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." 

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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

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Oooh! I adore those wooden chargers! 

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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 

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: 

• General Contracting by Chaplin Home Improvements
• Cabinetry by Kitchen Prolzl
• Hardwood flooring by Kentwood
• Coffee Table by Woodcraft
• Sectional by La-Z-Boy
• Custom drapes and pillow by Tonic Living
• Custom throw pillows sewn by Lisa Sinclair Sewing
• Additional fabric for pillows from Designer Fabrics
• Throw from West Elm
• Chair from Sklar Peppler
• Wall paint is "Drab" by Farrow and Ball
• Trim Colour is "Opaline" by Benjamin Moore
• Accessories by Home Sense

Thanks for stopping by. 

Kerry 

Feeling a little bit SHELF-ish

Hi,

It has been awhile! I've started this post several times, but one thing or another has gotten in the way this week. Not quite sure where the time goes...

A while back, I shared this inspiration shot:

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A friend of mine asked me to help her re-design her sunken family room (it was my first "real" project and, for her faith and trust in me, I will be eternally grateful). On the wish list was a wall of built-in cabinetry. It was love at first sight for both of us when we came across this image. There was just something about the clean, crisp lines and the contrast between the black and the off-white that appealed. We decided to use this image as a jumping-off point for the entire space (we actually just took some photographs of the completed room yesterday - will share ASAP, I promise!) Anyway, the impact that a photo of a simple shelf had on our design process got me thinking...and searching. And the more I searched, the more I fell in love...with SHELVES. 

Now, put aside the practical side of your brain that tells you that the function of a shelf is STORAGE (hmmm...is my husband reading this?). And, while I am not denying that fact, there is SO much more that a shelf can do.

Here are just a few of the many beautiful and inspiring possibilities: 

Shelves can be used to display one's "treasures" - here they are a charming mix of books, vessels,  and miniature objets.  Notice how the colours, weight, and textures are nicely balanced.
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A shelf (or series of shelves) can be used to house a collection(s) - in this beautiful example we see valuable ironstone pitchers and tureens, as well as a mix of glassware, and a set of vintage botanical prints.
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While "display" is again a key function in this gorgeous space, I also love how the expertly styled shelves serve to accentuate the aesthetic of the rest of the room. If every room tells a story, then this one does just that - with all of the elements working together.
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Aren't these adorable? Here, three small, white shelves (against a white background no less) create a wonderful focal point. The organic coral, fruit, and plants contrast well with the mercury glass votives and vintage books. An unexpected grouping is sometimes the most successful.
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These shelves add contemporary texture in the form of a grasscloth-papered background. They also serve to both visually heighten and brighten the space. Very pretty.
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Not afraid of bold colour and have a quirky, vintage aesthetic? Then these playfully styled shelves are for you! I love the colour-blocking and the careful attention paid to height and visual weight.
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And last, but not least, notice how you can make your shelf space appear deeper than it really is.  The eye can successfully be tricked by "layering" items at various depths.  This is a very useful trick - especially in small rooms.
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So, whether you use them to store your books, display your tchotchkes, or tell a story, I invite you to feel a little bit SHELF-ish as well. But be careful - it's contagious!

xo
Kerry

You say ZIG, and I'll say ZAG...

Hi,

What is a) bold and graphic; b) popping up everywhere in both design and fashion; and c) able to define and delineate a space in its striking simplicity alone (not to mention being able to signal a sharp curve in the road ahead)? Why, a CHEVRON is, of course! The chevron, or its more familiar term, the zig zag, has the design world sitting up and taking notice. Contemporary, gender-neutral, and just plain fun, the chevron pattern is being used on everything from fabric and wall coverings, to artwork and accessories.

Here are some zig zag products that have recently caught my eye: 

L-R -area rug; throw; framed canvas;
pillow; fabric; wallpaper 

Shabby chic meets contemporary in this bright and sunny family room. 

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I love the mix of natural, organic elements with the graphic, patterned area rug. 

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Repetition of pattern and colour creates a calm, serene feeling in this precious nursery. 

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A neutral, traditional space packs some punch by introducing a bold chevron pattern on the sofa. 

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DIY art, in the form of this chevron-printed canvas, adds height and interest to this living space. 

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Love this look? Simply cut squares of cardboard to fit openings, wallpaper them, and prop in each space. Easy to do, and easy to change out down the road when you tire of the print. 

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Can't commit to an entire wall? Check out this chic table lamp by Jonathan Adler. 

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In closing, I'd like to give a special shout-out to my good friend, Lynn - this post is for you, you chevron loving gal! :) 

Kerry