If you HAD to pick...

Alright, which one would be your thinking spot? If you absolutely HAD to pick?

White & bright? The light walls and floors, super organized shelves and that bench. Dreamy. Image via Shamir Shah Design.

Or would you go moody and dark? That settee is spectacular and the bright art makes it pop. Design via Shamir Shah Design.

Monday Must Have...

What do you get when you mix Paul & Arne? A whole lot of fabulousness. Look at this exquisite tableware collection designed by Paul Smith to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stelton. Paul Smith re-worked some of Danish designer's Arne Jacobsen's collections and came up with a refreshing and contemporary update. I could seriously pour myself a cup of tea from one of these babies...a must have.

I love all this stainless steel with pops of colour. Image via good old Paul.

Life's a stage...

Now what would you do with a stage in your living room? Another week flies past. Hope you all have a great weekend. Happy Friday folks.

Those books make me nervous...but boy does that spot look so sweet. Image via MarieClaire Masion.

Some bathroom love...

My parents need some serous bathroom love. They have a few 25+ year bathrooms in their home that require desperate attention. I mean you open the door and see toilets and maroon tiles all over (I just shivered). I am taking charge and am on the hunt for some professionals to help (no DIY here). Anyone know any bathroom designers in Toronto or surrounding area? They really just need to be gutted and done again. Anyway I dreamt of their bathrooms last night (actually it was a bathroom nightmare, that's how much I hate them). So I need to look at lovely bathrooms to make me feel better again.

Love this white quartz look, although I need major storage in bathrooms. Image via decorpad.

This would be more my parents style. I do love that one long unit. Pretty. Image via decorpad.

All that marble. Yum. I like the free standing tub, my parents would not. Image via LivingEtc.

Alright, maybe a little OTT and my parents would never go for it..but it is WOW right? I mean a shower with claw foot legs? Image via LivingEtc.

Colour and more colour...

Here are some rakhi inspired rooms. Lots of colour. I certainly love looking at rooms like these and am not entirely afraid to commit to colour,  I have pops of it all over my home, but could I do whole rooms dedicated to big bold colours? Hmmm...Could you?

This is what I mean when I say flashy rakhis.

Not quite as flashy thanks to the white...but bold in colour. I kinda like. Image via here

Lots of colour here and lets not forget the disco ball. I love that pop  art of gramps on the back wall too. Image via here.

Now thats colour blocking. Image via here.

Happy Rakhi!

I think it was actually yesterday. Anyway, for those who want to know what I'm talking about, Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan is festival celebrated by Indians all over the world where sisters tie a thread around their brothers reflecting the love between a brother & sister.  Sisters tie the threads, give some sweets and get some cash as a gift from the brother. I like the way this works These threads come in all sorts of shapes and sizes an I like to pick the biggest and flashiest ones for my little bro. Since he is away year I am sending him a virtual one and expect to collect upon his return. In fact, rakhi greetings to all my brothers out there. My little girl did just that when she tied her rakhi on her baby brother followed by a very sweet hug & kiss from her brother (and some cash). Total gushy mommy moment -loved it.

Image credit here.

Desi Art: cuteness galore

I just happened to come across this fantastic desi artist Nidhi Chanai the other day on Etsy (gotta love Etsy). I mean her work screams cuteness. Fantastic colours and a sweet mix of east meets west. These would look great in a book and of course on any wall. Nidhi is a freelance illustrator who lives in California and has wonderful images in her gallery on her website here. Besides her artwork on Etsy, Nidhi writes a blog and posts daily sketches so you can see more of her good stuff each day.

A great adventure print. This one is perfect for both my son & daughter! Available here.

Perfectly title "the Gate". I love this one for myself. Available here.

Monsoon. If only I could just stand out there so happily in the rain. Available here.

Bharat natyam dancers! Ooh I hope Nidhi does some Punjabi bhangra dancers kickin' it old school. Image via here.

Monday Must Have...

Look at these gorgeous area rugs I spotted online over the weekend. The butterfly cutwork and the lovely dahlia inspired rugs would be perfect in any play room, office or kiddy space. These almost look too pretty to step on. A must have.

Oh I love all the colours. Dahlia rugs by Claydies available on Notonthehighstreet.com

Delicious pink cutwork. Botanica rug by Bodie and Frou and available here.

Ah fridays..

Totally a record playing kinda friday today. Too bad I don't have any LPs or a record player lying around. Tonight I will enjoy a birthday celebration with some dear friends. Much needed for me- my day job has got me in overdrive. Great food, laughs and wine - ah fridays. Have a good one folks.

Looks pretty inviting and oh so relaxing. The Eames lounger and that "ah" sign...perfect fit. A Living etc image via flickr.

If you HAD to pick...

Now where you would hang out after work? 

Light & bright with a hit of mid-century classic? I think I am dying a little...this is my dream family/dining combo. The table is just so sweet. Image via decorati

Or would you go true blue? Such a punch of colour. wow. Image via Houzz.com

Art shelves...

Today my post is dedicated to my sister J who is on her first day back to work after a year long maternity leave and undoubtedly at this very moment is thinking about her munchkin in daycare. He is fine J...just fine.  In the meantime, I will distract you (as you can't possibly have that much work to do on your first day back) with images of art shelves as I know you are interested in doing this in your space. I myself, am a more gallery wall type girl (minus the shelves), but you can read a great post that Nancy did over at Marcus design on this very subject. Just think of how many pictures of munchkin you can put in those frames. Only a few more hours to go J, only a few more hours to go.

Art shelves and a little bit of hanging framed art. Cute dog too. Image via flickr

I'm liking this shelf. The black and white art links the various frames together. Plus that is one sweet couch. Image via Houzz.com

Love the contrast. Image via Decorpad.

Or you could just scrap the shelves and do something like this. I like. Easy peezy. Image via Houzz.com 

I would much rather be here...

Nothing like speaking in front of crowd that makes me want to be anywhere else but here today. Yes, I would much rather be chilling and enjoying the view from this spot rather than fighting my nerves. Today is going to be a fun one. Ah, who am I kidding? I'm just going to smile a lot and wing it... 

Ok could you live like this? Enjoying a crazy Costa Rican view while lying on the gorgeous Barcelona Bench. I could live like this...no problem. Image via one of my favs Cabbage Rose.

Monday Must Have...

I want something hammered today. Look at these beauties from West Elm. Hmm, my mom is going to India soon maybe she can bring me something back that is similar? Must plant seed and make her my list. Time to tackle Monday.

Love this big round tray. I need some trays...mine are all crap. This would do me nicely. Available at West Elm.

Or maybe this rectangle one. Perfect for serving a nice cup of tea. I'll just have to get both. Available at West Elm.

And the winner is...

The winner of our $50 CSN giveaway is...

Congratulations Leah! 

Leah said...

I'm dying to do some shopping on CSN. A gift card would sure help :) Love the blog!

AUGUST 11, 2010 9:53 AM 

Please email me your contact information so I can send you the prize!

I love the colours in this shot. Orange rose on turquoise plate - so pretty. Image via flickr. Happy Friday Folks.

A little boost...

I am one of those gals that gets excited about using a new pen. I can't explain the psychology behind it as its always been that way. So when a colleague of mine brought back a gorgeous leather cover for my notebook (which is my bible at work) from her recent trip to Philippines I got all giddy and happy. Thanks T. Sometimes the little things is all you need to give you that boost. Yes, I think I will go out and get a new pen this weekend to match.  

My plain Jane blah notebook before. 

Now my uber chic leather notebook. Yes I know, it is still filled with a mountain of work and a million and one to do lists - but at least it looks better!


Last chance to enter my giveaway folks. I will give someone their happy boost at the end of the day!

Eat, Pray, Love and decorate...

I'm so late in my post today, in fact, the day is almost over. Had a crazy work day that was all consuming. I was lucky enough yesterday to get free movie passes (from my fab sis J) to a premiere screening of Eat, Pray, Love starring Julia Roberts and the lovely Mr. Javier Bardem. Movie was better than I expected and surprisingly touching. Casting was great, but the locations..ooh the locations were delicious. For those unfamiliar with the story, it takes place in Italy, India and Bali. I found myself looking at all the lovely doorways and balconies in Italy, the pops of colour in India and the luscious Balinese traditional architecture. So many different styles and delicious eye candy that it makes me want to decorate in all sorts of styles. Movie comes out tomorrow- worth a watch.

All that wood & stone look is so beautiful. Italian doorway image available here.

colour, colour and more colour. Yum. India image here.

T

Rich wood carvings and lush green everywhere. Bali image via here.

Who wants to win something?

You gotta love CSN right? Okay folks, for those of you who have NEVER gone online to look at the CSN stores (even just to look), please click away. You really can find everything there and then some. From classic dinnerware,  to laptop bags (I am still hunting for a good one) or a really cool table & chair sets for your kiddies. 

Reminds me of the cute French bistro where I indulged in yummy au pain du chocolat with my girls this Sunday. Available here.

Yes I would sit here and play with my kiddies. Love it. Available here.

So all you have to do is leave a comment here. The more comments you do...the more chances to win a $50 US gift certificate (Canada & US residents only I'm afraid) for you to spend at any of the CSN stores. I'll pick the winner on Friday.

BG design fix...

Brian Gluckstein (BG) is a Toronto design god.  Several years ago I was lucky enough to see the man work his design magic in person as I sat like a giddy little groupie audience member on a local tv show. I turned into Gumby when I saw him at the Toronto Interior Design show. The guy just oozes design rock star. His work is sophisticated and polished. Sometimes I just need that design shine and I can always leave it to BG to follow through. Let's just soak up  some of his greatness today.

Lovely Yorkville, Toronto loft. Pure glamour. Image via Gluckstein Design.

Bright and bold. Same loft. Image via Gluckstein Design.

Palm beach goodness. That sideboard is to die for. Image via Gluckstein Design.

Zen indeed. Just the BG fix I need today. Image via Gluckstein Design.

Monday Must Have...

Well hello Monday. Hope you all had a good weekend. A little excercize (thanks Shannon) and spending time with my favourite people has me in good spirits. I caught my eye on this lovely little tapestry from Urban Outfitters today and it reminds me of my mom's linen closet - full of goodies from India that are bold and lovely. A monday must have. Have a good one folks.

Fun. I like. Available at Urban Outfitters for $36.

Run fatboy, run...

Title of a very funny movie that I should probably watch again this weekend. I need to start excercizing again. Poor hubby, sisters and girlfriends have heard me moan about it long enough...so I think it is time to act. It's really too bad that  I would much rather eat some Presidents Choice chocolately caramel treats ice-cream (this is not a plug it really is so delish..) rather than slap on my running gear. What can I do? I am so NOT motivated at all (although my jeans tell a slightly different story). I really have no excuses as I have fitness equipment at home! Oh the shame. Step one - I will look at these luxurious gyms and maybe if I stare at them long enough the fitness fairy will pop over and get me moving again.  Alright, I'll take your laughs as a no chance in hell. Happy Friday folks.

Who couldn't excercize here? Look at that view and those floors. Image via Edyta & Co.

 I could sweat here. Image via Edyta & Co.

So nice and bright. Image via here.

A little glamorous yes, but I could focus on that twinkling chandelier. Image via here.

My mojo has gone awol

I'm feeling so blah today. You think I would be rejuvinated after a few days off, but truth be told, weekends away become tiring, you drink & eat WAY too much, kids routines are off and then of course lack of sleep hits you like a tonne of bricks. Just haven't gotten my groove back this week and the more I think about what I need to do...the harder it seems to get focused and be super productive. Sorry, don't mean to complain and be a Debbie downer or anything...just feel so blah, so uninspired and where is my motivation gone? Why isn't my Type A personality kicking in right about now?

Image via Flickr

Maybe I should go get some of those life re-inventing motivational books or something to give me the good old kick I need. God knows I need to ramp up on my reading these days. Or maybe I'll just stare at this chair for a while and I'll magically snap out of it.

Nope. Still in a funk. Wow even one of my favourites the Eames Molded plywood chair can't get me going. Oh dear, this is going to be a long day. Image via here