Simple is Always Best

I love Style at Home for its beautiful ideas that don't break the bank. A few crystal or glass vases, tall and stout, filled with pale flowers make the perfect centerpiece. No need for tightly-stuffed rose bouquets or floral perfection...

All photos from Style at Home.

Happy Easter!

I have made my annual batch of sugary Easter eggs and spent every warm moment of yesterday outside. I have loved Easter since I was little (oh yes, bunny costume and everything) and as a true chocoholic, this season was made for people like me. Fortunately, I now also love the pastel colours, feminine details and charming bird/egg ornaments that make this holiday so sweet.


Have a wonderful Easter weekend enjoying the beautiful weather and signs of spring!

Photographs from Martha Stewart Omnimedia and Style at Home Canada.

Function + Marimekko

"Functional Family Home" images courtesy Style at Home.

This past Christmas, I received a subscription to Style at Home from my Mom to help me further indulge in my love of design. One of the homes that really impressed me was titled "Functional Family Home".

'Functional' seems to be a very grim word to decorators and designers. It brings creativity to a halt and forces us to come back to the reality that we design spaces where people live - eat, sleep, and watch shows like Jersey Shore or The Bachelor. You would never see the word "functional" in Architectural Digest or another posh home magazine. It's a design killer. An afterthought (well, not really...but we wish). The thing you cross your fingers for, after you've ordered your sofa and coffee table.

I'm taking a Kitchens & Baths Design course, and it's been a huge reminder to me of the importance of function. When I look back at pictures of kitchens I once drooled over, I think "that won't work", and "that's not to code" until suddenly it's not such a favourite after all. So I give designer Samantha Farjo credit for her work in this Toronto home. It has form & function, and even though they've hidden the TV, I'm sure they're no different from the rest of us.






Oh, but I'm not done yet! Seeing this home made me think of Marimekko's incredible textiles. Marimekko is a Vancouver-based concept store with everything from women's clothing to shower curtains. What I love about their products is this mix of graphic art and photography on unlikely items like bedding and mouse pads. Huge love for this tree silhouette bedding. It's got bachelor-in-a-new-loft written all over it.

Bedding and textile photographs courtesy Marimekko Vancouver.

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.