I've Struck Gold

It's funny how life is. I intentionally overwhelm myself with design resources, be it blogs, magazines or TV shows, for inspiration and ideas. I feel like I eat, sleep and breath this stuff, and every once and a while, something really stands out.

After flipping through a million (approximately) wallpaper books to no avail for a very particular client, I figured the answer had to exist on the internet (I can't be the only person who goes online before looking through catalogs?). In amongst my search, I found the most incredible work of designer Elizabeth Dinkel.


Similar to Celerie Kemble, Dinkel originally embarked on a career in television after completing her degree. However, the successful career of her interior designer mother inspired her to pursue her true passion. As someone who has also taken a slight detour, finding this out was like the icing on the cake.


Her interiors are contemporary, traditional, colourful and bold. She mixes all the elements to create these inspiring and original spaces that I can't help but admire. Elizabeth Dinkel sits up there with the likes of Celerie Kemble, Suzanne Kasler and Alexa Hampton (my design Gods).




If you also love her work, there's a great interview HERE that's well worth a read. Among her great advice, she mentions that Benjamin Moore's “Acadia Green” is one of her favourite colours - "its almost a non color, a grey-blue-green and works really well as a backdrop in both modern and traditional venues".

All photographs taken from websites linked in this article.

Since I'm an Avid Reader...

I seem to have a small obsession with collecting beautiful design books lately. It started with Celerie Kemble's To Your Taste, then Home By Design, then Modern Glamour...and tonight, I fell for another beautiful picture book. I'm sure it has words in it, but truthfully, they will not be read. Unless I don't understand something in the picture.

I have admired Suzanne Kasler's website and design work for a long time (and still anxiously await her textiles collection!). Her interiors are elegant and timeless, and I love the way she uses colour. Bright red books on a shelf, a turquoise vase on a mantel; her look is feminine and clean. There are so many beautiful photographs in her book Inspired Interiors! It is definitely a must-have if you share her style!

Of course, when I'm not drooling over these glamorous design books, they sit openly on my nightstand. Even the bindings are a thing of beauty..........or at least Lonny says so:

If you have the luxury of owning stacks of colourfully-bound books and plenty of spare time, I keep seeing these colour-coordinated bookshelves and stare in envy every time. To me, it's like a piece of art.

Of course, the time and patience this "art" requires is beyond my realm. In these moments, I pile my collection in no particular order and remind myself that being "eclectic" is okay, too.

*Photos in this post taken from Lonny Magazine, Suzanne Kasler, etc.

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.