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 sitting at my desk daydreaming about summer (ssh! don’t tell anyone; I’m supposed to be working) and I’m thinking about those long, lazy weekend days and evenings spent out on the backyard deck during summer. What could be better? The warmth of that summer sun; conversation with friends and family; good food; and of course, a refreshing drink in hand. This tableware from Canadian Tire certainly puts me in the mood for some good summer livin’! I love the geometric shape of these high-quality melamine dishes and acrylic glasses and the pretty pattern is cheery and sophisticated. Good to know: All these pieces are top-rack dishwasher safe. You know what that means! Clean up is going to be a breeze!

Prices:
Pitcher: $16.99
Highball: $3.99/glass
Blossom double old-fashioned glass: $3.99
Wine glass: $4.49
Tray: $14.99
Square side plate: $3.99
Square side bowl: $3.99
Square dinner plate: $4.99

Visit Canadian Tire for more information.

P.S. Follow me on Twitter!

Spring may be struggling to spring around us but there’s still nothing cozier than snuggling up with a blanket on a crisp, cool evening, after the sun has retired for the day and a slight chill creeps into the air. Perfect for those nights? The Blanquette from Yumi & Laurie. These light, 100% organic blankets are beautiful, available in a vibrant rainbow of colours and in a variety of stylish patterns. Check out yumiandlaurie.com for more information. Looking for more eco-friendly ideas? Check out executive editor Laurie Grassi’s blog Natural Chic!

P.S. Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/StyleAtHome

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

Someone told me recently that her favourite home decor find is pretty toss cushions. I agree. Pretty pillows and chic cushions in extravagant fabrics and vibrant colours just emanate luxury. Throw pillows on a sofa beckon you to join them, luxuriate in them, lounge a little longer. And pillows outside is an easy way to bring the comforts of inside, outside. The outdoor pillows pictured here feature an Asian-inspired design and are comfy but durable enough to withstand being left out in the sun.

Available at: Pottery Barn
Price: $32 to $38