Decorating Finds

One of my favourite textile designers is Hamilton-based Jenna Rose. Her simple ‘life’ inspired designs make me happy. Jenna takes ordinary everyday elements like bicycles, houses and pine cones and turns them into beautiful patterns printed on fabric. Developed from hand-drawn sketches, her designs are then screenprinted with non-toxic pigments. She sells a whole selection of products made from these fabrics including pillows, tea towels, blankets and storage bins.

This pillow would be perfect for a kids room. 

Stay cosy with this super-soft blanket made with organic cotton flannel.

This is one of my favourite patterns — you’ll recognize it from the pillow Focus piece in our April 2010 issue. At 12” high by 8” in diameter, these storage bags are the great for storing toys, crafts or magazines, as shown.

And finally, a little sneak peek of what’s to come from the Jenna Rose fall/winter collection:

Moose, bears and deer — oh my! These Canadiana-themed tea towels would make a fantastic hostess gift this fall.

Pine cones galore — my laundry would be lucky to live in such a cute storage bin!

For more beautiful textile patterns, check out our New Fabrics photo gallery.

Photo credits:
1-5. Jenna Rose

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I don’t know what’s in the water here at House & Home, but it seems quite a few of us editors have been gravitating east this summer. I just returned from eastern Canada and Maine, Michael Penney and Sally Armstrong conquered Maine as well, and Meg Crossley has been busy antiquing in eastern New York State. The east coast has always held more appeal for me than the west — I guess it’s the old New York versus California argument. Whatever the reason, if you haven’t been east it’s an area of Canada (and the States) not to be missed.

I would say that my holiday involved three key elements:
1. Family and relaxation
2. Some sort of yard sale or antique hunt
3. Inspiration

All very important for a well-rounded vacation, I might add.

So, family and relaxation... well, I can’t think of a better day than at the beach. The scenery out east is breathtaking — I can’t figure out why we all don’t live there. This beach in New Brunswick goes on forever — it’s perfect and sandy and warm enough to swim (we’re talking Atlantic ocean here). So clean... so lovely. My daughter (above) and son had a great day playing in the tide pools.

Yard sales... oh yes, there were yard sales. I bought this super cute bicycle to tootle around on for $20. There was a farmers market in town the day I bought it so I made good use of the basket and grabbed some carrots, tomatoes and flowers for the house. The produce was so fresh (and cheap)! Purple, white, yellow and orange carrots — yum!

All things white… clearly noted on this holiday: gorgeous white stoneware, white painted fences and wooden houses. Above are some pieces I bought while away. I love the silver fork with the wood handle. The little jam spoon is sterling and has my initials on it. The stoneware tureen was a bit pricey, $50 (more than the bike), but I really had to have it. It has a perfectly grey-white patina and just a touch of wear without any cracks or chips.

Inspiration... so off the back of white comes the painted houses and how I want a white home — ideally on the ocean and covered in shingles. There are so many shingles out there in a crazy array of shapes. When you start playing with the patterns, magic happens.

Here are just a few of the houses I saw and coveted. Oh, white shingles. Lace curtains, too — fitting, don’t you think?

The stone chimney, the weathered cedar, the windows... come on! Seems as though architects were rebelling against the fussy Victorian trends when they started to design shingle-style homes, popular in the north-eastern United States between 1874 and 1910. All I can say is, thank goodness they did!

To read about Michael Penney’s adventures in east coast antiques, hotels and homes, too, see his summer blog posts.

Photo credits:
1-3. Morgan Michener
4. Decorativeshingles.com
5-6. Morgan Michener

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I realize that it’s only August, but here at House & Home we’ve been knee-deep in the holidays for the past few weeks as we work on our November 2010 issue. Every time I step outside my office, I’m greeted with tabletop Christmas trees, beautifully wrapped (albeit empty) gifts, and boxes upon boxes of ornaments.

In true holiday form, I figured it was time to do a small roundup of products I’ve had my eye on, and that I’m hoping will magically appear under my tree this Christmas.

I have dreams about this Oscar sofa by The Future Perfect. Really, I do. I found it more than a year ago and it was love at first sight. The website says it all — it’s perfect. The lines, the grey wool upholstery, the cute little turned legs, and the appearance of a slightly tufted back make it a piece that you will appreciate for years and years. I have a photo of this sofa on my inspiration board in my office and I sigh a little every time I see it. Perhaps Santa’s budget got a bit bigger this year? Doubtful, but hey, a girl can dream.

I live in a long and narrow loft so, as odd as this sounds, the less furniture, the better. I like to keep my sightlines clear and my floors uncluttered. Instead of taking up space with side tables and table lamps, I’ve been thinking about introducing this handsome floor lamp from Structube to my living room. It looks great, could be used for either task or ambient lighting, and would complement my high (14 foot!) ceilings.

Remember way back in January when we all made resolutions that we probably have abandoned by now? Come on, admit it! I resolved to become more organized. Don’t get me wrong, my loft is spotless and everything visible is meticulously placed, but don’t you dare open my closets. My current organization dilemma is about my jewelry collection. I’ve tried the classic jewelry box route, naturally, but it doesn’t work for me. Then I spotted these attractive boxes at West Elm. Wouldn’t it be great to gather a few of these and sit them on top of your dresser? I could keep all the pieces I wear on a regular basis for easy access and then tuck away the pieces I save for special occasions. So dear Santa, I promise to be more organized if a collection of these boxes (in white, please) would appear under my tree on December 25^th.

This next gift on my wish list comes with a bit of a nerdy confession. My favourite book is Emily Post’s Etiquette 17th Edition (2004 Harper Collins) by Peggy Post. The book As A Lady Would Say: Responses to Life’s Important (and Sometimes Awkward) Situations (2004 Thomas Nelson) by Sheryl Shade caught my eye at Chapters the other day. I think it would not only be a great addition to my collection of etiquette books, but it would also be a lovely punch of colour on my white bookshelf. I hope you’re reading this, Mom — I have you to blame (or thank?) for my stickler ways when it comes to proper behaviour.

Finally, I’ve reverted back to the old tradition of handwritten letters thanks to a special someone that has temporarily moved overseas. Okay, let’s be honest, I was born in the ’80s — I’m not as old school as I’d like to think — but I’m really enjoying putting a pen to paper and actually writing out my words. The stationary collections by Push The Envelope Studio make me want to write to everyone I know. They have really graphic and punchy designs for cards, notepads and invitations, and the best part is that almost everything can be customized. I love the Chevron Stripe Everyday Cards in pink or navy. Perhaps if I’m lucky enough to get these (along with all the other gifts, of course) this year, I’ll even send Santa a nice thank you card using one of them!

For more editor favourites, read up on Stephanie White’s must-haves for 2011.

Photo credits:
1. Oscar Sofa, The Future Perfect
2. London Floor Lamp, Structube
3. Wood Boxes with Lacquered Lids, West Elm
4. As A Lady Would Say: Responses to Life’s Important (and Sometimes Awkward) Situations (2004 Thomas Nelson), Chapters
5. Chevron Stripe Everyday Cards, Little Green Notebook

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Ever since the summer issue of Elle Decor came out featuring a gorgeous wall of framed maps, I’ve been obsessed. And I’ve also discovered that there are many different ways to get this look. Here are some examples I’ve come across…

Here they have taken one large map and cut it into six equal parts, framed each one in the same manner and voila, you have what looks like a carefully curated collection.

I like this example where they have blown up the maps so they’re larger in scale. Also, by using a frame that is similar to the wall colour, the details on the map really jump off the wall.

It’s easy to get this look yourself. The first step is to find a map — choose an area of the world that has special significance or interest to you. Or go for something that has interesting shapes, features or colours. Once you have the map, divide it into equal pieces, depending on how large the map is. Next, find a frame. Ikea is a great go-to for this as they have many different sizes of very simple frames, like the Ribba, for example. Frame up the maps. You could use matting, but as you will notice in the examples above, it is not always necessary.

Once the maps are framed, they are ready to be mounted on the wall. Depending on the size of the wall and how much space you want to take up, determine how much space to keep between frames. Just be sure to keep the space consistent, so if you have an inch between each frame hanging side by side, make sure that there is an inch between each frame above and below. It’s useful to cut the frame sizes out of paper first, tape the arrangement on the wall, and rearrange as needed before you start mounting the actual frames. One last tip — use a level! When you’re hanging grids it’s very important that each frame is level.

If you’re having trouble finding a map, check out the paper company Cavallini & Co. — they actually make wrapping paper that looks like antique maps. Above are a couple of examples.

For more tips on hanging and displaying art, see our Art Advice Guide.

Photo credits:
1. Elle Decor July/August 2010 issue
2. Room Remix blog February 23, 2010, photography by Steven Randazzo
3. Matters of Style blog May 10, 2010
4. Cavallini & Co.

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It’s that time of year — the Ikea 2011 catalogue has arrived! And it’s online. There are so many great things! Here are some cool finds that really stood out for me:

Still on trend — get the look of mudcloth with the Vilmie Figur cushion cover.

I love these handblown Närhet white and red wine glasses, and what a great price at $3 each!

Make a statement with the Trådig bowl — I love its fiery red colour!

The Lård cutlery set is beautifully simple and would really elevate a modern place setting.

The industrial lamp is definitely a trend for 2011. This Trål is a good-looking lamp that won’t break the bank at $30!

The Åryd block candle holders come in black and white in a variety of different sizes — these would look great as a large grouping on a mantle or tabletop. And there is so much more! Check out the online catalogue at Ikea.ca!

Plus, see more Ikea pieces in striking House & Home interiors.

Photo credits:
1-6. Ikea

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You’ve heard it before: the bedroom is often the last room to be decorated. Perhaps because we’ve all run out of cash from the living room table lamps or that $400 kitchen toaster. Whatever the reason, it’s time to tart up the bedroom.

I would start with one of these fun and fab headboard murals designed by Mina Javid for Blik. I’m not a huge fan of the wall stencil craze but these hit the right note. How cute would they be for twin beds side-by-side at the cottage or a university dorm room? For $40-$70 each, they’re an affordable way to update a bedroom on a budget.

Olivia headboard. Available in 6 colours.

This Wrought Iron headboard is my favourite! It looks just like my daughter’s vintage white bed frame. Available in 9 colours.

Nessa headboard. Available in 8 colours.

You can order these online or through these Canadian retailers.

For more bedroom inspiration, view our 15 Gorgeous Bedrooms photo gallery.

Photo credits:
1. Olivia headboard, Blik
2. Wrought Iron headboard, Blik
3. Nessa headboard, Blik

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I recently discovered Pinterest, a social media-type tool for creating and sharing ‘pinboards’ — kind of like Twitter, but in images. It’s quite addictive, and it seems like there is no end to the reams of beautiful pictures on people’s virtual inspiration boards. I was snooping through someone’s Southwestern gallery the other day (and apologies because I don’t remember who), and couldn’t get over the beautiful and grainy images of buffalo, Willie Nelson and feathers. It is my firm belief that the new Bohemian style will have a Western influence, so it was inspiring to see a curated series of stunning images that support my theory.

El Cosmico, a sort-of hotel/campground in Texas, is a good example of this modern-retro-hippie chic. Along the lines of the Drake hotel in downtown Toronto, it is intended to foster a relaxed community of artistic and intellectual exchange in a creative and sustainable space. Unlike the Drake, it is situated on a large plot of land and you rent vintage trailers or yurts (shown at top and above), teepees or tents for accommodation. If my future holds another epic road trip to Texas, this is where I want to stay. It fits right in with the ‘glamping’ trend, too.

If there is a supermodel that sums up this look, it’s Erin Wasson (above). A Texas-born natural beauty, and best friend and muse to fashion designer Alexander Wang, her apartment has an enviable casual coolness. I love the uncluttered, clean look of this bedroom. The scarf over the lampshade, horse print and feathers on an arrow are a hot way to add character.

I also love her art wall for its mix of casually pinned prints and photos, properly framed art pieces and personal odds and ends that obviously have a story behind them (either that or they are proof she’s a fantastic stylist, too). I never bring back souvenirs, so on my next journey I’m going to try and keep some mementoes so one day I can have a collection like this!

Another shot of her apartment, with more cool objects on the table and one of the classic, deep-pile vintage Moroccan rugs I’ve wanted for a while.

Another classic that would work with the look is a butterfly chair in leather, like this one from Urban Outfitters. 

Pendleton’s pure virgin wool blankets — woven by the family-owned and run Pendleton Woolen Mills for almost 100 years — are a more affordable, hipster version of the Hermès horse blanket. (Above, from left to right, are the Chief Joseph and Harding styles, based on traditional Native American designs.) You can find them in select stores, or order online.

A reclaimed railway spike fashioned into a bottle opener is both functional and a great find to leave on display.

I’ve been into posters as art lately, and you can still buy this 2009 festival poster from El Cosmico’s online store. I don’t know much about this festival but if it’s about “music and love” how could you go wrong? As for framing, check out Stacey Smithers’ great tips for framing art on a budget. 

Since I am a horrible collector of things, I’m not sure this trend will make its way into my apartment (much as I would love it to), but at least the memories of a trip always prove to be useful!

Photo credits:
1-2. El Cosmico 
3-4. Smokeye Fashion Blog 
5. Shimu’s holiday blog
6. Urban Outfitters
7. Pendleton
8. The Drake General Store
9. El Cosmico 

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We all know how easy it is to do a one-stop design shop, buying most of your big furniture from one store. But if you really want to find interesting pieces, aside from flea markets and pricey antique shops, why not rethink the larger furniture stores in your area? There will be loads to choose from and maybe, just maybe, you will find that perfect piece — think needle in a haystack kinda thing.

The items below are all from a new collection of case goods and upholstery at The Art Shoppe here in Toronto. I have to say, I’m loving them!

I really really want the spool-style end table, but would use two as a coffee table — its shape is darling.

Fall will be here soon and a little decorating is sure to prepare you for the chilly nights ahead. So head out for some chunky pieces that will instantly update your summer decor.

For tips on updating your home for fall, read our Warm Fall Decorating article.

Photo credits:
1-5. The Art Shoppe

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Maybe it’s because I’m from Edmonton, Alberta (“Right next to the North Pole” as my mom used to always say) that I find something about outdoor showers fantastical. It’s like an instant escape, and this summer has reminded me that should I ever have my own cottage, it is one of the first things I will add. Hopefully it will be as decadent as designer Michelle Lloyd’s shower, off of her boathouse on Lake Simcoe, Ontario (above). I’m a sucker for white, and using white outdoors creates a tropical vibe, antithetical to most Canadian cottage design.

I love old-fashioned cedar outdoor showers and Japanese-style tubs, but I’m discovering I really love modern, sleek rainshowers, especially when set against a rustic wood backdrop. Belgian design company Trade Winds offers some stunning outdoor and garden products, like the Cascade shower (above).  

Here is another contemporary version by Mark Suensilpong for Jane Hamley Wells that combines teak wood and stainless steel. It looks like garden sculpture when set against rocks and plantings. I love the cross handle faucet. 

A portable solar powered shower is perfect for camping trips, and will even give you warm water (the base traps solar radiation, heating the water). You just need a hose to connect it to. This one is very affordable, making it a pool or lakeside must-have. 

For a permanent outdoor installation check out these new waterfall shower systems from Jaclo, available through Imperial Decorative Hardware. The simple, polished stainless steel designs of the Aqua Adagio (left) and Arc Column (right) don’t attract too much attention, and the multi-functional settings allow you to have a pretty deluxe shower outside. 

One of our other editors, Anne Côté, who works at our French sister magazine, Maison & Demeure, turned me on to this outdoor shower system from Riobel. I find modern conveniences that connect you to nature very appealing, and this image sums it up pretty perfectly! 

Photo credits:
1. House & Home July 2007 issue, photography by Stacey Brandford
2. Trade Winds
3. Jane Hamley Wells
4. Residential Solar Power 21C
5. Jaclo
6. Riobel

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