Design & Decor Blog

Tomorrow is Canada Day and I’m sure Canadians across the country are counting down the hours until it’s time for that delightful summer holiday to begin! If only the rain would let up where I live, tomorrow will be the perfect day for hanging out in the sun, enjoying some delicious summer fare (fresh fruits and veggies and barbecue, of course!) and resting and relaxing with friends and family. The picture above perfectly illustrates where I’d like to be tomorrow: poolside under the sun, with a fruity drink in one hand, a magazine in the other, and oh-so-comfortably ensconced in one of these chairs.

I’m loving these chairs. These bubble wicker chairs add so much style to outdoor living and can instantly turn your backyard into an effortlessly chic retreat. I love the orange and turquoise combination, too! How summery!  All pieces are constructed with a rust- and corrosion-proof aluminum frame and have a baked on enamel finish. They’re available in three different colours of wicker and a variety of fabric finishes, too. They don’t come cheap ($2,295.00 USD) but some things are worth the splurge! Visit homeinfatuation.com for more information and more ideas for stylish outdoor living. And for more great decorating and design inspiration, follow me on Twitter!

I’m at it again! More pretty papers – this time, from New York-based designer Thomas Paul. Born and raised in the Big Apple, Thomas boasts a career working for design powerhouses like Bill Blass, Calvin Klein and DKNY. He started his own collection in 2001, featuring pillows made of exquisite silks. Since then, his collection has expanded to include all manner of things for house and home, all graced with his signature patterns.

So, imagine my delight as my online travels brought me to his lovely website. (Aside: Do you remember those Choose Your Own Adventure books? I used to read them as a kid. Within the pages of one book lay numerous possible stories and outcomes, depending on the choices you made as you read. Anyhow, the Internet is just like that. You never know where you’ll end up. It all depends on what you click. But I digress … )

Pictured left are examples of the items in Thomas Paul’s stationery collection, all done in pretty colour stories. Up top is chocolate - orange – marigold; followed by persimmon – pink; and aqua - peacock – leaf. I love the chocolate, orange and marigold line! Each line comes with a variety of products from notebooks, journals, notecards and desktop accessories like pen holders and desk trays for papers and miscellaneous items. Working is not my favourite thing to do but if you have to be behind a desk, these pretty accessories certainly make things more interesting!

For more information, visit thomaspaul.com but be warned: Your credit card may be safer in the freezer in a block of ice! Otherwise, have fun shopping! Click here for a list of online retailers selling Thomas Paul products.

PLUS:

Don’t forget to check out our other Style at Home blogs, if you haven’t already.

Executive editor Laurie Grassi’s blog Natural Chic is about stylish eco-friendly and green living.

Senior editor Lauren McPhillips’ blog Tech Style is about the coolest gadgets for your home and your life, plus handy tips on technology.

Associate design editor Brett Walther’s blog Style Sleuth keeps you up-to-date about what’s on the market and behind the scenes in the design world.

Enjoy!

P.S. Follow me on Twitter!

A picture speaks a thousand words, don’t you think? These photos below are of gorgeous wallpapers I love. Many people stay away from wallpaper — too hard to put up, too hard to take down. But the truth is, wallpaper is en vogue these days and can really be worth the effort. Once you find a pattern you adore, you won’t be put off by a little work. Check out the gorgeous patterns below, and, if you’re thinking of putting up wallpaper, check out these tips before you get started:

Wallpaper on a whim
Decorating with wallpaper

OK, now to the good stuff! (Click here for more information on these wallpapers.)

I attended the Mirvish production of The Sound of Music last night at Toronto’s Princess of Wales theatre. To say that it was fantastic would be an enormous understatement. I loved it! The pressure was certainly on for this talented cast. It may have been a challenge to live up to the standards set by the incomparable cast of the classic, Oscar-winning 1965 film but everyone in last night’s performance rose admirably to the occasion.

I was excited to see how the film translated to the stage and all I can say is Wow! The set design was incredible, swiftly, almost imperceptibly, changing from one scene to the next. From the famous hills and mountains that steal Maria’s heart to the abbey and of course, Captain Von Trapp’s extravagant home, everything was pure perfection. The sweeping staircase, where the children sing So Long, Farewell, is grand and every detail is exquisite from the white silk sofa and chairs in the living room to the gorgeous fabric of the drapes hanging in Maria’s bedroom – you know the ones …

The set was so wonderful and intoxicating, I often forgot I was in a theatre, merely a spectator, but rather felt as though I’d pulled up a chair on the lavish Von Trapp estate. The voices of each cast member were distinct and beautiful. During the opening scene, the nuns of the abbey walk through the aisles of the theatre and as each one passed me, their voices became so clear and I heard each glorious one individually. It was a magical start to an incredible show.

I don’t want to reveal too much for those of you who’ve not seen it. But if you have the chance, do go. You will love it and will be transported back in time; not just to pre-war Austria but to the days of your childhood when you first watched this timeless and touching story on film.

Below are a few photos of the show. And if this gets you in the mood to catch a show, click here to buy tickets and learn more about the show.

Have you seen the show? Leave your comments! I’d love to know your thoughts!

There’s something about Fridays that makes me want to shop. But of course, I’m so busy at work there’s no time for shopping (but for a few stolen moments on my lunch break, of course!) And then there’s the issue of funds. But sometimes, a dose of window-shopping can be just as much fun and just as satisfying – you get the high of browsing but the satisfaction of the fact that your money’s still safe in your bank account! Here’s what I peeked at during today’s window-shopping session, online at tiffany.ca:

1 Black shoulder coffee pot
$1,500

2 Tiffany Sierra votive
$70

3 Audobon cheese serving set
$410

4 Tiffany blue box, porcelain
$100

5 Tiffany summer mug set
$230, set of four

For more great decorating and design ideas, follow me on Twitter!

It’s been a while since I blogged about one of my favourite things – pretty paper. Today’s selection is from Pistachio. They’ve got a small but beautiful collection of paper products (cards, wrapping paper and invitations) and gorgeous gifts and apothecary items. Best of all, the products are made with an effort to preserve the planet.

Their mission: “The story of Pistachio began with a simple idea – being generous, environmentally sensitive and engaged with life is good for us and good for the planet.

We embrace the idea that being environmentally caring doesn’t mean denying, abandoning or refusing the things we love, but rather designing, developing and using products in more informed, eco-friendly ways.”

Love these gorgeous cards and wrapping paper. Check out epistachio.com for more information.

For more great decorating and design ideas, follow me on Twitter!

When I was a little girl, I sometimes dreamed of being a seamstress so that I’d be able to sew my own fabulous clothes. Poofy skirts, flowing dresses, satin sashes … I dreamed of having the most exquisite wardrobe. I’ve always loved beautiful fabrics. I love the look, the touch of soft silks, the way something as simple as a fine-looking fabric can make you smile. These days, my love of fabric has extended from fashion to decor. Upholstering furniture in a fabric hand-picked by you is such an easy way to personalize your home, to choose something that makes you happy and reflects your taste, your style and your personality. The options at calicocorners.com are swoon-worthy. Check ‘em out!
P.S. For more great decorating and design inspiration, follow me on Twitter!

Today’s real estate market is proving stressful for home buyers and sellers. How do you know when to buy and when to wait? What upgrades are worth the investment to attract potential buyers? What are the key considerations you should keep in mind before you buy or sell? styleathome.com checked in with Linda Turner, a real estate agent with Royal LePage Meadowtowne Realty in Mississauga, Ont. and she revealed some secrets that will help you make the most of your move and get the most bang for your buck. Read the full story here: 10 secrets from a real estate agent. Plus, check out these gorgeous photos (below) of a Surrey, B.C. home that was designed on a budget to sell. You’ll want to check out those great ideas, too! Read the full story here: Sell this house: Budget-friendly decorating ideas

P.S. For more great decorating and design ideas, follow me on Twitter!

Times are tough these days and if you can’t afford to take a luxury trip to New York, San Francisco or Tokyo, then bring the big city home to you. Teo Jasmin is an interior design company based in Paris and they specialize in digital printings on canvas, cushions and furniture and can transform beautiful photos into unique decor items for your home. Their lovely products are inspiring, if nothing else. You can’t order from Canada but perhaps the idea will inspire your own one-of-a-kind creations. For more great decorating and design inspiration, follow me on Twitter!

It certainly doesn’t feel like we’re heading into June. It’s c-c-cold in Toronto today. But despite the weather, June is indeed around the corner and you know what that means: Wedding season is upon us. Whether you’re planning your own big day or are helping someone who is, you know that weddings can be enormously expensive. Even a small, intimate wedding seems to see costs racking up at every turn. If you’re looking to cut some costs without sacrificing the style and beauty of your big day, consider this. Stampin’ Up! is an online resource that can help you personalize everything from invitations to menus, place cards and bonbonnieres. They offer gorgeous stamps and card stock and you can order personalized items at stampinup.com. Discover your inner artista and save some money at the same time. Handmade items are not only so much more personal (your guests will love them!) but this also ensures that everything is truly unique and one-of-a-kind – just like you! So invite friends and family over and make a weekend of it. Check out some of the things you can make below. For more information and to order, visit stampinup.com. And for more great decorating and design inspiration, follow me on Twitter!