Hidden Treasures

What started out rather serendipitously has become a refreshing way to spend a Sunday morning.

I was curious to find a great antique store so that I could take an old piece of furniture and turn it into something unique on my own. Most of what I found online were small shops in Toronto, so on a rainy Sunday morning (typical this summer), I went out for a quick browse.

In the Jarvis/Front Street area, there are some beautiful home décor stores with unusual furniture that you don’t find in the suburbs. I don’t want to give away all my favourite spots in just one post, but I’ve been looking forward to sharing the success of my shopping trip downtown that day!

While I was downtown, I discovered that the St. Lawrence Market has an antique market every Sunday from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm. There’s nothing like the stench of a room full of old stuff to really wake you up on a Sunday morning. I hate to admit it, but people watching can be just as amusing in such a place; the old woman in a full fur coat, the guy who’s trying to sell stuff you saw in Zellers ten years ago, etc. But if you go with an open mind, a good sense of humour and some hand sanitizer, you’ll be fine!

Outside in a small booth, I saw a beautiful yellow velvet chair that looked like it belonged in a woman’s dressing room. The couple was selling it for $90, which seemed unreasonable considering it needed reupholstering and had to be dragged back to my car, but I loved it so much that I couldn’t leave without it. At the end of some hard bargaining, I walked away with the chair for $40!

All of the quotes for reupholstery that I received were well over $300, so I decided to try doing it myself. I found gorgeous fabric at inVU Drapery Co. to cover it, some new nail heads, and ended up upholstering it on my own!

I’ve been back to the market since with no success, but I always love grabbing a coffee nearby and window shopping. If you have the time and patience to find something completely unique for your home, I definitely recommend venturing out to a flea market or antique show in your area.

All Things PINK

In recognition of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, I've decided to dedicate this post to all things pink! Yes, all things 'home' in every shade from baby girl to wild flamingo pink.

We've all seen those pre-teen bedrooms that look like a can of hot pink paint exploded on everything - fuzzy pillows, satin duvets and a million rhinestones. Maybe this sounds all too familiar to some of you? I've actually found some incredible examples of how pink can make a room look sophisticated and bright without being over-the-top girly. In fact, pink is supposed to add calmness and relaxation to your life!

Any Sarah Richardson fans? I love her shows, and I'm sure you'll recall this Park Hyatt hotel suite she was hired to design for an episode! She's used lots of stripes to soften the deeper shades.


Another incredible designer, Suzanne Kasler, used a deep shade of blush pink on the walls of this client's bedroom. I think it looks gorgeous!

This stunning room from House Beautiful uses brightly upholstered chairs, fresh roses and a pale shade on the walls to create an elegant and feminine living space.

These rooms are definitely bold, and I can see most guys turning their nose up at the pink kitchen shown above, but even small touches of pink are beautiful. Consider these great pink accessories I came across...

Stanley's Young America line makes this casual night stand in every colour under the sun......but for this post, PINK:
Of course, IKEA has its share of colourful accessories, including...

Beautiful fabrics like this for only $6.99 a metre....
Or this adorable lamp for only $29.99...
Doesn't this remind you of a much cuter version of those blue chairs from grade school?
I hope that some of these photos inspire you to add something pink to your house this month! Of course, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation website also has a shopping section of pink items that share proceeds with them.

October Home Shows

October is another great month for home shows in Toronto! Unfortunately I didn't have time to make it to IIDEX last week, but hopefully some of you were able to. A few of my colleagues remarked it was a lot smaller than last year, and it didn't have any textile vendors, but I'm sure there were some great new ideas!


From October 1st to 4th, the National Home Show will be going on at the Direct Energy Centre (Exhibition Place). If you're an HGTV addict like me, you'll be excited about the number of "celebrity guests" they have! Colin and Justin, Emmanuel Belliveau and Janette Ewen are a few of the familiar faces that will be there. You can visit their website at www.nationalhomeshow.com!

Also, the International Home and Garden Show (www.home-show.com) will be on from October 9th to 12th at the International Centre. There will be a similar group of TV designers at this show, and lots of seminars to attend.

Before I go, one last thing! I mentioned that Janette Ewen (from CityLine) is going to be at the National Home Show, but I also recommend her website (www.janetteewen.com)! She's an interior stylist who loves do-it-yourself projects, and she has a few videos on her website on how to make accessories like lampshades and pillows. Her portfolio has some colourful ideas as well!