Red Walls: Yes or No?

As I look around my apartment, I realize I have absolutely no red in my space. I think red is tricky. I also think it can be fabulous (see this post about how Jenny of Little Green Notebook does tomato red so right), but I'll admit I'm intimidated by it.

Are you guys watching Nate Berkus's new show American Dream Builders? After Elaine's misstep with her red grass cloth walls, and Nate's declaration that he HATES red, although he has seen amazing red rooms, I decided to hunt down some red rooms that I think are done rather well. On this search I came across many horrible red rooms, but in the end, this round up proves that the bold risk of red, when done right, can really pay off.

Jamie Meares via High Gloss Magazine

Donald Robertson via Domino

Bibi Monnahan via Elle Decor

via Little Green Notebook

via Lonny

Cath Kidston via Lonny

Colour theory tells us that red is associated with richness, power, passion, energy, anger, love, and danger - to name a few. Red is clearly an intensely emotional colour, actually increasing the human metabolism (it can make us feel hungry!) and blood pressure.
Would you paint your walls red? I still don't think I would do it in my own home, but I am a fan of these examples.
 xox

Favourite Furniture Fridays: Sadie + Stella

Hello you Tiffany Leigh loving fans, you. I guess that would be me talking to myself as well...I am Lindsay from Sadie + Stella Design. When Tiffany asked me to be here with you today, saying I was flattered would be quite the understatement. I think TL is so incredibly talented and definitely a star on the rise. I know this feature is about a favorite piece of furniture in your home, and honestly I did not have a hard time choosing. It has to be, none other, than our Stanley credenza. Taaaaa daaaaa. 

 Let me tell you. Finding this red beauty was not an easy task. Peeps would think we were looking for Osama bin Laden or something. When we first moved into our loft, not seen here, we had a 50' flat screen residing on top of a safe. Tres chic. I told the boy we would not be having any house guests unless that baby was replaced. My vision? Something red and something unique. After about 4 months of searching high and low, the boy found this Stanley credenza about 30 minutes from where we were living. Now here is the kicker. This beauty retails for close to $3,000. We got it for $500 from a private seller. I will not tell you my address, for fear that you all will come and loot this. Deal of the century and all of the credit goes to the boy on this one. 

Here is a little side view. You can also see our dining room rearing its beautiful head in the reflection of the TV. Thanks to my late working schedule and this damn Daylight's savings, the lighting was not working in my favor. Please accept my sincerest apologies. Thank you so much TL and TL readers for peeking at my favorite piece of furniture in our home. Make sure to come and visit me at S+S Design. Loves!

You guys all know what I'm eyeing in this photo...that foo dog! Jealousy ensues. The credenza is so glam too, and the perfect compliment to her dining room (which is a must see). Lindsay is another gal who knows how to use red right. It's my goal to learn her skills. So thrilled and honored to have you here today Lindsay! Thank you.

Red

Last night, my boyfriend surprised me with Taylor Swift's new cd 'Red'.
It's the little things like this that remind me how blessed I am to have him in my life!
In honour of the album's title, I thought I would explore a color I'm actually terrified of...red. Not red per se, but red in interior spaces. I'm not sure from where this fear stems..but I may have found the cure...

Enter Jenny Komenda of Little Green Notebook, one decorator who knows how to use red in an interior flawlessly.
I've seen her advocate in more than one post about using a little bit of red in every room.

via LGN

via LGN

via LGN

via LGN

via LGN

 I think her trick is the type of red she chooses : tomato-y

When I was a little girl I always said my dining room would be red one day.

Was I fearless or what? Time to get back a bit of that edge.

Also, today I'm over at Brittany's blog Classically B sharing some of my favourites of the moment.
She's pretty amazing and has a textile line coming soon.

Check out my guest post HERE!

Happy Monday sweet loves! xo

Dream House Alphabet: B

B is for Basement

A beautiful finished basement is a must when I buy my dream home. For me, the basement has always been the entertainment space, and it’s all about casual fun. Here, you can load up the on games (think poker and pool tables), and kick back and relax. At my house growing up, the basement was the kid zone. The best part of the basement is that because it’s separated from the rest of the home, you can simply shut the door and entertain you guests on the main floor when the kids make a mess.

On an episode of “Sarah 101” designer Sarah Richardson does a particularly good job of creating a beautiful multifunctional basement.

Here you can be a bit more adventurous with colour, as long as you remember that natural light in the basement is often a minimum. Sarah uses a neutral pallet with pops of daring but tastefully chosen reds. The curtained off nook seen in the picture above separates the childrens’ play area from the adult entertainment space. Such a neat idea since the curtains can be pulled across to hide the mess or be used for putting on plays!

A close up on the kids area. Sarah uses kitchen cabinetry throughout the basement for storage, since it can be easily customized to accommodate low and awkward ceiling heights (caused by bulkheads). Ps. How cute is that turtle stool?!

 Perhaps my favourite idea is using full length drapes on those tiny little windows that are the trademark of any basement. It helps make the space seem more main floor, gives the illusion of larger windows, and is another opportunity to add texture, pattern, colour, and personality!

See more photos of the basement here!

What would your 'B' be?!
xox
Tiffany Leigh

Valentine's Day Plans

Happy Valentine's Day!!! 

Just wanted to quick pop in and say hello and leave you all with this valentine's day inspired room. I looooove the pendant, and all the little pink touches help to make this space feel feminine and chic.

via

 Today, Art History is my Valentine....romantic right?! I've got two back-to-back art history midterms.

In a perfect world, I'd have some adorable pink heart framed glasses to wear while I write them. Well, actually...in a perfect world I probably wouldn't have to back-to-back art history midterms but what can ya do! Here's a little peak at what I'm wearing to keep the holiday spirit alive:

Jeans & Watch: American Eagle, Clutch: Coach, Top: Dynamite, Shoes: Alfred Sung for Zellers

Sorry about the bad picture quality, I'm in a bit of a hurry!

 My realllll Valentine's Day date is in a couple of days, when I fly to Nova Scotia to visit the bf! I haven't seen him since he left after Christmas, so I'm pretty excited! It's also our one year anniversary on the 19th!

Me and my guy on my birthday in June! I cannot wait to see this man again!

 I've got a couple of really awesome guest bloggers lined up for while I'm away, doing some travel inspired posts that I know you will enjoy! Okay now I've really gotta go study! Wish me luck!

How are YOU spending Valentine's Day? I'd love to hear!
xox
Tiffany Leigh