Process

 In baking, and in design, the end result is worth more than the sum of its parts.  These photos were published in Ikea's (yes, Ikea's) baking coffee table book, Homemade is Best, last year. 

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.

In a time before Ikea...

Isn't it a horrible thought?  As much as I sometimes put my nose in the air about the finest walnut buffet or delicate crystal chandelier, it's a thought I can only afford to have from 10 to 6.  After I've devoured each page of Veranda, its back to rifling through flyers on the kitchen table, hoping for something I can actually get my hands on.  See: IKEA.

My thought process on Ikea goes something like this...
Ikea = Swedish
Sweden = Beautiful people, even more beautiful design
Beautiful Swedish design = Minimalist, colourful
...and now, Colourful, Simplistic Swedish Design = Josef Frank

I'm embarrassed to admit that I just discovered the brilliant work of architect Josef Frank last week.  Apparently Google even did a Josef Frank 125th Birthday tribute to him last July.  I'm pretty sure I used Google 287 times that day (as usual), so I'm not sure how I missed that...

The creative mind of Josef Frank designed far more than buildings.  In his 81 years, he created wallpaper, fabric, furnishings, furniture and carpet.  But why am I telling you this?  Pretty sure everyone knew but me. 

Josef Frank's wallpaper designs: 








Josef Frank's fabric designs (again, where have I been?):

A few of my favourite Josef Frank furniture pieces:






I'm not sure I could ever a choose a favourite of these toss cushions...

Most importantly, a place to purchase his work:

Just Scandinavian (Tribeca, NY)

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.