Colour pop to brighten your winter day

It’s been dreary outside lately so I thought I would round up some interiors with vibrant hues of colour that create what I like to call “colour pops.”

hot pink via The Decorista

royal blue via bellaMUMMA

vibrant yellow via Brooklyn Bride

green via House of Fifty

coral via ZsaZsa Bellagio

purple via apartment therapy

aqua blue via Pippa Jameson Interiors

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A magnificent bedroom makeover

Tags

colour palette, eddie ross, fabric swatches, fabulous fabric, foo dogs, zebra print

I am a HUGE fan of interior designer Eddie Ross. He just updated a traditional style bedroom to give it a more modern and fresh appeal. With fabric swatches, paint chips, and measurements on hand he drove to the 127 Yard Sale in Union, Kentucky, and then headed south more than 300 miles to Chattanooga, Tennessee stopping everywhere along the way to scan fields, rifle through bins and dig for flea market finds for the project. Very cost effective and also environmentally friendly!

Here’s Eddie with his finds, two chairs with great bones – wait until you see these chairs in the AFTER shot.

Look at all these flea market finds!

Here is the room in the BEFORE shot. It has great features like ceiling trim and gorgeous windows. The heavy drapery, dark furniture and dingy carpet distract the eye, so it’s time for Eddie to work his magic.

Look at the transformation in this gorgeous AFTER shot. The bedroom set was painted with high gloss paint instead of purchasing new furniture, which can be quite costly. New carpet and fabulous fabric really brighten up the space! Look at those windows now!

Here is another BEFORE shot of the bed and side tables.

Here is the AFTER. Amazing what fresh new bedding and bright colour can do. I love the colour palette and the orange and white zebra print cushions. They add a modern punch to the traditional style.

The BEFORE shot of the fireplace.

Here it is AFTER. See the chair on the left? It was painted and the fabric on the cushion was updated. The screen painted white and orange and was added to camouflage an awkward corner. The accessories are also flea market finds.

After brightening up the traditional dresser with paint, Eddie hung a freshly painted bamboo mirror, flanked by wall brackets, then added figures and foo dogs, all from the yard sale, for a glamorous, well-travelled feel. The porcelain canister lamps were purchased for only 10 bucks, and he had a professional turn them into working lamps! They are stunning!

And here is another shot of the finished bedroom. Take a look at that gorgeous ceiling colour!! And there is the other chair – can you recognize it? This space is updated and fresh!

If you’d like to learn how to shop the flea markets like a pro, visit Eddie’s fantastic blog!

Design inspiration for the home

Tags

dream job, emmas designblogg, good eye, herring bone, Jenni Juurinen, pinboard, Polyhedron Candlesticks, scandinavian perspective

Do you wander through other blogs like I do and sigh over the beautiful interiors? Certain images catch my eye because of the styling, or because the design is fab. Sometimes I want to take all my art and accessories out of a room and start from scratch. Do you ever feel that way?

There is something comforting about this combination of wallpaper, the styled boxes and those gorgeous stools. Look how the magazines are bound. Clever and stylish! This is from Jenni Juurinen a set decorator, stylist and decorating editor – my dream job.

Polyhedron Candlesticks found on Emma’s (of emmas designblogg) inspirational pinboard. If you visit her blog you’ll be amazed at her good eye for design. She writes about design and style from a scandinavian perspective. The images below are only a small sample of what is on her site.

Is this small kitchen sleek and sexy or what? Love!

Simple decor but somehow it looks so stylish.

The ultimate in mid-century modern with stunning herring bone flooring.

I can picture myself lounging here and sipping cappuccino.

Cozy but not cluttered. Love the light that comes in through those windows!

What’s your Gaga style?

Tags

Anthropologie, classic decor, lady gaga, lounge chair, modern glamour

Chameleon-like Lady Gaga’s look is constantly changing from one extreme to another. Her different looks inspired me to assemble these photoshop comparisons. Choose you favourite Lady Gaga look. Now look at the image beside it. Chances are, you’ll like the interior decor room or that fabulous Odyssey chair! What’s your Gaga style?

Modern Gaga and Industrial Chic

Odyssey Lounge Chair and Gaga’s Odyssey-like Shoes

Lady Gaga and Modern Glamour

Classic Decor and Classy Gaga

Luxe bathroom and Outrageous Gaga

Purple Gaga and Anthropologie

Famed Photographer Tim Flach

Tags

Anthropologie, book, composition, Dogs, horses, imagery, natural habitats, photographer, photography, portraits, Tim Flatch, wish list

Award winning photographer Tim Flach takes portraits of animals, often catching them up-close and in human-like poses. The lighting and the action in his photographs documents animals as observed in their natural habitats or in the studio. His imagery tells a story. The composition is stunning. His talent is exceptional.

Anthropologie sells his book Dogs and it’s currently on my wish list!

You must check out his portfolio at www.timflach.com

LIVESTRONG

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bike riding, fitness, Fitness Source, LIVESTRONG, spinning, weight loss

I have been riding bikes ever since I can remember. In the summer, I ride my bike to work everyday. Yes, it’s free and it’s green but I ride because I love it. I don’t get bored of cycling the way I get bored of other activities like walking, lifting weights and sit-ups. I live in Toronto so it’s kind of difficult to get outdoors in the winter months for a bike ride.

Enter the LIVESTRONG spinning bike. I just purchased it. It is awesome.

My fitness schedule has slipped off the radar over the last few months. But now that I’ve finished off the last of the Christmas chocolates, it’s time to settle down and think seriously about the consequences of hauling around the extra pounds. This is going to be a year of transformation for me and I will be happy to blog about my progress along the way.

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

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Date Ideas, Etsy, Fedora Hat, Gourmet Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Ice Skating, Jewelry, Lust and Love plates, Personalized Candle Holders, Spa, Valentine's Day

Etsy has some great Valentine’s Day Date Ideas and some perfect gift ideas for your loved one. Here are a few of my personal favourites.

Romantic Dinner – The Love and Lust Valentine’s Day Dessert or Appetizer Plates by Aedriel Originals Red and White

Set the Mood – Personalized Natural White Birch Tea Light Candle Holder by urbanplusforest

Eat Something Delicious – Gourmet Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – Edible Art, by CoCo Roux

Duds for Him – Vintage Mens Fedora Hat Wool Dobbs Black Mad Men Hat by Callooh Callay 

 Jewelry for Her – Victorian Blooming Red Rose Ring in Antique Gold by Robinhoodcouture

Spa Date – The Spa Experience Cake by Hold the Flour

Skate Date – Vintage Ice Skating Rink Los Angeles Sign by Retro Roadside Photo

Dude! It’s an inspiring man closet!

Tags

Brian Paquette, Fashionable, hangers, inspired, man closet, nostalgia, organized, rue magazine

While perusing through the January 2012 issue of rue magazine, I was inspired by  Brian Paquette’s organized and awesome closet!

Look at the hangers – all lined up in the same direction. I do this. I know its a little bit OCD-ish but I love organization! I admire the tidy shelving and his cool display of nostalgic memorabilia, bags and cologne. I don’t think I’ve been jealous of a man’s closet until now!

I want this “PLEASE SHUT UP” sign – Love it! Very clever. Brian states that “There’s no substitute for cleanliness and organization when living in a small home. It teaches you to purge what you don’t use.” I couldn’t agree more. Check out the rest of his cool abode in this issue of rue.

Trend watch for interiors

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charcoal grey, chesterfield sofa, crystal chandeliers, pantone colour, rich hues, sculptural lighting, tangerine tango, trend 2012

Here some of the interior trends I’m predicting for 2012.

Teals, rich hues of purple and charcoal grey.
Pops of vibrant colour combined with neutrals.
Velvets and brocade. Satiny fabric. Shag rugs.
Everything old is hip again. Look at that lovely phone.
Metallics are going to be everywhere! And vintage crystal chandeliers too.

Navy blue.
2012 Pantone colour of the year Tangerine Tango.
Pattern. Wow, where do I start?
Retro floral designs, chevron, stripes and strong geometric designs.

Eclectic style.
Mid-century modern furniture with traditional furniture
I think black walls are here to stay for a while.

Sculptural lighting and exposed light bulbs.

Mismatched modern chairs with a traditional table.
I’ve seen it everywhere lately.

Industrial elements mixed with rough wood in the home. Those stairs!!!
Typography as art.

At the moment I’m loving the return of the chesterfield sofa.
This one is from Pottery Barn.

What are your predictions for the home this year?
What is your decor style?

Alex and Chloe for Forever 21

Tags

accessories, Alex and Chloe, Cool, Edgy, Fashionable, Forever 21, Glam, Goth, jewellery, Opulent

This weekend, I went shopping at Forever 21.  I literally stopped dead in my tracks right in front of the Alex and Chloe jewellery display. Edgy and opulent. Goth and glam. These are the words I would use to describe the fabulous chunky pieces in their Forever 21 collection.

I admit I have never heard of Alex and Chloe before even though I’m usually in the know when it comes to fashion. At my age, I should be wearing more grown up jewellery but their designs are just so cool! I picked up a pair of the earrings below.

I also purchased the bangle bracelet below, on the bottom. 

I have a new design crush and can’t wait to see more of Alex and Chloe.

Images from Alex and Chloe and Forever 21.