With All This Talk About Morocco...

Morocco seems to be kind of a big deal these days. First, I got a newsletter from GOOP about its amazing hotels and markets. Then the 2010 colour trends referenced their bold colours and patterns. And just to really bring it home, my cousin spent Christmas in Morocco! This must be a sign that I'm going to win a trip there.......ha

When I think of Moroccan design, I see bold and bright colours everywhere, dimly-lit candles and pillows galore. I see silks, mosaics and brass adorning every space - a fine balance between an abundance of colour and the modernity of stucco walls and natural surfaces. Its a very distinct style, one that I love to see brighten the pages of a magazine, but not necessarily in my home.


I've gone a little crazy on the West Elm website, finding item after item that has Moroccan flair without looking out-of-place in North America. They have so many great pieces, and while I know my favourites are little random, just one or two items might be enough to add that characteristic Moroccan "spice" into your home.


[Side note: British stylist (and textile expert) Kate Sellers decorated this incredible room below. I'd love to have a backyard like this - a sky of lanterns, floor covered with jute rugs and all the colours that attract the sun surrounding me. And martinis....]


Speaking of jute rugs....here's West Elm's beauty.


I love this Andalusia rug!
I think this is such an original product - a wood block rug.


Bright silk panels......

Or a beautiful motif-printed sheer.


A truly Moroccan touch for your roman - a bold bead pull.


In keeping with the abundance of pillows - silk agni pillow covers.

If you're crazy about the latest ikat trend, these pillows are on sale, and meant for the outdoors (read: extra durable)!


This daybed would look pretty fabulous covered in all those pillows - even as an easy sofa!
This rustic wood floor mirror is so gorgeous!


Anything mosaic and reflective too, like this antique tiled mirror. Both mirrors shown here come in various sizes as well.


Holy Morocco. Medina mirrored sconces.


I absolutely love these, because they give off the same intimate light that you see in the beautiful ads for Moroccan hotels.


This hammered bowl has the hand-crafted feel that is signature to this style, and adds a reflective metal surface to the space.

These sturdy kooboo storage baskets look like they were just housing colourful spices in a Moroccan market. For me, you can never have too many storage baskets anyways...

All photographs shown, other than those referenced as West Elm Canada product, have been taken from This is GOOP. For further information on these hotels and locations, visit mamounia.com, riadelfenn.com, bo-zin.com and goop.com.

Thoughts on a New Year

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, whatever you were celebrating! It comes and goes so quickly, and it's hard for me to believe that Christmas is already over! Lots of food, drinking and visiting, but hopefully my new pair of running shoes will motivate me to get back to the gym.


I'm veering off of the "design blog" theme today for a quick post about the New Year ahead. Rather than list off the standard New Year's resolutions (go to the gym more often, eat healthier...you know the ones I'm talking about!), I wanted to share some great quotes I found in an H&M magazine (of all places!). I do love a good word of wisdom, and what better time of year than now.


"Find yourself and your own unique signature style rather than trying to be 'of the moment'." Dita Von Teese, Burlesque Queen


"Don't dream it, be it." Stephen Jones, Designer


Go to the movies during the daytime.


Call your friends instead of texting them. (Agreed.)


"You have to take risks. We only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen." Paulo Coelho, Novelist


Record the sound of the summer and play it in your iPod in the dark months.


"Wear a fabulous smile, great jewelry and know that you are totally and utterly in control." Donatella Versace, Designer


"Happiness is a state of mind. Joy is a state of heart. I prefer joy!" Elle MacPherson, Supermodel


Do things that scare you every once in a while - for the endorphin kick and the sense of pride afterwards.

If nobody buys you flowers - buy them for yourself.


"Be at least as interested in what goes on inside of you as what happens outside. If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place." Eckhart Tolle, Spiritual Guru



All quotes taken from H&M Magazine.

New Year's Eve Ball, 1978, New York Times

I hope that some of these quote resonate with you, and help make 2010 a fabulous year!

Window Shopping: FILTER

Very cool little store in Toronto that you should visit if you're nearby the St. Lawrence Market! FILTER is a vintage furniture store with unique pieces from the 20th century that are in excellent condition. I love seeing what's new periodically!



They have a great assortment of pieces, from desks (like the most incredible polished mahogany desk...too bad it was sold) to chairs, to old signs and children's furniture. If you're not a DIY-er and want well-kept furniture that doesn't require sanding, repainting or finding a fourth leg, you'll love FILTER. Granted, the prices reflect the good condition, but on these industrial vintage pieces, I think it's worth it!

FILTER
75 Jarvis Street

Antlers and Architect's Desks

[Note: Unfortunately I'm not as computer-savvy as I thought I was. I've been unable to upload the 3 beautiful Sarreid consoles and chandelier into this post and keep them there! In the mean time, their website has great photos...I'll keep working on it.]

I recently saw this front entranceway in Style at Home, and even though it has a very rustic feel, I really loved it! It's a great mix of distressed furniture, modern accessories and practicality.

I've gone a little crazy "shopping" for pieces that I think would work, so I've divided it into a few versions.

First up.........The Beautiful Replica
This is as close as I could get to replicating their look. Who knew antler chandeliers were so complicated? Apparently you can get just about any animal that has horns made into a chandelier these days, or have it made of resin.......personally, not my favourite look, but after seeing a million antlers in the latest Lonny issue, I'm adjusting. Just go easy, or else you'll end up with a room like THIS. This particular style is made of elk, and available at Antler Art, Inc.


I know I've already stated my obsession with architect desks, but this adjustable console version by Sarreid is the best I've seen yet.


I don't think there's anything more practical than a sisal rug at the entrance way of a house, and these colours from Restoration Hardware are too beautiful!

While I do like the zebra stool, I'm not sure it's something I would do myself. I'm opting for this stunning (and affordable!) print from Ikea to add some drama to the space.For table accessories, a few green plants from Ikea in rustic pots, a bowl for keys and change, and you've just about got the same look!An Old World Entrance
I think the layout Style at Home has used is fantastic, so I've stuck with that but done a french-inspired version here. (I just needed an excuse to bring France up....I'm craving a trip back there lately.)

Again, a beautiful Sarreid console that's based on the industrial campaign style.

In keeping with both my map and France obsessions, Restoration Hardware has reproduced this large vintage map of Paris. Stunning!


I thought this was a great alternative to the antler chandelier - made of bamboo, and by Sarreid also.

Ikea is necessary after spending $2000 on that map.....coloured blown glass vases.
But I can't stay away from Restoration Hardware for too long....


Some Things are Timeless
Again, a Sarreid table that folds into a console, but still reminds me of the original architect's desk.

Classic chandelier and incredible hide rug are from Elte...
Again, an inexpensive print from Ikea! I'd love to see this in an oversized frame.
These branches are also from Ikea, and would be beautiful with the white vases sitting on the floor.



I love love love this distressed leather ottoman for any of these looks (Restoration Hardware). It has such character!

I love lots of table accessories to warm up this look, and Pottery Barn has some amazing pieces.

Who Needs Barbados?

Even on bitterly cold days like today, I still maintain that I love this time of year. Getting dressed up, then bundled up, to go out to parties and visit with family. Having a daily excuse for a nice warm Starbucks (loving the Caramel Brule Latte, I might add...). Beautiful, sparkly decorations, and lots of good food (and drinks!). Soon there will be snow, and with it, more things to enjoy - skating, skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and snowmobiling. What's not to love?


I hope these gorgeous photos by Carrie Patterson help you to love this time of year (even more!). Her work is stunning, and these few wintry photos are only a little preview of her portfolio. She also has a very fun blog that's perfect if you're walking down the aisle soon!