Studio Junction

Studio Junction is an architecture firm and woodworking shop based in Toronto and founded by Peter Tan and Christine Ho Ping Kong. I'm really surprised I haven't blogged these folks before. I spotted the first home below a few years ago in Dwell magazine and was mesmerized. You don't see funky outdoor spaces like that in too many Canadian homes. It happens to be the home of Peter and Christine and was one of their first major design projects. And they scored. (I included some bits and pieces from a couple other projects too).  

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Putting life in the garden with Garden Life

"We endeavour to create spaces that people want to spend time in. Spaces to relax in, rejuvenate in and enjoy, because that's what gardens are about. They exist to make people happy."

If I owned the pool in the first few pictures I'd be ecstatic. Bold contrasts, lush foliage and a glass edged pool transform a small inner city space into a tropical retreat. Fabulous urban gardens by Sydney landscape firm Garden Life.

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Saturday at the cottage

Summer is slowly making it's way to Ottawa and I plan on taking advantage of the decent weather every chance I get. And I did just that yesterday by spending the day at my sister's cottage in Quebec. It was a bit chilly and very windy but luckily we have options when the weather isn't completely cooperating. The cottage is right on the water which is ideal on hot days, but for days like yesterday when it was only a high of 17 and windy, we spent the day on their property across the road where there was no wind and therefore much warmer. It was a fantastic and much needed break from everyday life and computers so I brought a stack of shelter magazines I have been wanting to read but never found the time and got some sun and relaxed. I took some photos (both iPhone and with my little Fuji X10) that I thought I'd share since I didn't have time to do anything else for today's post. Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend so far!

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Anytime now

Every year at this time, my anticipation for summer (all 3 months of it - LOL) is immeasurable. After my last post I developed some serious backyard cravings, and since I won't be doing any digging in the garden this year (hopefully some heavy machinery tearing my house down will be happening instead) I will have to live vicariously through the blog. So enjoy some photos of beautiful yards via Canadian House & Home with me and repeat after me - "BRING ON SUMMER!" 

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Stalking a dichotomy

Like night and day. Black and white. Inside and out. Front and back. Old and new. Victorian era house and modern extension for sale in Richmond, Melbourne. The dark moody spaces appeal while I think it may be the lighting that leaves me a little cold in the open plan kitchen and family room. Do you see the must have "I've made it!" Australian house accessory? It's the outdoor kitchen. We're crazy for them here. Link here while it lasts.

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