#trending: I heart you
For some, February is a month filled with miserable snow shovelling and traffic nightmares. For others, February offers a fun and flirty excuse to indulge in some yummy treats and spend time with their special someone. Valentine’s Day has always been a favourite of mine. I can still remember my mother teaching me how to make heart-shaped valentines when I was in junior kindergarten. Now, whether I draw a little heart on a note or wear a heart-embellished sweater, hearts always bring a smile to my face – and let’s be honest,...
read more#trending: Tortoise Wins the Race
Authentic tortoise shell was widely popularized centuries ago, often found in applications of hair accessories such as combs. The shells of the hawksbill sea turtle, indigenous to the waters near the equator, were used for their stunning patterns of copper and blonde tones. The high demand for the shells grew to the point where in the mid 1970s, the hawksbill sea turtle was categorized as an endangered species and the hunting of such became illegal. However, since the tortoise shell pattern remained so popular, synthetic materials were...
read moreReady, Set – Decor!: New Girl
Ok, I’ll admit it – I have a bit of a girl-crush on Zooey Deschanel. In fact, have admired her since I saw Elf , for the first time, when it hit theatres back in 2003. (Did I just admit to another embarrassment?) Now, almost 10 years later, Deschanel has captured audiences everywhere as the irrepressible Jess, on the hit show New Girl. The majority of scenes are set in an LA loft where Jess and her three male roommates live. Each of the guys has a very distinct personality, a fact which Set Decorator, Jane Shirkes and...
read more#trending: Glen Check
So it’s clear that I have a slight bias towards this fantastic fabric, perhaps because of the similarity to my surname! This classic pattern, originating in Scotland and popularized by the Prince of Wales, has recently been applied to far more than just mens’ suiting. Because glen check (sometimes referred to as “glen urquhart check” or “glen plaid”) is timeless, it can be seamlessly integrated into any home, or any outfit for that matter! Below is a collection of some of my favourite applications of glen...
read more#trending: Vanity Fair
Home after a busy day of taping at Steven and Chris, I curled up on my sofa for a relaxing evening. With a cup of tea in hand and my cat, Ashlee, in my lap, I scrolled through the TV guide and found one of my all time favourite movies - Breakfast at Tiffany’s. What has made it a classic for five decades? For me, it’s the haunting strains of the theme, Moon River, as well as the intense, compelling love story that unfolds against the backdrop of so many beautiful, iconic locations in New York City. (Also,...
read moreDIY: Putting the “kin” in Napkin
A dinner party is a great opportunity to express your creativity in the company of friends and family. This usually takes the form of an exquisitely prepared meal. However, if you are like me and are somewhat lacking in the kitchen department, you can still wow your guests. Demonstrate your efforts through decor with personalized touches and maybe, just maybe, they won’t notice that the roast chicken is a little short of succulent! In addition to the usual choice of incorporating a lovely centrepiece of fresh flowers with your best...
read more#trending: Because “I. AM. CANADIAN!”
Now that we are officially in the dead of winter, I can’t help but feel a little patriotic. Why wait until July to celebrate being Canadian? After all, we all live in igloos, eh? I’ve pulled a couple of my favourite canadiana items – both old and new – that make me feel particularly proud. While some of these pieces may not be as obviously Canadian as hockey hair, long underwear and multi-coloured money, I believe that they are great depictions of our amazing country. Let’s be honest – can you think of...
read more#trending: Embrace the Lace
Growing up, I visited both sets of my grandparents regularly. I remember that, even as a little girl, I was struck by the similarity between the two homes (was I destined to be a designer from the get-go?) Both reflected my grandmothers’ love of the traditional – mahogany, chintz, Royal Doulton and lace. Hand-worked linens were treasured and on display, from the doilies on the tea table to the antimacassars (you know, those lacey protectors) on the arms and backs of chairs. The aesthetic was definitely formal, and maybe,...
read moreDIY? Because I Gotta: Lace Platter
After sharing my “Embrace the Lace” post, I couldn’t wait to find the perfect lace piece for my home. Rather than searching high and low for something fantastic (which I still totally plan on doing later this week!) I took it upon myself to make my own lace inspired piece. I picked up a “silver” (or so the incorrect label read) platter from a thrift store for $7.99 and proceeded to a discount fabric store to pick up a yard of cream lace for $12.99. And so the DIY began… Platter Before: Platter...
read more#trending: It’s All There in Black and White
The way that colour is used in a space can make or break any design. But what about when no colour is used? Don’t be fooled into thinking that black and white is too bold, too stark or too cold for everyday living. Whether you stick solely to a black and white scheme for an entire room or prefer to start small with one or two pieces, the graphic appeal of black and white adds confidence without being boisterous. I absolutely love the warmth that this space evokes, despite there being almost no colour. Rather than using colour to create...
read more