Canvas: Simple Sustainable Style

In this wonderful age of Etsy and eco-consciousness, it seems the design world (and just about everyone else) has gone crazy for sustainable living and recycled products. We have re-gained an appreciation for handmade crafts, like knitting, pottery and woodworking. It's amazing to see understated products and artists recognized worldwide for their creativity, and not just at the local school Christmas sale!

Here are a few websites I love that celebrate talented artisans:

Etsy www.etsy.com Need I say more?

Children's Trunk Show www.childrenstrunkshow.com CTS was started by a family friend many years ago, and it now has shows across Canada displaying the work of women entrepreneurs!

Magpie Lovely www.magpielovely.com I can't say enough about this site! After finishing a heavy semester of kitchen and bath design and business plans, I came home from my last class and impulsively ordered two gorgeous tops to celebrate. I've received so many compliments on them and their service was fantastic. I highly recommend this one!

One of a Kind Show www.oneofakindshow.com I blogged about my visit last year and some of the great vendors (read here). Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for unique gifts (or stuff for yourself...let's be honest).

Now, from the streets of New York, another amazing sustainable company! This time a little larger in scale, which is sometimes easier for sourcing and purchasing anyways. Canvas sells unique products made in the US and abroad, all with a handcrafted touch. Felters in Nepal, Amish furniture makers in Ohio...the best of every trade from around the world. With their boho, Anthropologie vibe, Canvas is a socially aware way to style your home (and has an amazing website, to boot!).

The Real Deal

So we've experienced nature overkill of the Woods-wallpaper kind...but let's not give up on the tree theme altogether. I've been a fan of the tree/leaf motif ever since Jennifer Aniston wore this beautiful gold leaf necklace in The Break-Up. Then the contemporary, indoor-types went wild for unfinished wood, rustic touches, and of course, Cole & Son wallpaper. Well, I'm willing to bet on the next green-chic accessory for the home. Don't laugh. Someday you'll have one too. A wood stump side table.
This is definitely not encouragement to go out to your neighbourhood forest and have fun with a little DIY project. Someone in Toronto will happily sell one to you, so save your man the dirty work.



People have been onto this idea for a long time - in Sudbury. They've been using these stumps to sit around campfires for...probably centuries. Now, the YUPPIE communities will bring them inside.


Consider it a side table, extra seating at parties or just a little touch from the great outdoors. This is the real deal.


If you're too nervous to go for the true lumberjack cutting, these lovely alternatives (from Arteriors Home) might just do...

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.