Impromptu DIY Part II

I finally have some photos to show of my updated desk (see: impromptu Sunday DIY)!  I'm so happy with how it turned out, and a quick (ha, well sort of) coat of paint and new hardware has given me what *feels* like a new desk!

I'm embarrassed to even show this, but here is the before.  It consisted of cream paint and hardware I remember choosing at Home Depot with my Dad 15 years ago.  A quick sand and off I went.  [Excuse my handy HP printer under there...the realities of life.]

And here's a refreshed after!

Two coats of Benjamin Moore's Aura Satin paint in Sea Life.  I love the colour of this (once worn) hair broach and tried to match it as closely as possible.

An inexpensive Ikea frame for my adored Leigh Viner print, and a custom mat finally do her work justice.

Some bold, masculine hardware in Antique Brass was the finishing touch!  Ordered on sale from Restoration Hardware (Quincy pull).

Sadly, it hasn't stayed looking quite like this.  The flowers have been moved out of the way for my dear laptop and the junk will surely pile up soon too.  But this inexpensive update has made coming home from work and sitting down to do some blogging that touch more glamorous.  

On a local celebrity note:  You know you watch too much HGTV when you feel starstruck running into a designer.  On a typical Monday morning coffee run yesterday, who was at the local Starbucks but this handsome architect, Matt Davis from The Designer Guys:

The 16-year old girl in me wanted to say hi and tell him I love his work, but the combination of him being on his laptop and me having 75% of my make-up on told me to keep walking.  But for the record, I love his work.

Impromptu DIY

Benvarden by Osborne and Little

I absolutely love Sundays. They're a great excuse to relax, do what you like and...be lazy. Gone are the days of multiple coffees and a drafting table, hurrying to finish school projects. The day is mine! I love to spend them cooking and baking, watching movies, and occasionally dreaming up new DIY projects. This Sunday, I was mid-shower when I decided to repaint my desk for the 700th time. (I've had this desk since I was a kid and it has been victim to most of my creative mistakes.) Within an hour, I was at Benjamin Moore having the latest colour mixed up.

Lately, I've been loving this "Sarah Richardson royal blue" that has a slightly purple undertone...it's bold, bright and feminine. I debated painting the top of the desk in this colour, and the rest a bright white. That idea died within about 5 minutes, when my resistance to anything too colourful took over. Back to the drawing board...

Insert Chelsea Textiles. Glossy lacquer. Neutral palette. This is so me.

Then I start dreaming of the hardware possibilities. Brass. Loving brass (when will my coworkers finally agree??). Maybe a glass and brass combo - feminine, traditional. We're getting warmer.

I must learn to let even the slightest bit of colour in. Open up the paint deck. Gray, with a hint of purple. Sea Life. Sold.

The girl helping me at Benjamin Moore is so sweet and recommends Aura paint in a pearl finish. Less odour, faster drying time and that lacquer look I love. Sold.

Colour looks amazing (running between Grammy performances and second coats). Go online to find hardware while it dries....at Restoration Hardware. Deal of the century - Quincy Pulls in Antique Brass on 50% off (maybe I am the only one loving brass?). Let's keep being impulsive. Sold.

Now I'm forced to learn patience...the hardware will arrive later this week. In the mean time, I finally buy a frame for my gorgeous Leigh Viner print. End up spending more on a custom mat than the frame. Can't win 'em all. Mat will be ready for Friday....all good things are worth waiting for?

Back with photos very, very soon.

Office Space

It often astounds me what we did before computers. In those moments when I age myself from twenty-something to sixty, I find myself wondering what I did with all of that time? As a young girl, I recall spending Saturday mornings baking cakes (for no reason), or begging my Mom for a dog. The closest thing to computers that I remember was hearing my brother playing Duck Hunt. Other than that, we didn't really have need for an office.

Now, with a handful of computers and the growing need for space, even the non-business professionals of the world need an office. And space. We all need more space.

So I'm reverting to the age-old secretary desk. The space-saving, junk-disguising, storage-saving desk that can be quaintly tucked into a kitchen, hallway, bedroom or living room without much notice. I think they're ideal for condos and cottages in particular. Here are a few of my favourites.

Item: Pottery Barn

This secretary below is truly my favourite; a classic combination of ivory and veneer, circular hardware and classic lines. It's feminine exterior disguises a masculine compartment. Available at Hickory Chair, this piece became infamous in a New York City apartment earlier this year. Recall Big's TV cabinet?


This Portofino Desk by Stanley Furniture is adorable with its traditional cabinets and antiqued finish. I'd love to see this piece in a cottage or country home (loving the black finish as well).

What's a furniture post without giving IKEA a little credit? Though a very simplistic model, this ALVE secretary is a steal at $249. For me, I would probably spruce up the hardware for a menial $20, but otherwise this piece is great.
I realize I've been very conservative with my choices - all neutral colours, similar styles, etc. But how could I resist showing you this? The first thing in the history of Restoration Hardware that I think has crossed the line! This Mayfair Steamer Secretary Trunk (on wheels) functions beautifully I'm sure. Leather, nail heads and antique patina...what's not to love? But this just feels like an obnoxious joke.


If you have room to swing this "trunk" shut, you probably have room for a full-fledged desk, chair and area rug. And to the rest of us, that's called an office.

Okay, back to serious design talk. Gorg. French Key secretary from Tonic Home. Everything a secretary is meant to be (take notes, Restoration).

And if you just so happen to forget your laptop altogether, pretend you're in an old movie and use it to write a good, old-fashioned letter instead.

Coles Notes: Lonny #4

I think Lonny keeps getting better. Their latest "eco" issue had some great items and ideas that I will surely keep on file, but if I must narrow my favourites down, here are The Beautiful Shelter's notable mentions from the latest Lonny Mag:

1. First things first. Let's forget about decorating and just say that this is one beautiful shoe. Made by Kaight.


2. Sometimes I feel like a spokesperson for Restoration Hardware. I seem to spot their pieces from a mile away and I love their unfinished wood/European designs. In fact, if you've ever had a class with me, you've probably noticed that 70% of my furniture/accessory selections have come from RH. While it may look like I'm lacking a bit of creativity, it's really just a case of me LOVING their stuff.

Like this. How adorable.


3. The idea of multifunctional stools/side tables is ideal for so many spaces, and I love Lonny's recommendation. It's a papier mache stool from Green with Glamour.

...and an inexpensive alternative to the amazing Porada options available:


4. The tufting and ruching trend that has quickly grown is one of my favourites. I see this white pin-tucked West Elm duvet cover replacing my very tired one in the not-so-far-off future.


5. This Colbalt dining table by the Cisco Brothers is like an invitation to large gatherings with food, wine and great friends. Loving its versatility.
Just picture it paired up with these incredible Bo chairs (also by Cisco Brothers)
or these fun Wrap dining chairs by West Elm.

6. This piece stood out to me because there's nothing more relaxing on a summer afternoon then laying in a hammock (and if you're like me, taking a nap...). Lonny chose this Novica hammock because "The Rainforest Site will preserve 6,870 sq. ft. of land for each 'Atlantis' Hammock purchased." I thought that phrasing the environmental benefit in square feet was a great way to give it context.

7. What can I say, I love a white kitchen. Even though the modern style and open shelving is not something I'd want for myself, I love how they've given a functional kitchen a farmhouse feel.


8. I thought this was one of the sweetest rooms in the magazine. Is there anything cuter than watching a baby discover their own reflection?


9. I thought this bench was amazing. This is the perfect application for a fabric that is highly detailed (or too expensive) to do on a large piece. Love, love, love it.


10. Within less than a month of posting about this amazing Woods wallpaper, it shows up in Lonny. So of course, it is a favourite of mine too.

Also, a big congratulations to all of the interior design and decorating graduates out there!

Photographs taken from Lonny Magazine, corresponding websites and Elements of Style.

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.