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!