Bookmark Happy

I've been bookmarking sites like it's my job lately. I wish it was, because I've been finding some quality goods.

But there's no use keeping it to myself...I've come a long way from my hogging childhood.  Here's an index of my favourite sites, with a little blurb to get you all excited.

 

SCHOOLHOUSE ELECTRIC CO.
If you're into retro light fixtures for the wall, ceiling, nook and cranny, this is your lighting heaven.  Ideal for cottages, country homes and diners.

HOW I MET YOUR STYLE
Inspiration comes to me from everyday places, and fashion (well, not mine!) is a favourite source of mine.  The colours, artsy photographs - all of it is so refreshing!  This great website shares fashion profiles from very creative, original people and inspires me to be more daring in fashion and design.

AMY ATLAS EVENTS
When I helped organize my cousin's bridal shower this spring, I could've used some help from Amy Atlas.  As anyone close to me knows, I could eat sugar morning, night and noon...which is why I salivate over every dessert bar on her website.  Incredibly inspiring for children's birthday parties, kids rooms and the sugar-lover in all of us.  And she has a delicious blog too!

JJ LOCATIONS
As a self-confessed design addict, I'll admit that I scour magazines, blogs, etc in an effort to spot something new and inventive.  Fellow bloggers will surely agree that this becomes challenging.  The same pendant.  The same Restoration Hardware 'stuff'.  Even the same homes being re-shot at times - psh, what a design crime.  Want original spaces?  You will waste weekends on this site, I promise.  It's a location library of homes and venues available as movie sets and photo shoot backdrops.  I will go as far as to say, it may be the greatest inspiration I've ever stumbled upon (thank you Google!).  PS They're based in the UK.

Back with more from the stash tomorrow!

A Beautiful Surprise: The Reveal

I'm a day late, but I saved the best collection for last! Combining purples, floral, embroidery and cotton weaves, this fresh and feminine Deauville line has given new life to the linen blends and toile de jouy that is all too familiar.

If you're equally as in love with these Beautiful Surprise collections, I won't keep you from exploring their website any longer. Soleil Bleu is manufactured by Wellmann, a German textiles company founded in 1919. Capitalizing on the popularity of french design, Soleil Bleu's four harmonious collections (sweetly named Saint Honore, Ballerina, Chateau and Deauville) not only look incredible, they feel like heaven!

A Beautiful Surprise: Part III

I am so in love with these last two collections from my surprise inspiration (I'll reveal the name and website tomorrow!). They symbolize everything up-and-coming in the world of interior design - feminine patterns, stripes, soft pastels with vibrant hues, shiny silks mixed with plush velvets. This collection has such elegance. It is a call to traditional values, living in luxury and abundance.

While this life of interior decadence may not be for everyone, it certainly makes me appreciate pieces that are rich in history and meaning. I would be lying if I didn't mention that it also makes me ridiculously excited to visit Versailles in a few weeks, in all its opulent glory!

Back tomorrow with the last surprise!

A Beautiful Surprise: Part II

Set against warm wood in a glamorous french train, my new inspiration has old-world sophistication. Enjoy these photographs of the second textiles collection, and I will be back tomorrow with more beautiful things.