Coffee Table Books

I'm in search of a new side table for my living room and I love this idea~ a substantial pile of coffee table books stacked to make a table! This obviously requires quite a few large, heavy books (which clearly won't get read while doing table duty) but an idea like this is as easy to put together as it looks chic.

ps- I just bought the most amazing coffee table book~ Taschen's Paris. It is a huge collection of the best restaurants, hotels and shops in the city of lights. Love!

Ghost Love

Today I'm obsessed with this office. Although I think it's too pretty to be called an office~ den? study? No matter. It's darling. I adore the tiny, crystal drop chandelier, the fantastic gallery wall and especially the Philippe Starck Ghost chair (maybe I love this most of all because I own one, but it's not sitting as pretty in my living room as it does in this perfect space). I think if I had a room like this I would never leave~ I could write that book I've been longing to or just look at Shopbop all day! Love!

(Photo via The City Sage)

DIY~ Painting Furniture

My domestic streak has continued since I started painting my bedroom last week (a project that has been postponed for the moment, until the end of the Olympics). DIY time! One of the first pieces of furniture I purchased when I first moved out on my own was an Asian lacquered chest from Moe's on South Granville. I liked the proportions and the details of the chest but I hated the dark, shiny wood. I bought it because the price was fantastic, always with the idea in my mind that I would have it professionally spray painted, a technique I see done by Sarah Richardson on her HGTV design shows all the time. Little did I know that having the chest painted would cost as much as the piece itself! I was quoted over $300! Um, no.

Several years later and it was still a dark eyesore in my otherwise pale, pretty apartment. I researched online the best way to repaint a piece of furniture myself and tackled the job last Monday (while simultaneously watching One Tree Hill, Life Unexpected and my favourite, Castle). It was so easy! I sanded the heck out of the glossy finish, applied three coats of oil based primer and then two coats of latex paint with a foam roller. Voila! My chest is exactly what I'd always hoped it would be~ pale, girly, me! I couldn't be more thrilled that my crafty tendencies were a success! And instead of costing $300 it was a mere steal at $40 for the supplies and paint! I feel like Martha and couldn't be happier about it...

but you still won't find me making potpourri!

My inspiration piece~ the photo that sold me on going blue! A bold choice but I adore it!

The initial product. Just not my thing. I'm not a fan of dark furniture.

Oil based primer is the DEVIL! It gets everywhere and doesn't come out! By far the worst part! It still covers my sink. Ugh. I used three coats to cover the chest.

Exploring

The final result! I love it and am thrilled it's completed!

No Domestic Goddess Here

I am no domestic goddess, believe me. Though I love amateur decorating and baking the odd piece of sugary goodness (usually from a mix), I am no Martha Stewart. This hugely frustrates me. I wish I were effortlessly crafty and handy. I am definitely not.

Today I started painting my bedroom. After a little over a year in my apartment I have finally felt strong and assured enough in that my roomie and I will stay for awhile and so I took myself off to the paint store to celebrate settling in a bit more. The colour I picked is called Skylight and is a soothing, pale aqua~ very reminiscent of this pretty room and this one above. One litre, two hours and several repeats of my current fave iTunes playlist (featuring Phoenix, Mumford & Sons and The Silversun Pickups) later there is one wall done. One! So why does it feel like I scaled a mountain?! I'm a wuss, I know! But seriously, one litre equals one wall?! Back to the paint store I go tomorrow. Still, it looks dreamy. So much better than beige. Who needs a beige life? Not this girl. Even if I did step in the paint can lid several times. See what I mean? Definitely not a domestic goddess.

Inspiring Interiors

During the winter months I feel the urge to nest, big time. Hiding inside from the rain creates in me the urge to make my interior the one of my dreams. I've been thinking and plotting non stop about what I'd like to do with my apartment and my plans are starting to be laid. These beautiful spaces are hugely inspiring me right now...

I adore the living area above. It doesn't typically look like something I would love but I'm very drawn to the strong, modern wallpaper juxtaposed with the traditional tufted sofa, the beautiful bright painting and the unexpected, pale blue console. In fact, this could be the very colour I paint my own TV console (a job I've wanted done since I purchased it three years ago).

I have a large empty wall that would be absolutely perfect for a gallery of frames. I especially love the different size of frames hung opposite from each other. Now if only someone would install them perfectly for me...

This Parisian bedroom makes me melt. I love its soothing, creamy palette with its punctuation of brighter colour. Plus, I'm in search of a mirror similar to this one to put over the mantle in my living room. The search is officially on!

Everyone knows I love colour so I am drawn to the boldness of this gorgeous yellow painting and vivid blue lamp. A truly gutsy use of brights. Love!

I worship everything about this incredible living room~ the stunning crystal chandelier, the wall of display, the feminine palette. I definitely plan on incorporating more colour into my apartment based on this lovely home.

(Photos 1-4 via Made by Girl, photos 5, 6 via Vi.sualize)

New Obsession~ Dreamy Kitchens

The only thing I truly dislike about my heritage apartment is the kitchen. Ugh, the kitchen. Its only redeeming quality is that it has two original (aka 90 year old) dreamy built in china cabinets with leaded glass windowed doors at its entrance and room for my full, six seater white dining table. Other than those two things? Grim. It was renovated a few years ago when the daughter of the building's owner lived here~ and at least it has had a small renovation. I hear some of the kitchens here are majorly dated (did I mention the building is 90 years old?!). Seriously, it has green laminate countertops (green. laminate.), taupe tile backsplash (not the worst but seriously blah) and blond wood cabinets (boring). Did I mention fluorescent lighting? Eek. 

I dream of even a tiny kitchen renovation. My Wish List items~ Stainless steel appliances? Sigh. White marble countertops and backsplash? Mmm hmmm. A pretty chandelier? Please!!! These kitchens are enormous inspiration points and I'm strategizing ways I can convince my landlord for a bit of an upgrade... yeah, I don't think it's going to happen either! 

One day, I say, one day. 

Incredible tile floor, red accents, gorgeous hardwood table and dining benches to boot? 

Serious deep love here. 

Professional gas range meets pretty mirror and stunning light fixture. 

Utilitarian juxtaposed with feminine... love! 

The gallery wall in the kitchen is heaven!

All white? I'm all in.

I adore this carriage lamp fixture for over my dining table, seen at Pottery Barn.

(Photo 1, 2 via The City Sage, 3, 4 via Erin Ever After, 5 via Vi.sualize, 6 via Pottery Barn)

Raspberry Crush

Even though it is just a snippet, the photograph of this living room makes me swoon~ and I'm not even really that into pink. Still, it reminds me of my favourite Parisian apartment that I posted yesterday. I naturally gravitate towards spaces decorated mostly in white or ivory with just small bursts of colour. I love the vibrancy this raspberry hued chair brings to the soothing room, not to even mention the amazing mantle, carved mirror and minimally decorated built ins. 

Serious perfection. 

(Photo via Made by Girl)

Sur la Rive Droit (and that's the only French you're getting from me)

When I was searching for places to rent in Paris a few years ago I found only one I fell utterly in love with. I still look at this picture regularly and dream of staying in this one bedroom apartment in a three hundred year old building on the Right Bank. It combines everything I love about heritage styling~ gorgeous and substantial crown moulding, stunning herringbone wood floors and an amazing stone fireplace mantle. Most of all I love the soothing neutral palette (mostly dreamy white) punctuated with the one, vibrant blue armchair. 

The TV on the floor is a different story. That's weird.

Still, I love to look at this photograph whenever I need a reminder of how I want my apartment to feel. Or when I need to dream of places to stay when I visit Paris next.... (this year??!!)

Clocktower Apartment Love

I want to live here so badly I can feel it in my bones. Wouldn't it be amazing to wake up every morning under the glow of this beautiful clock? But only if it ticks very very quietly. This converted loft in Brooklyn, New York is as magical a place as I can imagine living. It reminds me of the giant clocks in Paris's Musee d'Orsay (below)~ which is probably why I love it so much. I adore pretty much anything that reminds me of Paris. I am definitely meant to live somewhere heritage and full of character. Isn't this place inspiring?

(Photo 1 via Vi.sualize, Photo 2 via Google)

Christmas at Home

Here are a few images of Christmas around my home~ as you can tell, I get a little overexcited and every surface has to be decorated! I realize it's a little "much" but I adore it for one month of the year. Every time I come home to the pretty tree, the smell of cinnamon scented pine cones and the cheerful decorations I feel warm and fuzzy inside. It truly is a magical time of year! 

Now... if only it would snow! 

I Heart This Stunning Heritage Home

I love stumbling upon photos of homes that remind me of mine, because then it inspires me and offers brand new decorating ideas. This house is breathtaking and far bigger and more beautiful than mine, but the architectural bones of this place are reminiscent of my heritage apartment. I love the all over whiteness of the below living room~ it's so soothing, simple and elegant (but I would switch out the dark coffee table for something prettier). On the other hand I absolutely adore the pale robins egg blue shade in the room above. I would love this exact colour on the walls in my bedroom. 

I can't wait to start painting~ any takers? Please! 

(My mother already said no. Hmph.)

Genius Display Idea

Vintage teacups and saucers make for the prettiest jewelry display I've ever seen! Ask your mother or grandmother for any china pieces they aren't using or scour second hand stores for mismatched teacups. Layer your earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings in pretty combinations and in contrasting colours. Seeing what you have on display will allow you to perfectly accessorize everyday and such a lovely collection will make any dresser top incredibly pretty.

(Photo via Martha Stewart)

A Little Bit of Christmas

The first sign of Christmas around my place....pretty white lights on the spiral staircase! I'm not ready to decorate fully yet but I felt the place needed, well, something today. Lulu fully appreciated the effort~ she was fascinated by the lights, racing up and down the stairs, all hyper! 

It May Be Way Too Early But....

The stores are filling up with Christmas decor and ornaments and I hate to admit it.... but I'm already planning my holiday decor! Christmas is by far my favourite time of year. I love the smell of apple cider brewing to sample in Williams Sonoma. I love the persistent cheer of carols in the stores and (I shamefully admit it) on a permanent loop in my car. I love sending and receiving cards in the mail, if for no other reason than to express love at such a time of the year. I love it all, the happiness and gushiness of it all. 

I decorate my place faithfully on the 1st of December. Sadly my apartment building won't let me have a live tree so mine is a fake. It does a good job but I love the smell of a real tree. Still, there are plenty of pretty decorations to sustain me through the holiday season and I love to spread them throughout my entire apartment, even the kitchen and powder room. I'll certainly post on the upcoming holiday more as it draws closer but I wanted to share some of the holiday decor seen at my favourite place, The Cross. Isn't it all heavenly? 

I utterly love this white Christmas tree. I want one for myself this year!

Owls are my absolute favourite! I adore both the owl lamp and the tree ornaments like crazy! 

Cupcake and pink reindeer ornaments? These are so on my list! 

Snowflake scatter is perfect for a seasonal party! 

(Photos via The Cross' Facebook Fan Page)

This Much I Know For Sure

This much I know for sure.... surgery bites. I've been through it before and I'll go through it again but the one this week was yet another health blip. I'll spare you the details but I will say that the imposed rest has been good for both body and soul and my head is feeling clearer than ever.... despite the drowsy haze leveled on me by painkillers. Despite all the unknowns in my life at the moment, this much I know for sure...

1. Lulu is the best medicine. Lulu and morphine.

2. The hospital is an awesome place to meet gorgeous, young doctors. I met three. On the downside, when they are examining you in a kick ass, super stylin' hospital gown all romantic potential is sort of a no go.

3. Cheesy TV a la 90210, Melrose Place and The Ghost Whisperer is good for the soul (in a guilty pleasure sort of way). On the other hand, The Vampire Diaries is dangerously good and addictive. 

4. I have the best nurse in the world. I call her mom. 

This much I also know for sure...

This tiny, adorable fawn bud vase is one of the sweetest things I've seen in ages. Perfect for just a single flower or seasonal sprig. I would place mine on my bedside table to admire its cuteness. Also a perfect gift for your girlfriend who has everything. One of the many things I have my heart set on right now from The Cross. 

My new guilty pleasure is the beautiful website and blog Once Wed. I'm seriously nowhere near getting married (duh) but this site is a candy store for the eyes. I absolutely adore this photo~ especially the amazingly lovely colour combination of the aqua bridesmaids dresses paired with yellow shoes and pink flowers. Heaven. 

This confection of a dress is high on my wish list right now. The rosette bedecked shift is heartbreakingly romantic and sweet but can be styled, as above, to be edgier. I've just discovered the fabulous website ModCloth and they have no less than half a dozen dresses I'm yearning for at unbelievable prices. This one tops the list. 

I heart this chair, as seen on Bliss. I love the modern shape and the whimsical printed fabric and I love it paired with the rustic, twig side table. I would like two of these in my living room please. 

Remember my post on this wallpaper in my friend Sarah's lovely home? Here it is again, seen on This is Glamorous. I love it more than ever. Wallpaper is like jewelry. It immediately dresses up any room to perfection. It's so worth the risk. Also see Chloe's post on more gorgeous wallpaper on My Favourite Things. 

I love funny things for the kitchen (I have scissors in the shape of a woodpecker that make me laugh every time I use them). These Easter Island inspired ice cube trays are fantastic for cocktail hour! Well worth the $10 to see the smiles on everyone's faces! They also sell this line at Front on Main Street. 

I dream of this dress from BCBG. It makes my heart pitter patter. Is there anything to say other than hubba hubba? I worship the drama of this backless number, not to mention the simply gorgeous violet colour and its stunning asymmetry. This one is so special I don't think I can pass it up. It would be perfection for an upcoming Christmas party. 

This much I know for sure.... the internet is a great distraction and I will get better soon. Thank you to all my wonderful friends and my family for their hugely appreciated support and love. xo

The Perfect Bedroom

I'm dreaming of a chic bedroom makeover and this stunning one I spotted on Canadian House & Home is sincerely swoon worthy. I'm a big fan of soothing, crisp, white bedding so I love that the injection of colour instead comes from the whimsical wallpaper, quirky patterned rug and matching turquoise lamp/end table combination. Plus, I have long imagined a perfect four poster bed in my own room and this one is both girly elegant yet streamlined. This could very well be the perfect bedroom in my mind! 

Visit House & Home for other inspiring images, 

photo galleries and ideas.

Parisian Style At Its Best

I am madly in love with this Parisian apartment. I adore everything about its charming quirkiness. It looks so unstudied and casual yet it is elegant and hip at the same time. This is what I always hope my future home will look like. It exudes the fun of the young family who lives in it. I especially love the oversized mirror above the fireplace, the wall of books and the amazing amazing herringbone floor~ swoon! 

Love love love it. 

A fantastic gallery wall above another gorgeous mantle. 

The simple home office area~ fantastic art and stunning 

architectural details! 

A heart shaped polaroid wall above the bed~ sweet, fresh and original! 

Display at its best~ books, art and white fairy lights! All my favourite things! 

(Photos via A Cup of Jo from Cookie Magazine)