relishing the RUFFLE

hi,

Happy Valentine's Day! 

I hope that your day has been as sweet as the buttercream frosting on these pretty ruffled cupcakes!

Last week, I found this adorable picture on Etsy, and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind ever since. There are no little girls in my house, but if there were, I would want this three-tiered floral dust ruffle on the crib - sooo pretty and feminine.

And, the more this image kept appearing in my mind, the more I began to see other delightfully ruffled items in my online travels.

Like this picture of one of my all-time favourite flowers, the artfully elegant parrot tulip: 

Or, on this fabulous dress and clutch (can you tell that I am ready for spring?): 

But, alas, there is still another six weeks of winter (and, at the moment, there is snow/freezing rain outside), so I may just settle for this instead: 

And finally, I've loved the style of this shabby-chic shower curtain (this one was from Anthropologie) for a really long time: 

Do you have a favourite motif, pattern, or design detail that you are particularly drawn to? Hmmm...the more I think about it, the more I realize that I have lots and lots of them, but ruffles are definitely near the top of the list!


Have a wonderful weekend!

Kerry xo 

when VINTAGE visits the BEACH

hello,

I am SUPER excited to share these photos with you! I had the very good fortune to work with an amazing family on creating an open concept kitchen and living space. My sweet client grew up on a farm in the beautiful Ottawa Valley and has maintained a deep appreciation for all things vintage - inherited or acquired. And yet, along with these traditional roots, comes a love of clean, white space with an almost coastal vibe. What do we call this style? Updated Colonial? Hmmm...I am not sure if I have the answer, but I do know that I, too, fell in love with my client's style sense and had so much fun working to create the fresh and inviting space below.

Check out the gorgeous dark, wide-plank floor! It is cork! 

The backsplash tile is stunning and adds so much interest to the space with its 

pretty combination of marble and glass. 

Don't let a small footprint dissuade you from an island. It may be smaller than others you've 

seen, but this one still manages to comfortably seat four. 

A blend of old and new (a vintage dough bowl atop a Caesarstone counter, and a traditional bell-jar pendant paired with stainless steel appliances) create an ideal "tension" in the space. 

Dark library pulls help to ground the space against all of the white elements (and they look 

great with the floor, drapery hardware, and light fixtures). 

A reclaimed wood barn beam adds so much character and warmth to the family room. 

Built-ins on either side of the fireplace coordinate perfectly with the kitchen cabinetry and 

therefore, work to relate the two spaces. 

Adding natural caning to the cabinet fronts made for a fun DIY for the homeowner. 

 An antique paned window makes for unusual artwork on a main wall. 

The subtle coral print on the toss cushion adds to the coastal vibe. 

This antique blanket box is on temporary "loan" from another room in the house (just until the perfectly proportioned cocktail table  - with a reclaimed wood top) can be found. 

As I have mentioned in other posts, no photo shoot is complete without dessert!!!

A variety of patterns and textures (mmm...velvet) adds interest to the clean lines of the sofa. 

Here is a list of sources that were used: 

• Kitchen design and construction by Creative Kitchen Gallery
• backsplash tile from Saltillo Imports
• cork flooring by Kentwood
• paint colours are OC - 26 Silver Satin (walls) and OC-130 Cloud White (cabinetry and trim) by Benjamin Moore
• All sewing (drapery and cushions) by Lisa Sinclair Sewing
• Fabric is from Tonic Living and Designer Fabrics
• bell-jar pendant fixture and counter stools by Pottery Barn
• charcoal grey sofa from Trend-Line
• tufted occasional chairs from Decor-Rest
• countertop is Caesarstone in 4141 Misty Carrera 
• fireplace stone is Stone Selex in Aspen Cream 
• reclaimed wood beam is from Century Mill Lumber
• photos taken by Bean Shoots Photography

Thanks for stopping by, 

Kerry