The STRIPE - an unsung hero

Hello,

I have always been a big fan of the stripe. Crisp, kind of preppy, not afraid to make a statement, and linear  (much like my brain - the linear part; definitely NOT the crisp part!). I also love their versatility - quiet and serene in one space, bold and graphic in another, and sophisticated and elegant somewhere else. Depending on their orientation, stripes have the ability to lead the eye (vertical stripes typically add visual height to a ceiling or window, while horizontal stripes visually elongate a space). Take a look at some of these inspiration shots to see if you agree:

A variation on a classic ticking pattern, this wallpaper's vertical lines draw the eye up and also provide the perfect contrast (in both scale and shape) to the gorgeous mosaic floor. 

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 Whereas in this powder room, horizontal stripes in varying widths and colours provide a playful backdrop for this youthful, organic space. 

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In this image, look at how the horizontal stripes (strategically placed on an accent wall) create a strong focal point and provide a great directional contrast against the vertical bed posts. 

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This children's' bedroom employs its stripes to create a sense of continuity, a slight touch of whimsy, and a sense of familiarity through repetition (variations of the stripe motif are used in several different applications in this room). 

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Historically, stripes were run vertically on drapery panels to create the illusion of height. This new trend of running wide stripes horizontally is super sophisticated and elegant. 

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I had to share another example of a wide, horizontal stripe. I just love the drama and impact created by the contrasting black and cream - I am sure that this window vignette creates a gorgeous focal point in that room. 

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And, as discussed earlier, stripes can be used to soften a space and to create a quiet, neutral retreat - here, repetition of both colour and pattern solidify the ambience. 

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Stripes can even be created in a walk-in shower! This is typically done for two reasons. 1) it creates instant visual impact and 2) it is cost-effective given that small mosaic tile is pricy; therefore using it sparingly in strips gives you a high-end look, on a smaller budget. 

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Stripes also look amazing on upholstery. In this transitional kitchen, these striped chairs serve three purposes: 1) soften the space against all of the hard lines of the cabinetry and island. 2) using the same fabric on every chair creates a sense of cohesiveness. 3) incorporating a matching or coordinating colour on fabric is a great way to unify the other elements in the room. 

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Finally, I just had to share this image because I LOVE IT! It makes me happy - the striped, slipcovered banquette, when paired with a contemporary grouping of plates and a killer light fixture, just says "wow!" 

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So, are you are stripe kind of gal (or guy)? From simple and sophisticated, to graphic and gorgeous, I think there's a stripe out there for everyone! 

Have a great evening, everyone! 

Kerry 

just BEACHY!

Hi,

Last week, as I was shopping in West Elm, I spotted this adorable burlap star garland and thought how perfect it would look hanging in my nephew's room. Or any little boy's room, for that matter.

When I came home later and searched it out online, I found myself completely sidetracked (sheesh! that seems to be happening to me A LOT these days!).

What was I saying?...

Oh, yes, I got sidetracked and ended up finding a whole bunch of other, equally delightful, BEACH inspired products and images. You see, I, like many of you, love the beach. I had the good fortune growing up to spend many a blissful family vacation on sunny Sanibel Island. I have fond memories of those trips. After a long hiatus (i.e. student debt, children, mortgage), I've recently been reacquainted with the sun, the sand, and the surf. It was as beautiful, as serene, and as picturesque as I'd remembered. And, in a nod to coastal living (a girl from Toronto can dream, can't she?), here are some of my new favourite things:

Check out these gorgeous glass lamps from Pottery Barn. I especially love the aqua one (surprise, surprise!).

Oh, and how decadent is this new palm leaf pillow by Allegra Hicks for West Elm?

Anything seagrass instantly makes me swoon! I love these chairs by Pottery Barn.

There was a time (probably only a few years ago) when I was not fussy for shutters. In fact, I desperately wanted to remove the faux shutters from the front of my house (I thought they looked cluttered - plus, they were a hideous shade of forest green). Fast forward a few years (and a paint job), and I quite like my shutters. In fact, I may just have changed my opinion about them altogether. This louvered room divider  is shabby chic meets coastal charm.

And, I wouldn't be doing this aesthetic any justice at all if I didn't also share some gorgeous beach-inspired rooms:

Mmm...burlap, shells, starfish, and candlelight! Who even needs cake? I love this table scape. 

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Nothing says "beach" quite like wood paneling, slipcovers, and twill. 

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This is elegant coastal living at its best. Understated and refined. Palm fronds, beach glass vases, and a classic cabana stripe. Very Tommy Bahama. 

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Ooooh...blue glass subway tile. It looks amazing against the white cabinetry, the marble counter top, and the texture of the matchstick blinds. 

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Red and off-white is such a classic pairing! I love the framed botanical prints, the coral accent pillow, and the straw market basket. 

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And, last but not least, check out this gorgeous foyer. The gallery wall is stunning, as are the millwork, and the pendant fixtures. 

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So, if you are fortunate enough to fall asleep each night to the sound of crashing waves, or, if you are somewhat land-locked like me (and have to visit the neighbourhood playground in order to feel the sand between your toes), I hope you can see that, no matter your geography, there is always a place for the beach at home. 

Kerry 

For the love of LEMONS

Hi everyone,
It has been a while! I had a computer glitch last week as my macbook conked out and I had to get a new one up, organized, and running (and when I say "I," I mean the nice, helpful people at the Apple Store). Thankfully, problem solved, and I have a nice, lightweight toy to play with! It is awesome!

Perhaps it is the unseasonably warm weather we've been having, or perhaps my blood sugar is a little low and I am craving one (TWO) of these,

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or, it could even be that my son and his neighbourhood friends had a lemonade stand this past weekend, but whatever it is, I have juicy, fresh, and "lip-smackingly tart" citrus on the brain! 

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I read once, a long time ago, that a bowl full of lemons is a very warm and inviting way to accent a home. I believe it was in an article about how to prepare to list one's home for selling. The recommendation was to place a bowl full of lemons on a table, and a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies on the counter. Well, I liked that idea so much, I copied it. And I may have cheated just a little bit - I have, ssh, don't tell, plastic lemons! They look completely realistic, they never go bad, and one may have made a tolerable substitute for a mini nerf football at one point in time. 

So, while I love lemons, as well as desserts made from lemons, I also really love the strong, happy, contemporary place that "lemon yellow" holds in our design hearts. 

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Now, I pretty much like Apothecary jars filled with anything - from bars of soap or sea sponges, to candy and cookies. But delightfully textured and fragrant lemons? Come on!!! :) 

And here are some other inspiring ways to integrate this beautiful citrus fruit into your home décor - literally as shown above, and figuratively as shown here as one of my favourite "happy hues." 

Framed wallpaper - LOVE! 

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I love the yellow Ikat used on the draperies. 

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SWOON!

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Lemon yellow is a natural pairing with warm wood tones. 

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Yellow's PERFECT accomplice - Steely Gray. 

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That's it from my citrus corner this evening. Thanks for stopping by. 

Kerry 

Sultry and Sophisticated

A few posts ago, I shared a kitchen mood board that I created for my friend Denise. She and her family are moving soon, and on the list of "spaces to improve" is her new master bedroom. Now this is one busy family - two children, two full-time careers, one adorable dog, competitive sports, and the list goes on...I know that all of us lead very busy lives - and to me, the busier we are, the more we are in need of a quiet, restful space to relax in. A serene and soothing sanctuary. With this objective in mind, I came up with the following inspiration:

I love the soft, "quiet" palette, the varying textures and finishes, and the fact that, with the exception of a couple of new pieces, we are working with all of their existing furniture (and even with their bedding!). For some drama and visual interest, we will paper one wall (behind the bed) with a gorgeous  grasscloth. Beautiful fabric (in complementary tones of gray, pale aqua, taupe, and cream) will be added on floor to ceiling drapes, accent pillows, and on an upholstered bench for the foot of the bed. Mother of pearl and "capiz" shell will be introduced on both accessories and lighting fixtures for their iridescent properties (and also because they are just plain pretty!).

What do you think? Is this the kind of space that you would like to unwind in at the end of a busy day?

Kerry

Let's put the "B" back in BANQUETTE

First, can i just say that I love the word, "banquette?" It sounds cozy, kind of sophisticated, and super retro, all at the same time! It may remind you of the "albeit sticky, but still super cool" vinyl seats we sat on in ice cream parlours when we were kids; or it may conjure images of some plush, tufted, high-backed velvet seating found in an old John Travolta movie; for me, it reminds me of the eating area at my Dad's old cottage - a place to play board games, eat delicious meals, and spend time together as a family.

Well, it looks like the retro banquette has made a recent return to the "it" list - they are occupying a prevalent place in many newly re-designed kitchens, family rooms, and yes, perhaps even in an upcoming John Travolta movie. What I love about them in particular, is they seem to be a perfect blend of both form and function - they look great (who wouldn't jump at the chance to add more fabulous textiles in the form of cushions and accent pillows?) and they serve a purpose (way more bottoms can squeeze in a banquette than chairs can fit around a table).

Not that I need to do any more convincing (the above mental imagery should do the trick - ha!), I would like to share some of my favourite recent pics of banquettes. Another plus, you will see that a banquette can translate seamlessly into any design aesthetic - from traditional to formal and from country to contemporary. Are you sold yet? I totally am - I just need to figure out where to put one first.....

Cafe au lait and the newspaper, anyone? 

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I love how the upholstered back of the banquette becomes the focal point in this space. Love the drama! 

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Bright and sunny, with a little retro vibe! 

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Perhaps a cup of tea, the crossword puzzle, and a homemade scone would do the trick here? 

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If adding a banquette was the secret to keeping boys sitting quietly at the table, I would have added one a long time ago!

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Minimalist, yet stunning!

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Quite traditional, but I love the custom millwork. 

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Gray, yellow, and just plain inviting! 

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Loads of beautiful pillows? Yes, please!

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Happy Mother's Day everyone! I hope you all have a relaxing, indulgent day. 

Kerry 

A Match Made in Heaven

Quelle surprise! Kerry is blogging about the colour blue (in this case, aqua)...AGAIN! Sorry folks, can't help it. A little bit obsessed (insert sheepish grin here). But, and this is the fun part - the corresponding colour is NOT green! Hooray! Instead, it is this fresh and lively coral - as juicy as a fresh slice of watermelon! I love this colour pairing - they complement one another, they speak the same language, they blend harmoniously. It is, indeed, a match made in heaven. Aqua is a cool, soothing hue, while coral offers slight intensity and warmth. 

I have been seeing this pairing a lot lately, and I think it looks fabulous! I put together this Olioboard with some fresh and fun fabrics and accessories in this palette - wouldn't this make a gorgeous room for a sophisticated teen? Or what about for a relaxed, screened-in sunroom? I especially like the sense of whimsy provided by the Loopy Coral Fabric and the gorgeous ceramic knobs. 

My inspiration for this pairing came from this upholstered headboard. Isn't it pretty?

Then, it seemed that wherever I looked, coral and aqua appeared. For example, take at look at this charming livingroom. I love the imperial trellis pattern on the ottoman and the floor to ceiling draperies. 

Also, look at this wall treatment - painted frames used as simple, yet visually interesting, artwork.

Finally, take a peek at this adorable nursery  - what baby wouldn't feel loved in this precious space? Look at how the quatrefoil motif on the coral wallpaper is repeated on the three aqua mirrors. So sweet! 

Do you have a current favourite colour pairing? If so, please share! I'd love to see. 

Kerry 

Whether to Weather

We headed North this past weekend to my Dad's beautiful cottage - the weather was wonderful! I usually occupy myself during this drive with some knitting (socks make for a portable project). This time, however, my eyes were glued out the window - what was I looking for? BARNS - old, falling down, beautifully weathered barns. Do I want to buy a barn? Well, no. But do I want to buy a beautiful old beam or two, along with a few fantastic planks? YES! What do I want to use this barn board for, you may ask? Well, I am not exactly sure yet, but I do know that I am in love with all of its sheer potential - just look at all of its character, at all of its texture, and at its sense of history - it is as if each piece of old weathered wood has its very own story to tell.

Look at that rich patina! 

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I love how the texture of the wood contrasts so nicely with the painted brick. 

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I have seen this kind of "z" door installed in lots of urban lofts lately - the juxtaposition of "old with new" is really inspiring! 

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Even when painted, you can still see the richness and the character of the wood. And doesn't it look amazing with the other elements in the room?

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Again, I love the contrast here between old and new. A somewhat "industrial" feel in this space with the steel and chrome elements, as well as with the sconces. But, add in a wall of paneled barn board and a slate floor, and you add a nice hit of rustic charm.

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Ooh! Love this space! Look at how the back wall creates an instant textural focal point for the room and, how it acts as a great backdrop for collected art.

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The natural colour palette, when paired with this gorgeous barn board headboard, works to create an organic, almost "beachy" feel.

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If you think that committing to an entire wall or ceiling made of barn board might be too much, this great DIY project might just be what you're after. How cool is this mirror?

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Well, that's it for me today. Hope everyone has a great evening!
Kerry