Design & Decor Blog

It’s been a while since I blogged about stationery, no? Today’s fabulous find is from Linda & Harriett. Offering a wide assortment of notecards, greeting cards, notepads and personalized stationery and invitations, Linda & Harriett’s letterpress ink is soy-based. The greeting cards and note cards are printed on 30% post-consumer and 100% carbon neutral paper. So not only are they gorgeous, but they’re green, too.

The card collection includes all the usual messages you’d expect: Thank You, Thinking of You, Happy Birthday and a sweet collection of Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays cards. But my favourite are the paper petal pins (pictured top right). Reconstructed by hand from letterpress misprints, even the scraps don’t go to waste. Stylish and socially responsible. If this was Facebook, I’d give that a thumbs up.

Visit lindaandharriett.com for a peek at the entire collection and check out the personalized letterpress stationery and the custom invitations and announcements.

There was once a time when pink was probably the most un-hip colour in the world. Many boasted they’d never be caught dead in pink and a man wearing pink — utterly unheard of! And as for decor, pink was reserved for cutesy nurseries or young girls’ bedrooms. Beyond that, the colour was shunned. These days, it’s hard to imagine a colour that can’t work in a space, if handled with care, of course. With the right room and the right accessories, any colour can find its place in your home. And besides, isn’t the most important thing that you like it? That should always be your starting point.

So, as today’s online travels led me to neimanmarcus.com, I was struck by the abundance of pink. No longer girly or childish, the colour takes on an elegant sophistication and I find it fresh and soothing. What do you think? Check out some of my fave finds:

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!

The most thoughtful gifts are the ones that come from the heart. While our ideas may cost you some time, they won’t cost you a lot of money. This Mother’s Day, surprise mom with something unexpected. Plant her a summer garden patch or perhaps host an afternoon high tea for her and some of her friends. Need more ideas? Check out the full story: Mother’s Day gifts under $25.

(The fab teapot, mugs and plates picture here are from Rosanna Inc.)

P.S. Follow me on Twitter!

I can’t help it – I am SO loving Anthropologie’s stuff right now and in anticipation of the opening of the retailer’s first-ever Canadian location, I’m checking out their wares online. Here’s what’s drool-worthy today.

Seed packet pillow, cyclamen
$124.46

Pendulous canopy curtain
$162.56 to $213.37

Visit anthropologie.com to find your own things to drool over.

P.S. Follow me on Twitter!

Everywhere you turn, it seems that going green is getting more and more stylish. As much as possible, I just say no to plastic carrier bags when I’m shopping, instead pulling out my trusty fabric bags, which I keep tucked inside my purse for such occasions. But I just love this fab new option from Danier. The 100% recyclable Reusable Zip-Top Shopper is a stylish spin on the typical reusable bag and adds a fashionable flair to being environmentally responsible. Plus, a percentage of each bag sold will be donated to Zerofootprint, an organization dedicated to helping people manage and reduce their carbon footprint.

With any purchase, the prices are $1.99 (small), $2.99 (medium), 3.99 (large). Without purchase: $5.99 (small), 7.99 (medium), 9.99 (large). For more information, visit danier.com or zerofootprint.net.

For more great ideas about stylish green living, check out executive editor Laurie Grassi’s blog Natural Chic.

Did you ever read Jane magazine? I went through a period in the late ‘90s when I was positively obsessed with both the magazine and the forums on their website. Anyway, I loved the brand and their very real approach to love, life and everything in between. Sadly, the magazine and website are no more but I’ve just learned that the former founding art director of the magazine has just launched bestowboutique.com, a fab new online shop where you’ll find chic stuff for the house along with unique gift ideas. My fave item? This Jan Constantine wool felt pillow. You don’t need to wait for Valentine’s Day to give or get one of these. Decorating your home with amour is stylish any time of year!

Available at: bestowboutique.com
Price: $120

It’s a wet, cold, dreary day in Toronto today. It’s the perfect day to dive under the blankets with a good book and to keep a steaming hot cup of tea bedside. West Elm’s organic cotton pin-tuck duvet cover is the perfect attire for a cozy bed. I love this look; the multiple pintucks add such a pretty detail to this simple cotton duvet cover and add a burst of visual interest for the entire room. The cotton is certified organic, grown and processed without the use of herbicides or pesticides. This 230-thread count combed cotton cover will add instant style to any bedroom. Available in three gorgeous neutrals (sea spray, clay and natural), they’re easy to add to your existing decor. And priced from $79USD to $119USD, you might just want to pick up more than one!

Available at: West Elm
Price: $79USD to $119USD

Delight your guests with a table that looks perfectly pulled together. It’s really not that hard. Pretty placemats, tablecloths and table runners instantly dress up a table and at trendexhome.com, you’ll find a huge assortment of styles, colours and patterns to choose from. The simple gesture of dressing your table will let your guests know that you care enough to go to a bit of trouble for them (though it’s really no trouble at all!).  Or if you’re dining solo, it’s nice to do something special for yourself and set a pretty table before you sit down to eat. Boldly patterned pieces, like the ones pictured here, are a whimsical way to liven up stark white dishware. If your crockery is bold enough on its own, choose from simple but elegant solid colours – trendexhome.com has a wide assortment; you’re sure to find something that’ll suit your table just right!

These products also make a great Christmas present. Order by December 1 for delivery by December 22 in Canada and the United States.

For more information, visit trendexhome.com. For inspiring ideas for dressing your table in style, check out Style at Home’s tabletop section.