Design & Decor Blog

Rocking chairs are such a nostalgic item. They make me think of the journey of life – from an infant being gently rocked to sleep by a loving mother to an elderly couple rocking back and forth together in matching chairs on a front porch. I’ve always loved curling up in a rocking chair with a good book and a steaming cup of tea and sometimes there’s just no better place to catch a catnap. But unlike the traditional rockers that these images conjure up, this particular model, pictured above, is a modern take on a classic piece of furniture. It’s available in three ready-to-ship fabrics but it can also be customized with your choice of upholstery, to tailor it to the demands of your decor. The clean lines and unfussy design make this a piece you’re sure to cherish for years to come.
Available at: stylegarage.com
Price: Starting at $1150

Sometimes we could all use a little nudge in the etiquette department. Today’s find: linens that remind us to mind our manners. This set of six linens boast phrases like: Try it, you might like it, Take your dishes to the sink, Chew with your mouth closed and Elbows off the table. Chic and cheeky, these linens in a lovely willow green a sure to spark conversation at the dinner table!

Available at: etsy.com
Price: $36 for a set of 6

It’s like someone was reading my mind! The last time I baked ooey-gooey chewy chocolate chip cookies (here’s the recipe from CanadianLiving.com), I emailed the recipe to my Blackberry and checking the ingredients and directions with my flour-covered fingers was not ideal. This digital recipe reader can hold your entire recipe collection in one easy place and the touch screen is easy to clean with a damp cloth. The font can be enlarged for easier reading and the built-in timers mean your cookies won’t burn when you turn your back. It quickly converts measurements and even offers up ingredient substitutions in a hurry. Does this thing wash the dishes, too? I love its sleek look and impressive number of features. Why didn’t I put this on my Christmas list? Check out more fabulous kitchen gadgets and find more great tech products in Lauren McPhillips’ blog Tech Style.

Visit: mydemy.com for more information.

Flowers are such a cheerful addition to a home’s decor. But if you struggle to keep fresh blooms alive, there’s an alternative. Flower-themed accessories can brighten your home year-round and require no maintenance! We rounded up 10 of our favourite products. Check them out here: 10 floral decor ideas for your home.

A picture wall is a bold statement. Add some instant drama to your home with a wall of photographs that you love. Perfect Picturewall offers all the tools you’ll need to create a designer look at home. In just 10 minutes, you’ll have a gorgeous gallery wall to gaze at. Sounds easy enough, right?
Available at: supermarkethq.com
Price: $349

I’m a bona fide gadget girl. I can’t get enough of my tech toys. But no matter how much I love my Blackberry, I still love gorgeous paper products – stationery, calendars, notepads and journals. And so, one of my favourite things to do at the start of a new year, is to search out beautiful agenda books. Below are some of my faves. Plus, check out 9 more stylish 2010 calendars.

My favourite calendars (from left to right, top to bottom)
Agenda Coelho 2010: Inspirations
Available at: amazon.ca
Price: 26.58

Cath Kidston 2010 Mini Engagement Calendar
Available at: chroniclebooks.com
Price: $12.99

2010 Designer Dogs Calendar
Available at: peterpauper.com
Price: $3.00

2010 Wall Calendar
Available at: seejanework.com
Price: $34

I have a crush. Currently, I’m daydreaming about the Nook ($259 USD), the electronic book from Barnes & Noble. I haven’t seen it in person and it’s not available in Canada but I’m wondering if it’s worth the trip south of the border. From what I’ve seen and read online, this e-book is sleek and stylish and I love the array of accessories that are available, too! Much like Lauren McPhillips, our Tech Style blogger, I’m a gadget girl and I am continually amazed at how technology is evolving, the products that are hitting the market and how they’re revolutionizing our world.

The Nook features an e-Ink display, which makes the text look more like ink on a printed page than text on a computer screen and since it’s not backlit, it’s apparently easy to read … just like a regular book. The text size is adjustable and of course, going paper-free means being a better friend to the environment. You’ll have access to over a million titles simply by downloading new books you want to read and the 3.5 inch colour touchscreen LCD looks oh-so-cool!

For now, I’ll have to keep drooling over the pictures. Check out some of the stylish accessories available for the Nook:

Jane Street Cover in Chocolate
kate spade new york
$125.00

Signature Rear Cover Tangerine
by Barnes & Noble
$18.95

There’s no question that Christmas can put a strain on the purse strings. From the food and drinks for parties to Christmas gifts big and small (and maybe a new dress for the many events you’re attending), the holidays seem to come with a cost, despite even the best efforts to be festive but frugal. And it’s always nice to update your home decor with beautiful things as you prepare to throw open your doors to friends and family. So we’ve rounded up 10 fabulous home decor finds, all under $25. Adding style to your home doesn’t have to cost a bundle. Below is one of our favourite finds, a gorgeous blanket from etsy.com. Check out the full story: 10 home decor finds under $25.

There’s not much to say about this pillow other than: I absolutely adore it! The oversize flower detail makes this pillow impossibly romantic and the soft dove shade is so calming, a gorgeous neutral that’s bound to match most any decor. Simple. Beautiful. Available at nordstrom.com and Yes! They do ship to Canada! Price: $75.25.

I just blogged about pretty Christmas cards and thought that while I’m at it, I may as well share our favourite gift wrap accessories, too! Below are four accessories that’ll make your parcels pretty this holiday season. Check out the full story for more ideas and availability information.