Under Construction...

Please excuse me while I shake the dust out of my hair. For the last three months our home has been flipped upside down and we have had limited access to and use of our kitchen. All in the name of renovations!

Since moving in (almost 4 years ago), B and I have discussed taking on a kitchen renovation but it's always been a pain point for us. Unfortunately, this isn't our "forever" home; as a result we've been hesitant to gut and remodel the space and have made due with minor aesthetic updates. Due to the nature of our awkwardly small and poorly designed cooking space we finally decided that enough was enough. A renovation would be required prior to us selling this house; we might as well complete it now so we can spend as much time as possible enjoying it.

The kitchen will be completely finished today (hallelujah). This weekend I will be reorganizing drawers, shelves, and cupboards to maximize functionality, which satisfies my inner Monika Gellar. Once everything is back to as close a state of normalcy it may ever get around here, I will post a full before and after tour. I am so happy with how everything turned out and I can't wait to share every detail with you.

It would be remiss of me not to officially acknowledge our contractors and everyone who helped us along the way (thanks, dad). The best projects are always group collaborations, aren't they?

Happy Weekending, friends.

C.

the bar cart.

Like many of you, I have been infatuated with the gorgeous, vintage-inspired bar carts that have been flooding the pages of Apartment Therapy, Design Sponge, and other design blogs. The recent revival of the bar cart has inspired a series of bar cart styling posts that I’ve devoured for the past year. After reading through a number of posts, I noticed an over-arching theme: the bar carts were almost all thrifted or snatched up at an estate sale or flea market. Realizing that it may take years to acquire such a piece (and that I had no immediate plans to attend the Rose Bowl Flea Market – an antique gold mine), I chalked it up to a pipe dream and went on my merry way.

You know the notion that you’ll find it when you stop looking for it?  I literally stumbled upon this bar cart. For real. I walked right into it, covered in dust and altogether tarnished, at a local thrift shop. After a double take, I pushed its squeaky wheels across the store to the cash register and down the street to my car screaming “start the CAR!!” in my head.

Once I got it home I remembered I was in the process of planning two weddings so this project was put on hold for a couple months. This fall, Ben dissembled the cart and we took the shelves to a local glass shop, hoping to have two pieces of glass cut for the shelves. Due to the shape of the shelves neither glass nor mirror worked. Enter backup plan # 3: high gloss black spray paint. After a good polishing and a few coats of spray paint, I’m really happy with how it turned out.  

Now reassembled, I’m tasked with the ever-daunting but exciting task of styling the cart.  Although there are still a few items on my wish list, I’ve hoarded cultivated several key elements over the past few months which gives me a base to work with. 

- Vintage Cocktails book - Anthropologie
- champagne glasses + drink tray - vintage
- martini shakers and wine chiller - Homesense
- paper straws - gifted from a Wedding Belle
- pink flamingo olive picks - a local party store

I'm thrilled that our bar is fully stocked just in time for the holiday season.

Do you have a bar cart/ shelf/ or hutch? What are your essentials? 

bar cart inspiration + tips on how to build a bar:

Society Social

Cupcakes and Cashmere

The Life Styled

The Glitter Guide

Matchbook Magazine

Ikea Campaign Chest DIY

There are many-an-Ikea-Hack floating around the Internet; you've no doubt come across them on Pinterest.  I'd like to suggest that this Campaign Chest DIY is one of the best.

Louisa of For Chic Sake has mapped out a brilliant DIY tutorial with easy to follow steps and links to all of the supplies she used. I've bookmarked this fuchsia beauty for a future project as it's a very cost effective way to give a tired chest of drawers a make over. 

Visit For Chic Sake for the details and links to many other project details. 

(images courtesy of For Chic Sake). 

Bri's Loft

I fell in love with Bri Emery's loft when it was photographed last month by Bonnie Tsang for the 2011 Holiday issue of Rue Magazine. The loft embodies Bri's eclectic style and is the perfect combination of masterfully selected vintage finds and colourful contemporary pieces. I'm inspired.



(All photos by Bonnie Tsang).

B+W love.

I am absolutely smitten with the black and white living room of Likainen Parketti. It's the perfect mix of airy + industrial + cozy. Isn't that coffee table a bonafide beauty? I'm hoping to pick up an oversized letter or two on our trip to Oregon; this is perfect styling inspiration.

What do you look for in a living space? Natural light? A cozy nook to curl up with a good book?



(Styling and photos courtesy of Likainen Parketti).

neutral palette

There is something about Keri Russell's personal style that is so chic and so effortless. The 1860s Brooklyn brownstone that she and her husband gutted and then renovated exudes the same natural charm; I'm in love with what they've done.


Natural elements mixed with strategically-proportioned glamourous pieces (like this lovely chandelier) result in the perfect balance of masculine and feminine.


There are so many design elements that I love; however, my favourite room has to be the kitchen/ eating area. The dark reclaimed wood, light walls and exposed brick look amazing in the natural light that streams into the room.







What is your favourite element of this space?



Photos by William Waldron for Elle Decor.

Wild Things.

In keeping with the African wildlife theme today, I wanted to share these papier mache animal cast heads from Anthropologie. I am in love with all of them and I'm having a very difficult time deciding on just one! Which is your favourite?


Can't I start a collection?



Photos via Anthropologie.

Inspiration, revisited

This work space and mood board have given me the nudge to start organizing my materials (books - art supplies - photos - tech accessories - jars of pencils - magazine clippings - etc) into a refined work space. We happen to have a room downstairs that would be perfect; however, it has become that room. The room where things without a home, find a home. I'm certain that B. will be rather thrilled to hear about my plans as my things have taken over the better part of our main floor.

Do you have a space or a room that you create within? Do you have a mood/ inspiration board? Is it electronic or tangible?

If you're interested... check out the DIY for putting this mood board together (so easy) + another inspiration board.

Photo by Thorsten Becker via decor8.

portraits.

This collection of photos becomes even more beautiful after hearing this family's tragic and touching story.

Eden Lang (with the help of Kate Kunz) did a lovely job with the portraits of her beautiful children; they look amazing blown up + framed over the sofa. Stunning.



Photos by Eden Lang via You Are My Fave.

Inspiration, etc.

I have been dreaming of creating myself an inspiration board as of late. The likes of this one, will do nicely.


I love this desk and everything on it.

Do you have an inspiration space/ place/ board? How is it organized? Where is it?


Photo by Sara Svenningsrud via Residence + Scandinavian Chic.

Reindeer Love.

So it's settled. I need a ceramic animal head over my fireplace + I'm particularly smitten with this one. Don't you think it is just the most perfect winter mantle? Love the white on white.




Photo by Sandra Aslaksen via decor8.

Birch Walls

I'm always looking for creative + beautiful wallpapers as I have the urge to paper a wall in my home in the New Year. I've seen a birch pattern like this one used in similar nook space and I love how it looks in a corner. It seems to just expand the corner and pull the eye forward.

The space is altogether lovely; small nick-nack spaces are my favourite (& I have a slight obsession with baskets and boxes).



Interior Design by Ashley Wick via Lonny Mag.

Chalkboard Horses.

This has to be one of the coolest gift ideas I've ever seen. Who wouldn't want a sweet chalkboard horse for their kitchen counter to jot down a love note or a grocery list? The figurines themselves are quite stunning. It's also adorable for wedding photos!




Check out the many sizes and styles of horses available at Houndstooth Design.




Photos Courtesy of Houndstooth Design (1 + 2) and Once Wed (3).

DIY Globes

Have you seen these whimsical string globes that seem to be appearing all over the wedding and design blog worlds? I for one am a fan and LOVE that the crafty folks who created them have also shared the DIY instructions!

Is it just me, or does the first collection of these globes create the same whimsical motif commonly accomplished by paper lanterns? I really like the layered look and various sizes, especially the smaller ones, which Jessica + Garret of Wednesday Designs have also assembled in vases (seen, here). They have provided some very helpful tips which indicate that prep is key for this DIY.


I was instantly smitten with the second example, a pendant lamp, that Jennifer Ramos crafted (see the final product, here). We must also give thanks to Ms. Made By Girl for the honest + detailed DIY instructions she's provided.



Is this a DIY project you could see your self attempting? Although I can't foresee myself starting this one in the very near future, I am keeping this one on the side burner for future design projects.


Photos via Ruffled + Made By Girl.

Oh so {fabulous} Coco

Remember this amazing fairy tale wedding? Well, the lovelies at Vogue have now shared a tour of Coco Rocha and James Conran's stunning Manhattan apartment.


I love so many of the design elements in this space. Their books are arranged in such a clever and space-efficient way that they actually become art. This windowsill book shelf concept is perfect for small spaces, especially small office spaces looking to alleviate clutter.


The use of colour is flawless (however, I'm particularly biased as they used my favourite shade of turquoise). Aren't these shelves amazing? I like the beachy vibe of the white, bronze, and turquoise palette (it makes me want to start a collection of vintage tea pots).


Can we just take a moment to appreciate Coco's make up counter? A girl could have far too much fun in this closet.


I just adore the understated glamour of the master bedroom. The monochromatic palette and romantic details create a French-inspired haven in Manhattan. I LOVE the empty frame and the gorgeous canvas propped against the window; there are so many creative ways to display art without tacking it to the wall.



What is your favourite design element of this space?



Thanks for the heads up on this spread, Erin!

Photos by Claiborne Swanson Frank for Vogue.

Good Morning, Good Night

How sweet are these Morning/ Bedtime prints?



I think I might have to buy both prints for my nephew.



Morning & Bedtime Bus Roll Posters by My Sweet Prints.

Nama Rococo Wallpaper Studio

How fabulous is this wallpaper?


Nama Rococo Wallpaper Studio is full of bold colours and unique prints and one of my favourite places to go for stylistic inspiration. I'd love to hang the French Dot print from their couture collection on one wall in the room off my kitchen.


See more lovelies here.

Sequin Animals

How adorable are these sequin animals from West Elm?

Although they're slightly festive, I would perch any one of these cuties on my mantle, year round.




$5 of the $25 (American) purchase price is donated to a children's charity; not only do you get an adorable disco woodland creature for your home, you also get to donate to a great cause.

Which one is your favourite? I'm in love with the squirrel! Wouldn't he be cute perched under your Christmas tree?


west elm.

Shelf Envy

If self organization is an art form then this example is a masterpiece.


I love everything about this wall: the collection of framed pieces, the height of the shelf, the simplistic-yet-thoughtful organization of the books, and especially the lamps.

As interior design is my new side-project, I'm ecstatic for the new Lonnymag.com (& I have spent the better part of the evening drooling over it).


Photo via Lonnymag.com