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A Stylish Start To The New Year!

2012 is shaping up to be a very good year!  While it feels like ages since the photo shoot and interview, the day we've been nervously anticipating is finally here.  The February 2012 Issue of Style at Home Magazine has arrived.  

The February Issue features a multi-page editorial, complete with gorgeous photos, highlighting the inspiration behind the design of Curtis & Trevor's beautiful Saskatoon home.

"We will remember today for a very long time..." - Curtis via Atmosphere on Facebook 

February 2012 issue of Style at Home Magazine and, The "Atmosphere" Article on Page 82 - Geometry Rules

 

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Heather Whyte - Project Coordinator | Showroom Manager

Merry Christmas!

 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

All the Best From: Trevor, Curtis and Heather

 

Christmas Cheer

As we all head off to make merry at our various Christmas and Holiday Celebrations this weekend, we thought it fitting to share a few festive cocktail recipes that are sure to warm your toes and put some shine in your shindig.  Enjoy!

The Candy Cane Martini

Ingredients

• Sugar for rimming glasses
• 1/2 Ounce Peppermint Schnapps
• 1 Ounce Vodka
• Ice

Directions

Pour into a shaker and shake until chilled.  Rim your martini glasses with sugar and Place a mini candy cane in each.  Pour the mixed drink over the candy cane to dissolve the stripes and turn your cocktail a festive shade of red.

 

Grapefruit-White Wine Sparkler

Ingredients

•  1 cup gin
• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 bottle dry sparkling white wine or Champagne
• Ice
• 6 thin lemon slices

Directions

In a punch bowl or large pitcher, combine gin and sugar.  Stir until sugar dissolves, 1 minute.  Add grapefruit Juice and bottle of sparkling wine; stir to combine.  To serve, fill six glasses with ice and wine mixture, then garnish with thin lemon slices.

 

Ginger Lime Soda

Ingredients

• 8 cups ginger beer
• 2 cups vodka
• 2 cups fresh lime juice
• 8 thin lime slices

Directions

In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice, and stir to combine. To serve, fill eight glasses with ice and garnish with lime slices.

More great holiday cocktail recipes HERE.

Enjoy!

Diary Of A Candle Addict

If, by the title, you were anticipating the mad, fragrance fueled confessions of a scent obsessed degenerate, you would be half right.

Our friend *Kurt is a candle addict.  And by addict I mean junkie.  And by junkie I mean collector.  (*names have been changed).

Sadly, there doesn't seem to be a program, facility or "retreat" in existence that can help Kurt shake his thirst for the heady scent of the brightly shining baubles.  But, we can take comfort in the knowledge that at least he's discriminating in his taste.  You won't find a Glade, or Febreze candle within a 100 miles of Kurt's sensitive olfactory system.   And it's been at least three years since we discovered the waxy, pitted remains of a (gasp!) Santa candle. (We're all just trying to move on).

So, how do we help our dear afflicted friend?  The only way we know how.  We make sure he gets the really good stuff. 

 

Cire Trudon Candles

Cire Trudon Candles - Candle makers with an incredible history, established in 1643.  Available in a multitude of magnificent fragrances.

Kurt's Favorite: Ernesto: top note : rum, grapefruit, bergamot / middle : clove, oak wood, patchouli, labdanum / base : tobacco harmony, moss, leather, amber

 

Diptyque Paris

Diptyque Paris - Boasts an incredible repertory of scents.

Kurt's Favorite: Baies Noir: Baies scent recalls a bouquet of roses and blackcurrant leaves.

 

Voluspa

Voluspa's candles are poured with a luxurious, extremely clean burning, Coconut Wax blend.

Kurt Recommends: Frost Pinecone (Makes a perfect Host/Hostess Gift - 10 oz Candle Packaged in a Velvet Box) : Deep rich forest cypress, crunchy spice pine needles, woody pinecone seeds and sugary balsam

 

Tom Ford

Tom Ford Fragrance Candles - Available in 12 unisex fragrances - burn up to 55 hours.

Kurt's Favorite: Oud Wood: a rare and exotic ingredient of incense-filled temples.

 

   Santa Candle

Heather Whyte - Project Coordinator | Showroom Manager

ATMOSPHERE ASKS: Kathy Donnelly

Kathy Donnelly

We've had the pleasure of working with Kathy Donnelly and getting to know her better over the last couple of years while she and her husband renovated their family home.   We are huge fans of Kathy's amazing personal style and we are thrilled to  welcome her as our next "Ask Atmosphere" Guest!

We asked: What is the one thing in your home that makes you the happiest? 

Here's what Kathy had to say:

 My Dining Room!

Without a doubt, our dining room is the happiest room in the house.  It's the scene of every major celebration from birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, dinner parties, Sunday dinners, Book Clubs to jewelry parties or even the odd what-the-heck wine Wednesdays!

What started out as a kitchen renovation in 2010 (with Atmosphere Interior Design) turned into a major main floor transformation that spilled over into our Dining Room.

It started innocently enough with a set of beautiful turquoise side plates I picked up after the twins were born.  Suddenly I found myself daydreaming of an updated dining room with a hint of this color on the walls.

  The pretty plates that started it all.

Curtis and Trevor pulled a selection of over a dozen amazing wallpapers to coordinate with the rest of the main floor, all including a hint of beloved turquoise.  The one that finally won me over, was the Osborne & Little - Sariskar Jagmandir paper, which I actually spied adorning a wall in the Oscar-winning movie "The King's Speech".

  Osborne & Little - Sariskar Jagmandir Wallpaper

But as you all know, nothing is ever as simple as that when renovating! The next (of many) debates for the husband and I was over the old mahogany built-ins in our Dining Room.  Our house was build in 1928 and had already survived several renovations and remodels with previous owners, but the dining room remained largely intact.  Since we had already decided to paint our main floor walls and beams white, it was a no-brainer to paint the dining room wainscoting and cabinets white too.  What a transformation!!

  Donnelly Dining Room - Before & After

The Korson Dining chairs from Furniture World were added to our existing pine farmhouse table that was stained a dark walnut by my husband to update it.  Years before, we added an enormous piece of tempered glass (5' x 8') to accommodate our large gatherings.  I love its ability to disappear when not in use.

Finally, the custom drapery , the lampshades and some accessories from Blossoms Living were added, all with touches of my favourite colour.

Donnelly Dining Room - Before & After (End View)

I'm already picturing our extended family gathered around this table, clinking glasses and diving into our Christmas feast.  I love how our dining room turned out and I can't wait to make some memories here this holiday season!

  Turquoise & Red Holiday Decor - The Full Bouquet

We think Kathy's dining room will look incredible decked out for Christmas!  Red and Turquoise make a fabulous holiday combination!

 

Thank you Kathy!

Heather Whyte - Project Coordinator | Showroom Manager

 

Holiday Entertaining PFD

A favorite guilty pleasure in our office, and subject of the occasional random discussion; we all agree that our lives are all better off because of cheese and it goes without saying that so is any party. 

Once again, in the spirit of helping your with your holiday preparations, we've provided below some attractive options for serving your favorite nibblies and edibles as well as some great advice from Real Simple Magazine on putting together a great cheese spread.  (Not the Whiz kind of course).

Holiday Decor PFD

Although it isn't yet December, we've officially started the countdown.  5 weeks and the clock is ticking.  With so much going on in our daily lives we hardly have a moment to breathe let alone think about shopping, decorating and entertaining.  

And, assuming that you are in the same disorganized boat, we're going to try to give you a bit of a break in the decorating department.  Think of this as a holiday decor "Life Preserver".

We've gone hunting for some unique ideas for your holiday table. And while we can't take credit for any of them, we like that they are out of the ordinary and break away from the traditional red & green.

 Now, you'll just have to fight amongst yourselves to determine who gets what theme.  Just remember: No biting. Santa is watching.

(House & Home - Tracy Shumate, Photographer)

This setting of white china and frosted drinking glasses mixed with warm and shimmery gold accents brings a bit of glamour to the holiday table.  

 

(House & Home - Tracy Shumate, Photographer)

Traditional, with a twist.  Decorate in a classic Christmas red, but with non-traditional flowers and patterns.  

 

This simple and elegant table is easy to achieve by alternating small glass votive holders and cylindrical champagne flutes, each containing a sprig of evergreen, along the table.  We like the "Edge Flute" from Crate & Barrel to help create this look. 

Deep chocolate brown is the foundation for this table setting, with white, amber and green warming up the theme.  The table still feels bright and festive without a speck of red in sight!   (We like the Biedermann & Son's Amber Candle Holder available at Sears).

Black, white and shades of silver and gold create an elegant holiday table that blends beautifully with the existing decor.  The Grace Hammered Metal Containers from Arteriors would make perfect flower containers for this table.

 A rough hewn table set with curved white chairs and dinnerware creates the perfect Modern-Rustic holiday table.   Plum ornaments and mustard yellow napkins add an unexpected, festive pop of colour.  

(The Swish chair from NUEVO and the Emmerson Dining Table from West Elm would work perfectly to create a similar look in your dining room!)

 

 - Heather Whyte, Project Coordinator | Showroom Manager

Cocktail Hour

It's Friday, and we have cocktail hour on the brain.  After a long week we are all looking forward to good company, a refreshing beverage and a change of scenery.  (Preferably somewhere devoid of fabric swatches and stacks of tile samples!)

And, following that train of thought is what brought us to today's blog topic: The Bar.  (Or more specifically the "Bar Cart").  

These elegant carts, trays and tables are popping up in design magazines and blogs as the newest accessory to grace the living and entertaining rooms of "grown-ups" everywhere.

Available in a plethora of shapes and styles, they all serve the same purpose:  "to provide invitees with an atmosphere conducive to informal socializing and mingling, not to create a roomful of intoxicated guests". 

Here are some of our favorites:

This refined faux bamboo cart works with any surroundings

 

A tray on the bottom shelf of a side table keeps the collection of bottles and glasses within reach but prevents them from dominating the room.

Your entertaining station doesn't have to be a permanent fixture - a console table can quickly become a cocktail station.  A gold lacquered tray like this one is perfect for temporarily housing the bottles, shakers and glasses for your gathering.

If cocktails aren't your thing a butler tray such as this one would look just as suitable set for tea or coffee service.



Where to find great Bar Carts and Butler Trays...

1.  Elte - Victor Console Trolly

2. Plantation Design - Raymond Bar Cart

3. Jonathan Adler - Meurice Butler Tray Table

4. Blomus - Pegos Tray

5. West Elm - Tall Butler Tray Stand

6. Plantation Design - Winchester Bar Table

 

What's a Bar Cart without Great Glasswear...

1. One Kings Lane - Gold Glasses

2. Crate & Barrell - Kai Decanter

3. West Elm - Platinum Rimmed Glassware

4. Crate & Barrell - Buzz Glasses

5. Bodum - Hot & Cold Beverage Glasses

 

Happy Friday!

Heather Whyte - Project Coordinator | Showroom Manager

Drum Roll Please...

We want to thank everyone for participating in our October Facebook Fan Contest by joining our Facebook Fan Page and especially to those of you have been long time fans or have sent friends our way!  

(We realize that there may be a few among you who were drawn in by the allure of a really great prize...we don't mind.  We're just happy you're here).  

So...down to business.  The lucky winner of a $100.00 6Twelve Lounge/Carver's Steakhouse Gift Certificate is....

BRETT VILLENEUVE!

(Brett, please get in touch with us at atmosphere@sasktel.net or by calling 306-373-3004 to make arrangements to get your prize!)

6Twelve Lounge at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel Saskatoon

 

ATMOSPHERE ASKS: Margot Austin

Welcome to our NEW Monthly Feature: ATMOSPHERE ASKS.  Every month we'll be asking tough (and not so tough) questions covering all manner of exciting topics such as design, travel, lifestyle and food.  And every month we'll invite an exciting new guest to give us their take on the topic.  It isn't hard hitting journalism, it's just our nosey new way of getting to know the people who inspire us a little bit better.  Enjoy!  

Margot Austin

This month we caught up with Margot Austin, Senior Editor at STYLE AT HOME for 8 years (left in early October), and we asked: What is the one thing in your home that makes you happiest?  

Hi Curtis and Trevor,
Thanks for including me in your blog. I'm going to choose items on my mantel as things that make me happy.  A mantel is always a focal point, so I believe in styling it with very meaningful items that act like a capsule of your life and style.  Here's the story of mine:

my mantel today (my own photo)

The oil portrait painting.  This is a truly fine piece.  It's early 19th Century and I find it beautiful in so many ways.  I love portrait art for the window it gives us to societies past - in particular the fashion.  The lady's dress in this portrait recalls my own wedding dress.  I am mad for tartan and have a touch of Scot in my heritage, so I love the plaid shawl, too.  The subject has one of those half Mona Lisa smiles that is very pleasing.  I also love the piece because it was a surprise gift from my husband marking no special occasion.  Kevin is an extraordinary gift giver.  He did a story for the magazine with tips on how to get great stuff at an auction.   As part of the story he bid on this an brought it home for me.  I LOVE it.

 

 The painting hanging on the wall at the auction house (Edward Pond - Photographer)

 

Kevin with his bidding paddle at the auction (Edward Pond - Photographer)

 

The portrait in it's first home, with stack of books, - our previous apartment. (my own photo)

A bit about a couple of the other items on the mantel:

 1. A pair of cloisonne vases: we found these for $24 at the Brimfield Antiques Show.  What a steal.  They look magnificent with cherry or crab apple blossoms in them.

2. French bulldog artwork: this was a gift from a great interior designer I worked with.  She knew I had a Frenchie and I mentioned how I loved the work of Hugo Guinness.  The next thing I knew, she gave me this.  Again, a gift given with no fanfare of occasion but with deep personal resonance.  Later, by chance, I happened to meet the man who actually owns the dog depicted in the artwork - a crazy coincidence.  Here's a link to my blog post about it: CLICK HERE.

3. Two French bulldog figurines: one is porcelain, one bronze.  Yes, I am a crazy dog lady.  I own figurines...but no tote bags or T-shirts with Frenchies...yet.  ;-)

 

4. Polaroid photo:  I love the incongruity of this.  It's a shot of my husband as a skinny little pre-teen going for a ride on a mini-bike.  His parents brought it when they last visited.  Adorable.

5. Tiny bubble clock:  a gift from a colleague of my husband's who is also an atique dealer.  Every mantel needs a clock.

6. Oak leaf and acorn gilt wreath: This is a wonderful decorative flourish from who knows where.  I adore acorns as a decorative motif.  This makes a great Christmas tree topper.  I like the originality of using something unexpected like this.

Cheers, Margot

 

Margot shares her formula for perfect mantle styling on the  Steven & Chris Show (and she even used her little bronze Frenchie).  Watch the full episode HERE.

Visit Margot's website margotaustin.ca and her blog margotaustin.ca/blog for her witty and insightful take on decor, interiors, food/lifestyle and DIY projects.  

LIKE US TO WIN!  If you haven't already done so - please visit our Facebook page and "LIKE" us to be entered to win a $100.00 Gift Certificate to Carver's Steakhouse or 6Twelve Lounge at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel, Saskatoon.  Deadline to Enter: October 31, 2011.

  Heather Whyte - Project Coordinator | Showroom Manager