IDS18 observations

January 25, 2018 By

I’m just back from Toronto’s Interior Design Show (IDS18) that was held last weekend. And I thought I’d share a few of my observations about the show over the next while.

For me, the Benjamin Moore booth totally summed up the show and what’s happening in decor at the moment. It had the pattern (in the tiled floor and the fireplace), the neutral and jewel tones (in the furnishings and artwork), and the greenery that was everywhere. And it was eclectic, the envelope of the room was traditional with the black and white checked floor and panelled wall treatment, the fireplace was mediterranean inspired and the furnishings were all mid-century modern.

Benjamin Moore ids18

Benjamin Moore ids18

Benjamin Moore ids18

Could you live in this space? I certainly could.

Lisa

 

Filed Under: Architecture, Art, COLOUR, decor, design professional, Designhounds, Events, Fabric, Furniture, Haven, inspiration, lighting, Living Room Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Two mantels, two different looks

December 22, 2016 By

Mantels are one of the best places to decorate for the holidays and if you are like me, you love looking at different ones and different styles to get some ideas for your own.

I’m lucky enough to get to do two totally different ones every year, just for me.  Here’s my cottage mantel that I keep pretty minimal and rustic, totally appropriate for the country setting that it is in.

RUSTIC COUNTRY CHRISTMAS FIREPLACE

 

Photo credit: Justin Frost

RUSTIC COUNTRY CHRISTMAS MANTEL RUSTIC COUNTRY CHRISTMAS MANTEL RUSTIC COUNTRY CHRISTMAS MANTEL

 

I used lots of fresh local greenery, some pinecones in a vintage apothecary jar, some antique encyclopedias (which I have sprinkled around the entire place), some sparkly grapevine balls, a birdcage and of course some candleholders. Honestly, this mantel took me all of half an hour to do. Quick, simple and rustic, just the way I like my country Christmas mantels.

Now for my city house, I went with a more sophisticated style.

CHIC AND CLASSIC, GREEN, BLACK AND WHITE CHRISTMAS MANTEL

CHIC AND CLASSIC, GREEN, BLACK AND WHITE CHRISTMAS MANTEL

CHIC AND CLASSIC, GREEN, BLACK AND WHITE CHRISTMAS MANTEL

Some similar elements here, fresh greenery and some dried magnolia leaves (they do last a few years, if you are careful when you store them), some fairy lights and of course candlesticks and candles. I may just tuck in some white and clear christmas balls amongst the leaves, at some point.  Pretty, simple and classic, perfect for my home in the city.

Merry Christmas!

Lisa

 

 

Filed Under: antiques, Cottage, decor, DIY, Floral, Haven, inspiration, Living Room, natural, nature, Seasonal Decorating, vintage Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fireplace Renovation from Wood Burning to Gas

March 4, 2013 By
fireplace-before

Before …

firepace-after

After …

   

This original wood burning fireplace had a raised marble hearth and surround.  The wood mantel had been faux finished to resemble green marble.  My clients wanted a gas insert and a cleaner, more modern silhouette that would fit the scale of the room better.  A flush slate hearth helps to make the room more spacious and the smaller brick slate surround keep the look more contemporary. The simple wood mantel was custom made and finished to match the wood floors.  Adding two new sconces completes the look and repeats the black finish of the gas insert.

Filed Under: Haven Tagged With: , , ,

From Wood to Gas

October 13, 2011 By

Thought I’d share a client before and after makeover.  This one is their family room wood burning fireplace.  They wanted to change it from wood burning to gas and to start over with a clean slate (no pun intended).

Here’s what we started with…no judgments please…..

The scale of the fireplace was much, much too large for the size of the room, so that needed to be addressed first.

And after much talk, design and, of course some messiness, we now have this….

As you can see, we removed the raised hearth and the original mantel and installed 12″ x 12″ slate tile for the flush hearth and small brick slate for the surround.  The mantel was custom made to match the existing wood floor.   A new paint colour and some up to date sconces and voila, a room that they can enjoy and be proud to show.

My clients are very happy and it’s pretty to boot.

 

Filed Under: family room, Haven, makeover, Projects, renovation Tagged With: , ,