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.

With All This Talk About Morocco...

Morocco seems to be kind of a big deal these days. First, I got a newsletter from GOOP about its amazing hotels and markets. Then the 2010 colour trends referenced their bold colours and patterns. And just to really bring it home, my cousin spent Christmas in Morocco! This must be a sign that I'm going to win a trip there.......ha

When I think of Moroccan design, I see bold and bright colours everywhere, dimly-lit candles and pillows galore. I see silks, mosaics and brass adorning every space - a fine balance between an abundance of colour and the modernity of stucco walls and natural surfaces. Its a very distinct style, one that I love to see brighten the pages of a magazine, but not necessarily in my home.


I've gone a little crazy on the West Elm website, finding item after item that has Moroccan flair without looking out-of-place in North America. They have so many great pieces, and while I know my favourites are little random, just one or two items might be enough to add that characteristic Moroccan "spice" into your home.


[Side note: British stylist (and textile expert) Kate Sellers decorated this incredible room below. I'd love to have a backyard like this - a sky of lanterns, floor covered with jute rugs and all the colours that attract the sun surrounding me. And martinis....]


Speaking of jute rugs....here's West Elm's beauty.


I love this Andalusia rug!
I think this is such an original product - a wood block rug.


Bright silk panels......

Or a beautiful motif-printed sheer.


A truly Moroccan touch for your roman - a bold bead pull.


In keeping with the abundance of pillows - silk agni pillow covers.

If you're crazy about the latest ikat trend, these pillows are on sale, and meant for the outdoors (read: extra durable)!


This daybed would look pretty fabulous covered in all those pillows - even as an easy sofa!
This rustic wood floor mirror is so gorgeous!


Anything mosaic and reflective too, like this antique tiled mirror. Both mirrors shown here come in various sizes as well.


Holy Morocco. Medina mirrored sconces.


I absolutely love these, because they give off the same intimate light that you see in the beautiful ads for Moroccan hotels.


This hammered bowl has the hand-crafted feel that is signature to this style, and adds a reflective metal surface to the space.

These sturdy kooboo storage baskets look like they were just housing colourful spices in a Moroccan market. For me, you can never have too many storage baskets anyways...

All photographs shown, other than those referenced as West Elm Canada product, have been taken from This is GOOP. For further information on these hotels and locations, visit mamounia.com, riadelfenn.com, bo-zin.com and goop.com.