The past week has proven to be a bit of a disaster, which may be the universe’s means of equalization after a vacation that unfolded seamlessly. Yesterday, William was hit with a violent stomach virus which necessitated a swift departure from school. He appears to have made a full recovery today, yet he is home with his brother in tow as the teachers are on strike and school has been cancelled Wednesday and Thursday. The boys are somewhat pleased by this turn of events, though we shall see if this holds true this afternoon when I plan to assign them some math worksheets. Enforcing the separation of Thomas and Elizabeth appears to reduce the volume somewhat, ensuring a remnant of my sanity.
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May 2011
05/27/2011
05/20/2011
Get the Look
You can "Get the Look" of this contemporary sitting room designed by Atmosphere Interior Design Inc. by checking back often for new tips and sourcing information. (See below).
Sleek armless slipper chairs and accent pillows for this room were customized with Kelly Wearstler's "Bengal Bazaar" fabric ($264.00/yard) and polished chrome nailheads. A similar look can be achieved by customizing chairs with Thom Filicia's "Otisco" Ikat at $147.20/yard or with the more budget friendly "Bristow" Ikat from Kravet at $75.20/yard.
- Fabrics available at Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.
A sleek polished stainless steel coffee table (COMO by Nuevo) reflects all of the colours and pattern in this furniture grouping - it almost melts into the centre of the room.
Gold is clearly the accent colour here and lighting from Robert Abbey (Meurice Adjustable Pharmacy Floor Lamp) and Arteriors (Mirimar Table Lamp) create a beautiful contrast with the cool colour palette.
- Nuevo, Arteriors and Robert Abbey pieces - pricing and availability from Sew & Home.
Stay tuned for more design details!
- Heather Whyte - Project Coordinator/Showroom Manager
05/09/2011
Step Outside
It feels like Spring is testing the water. She isn't sure if she wants to come out and play...or just watch from the window. Perhaps, she is waiting for us to make the first move. Perhaps, if we all head outside with our fine weather favorites we could tempt Spring to stick around for more that a few fleeting minutes each afternoon.
Here are a few of my favorite warm weather things, feel free to comment and share a few of your own!
This powder blue Aurelia Bicycle brings a bit of romance to the neighbourhood bike ride. (Imagine a wicker basket fixed to the handlebars - perfect for a ride to the Farmers Market!)
Louis Vuitton Wool Picnic Blanket - Lunch "en plein air" was never so fashionable!
Cheerful pillows from Crate & Barrel's Meridian Marimekko Madison Indoor-Outdoor Pillow Collection make the back yard as inviting as the living room.
Restoration Hardware - Lava Rock Propane Fire Bowl - a great focal point for the patio and not too posh for a marshmallow roast!
- Heather Whyte - Project Coordinator/Showroom Manager
05/03/2011
05/01/2011
All Part Of The Plan
Whether you're furnishing your first home, fitting existing furniture into a new home or refreshing the layout of your home-sweet-home; deciding what fits where or, what's known in the design world as "Space Planning", can be a challenge.
Here are some things to keep in mind when arranging your "space":
1) Plan Ahead - If you are shopping for new furniture be sure to measure your space and draw a sketch of your room to-scale. If you are working with existing furniture or have specific pieces in mind, measure them and create to-scale cut outs so that you can try different arrangements before you make a purchase. Take your plan with you when you shop - knowing what will and won't fit in your room will save you a lot of time, money and heavy lifting.
*There is a great space planning tool on the Urban Barn website called "The Make Room Planner". It allows you to space plan using pre-made plans from their gallery or you can enter dimensions and create your own custom plan.
Urban Barn's - The Make Room Planner
2) Think Intimacy - When grouping furniture, imagine how your family or a group of friends will interact in the space. Does your layout leave anyone left-out? Does your arrangement make it possible for everyone to hear and participate in the conversation? If the room is very large, you might consider breaking it up into two or more smaller areas.
This living room design, by GUNKELMANS INTERIOR DESIGN, makes use of the room's ample square footage and creates intimacy by dividing the space into three distinct areas.
3) Ease of Movement - Are you able to move freely throughout the room or are you in danger of knocking over a lamp as you squeeze by? 18" is a standard distance to leave between seating and a table. Major traffic paths require approx 3' of clearance.
This room design, by CANDICE OLSEN, while small still allows ample room to move.
4) Be Flexible - Incorporate pieces into your rooms that do double-duty. Upholstered cubes, an ottoman or a bench can easily be moved around the room to create extra seating or an extra cocktail/coffee table where needed.
X-Benches, like the ones in this room designed by Jonathan Adler, can be tucked away behind the sofa or brought out for "in-a-pinch" seating.
The "Pawn Stool", by Gus Modern, can be used as extra seating or a place to set down a cocktail.
- Heather Whyte - Project Coordinator/Showroom Manager