Visiting London

I have been keen to visit London since I first had a taste of Europe, and the media attention following the Royal Wedding only made me more interested in seeing this historic city for myself. So, first stop: London!

I should mention that the riots were happening just days before we left, and I was, um, nervous. Fortunately, everything was calm when we arrived and the areas we visited had no signs of damage. Just beautiful architecture and lots (and lots) of people!

We stayed at the Andaz Liverpool Hotel in East London, and it was absolutely perfect for our vacation. The hotel had the most incredible scent (which sounds ridiculous, I know, but if I could've bottled it and brought it home...I would've...not for sale.) and was beautifully designed. Formerly a railway hotel, it had all of the modern amenities with an ode to traditional elegance. Perfection. (Any indoor shots here are from the hotel.)

And a delicious cheese platter from the hotel restaurant was the perfect way to finish it off (and spend a little more time surrounded by the beauty)!

I loved London's energy and culture, and can't wait to return.

Photo credit: Jenna @ The Beautiful Shelter

This Is London

A few months ago, I signed up for the GOOP newsletter - the very chic brainchild of Gwyneth Paltrow. It's a look at the finer things in life, like 5-star hotels around the globe and trendy restaurants serving the latest raw-organic-vegan-environmental-detoxing (did I get them all?) foods fit for a queen. I particularly love Gwyneth's travel recommendations, as it lets my mind wander to locations I'd love to see and hotels I'd like to...........see the lobby of.

Hotels like The Connaught in London, England are the ultimate design inspiration. Unlike many neutral magazines and home decorating shows, they push the envelope with colour and texture. I'm going to have to do a running commentary on this one...

Welcome to The Connaught.

The curved velvet sofas, classic lamps and incredible entertainment console....I'm in love.



Oh, Romeo...

I love the sophisticated-beachy feel that this suite has. The tall beams and curtained bed frame give this room great scale, but I think I'll pass on the two psychedelic chairs.

This chair, on the other hand, is so very Celerie Kemble (note: my favourite).

I'm adding this to my "Welcome to the Jungle" post. How did I ever forget about the sweetness of potted herbs for a kitchen?

Probably the closest I'll ever get to it...

Why thank you, Theodore.

I love the simplicity of this suite.

I love it all, including that amazing bath tub and nautical window/medicine cabinet.

The lamps are what won me over in this...

This bar and lounge area is such an unusual mix of colour, texture and pattern. I also love this space (primarily for its gray, rather than brown, walls).

Those bar stools are a piece of art.

Theodore, I change my mind. I'll take one of these.

Oh yes, and that countertop is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

It's a little blurry, but isn't the finish on the fireplace stunning! If this is what afternoon tea looks like, count me in.

All photographs courtesy The Connaught website.

Happy travels!

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.