Design & Decor Blog

I have always found it difficult to find artwork that I want to hang on my walls. Unless a piece really speaks to me, I don’t see the point of hanging it. I think art should really move you in some way; it should elicit a response that’s totally real and completely personal. The last pieces I hung on my wall were photographs that I  found at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto of Mediterranean destinations I dream of visiting.

I recently discovered keepcalmandcarryon.com and it reminded me of this poster, pictured above, that I love. Originally printed by the British government in 1939 as a motivational message for the British people in the event of an invasion by Nazi Germany, the simple message still resonates today, 70 years later.  Despite the fact that two and a half million copies of the poster were printed, none were actually used. The poster was rediscovered in a second-hand bookshop in Northumberland in 2000 and the message has been revived. It’s simple and relevant, no matter what life throws your way.

I love this particular design, with the message on top of a distressed, vintage-style Union Jack. But whatever your tastes, keepcalmandcarryon.com offers the poster in a variety of colours, including a reproduction of the original red background that the poster was designed with. On the website, you’ll find postcards and greeting cards, bags and t-shirts, all sporting the historic slogan. Visit keepcalmandcarryon.com for more information.

There’s something about truly original, one-of-a-kind items that really make you feel good about your home. And that’s why I love etsy.com. Without fail, I’m amazed at the beautiful things people are making and selling (all at can’t beat ‘em prices) online. I regularly do a little window shopping here, checking out what’s new and cool and totally unique. Here are today’s favourites:

Honeycomb modern wall clock
Price: $49

Felted wool acorns (set of 6)
Price: $13

Scroll damask (18 graphics)
Price: $40

Imagine if you will that money was no object. How would you decorate your home differently if you didn’t have your eye firmly fixed on your bank account? Me? My tastes are pretty simple. Clean lines, fresh bright whites, clutter-free rooms, simple patterns and pretty but inexpensive accessories. While I’m delighted by more extravagant pieces, they don’t quite fit the ol’ budget, so I’ve learned to do more with less and appreciate the beauty of simplicity — a philosophy I apply to life in general, not just my decorating tastes.

However, I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that my eyes lit up when I stumbled upon these ornate pieces from B.B. Simon. Decadent and over-the-top, their collection of home accents are beautiful and brilliant. They’re blinged to the hilt, decked out with Swarovski crystals and they have no place in my simple little condo. But this doesn’t mean I don’t love them! Each piece is so unique and original, they’ll add instant interest to your space, not to mention how they’ll up the glam factor.

Here are two of my faves from their collection: (Top to bottom: Crystal doorknobs, set of six, $160; Crystal framed mirror, $11,000, gulp.)

One of the things I love about my job is that I’m continually discovering people with indescribably clever talent. Design is such an art and all over the world, people are expressing themselves through various forms of this diverse art. From interior designers to furniture designers, there’s so much inspiration to help turn a simple house into a truly beautiful home. And then there are those artists who, in short, make the world a more beautiful place with their innovative creativity.

Zoe Bradley is a sculptural artist whose work combines sculpture, fashion and theatre. Her trademark is spectacular silhouettes and she’s designed pieces that have graced fashion runways and have appeared in window displays for some of the largest retailers and designers in the world, including Donna Karan, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Missoni. According to her website, Zoe “employs traditional tailoring techniques, but offers a twist from using the more conventional materials of fashion fabrics to her signature material luxury papers.”

The pieces are hard to describe – you have to see them for yourself. But the result of her ingenuity and talent is nothing short of breathtaking. Her creations are extraordinary and you can browse online for unique pieces of wall art. There’s a gorgeous floral canvas and a truly special chandelier as well as pretty decorations for weddings or other events. To order, fill out the enquiry form on the site and someone will be in touch with you. Check out some of the products below and visit zoebradley.com for more information.

As I ran around town this weekend doing errands and groceries, I found my gaze following after the trains of more than a few brides. It’s the height of summer, which also means it’s the height of wedding season. I love weddings and all the pretty little details but I was reminded of all the challenges that faced my friends as they prepared to walk down the aisle to say their “I dos”. There’s so much for a bride to think about: the colours, the dress, the bridesmaids’ dresses, the flowers, the cake, the music, the venue, the centerpieces – it’s enough to make your head spin. And then, there were the bonbonnieres. Oh, those bonbonnieres. I’ve seen it all. My sister made (made!) rosemary infused olive oil and filled sweet little bottles (tagged and ribboned, of course) for each guest. I’ve been to a wedding where guests received Werther’s candies. It’s a tough one – weddings are an expensive endeavour under the best of circumstances and finding a small but lovely gift for guests isn’t easy. I stumbled upon myweddingfavors.com this morning and just as its name promises, it’s got an endless assortment of wedding favour ideas. My fave idea is mini soaps. Everyone needs soap, right? And when they’re presented in pretty packaging, they make a lovely gift and will look beautiful on display. Check out some of my favourites:

Looking and smelling positively good enough to eat, these products from Calgary-based Frilly Lilly are actually supposed to go on your body, not in it! The product line (inspired by desserts, of course!) launched in 2005 and since then has garnered recognition here at home and with our neighbours to the south; the line has been picked up by Fred Segal in Santa Monica, Kitson in Los Angeles, as well as The Palms and The Wynn hotels in Las Vegas. And with plans for expansion, the Frilly Lilly brand is about to go global; they’re already in Hong Kong, France and Qatar with plans to open more international boutiques in the future. But I’m simply in love with the fabulous offerings Frilly Lilly puts forth, not just because they’re wonderful products and beautifully packaged, too, but because this company is homegrown talent at its best. For more information, visit frillylilly.ca and click here to find a list of boutique locations.  Even better, visit their online boutique and shop from the comfort of home! OK, ready to check out the goods? Here are some of my faves!

Mini Cupcake Bathcakes
Price: $16.00 CAD

Pink Lemonade Lip Butter
Price: $10.00 CAD

Lemon Meringue Bathcake
Price: $12.00 CAD

Fresh Tangerine Sugar Scrub
Price: $28.00 CAD

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!

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!

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged about one of my favourite things: stationery! In recent years, I admit I’ve become a bit of a tech junkie; if you’re one, too, check out Lauren McPhillips’ blog Tech Style. I love my little gadgets like my laptop, BlackBerry and iPod Touch. But even still, I love the tactile nature of notebooks and journals. I love feeling the smooth cover of a beautiful diary beneath my fingers and flipping through the pages of an old agenda book. So, despite being pretty nicely outfitted with gadgets, I still find myself turning to the old standbys of pen and paper to record important things. My newest find are these lovely products from Jenni Bick.  Featuring an assortment of journals, photo albums, specialty papers, invitations and gift-wrap, this site is a paper lover’s treasure trove. Two of my favourites are pictured here. Snow & Graham sticky note blocks (above) are $14.50 each and the Moderno Italian bonded leather journals (right) in pretty spring colours are $25 each.

For more information, visit jennibick.com.

You might also be interested in:

Organizing 101: Stationery
This primer on organizing stationery makes staying connected with friends and family easy.

Pretty paper
Revive the art of hand-written letters with lovely stationery.

Flower invitations, menus and placecards
Download our free flower invitations, menus, and place cards!

How to: Organize your home office
Designer tricks for turning your home office into an attractive and efficient workspace.

P.S. Follow me on Twitter!