Design & Decor Blog

Decorating inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere. Maybe the colour of a leaf catches your eye on the street. Maybe you’re inspired by the colour of a new sweater. Or perhaps the set of a movie totally captures your imagination. At Style at Home, we’ve found that our readers love movie sets and often draw inspiration from the details of some of their favourite films. We’ve also discovered that the movie Something’s Gotta Give has really made an impression! The breathtaking Hampton’s home that belongs to Diane Keaton’s character is full of beachy style, made oh-so-inviting through attention to detail, particularly the airy colour palettes throughout and the no-muss, no-fuss approach to decorating. Pictured above is the serene kitchen, whitewashed and wonderful, exuding a sense of both form and function. We picked some other movie sets we love and have provided some tips to help you bring the look home – check them out here! So, what movie set has made you swoon. Leave a comment — I want to know!

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!

There’s something about stripes that says spring and summer. Stripes add an instant nautical feel to your home, especially like the casual striped rug pictured here. Striped accessories like cushions and dishware are easy to add around the house and have a way of bringing a light and airy feeling along with them. The picture below makes me think of Nantucket in the summer; I can just smell that sea air  — I love the effortless look of beach-inspired decor.  Add some vibrant colour to your home with these fab finds:

1 Pieced Awning Stripe Mat
Available at: Pottery Barn

2 Melamine Lidded Bowl Set
Available at: Crate & Barrel

3 Brie Stripe, Granite
Available at: Tonic Living

4 Cottage Stripe Cotton Rug Collection
Available at: Garnet Hill

5 Iittala Mug
Available at: Iittala

Separately, the words thrill and make my toes tingle. Beach. Cottage. Both are delightful. But combined, these two words evoke a feeling far more intense, conjuring up images of a summer by the sea, the smell of salt in the air. Not Hawaii or Jamaica. This is like Nantucket. Quaint. Historic. Rustic. Mary Emmerling’s Beach Cottages: At Home by the Sea (Random House, 2008) is a book of beautifully photographed beach cottages around America. Check out an excerpt here.

And if you’re lucky enough to be heading to a cottage this fine summer weekend, enjoy!

Book price: $37.95
Available at: randomhouse.ca