Monthly Archives: June 2010

It seems the only people having tea parties these days are children with their make believe tea and the Mad Hatter. It’s an English tradition that doesn’t seem to fit into our lives anymore (if it ever did), but picture it – 4:00 in the afternoon, still lots of sunshine left to the day in the summer, sitting outside with girlfriends with simple food, colourful linens, and the most splendid teas around that are so easy to find these days at tea shops or even grocery stores. Now picture not having to make dinner either – ah! Hours of relaxing fun. I think I may put together a tea party soon…

While in Quebec City this past week I was excited to have visited many wonderful boutiques. One that really caught my eye was Machin Chouette. I loved the way they used old every day objects and turned them into functional, practical pieces that can be used so conveniently today. The butterbox, above, is just one example. Have a look through their website Machin Chouette to order or to just look around at these most unique pieces.

Well, as promised, although a little late, I have completed my bathroom so here it is! I am thrilled with it. I love the feel of this space as it reminds me of an old bathroom… except all brand new and super practical. My favourite feature is the brick wall – I love the way it turned out! And the cabinet with the walnut doors came out exactly as I hoped… no, better! The bottom door opens forward so the clothes slide down into the basement laundry room – perfect! And the upper door has a full length mirror attached to the inside – sweet!

Check out the border detail on the tiling. I was happy the way that turned out after the original border tile was back-ordered. I decided to cut the edging tile in half and line it up with the rope detail to make for my own unique border tile. And I love it! Maybe even more than the original border tile – things are sometimes meant to be.

The wall sconces are vintage – the ones found at The Door Store. Love them!

The mirror over the sink opens to reveal a large medicine cabinet that actually does hold my medicines. Way better than keeping them in the kitchen.

And you can barely make out the knobs on the cabinet – those are the ones that took me forever to choose. Still like them… but I have to admit I don’t love them anymore. But if that is the only detail I don’t love, I can live with that. And of course can easily change it too one day.

Thanks for your patience on seeing the finished product. I hope you learned something from my experience and maybe got some ideas for your own bathroom should you decide it is time to do a renovation. It’s not an easy undertaking, but as I am sure you have always heard, so worth it in the end!!

Happy!

I don’t normally like blue in a kitchen as I don’t think it makes food look appetizing, but this room speaks to me differently. I actually love the watery blue backsplash and hit of blue on the stools. Together with the textured woven shades, it has a very beachy feel without being cutesy. I just want to spend time in this room, maybe with a fresh lemonade in hand wearing my flip-flops and white cotton dress.

A client of mine reminded me that we already did a beautiful contrast with black floors and stairs with light coloured walls. Indeed, this foyer came out beautiful! Too bad it was for a staging job so the new owners will have to enjoy it… I hope! It really is such a personal thing.

I think you get the fact that I love white, but I also love contrast and here there is the ultimate in contrast – black and white. But check out how it is done – all the trim is black for a change. Even the fireplace. I think I’ll use this look some time soon… somewhere! Just have to wait for the right client… or maybe it will be me! Consider it for yourself too – maybe in your office? A guest room? But don’t do this if the trim is less than 6″. It’s a great look for big old baseboards and trim.

Displays are very personal. Add what you love or need and it will be beautiful! I love the texture of this display!

PS Still waiting on some finishing touches for my bathroom reno – the brick wall is now complete so I wait for the doors of the cabinet. It’s really like waiting for family to do things for you – I love my contractors and they give me good deals… but then I have to wait! Sigh!