Thursday, November 8, 2012

object of my affection

hello,

Meet Fletcher. My adorable nephew. He is about to be TWO next week! Where has the time gone? The fact that I, myself, have a 13 and a 10 year old is even more scary, but I digress....



Fletcher's family has recently moved into a new home, and for his upcoming birthday, his Auntie Kerry thought it would be a good idea to give this little cutie some new window treatments. Because, you know, turning two is no small feat - with it comes many new milestones like moving to a toddler bed, saying seemingly hundreds of new words every day, and apparently, requiring new roman blinds and drapery panels (in a cool navy twill with polka dot trim). LOL.

One of the most important things to think about when designing rooms for children is LONGEVITY. Unless you are of the rare sort that likes to repaint and redecorate every 2-3 years (evidently not me), it is important to think ahead and create a space for your child that will LAST. Now, I am not implying that Fletcher's new room should see him through to adulthood, merely that some thought be given to it lasting until the (dreaded) tween years. So, with longevity in mind, I have selected a colour palette (tan, red, and navy) that is definitely "boy," not "toddler."









And I have incorporated a couple of "industrial" items like a cool pendant fixture and some wire storage baskets. 









PRACTICALITY and/or DURABILITY should definitely come into play when designing a child's space, as children can be quite rough on their belongings. Integrating a few key pieces from Ikea will fill the practicality requirement as their entry level pricing just can't be beat.








And now to add in the "cool kid" factor. I looked to CB2 for some fun accents like this adorable hopscotch rug: 




and this blood-orange pouf: 


And, I found this super cute framed print from The Land of Nod: 



Finally, I put it all together and came up with this inspiration board: 







What do you think, my fellow blog readers? Do you think Fletcher will give it his stamp of approval?


Have a great evening, 
Kerry 




Wednesday, October 24, 2012

sleek, sultry, and sophisticated - a LOUNGE space for grown-ups

hi,

I am working with a really cool couple right now on a complete main floor makeover. It is such an amazing open-concept space and it is going to look fabulous when we are finished! One room that I am especially excited about is the "grown-up" lounge. Currently a home office, we are saying goodbye to the computer paraphernalia and filing cabinet in favour of sleek mid century modern furniture, a romantic palette, sultry lighting, and a well-stocked bar cart. Yes, please! Debbi - just an FYI - I love a good Appletini!

Here are some of the pieces that we are looking to purchase for the space: 























So, I took these pieces, added in a few others (plus some small hits of colour for interest and pizzazz), and came up with this inspiration board for my clients. 



I think they like it - and what I like most about it is the contrast between the "masculine" and "feminine" elements (for example, the dark, linear lines of the shelving unit, paired with the soft, curved lines of the upholstered bench). I also like the contrast between the cool, smooth hits of chrome and the warm, organic feel of the capiz pendant and the silk accent pillows. What do you think? 

The only decision left to make is whether to have a Cosmopolitan or an Apple-tini! 

Until next time, 

Kerry 


Thursday, October 18, 2012

wonderful, whimsical, wintery, WHITE

hello,

It has been awhile. What a busy month! I have missed my blog and have had the idea for this particular post in my head for ages....Now, if only there were a few more hours in each day.

In stark contrast to the rich, vibrant, beautiful colours of autumn, white seeks the opportunity to share the spotlight. Cool, serene, yet equally as dramatic, white has the ability to serve as a neutral backdrop for virtually any other colour; and, as seen in several of these gorgeous images, has enough depth, character, and substance to stand all on its own.



A beautiful coffered ceiling and a classic shaker profile on the cabinetry adds pleasing linear interest. 
1



An eclectic mix of styles, textures, and wood tones creates a casually elegant conversation area. 
2



Whitewashed floors, walls, and ceilings set an amazing stage for rustic beams and an iconic wishbone chair. 
3



Shabby chic and white are a match made in heaven. Notice the "door turned shutter?" What a neat idea! 
4



What is even better than multiple shades of white? Multiple shades of CREAM and white! I love the subtlety of the contrasts here - and I especially love that table lamp. 
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Small hits of black, in addition to a wonderful "play" with shape (squares and circles coexist and balance each other very well here), make this a warm and inviting space. 
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All of these images are making me want to paint some walls, slipcover a sofa, change a lampshade, or upholster a chair. All in white, of course! :) 

Kerry 



Monday, October 1, 2012

the "well-attired" vignette

Hi,

Ever wonder what to place on your empty hall table? Wanted to know how to complete the lonely stack of books sitting beside your bed? Pondered where the "just right spot" is for your treasured collection of vintage ornaments? You are not alone. :) I would wager that most of us, at one time or another, have questioned how to put the finishing touch on a space. Just as one would complement the "little black dress," a table, shelf, or sideboard requires similar accessorizing.

WHERE TO BEGIN...

While there are no hard and fast rules, taking some of the following tried and true tips into consideration can definitely come in handy.


  • If showcasing a collection of items, try to integrate something unusual or unexpected into the grouping
  • Try accessorizing around a season or theme 
  • Remember that the eye likes odd numbers (sets of 3's or 5's typically work well) 
  • If working with a mostly neutral palette, try adding a playful pop of colour into the mix 
  • Varying heights, shapes, and textures add visual interest 
  • When in doubt, add something organic (flowers, branches, moss, logs, etc.) 
  • Repetition of colour and shape is soothing and a great way to lead the eye 

TAKE A PEEK...

at some of these beautiful inspiration shots (and bookmark your favourites for future reference!) You will see that, regardless of style sense, colour palette, budget, or location, creating a vignette is a simple and satisfying way to inject a little bit of "you" into your home. 





































IMAGE CREDITS: 123456789101112

Happy accessorizing! 
xo Kerry 

Monday, September 24, 2012

a fabulous flair for fall

There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been!  ~Percy Bysshe Shelley



Hello, 
While this post is somewhat bittersweet (I never relish saying goodbye to summer) I also look forward to crisp, cool temperatures, the vibrancy of the leaves, and the scrumptious sweets that seem to magically appear in my kitchen. Yum...

And so, with Canadian Thanksgiving right around the corner, I decided to get inspired by some quick and simple projects to make this year's decor "photo worthy." 

1


 2


3 



I made these last fall and they smelled amazing! And SO quick and easy to make. I used a low-temp glue gun to adhere the cinnamon sticks to the candles and then wrapped the linen thread around them just in case (plus, they just look finished that way). 4


5



6 



 7


Oooh! I adore those wooden chargers! 
8


What I love most about these shots are the organic or "natural" elements because:  

A) they are typically easy to find this time of year; B) they are relatively inexpensive if you do have to buy them; C) nature's palette is so complementary; and D) they provide amazing contrast (colour, shape, and texture) against most interior finishes. 

Happy decorating! 
Kerry 




Monday, September 17, 2012

Before and After

Hello,

I have been wanting to share the finished details from this space for some time now. Trying to coordinate schedules to arrange a photo shoot proved more difficult than I had anticipated. Who would have thought that my good friend - who has three ACTIVE teenage boys, a full-time job outside of the home, a cottage that is always beckoning, and an adorable dog, could possibly be busy? Huh. Anyway, thank you, thank you my friend, for not only giving me this fantastic opportunity, but for being amazing clients and for letting me use your sunken family room as my "guinea pig" project.

Here are some BEFORE photos: 


This is day one of construction. The wall to wall carpeting has been removed and the corner fireplace is about to experience a timely demise. 



This large expanse of empty wall will soon be home to two new picture windows and (oh, and did I mention that FOUR men live in this house?) a VERY large flat-screen TV.


The small bookcase in this shot will shortly make way for a beautiful wall of built-in cabinetry.


And now, what we've all been waiting for, some AFTER shots:


The family's beautiful (and cozy) sectional that is now the perfect spot for movie night. Even the dog has his own favourite pillow.


We love the inverted pleat drapes sewn by Tonic Living in Toronto.


Here is said dog, Jack, enjoying his chance to show everyone who the REAL boss of this family really is...


Here you'll notice one of the two picture windows that were added (check out the gorgeous leaded mullions), as well as some of the beautiful custom wainscoting (we mimicked the shaker profile on the front of the built-in cabinetry and carried it around the perimeter of the room to add some visual interest and to brighten the space).


And finally, here is an image of the built-in cabinetry. The bottom cabinets are perfect to house media equipment, while the open upper shelves are a great place to display books, family photos, and memorabilia. A gorgeous 6" crown detail finishes the top of the cabinet and carries around the rest of the room for continuity.

Here are a list of sources and products that were used/featured in this design: 


Thanks for stopping by. 
Kerry