House & Home Daily

The fate of these puppies is in your hands.

A while back, I scooped up these chairs in one of my favourite antique shops in Belleville, Ontario. They’re solid mahogany and came from a Montreal estate. They cost — brace yourselves — $50 each.

I would have missed them altogether had I not heard my wife Sara say, “Those are weird dining chairs!”  Well, they might not be dining chairs, but they are the perfect occasional chairs for our living room. SOLD!

Now comes the tricky part: What to do with my little finds? You’ve probably seen this style of chair in the marketplace today. Lots of companies have reintroduced their classic shape in many fabric, stain, and paint combinations. I’ve got lots of inspiration to choose from, but what do I want to do with mine?

Do I keep it simple and maintain the mahogany wood, adding a rich solid velvet?

Or, do I go with velvet and a painted finish?

What about a light and bright painted finish and a striped fabric?

I’m leaning towards this last option, but I need your help! Please, cast your vote in the comments section below and make any new suggestions. Maybe I can get a little help from my fellow bloggers? Andrea Mills, I know you want to put your two cents in…

For more on vintage finds and DIY projects, read our 15 Budget Decorating Tips. Plus, see my online TV episode in which I transform some other vintage chairs with a trendy Ikat-style fabric and black paint!

Photo credits:
1-2. Michael Penney
3-4. Regan Chair, Hickory Chair
5-6. Le Clerc Chair, Hickory Chair
7. Hickory Chair

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You’ve heard it from House & Home’s 2010 Trends issue, the trends gallery, Michael Penney and likely other reliable places too: four poster beds are a big, hot trend. This is from Calvin Klein’s latest collection. I’ve been dreaming of one since I moved into my bedroom-less apartment a year ago and as Tommy Smythe (see his fantastic apartment in our December 2009 issue) once told me “if there’s an elephant in the room, dress it up and celebrate it, don’t try to pretend it’s not there.”

I probably still have Mexico on my mind from my last post but it’s actually a poster bed with a canopy that I’m in love with lately. While I can’t exactly have this breezy, poolside look, draping around a bed is a great way to create a ‘room’ within an open space.

Here is a good example of the ‘room within a room’ from another boutique hotel, Casa Angelina in Amalfi. The mostly white palette and simple style choices in the rest of the furniture prevent it from looking too girly or precious.

Kara Mann is my latest designer crush. I love the gauzy effect from the sheer fabric not reaching the floor that makes the room look light and airy. She strikes a great balance between keeping the décor sparse enough to be serene but just layered enough so it’s not clinical.

I thought I was set on the soft, drapey look until I saw this gilded antique bed with a hard canopy in a room by Stephen Sills. I’ll have to talk my work buddy, flea-market-expert Michael Penney, into keeping an eye out for one for me.

I’m also a fan of this truly eclectic version, courtesy of Canadian designer Patricia Gray. It is actually a room by Turkish designer Asli Tunca, an incredible, unpredictable version of minimalism that is achieved with colour and what looks like mostly antique pieces.

It’s no secret I love white. An all-white room may seem asylum-like to some people but I think the different textures of this concrete floor, leather Moroccan pouf, chipped wood bed frame and drippy crystal chandelier make it anything but. If this were my room I would probably drape sheer fabric over the top of the frame. Come to think of it — anyone know a good woodworker?

Photo credits:
1. Calvin Klein
2. Mr and Mrs Smith Boutique & Luxury Hotel Specialists
3. Remodelista
4. Kara Mann
5. Stephen Sills Associates
6. Patricia Gray Interior Design
7. Decor Pad

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"I have the simplest tastes," said the famously fashion-forward wit and author, Oscar Wilde, before adding, "I am always satisfied with the best." CityLine designer Janette Ewen would definitely concur. She has been charged with decorating the entryway and dining room of the 2010 Eurodale Dream Home at the National Home Show (NHS), and plans to imbue these spaces with an over-the-top, literary theme. (This blog and the Little Projects Guide are sponsored by NHS.)

"I like to develop a story behind each space that I style," explains Ewen. "In this story, I'm imagining a turn of the century writer— a dandy who likes to stay out late and then come home and write. I'm imagining that the dining room table is where he does his work, with sheets of paper flying out of the typewriter, and the heads of mythical creatures on the walls, which he's slayed in his imagination."

This cabinet display from The Cross Decor & Design in Vancouver definitely captures that flavour, says Ewen.

Ewen was particularly inspired by the decorating motifs of fantasy and luxury on display at the Maison et Objet 2009 design fair in Paris. (See some of her favourite spaces below.) "It's not dissimilar to the great depression, when fantasy became huge," she says. "It's about getting a glamorous look for less."

The concept of fantasy versus reality will play large in the Eurodale Dream Home dining room. "I'm going to have the outdoors coming in, with ice or water coming in an as a resin, along with moss and flowers," says Ewen. From a decorating perspective, think mismatched chairs, floral patterns, chandeliers, crystal, stacked-up vintage dishes and wallpapers from Graham & Brown that have been layered and stenciled on top. "It's Oscar Wilde chic," she says.

These hand sculptures at The Cross Decor & Design offer that same sense of surrealism.

As for the colour palette, it will be very natural. "For the paints, I'm thinking sage green and black," says Ewen. All of the colours will come from natural elements such as green moss and yellow tulips, she adds. And because she can only afford one white unicorn head for the walls, she and her team are getting their hands dirty, creating additional heads with paper mâché. "I love the way fashion designer John Galliano creates fashion shows turned upside down," says Ewen. "This will be like that — really quirky."

See Ewen's designs and get more design inspiration by visiting the 2010 Eurodale Dream Home at the National Home Show between February 19 to 28, 2009. (Advance discount tickets are available now — save $5 by using the promo code: HOUSE.) Plus, get solutions to all your home decorating dilemmas (and a chance to win prizes) in our Little Projects Guide.

Photo credits:

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I’m a sucker for flowers on Valentine’s Day. A dozen pink peonies, towering branches of quince, a posy of colourful ranunculus, melt my heart. And now I’ve found the perfect vase — actually, three perfect vases — to put them in. New from Birks, they’re etched with amorous quotes from smooth talkers William Shakespeare, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Alfred de Musset.

“What love can do that dares love attempt.”

Roses are apropos for the Romeo who gives Shakespeare.  

“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.”

Placed bedside, filled with blue blooms, the Saint-Exupéry vase is perfect for the prince about to say “I do.”

“Partons dans un baiser pour un monde inconnu” translates to “Let’s leave in a kiss for an unknown world.”

Why does everything sound better in the language of love? Spark spring fever early with tulips and de Musset’s sweet sentiment.

Enter to win the “What love can do that dares love attempt" vase, among other great gift ideas and prizes, in our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide gallery.

Photo credits:
1. Janis Nicolay
2-4. Vases, Birks
2-4. Bouquets, Michael George

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The very first picture that I added to my now giant inspiration folder was this one:

Everything about it feels right: cosy, comforting, fun, but classic. And, it’s just a hallway. I love the contrasting colours, black and white tiles, dark trim, bold wallpaper and artwork. It has me thinking about our entryway. I want it to be warm and welcoming, but also practical with spots for coats, keys and mail, and a chair to take shoes on and off, or, more realistically, for the cat to sit on and watch us take shoes on and off.

This one hits all the right notes:

With the configuration of our stairs, I think a citrusy-coloured circular rug would complete the space, as in the house below. And, while this hall would normally be a bit too country for my tastes (and is twice the size of ours), this is how I hope ours will feel. And, according to fellow H&H blogger Michael Penney, country is back!

Anthropologie has a great circular area rug that would fit the bill. Sold!

Every entryway needs a great piece of furniture. We purposefully kept the wall under our stairs so we will have a spot for a great console and a mirror. If only my bike looked so effortlessly cool sitting right at the door.

Just add some fantastic light fixtures and we’re done. But, I’ll tell you more about those another time....

Read more about Decorating An Entryway.

Photo credits:
1. Living Etc.
2. Living Etc.
3. design*sponge
4. Isola Bella Rug, Anthropologie
5. Living Etc.

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I stumbled upon these great posters at a garage sale and thought, "Great, all I have do is frame them up, how hard can that be?!"

Then I got my fantastic find home and quickly scanned the Internet for a ready-made frame. Unfortunately, I discovered my wonderful pieces needed something custom, making the project slightly more of an investment than I was hoping for. Still, I knew that if I didn't act, this awesome artwork would spend up to six months stored under my bed, while my blank walls continued to stare accusingly at me.

The solution? Skipping the custom frame and having a custom matte made instead. I chose a simple Ikea Ribba frame in white (70cm x 100cm, $30), and had a custom, acid-free matte made at DeSerres in black ($25). Total cost: $55. A fraction of what I was quoted by the framer!

For more tips on hanging art, check out Decorating An Art Wall and Tips For Hanging Art.

Photo credits:
Stacey Smithers

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Hey everybody, Pier 1 has just released some fantastic products for the upcoming season! I’m especially loving a few of the items in the 2010 line up, so check ‘em out! 

First a fresh and modern take on the wing chair. I’m digging the simple, nature-inspired print and soothing colourway. Annie Wing Back Chair, $350.

Perfect for sectioning off a large space (think modern, open-concept homes), I would recommend buying this handsome screen in pairs. You could use them to flank each side of a room, or use them side by side for a well-proportioned room divider. I could see Vicente Wolf or Thomas O’Brien being into this. Parque Screen, $350.

Another very pretty chair. Soft greens and blues and an old-fashioned charming print beckon me to curl up. Try a pair of these chairs opposite a sofa or on an angle in your bay window. They would look smashing on a jute carpet. Larkspur Armchair, $650.

If you’re not ready to commit to patterned upholstery, add a splash of fresh colour via this expensive-looking cushion! This global print is right on trend and would wake up any traditional interior with its zingy burst of green. Tossed on a neutral sofa, it would do the same trick as a bowl of fresh green apples. Trust me, you can’t do much better for under fifty bucks! Green Chenille Damask Pillow, $45.

Next are a pair of luscious lacquered lanterns. These puppies are classic with their Chinese lacquer finish and would be so wonderful marching up a set of porch stairs. Bring them inside and use a pair on a mantle or buffet. Red Square Metal Lanterns, $15 (small), $40 (large).

Finally a fun beach chair! I know, it was snowing this weekend, but you’ve gotta buy garden furniture in the dead of winter! The sooner we accept this, the less frustrated we will be as shoppers come spring. Of course, this chair would be perfect sunk into some sand, and collapses for easy transport, but I think it could be a fun addition to a kids room, don’t you think? Sling Armchair in Red, $120.

Head down to Pier 1, people, for a fresh and cheerful 2010!

Photo credits:
1-6. Pier 1 Imports

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At this time last year I was planning a trip to Mexico (sigh). This year I’m just dreaming about it.

The last couple of times I’ve been I have noticed more and more of a modern Mexican style. I don’t mean updated versions of piñatas, chimineas, techni-coloured hand painted tiles featuring sea creatures and Aztec references. I mean white stucco, wood accents and minimal layering that results in a clean, simple and somehow moody look.

This boutique hotel in Los Cabos, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, is a good example of these elements (and a dream vacation spot!). Its beautiful and serene terraces are scattered with quaint ponds and infinity pools that slope down to the ocean.

There is also a Tane boutique filled with stunning silver jewelry in the lobby — often referred to as the Mexican Tiffany & Co.

They actually started up with leather in the ‘40s, some of the pieces feel more Hermès to me. My favourites are the Nido ring, Dos Picas pitcher and Izamal bracelet.

Casamidy — another design favourite in Mexico — also uses a lot of metal and leather in their furnishings for an updated, rustic but sophisticated style. I’ve been a fan of their Hacienda headboard and Varenne Monique chaise for a while. You can find their furniture and accent pieces like lanterns with leather straps at select shops across Canada.

Casamidy also does interior projects. Hopefully you agree these spaces prove my theory that Mexico (or at least Mexico City) is a hot design hub. Their spaces are layered with exotic accents but still feel light and airy.

Love these patchwork-like doors.

This is a fresher colour scheme but the rustic accessories and eggplant velvet settee give it some earthy grounding.

Another example of the fresh, pared-back modern Mexican style is Deseo, a boutique hotel in the Mayan Riviera.

Here is one of the crisp white bedrooms with limestone floors.

Love the blue dishware at the coffee bar. And notice the industrial style pendant light — very hot at the moment. Wouldn’t it be great to be sitting with your coffee in the sun here right now?

Designer Kara Mann does a fantastic job of mixing exotic elements into a sophisticated style like in the front entry of this oceanfront villa.

…and the terrace (I had to throw in another beach shot). At least I can imagine lounging here right now...

For more beachy decorating inspiration, view our Summer Decorating photo gallery.

Photo credits:
1-3. Las Ventanas
4. Tane
5-8. Casamidy
9-10. Mr and Mrs Smith Boutique & Luxury Hotel Specialists
11-12. Kara Mann

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Last fall, Quebec artisanal cheesemaker Alexis de Portneuf made headlines when his goat cheese won Best Cheese at the World Cheese Awards.

It was huge news. It is the first Canadian cheese to win the award. Le Cendrillon (which means Cinderella, referring to the ash it is rolled in) became the “It” cheese, and every self-respecting cheese boutique in Canada promptly sold out of what little supply they already had.

That was months ago, so this weekend I was surprised to find my local cheese shop was still out of Le Cendrillon. As I threw up my hands in exasperation, my friendly cheesemonger asked if I had tried Le Paillot, another chèvre made by the same farm.

“It’s even better,” he whispered. That did it: I bought a piece.

Wow. It’s extraordinary. It’s a round cheese, ripened on the exterior while still being creamy and mild in the middle. The variety of textures and flavours in one piece made this a perfect after-dinner cheese served with whole wheat crispbread and sweet apples. To show off its amazing flavour, make sure to bring the cheese to room temperature before serving.

Try one of our delicious recipes that use chèvre.

Photo credits:
1. Le Cendrillon, Canada.com
2. Le Paillot, Chasing the Cheese

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