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 

who knew?

That BLUE was such a popular shade for nightstands, dressers, and vanities? How, in my year long search for new bedside tables, did I miss this trending item? I am going to compare it to one of those experiences we all have with new words. You know, a word resonates with you for the first time, (you have probably heard it a hundred times before, but never paid attention) and then, all of a sudden, everywhere you go for the next month, you hear that word.

So, much like a new word, blue chests, tables, and dressers have been popping up everywhere lately - in a wide variety of styles, shades, and sizes. And in so many unique and stunning applications.

Here are just a few that have recently caught my eye:

I love this vintage piece that was custom sprayed for a teen girls' room. And check out its dainty features. 

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Something I've been seeing a lot lately is "ombre" - a piece featuring a graduated tone or colour. I adore this DIY dresser in a shabby chic space. 

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Swoon! I love this shade of Peacock blue (and the bamboo detailing is gorgeous!) 

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I love the crisp white of the walls, headboard, floor, and linens against this perfect pop of turquoise! What a fabulous piece! 

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This vintage piece is perfect against the bead board wainscotting, slipcovered chairs, and wide-plank hardwood floors. 

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This dresser serves double duty as a bed side table when placed between twin beds. 

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How cute is this? I am not sure of the original purpose of this adorable tiered table, but I love how it adds both function and a playful touch to this charming bedroom. 

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And last, but definitely not least, I had to share this vintage dry sink in a delightful shade of Robin's Egg blue. The off-white and pale yellow accents really allow the piece to command the visual attention it deserves. 

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It is always such fun to spot a new trend! I hope you enjoyed these pics. They have certainly been food for thought in my ongoing search for the perfect bedside tables. Wish me luck! 

xoxo

Kerry 

Navy and Lime...oh me, oh my!!!

Hello,

I had mentioned a while ago that I was doing some design work for good friends of ours. They have just moved into a new home, and are bravely and sagely living through the tail end of an extensive kitchen renovation. I cannot WAIT to show you completed photos of their new space, but, in the interim, I can leave you with a teaser. The colour palette for the main floor is very fresh, preppy, and sophisticated. It is classy, playful, and just a tiny bit bold. It is going to look fantastic!


It is a mix of NAVY blue and LIME green with neutral hits of grey and white. Here is an inspiration board for the open concept kitchen and family room.

What do you think? We love it, and can't wait to see all of our visions come to life in just a couple of short weeks. I will be sure to share photos of the finished space just as soon as I can.

Happy Monday!

Kerry

P.S. I have been trying my hand at some DIY lately - look for me to share the tutorials and photos over the next little while.

pillow talk

Hello!

It is no secret that I love pillows! In fact, before I share some of my latest favourite pillows (so many fabulous motifs, prints, and patterns to show you!), I would like to take a minute to tell you why I think the humble throw pillow is, indeed, an extremely versatile accessory.

Kerry's Top 10 Reasons to ADORE Pillows 

1. Pillows are small and light (i.e. easily stored if necessary). 
2. Pillows have the ability to pull an otherwise dis-jointed space together (through colour, texture, or pattern). 
3. They are available in a multitude of shapes, sizes, materials, colours, prints, and textures. 
4. Pillows add instant warmth and a layer of softness to a space. 
5. Pillows are available in a wide range of price points (from economical ready-mades, to pricier custom-mades). 
6. They are the most highly-coveted items during family movie night (i.e. they serve a practical function in addition to an aesthetic one). 
7. Adorable non-human members of the family seem to covet them as well (not sure if this is a pro or a con?) 
8. Pillows can reflect ANY style or mood imaginable. 
9. They can easily be changed to reflect the season. 
10. They are just plain PRETTY!

And here are some current patterns, textures, and motifs that I have been seeing lately: 

And I could go on and on.....There are hundreds of gorgeous pillows available today in a rainbow of colours. Hmmm...where do we start?

Here are a few of my favourite places to find affordable, contemporary, and just plain pretty, pillows: 

• West Elm
• Tonic Living
• Pottery Barn
• Home Sense
• Urban Barn

Until next time, 

Kerry 

BOOK NOOK

You say tomato, I say tomato.

Some call it a window seat, I call it a "book nook."

Why the differentiation, you may ask? Well, first, I love BOOKS - the sight of books, the feel of books, the discussion of books...you get the picture. So, therefore, the thought of an entire space in my home dedicated just to the pursuit of reading a book? AMAZING! And second, I love rhyming words (I think this dates back to my early career as a kindergarten teacher). Regardless of the reasons, however, I have to admit to a little crush on all of the following inspiration shots. As you are scrolling through, I invite you to visualize yourself (or someone you cherish), curled up in any of these TO DIE FOR spaces with a cozy blanket, a beverage of choice, and a well-loved copy of a favourite book.

Natural sunlight, when paired with tufted leather and a whimsical roman blind, create a warm, comfy vibe in this sophisticated nursery. 

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Vintage shutters and reclaimed barn board, mixed with velvet, linen, and a cashmere throw? Be still, my beating heart! 

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I love this colour palette for a children's playroom! How sweet - and how organized! 

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A long, narrow hallway such as this could potentially look dark and gloomy. Not in this case, however.  White, on everything from the drapes and pillows to the slipcovers and paint, creates an airy feeling in this light-filled space. 

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Additional storage built-in to this window seat provides function (as well as GREAT form!)

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"Halfway up" is a wonderful spot to consider a window seat if your layout allows it. 

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There is something so soothing and restful about an all-white room. Probably my most favourite of all of these images, I imagine digging into a great work of historical fiction and whiling away the day. 

I admire a lot about this image - the dark-stained floors, the substantial newel posts, but most of all, I adore the elevated space on the landing. That would be the most highly-coveted space in our home, guaranteed! 

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Have a good day! 

xo Kerry 

watermelon and tangerine

Hello,

One of the BEST things about BOLD and BRIGHT colour combinations is that they are, quite often, somewhat unusual or UNEXPECTED. I love this. Now, when you think back on your childhood, what two colours did your Mom tell you to NEVER, ever wear together? Why PINK and ORANGE, of course! So, what do we know today that our Moms did not? Well, here goes:

1. Rules are meant to be broken. 
2. An unexpected grouping can turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. 
3. You'll never know if something "works" unless you try it! 

Once upon a time, not so long ago, the dynamic duo of watermelon and tangerine (aka pink and orange) would have caused many a raised eyebrow. Now, however, brave fashion pioneers and courageous designers have proven, time and again, that this colour combo REALLY can deliver! 

While watermelon pink conjures images of cool and refreshing poolside beverages (watermelon granita, anyone?), tangerine orange conveys feelings of sunny, happy warmth. Is it merely a case of opposites attract? Or, is it possible, that no matter how old we get, we still like to prove our mothers' wrong?

Here are some of my favourite examples of this duo in action:

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I hope that everyone is keeping cool during this oppressive heat wave! 

Kerry