
-keep their current barbeque
-comfortable seating for two
-furniture that will not take up much space when stored during the winter
-entertaining style
-keep on tight budget

After sending them a few mood boards, Laura and Greg knew one thing for sure: they wanted a garden stool. These can be quite pricey, so I was a little concerned we wouldn't be able to find one that suited their budget, but good old Home Sense came through again with this beautiful piece:

Only $60!
The direction we are currently taking it is somewhat of a Hampton's beach house vibe, a la Victoria Hagan:

via Victoria Hagan

BUT we are adding in gold accents to amp up the glam factor. Here is a look at our plan right now:

 This mood board demonstrates a good balance of masculine and feminine - perfect for a young couple just navigating eachothers' design sensibilities.
I think it also works well because the chairs and little foot stools easily fold up and can be stored in the closet during the winter. Other pieces like the bar cart and the garden stool can be repurposed inside during the cold months.
I can't wait for the warm weather to get it all put together! Seriously though, what is up with ice storms mid-April?
xo

Term 3 Classes

I'm officially done my first week of Term 3 and I am really excited about all of my courses this term (and happy to be done with manual drafting!). I'm kind of jealous of all my friends on summer break now. I didn't give much thought to how tiring three straight years of schooling might be!
Here is what I'm taking this term:

1. AutoCAD 1
Woooo finally learning AutoCAD! I couldn't be more excited, I think it will make the whole process so much easier....once I get the hang of it that is. We spent our first five hour class just learning different ways to draw lines. Going to be many hours on the computer this term!

via

2. Design Studio 2
In term two we designed a condo for Design Studio 1. This term, we are designing a 9000 square foot corporate office for a company of our choosing. The space is to include (among other things) a kitchenette, lounge, conference room, office spaces, meeting rooms, training room, reception, mail room and file room. Quite the leap! I think I am going to design a PR office for Kate Spade New York. I love the playful colors and bold patterns used in their retail stores, and I think it would be fun to interpret that into a corporate setting.
Some Kate Spade Shop Eye Candy &Inspiration:

via Toronto Life

via Contract Magazine

via

1. Rendering 2:
Similarly, for rendering 2, we need to draw up a reception and waiting area for a different company's office space. For this one, I've chosen to go in a bit of a different direction. While Kate Spade is trendy, flashy and eclectic, Tiffany & Co. is classic, traditional and glamorous. Again, interesting to conceptualize into an office environment. Lots of architectural detailing which should make for an nice (and challenging) rendering...and I will have to find a Tiffany Blue Prismacolor marker!

via Architectural Digest

via Architectural Digest

Our final project is to render a hotel lobby, but I haven't thought that far in advance yet. I will probably try my hand at something tailored and masculine. I figure school is a good time to try out all different styles.

3. Building Systems
This is probably the least exciting of my classes. It will be a lot of pragmatic and technical information about heating and cooling, fire code, building code, etc. These are the less glamorous parts of the job, but some of the most important to know. (No fun picture for this one...although I could show you guys some air return vents).
 xox