Displaying posts from April, 2008

Polly Eltes started her career in front of the camera as a fashion model. Now the London based photographer captures interiors, people and still life with a wonderful sense of immediacy as if you have just walked into a room or been introduced to her subjects yourself. Her fashion eye is apparent in her composition and great grasp of colour and light. Don’t miss the rest of her portfolio. It’s a treat!

I am seriously lacking in outdoor furniture and since I have a pretty big yard, a front porch and a deck in the backyard, I knew with spring here that I would soon have to start looking. I regularly search Craigslist and Kijiji for furniture, and the other day I came across some amazing rattan patio furniture – 2 chairs and a loveseat. I picked them up yesterday in Aylmer, Quebec, and I am soooo in love with their rounded shapes. They need some paint, and they are pretty old and showing their age, but I can’t wait to have at ’em. I’m seeing some fun bright colours, in paint and some cushions. Sorry for the kind of crappy photo, but we still have so much snow that I had no where else to put them outside.

When we arrived at the seller’s home I was totally smitten. The house was absolutely gorgeous. There was a for sale sign out front so I checked the agent’s website and found some photos. It’s a heritage home, in downtown Aylmer, 3000 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms. This home is dreamy – such incredible architectural details, but it seems just about every room is wallpapered which could be a nightmare to deal with. Regardless, it would be such a blast to decorate.

Summer is lingering in my part of the world but a chill in the evening air is a reminder that winter is coming. I was up early this morning to attend the local farmers market. Shopping and sampling fresh local produce is so tiring. Time to relax in my new thrifted garden chairs. I love Colin at my favourite thrift store. “How much for these two chairs Colin?” “$5 the lot.” A generous drink of marine grade teak oil and they’re ready for the last dog days of summer. I’m lounging comfortably drinking guava cordial from the markets thumbing through magazines. Bliss!

What else is new? I managed to score some vintage bus rolls on eBay. Lots of numbers and letters. These are destined for a series of large collages. Can’t wait to get started. Biggest news at Casa Jo is the imminent arrival of a peacock chair. Yes my four step plan is complete. Where did my not so little lovely come from? Curb side collection, the ultimate in community recycling. Thank you to whoever threw out the chair for council rubbish collection in New Farm because it now is heading my way. Thanks to Ron my regular delivery guy who spied it and nabbed it for me. With slight damage to the seat it’s spending the week at the restorer but fingers crossed it’s here next week.

WINKS – weekend links. Here we list what has come in during the week, things we’ve found and things we think you’ll want to see. If you’d like to see your blog or website featured email us and if we think it fits with our readers we’ll link you. So what’s in this week?

• Jeanine at Aphro Chic has a new banner and a new layout and it looks great. If you haven’t been before now is the time to drop over. Aphro Chic is full of eye candy and looks gorgeous Jeanine!



• Rachel Mallon from Design Savvy Maui has a new online venture Room in a Book. Room in a Book is for people who want to decorate their homes on their own but are not sure where to start. The book includes a floor plan, 2-3 renderings of your new space, a material board, a furniture board, and a shopping list. Rachel also provides steps to creating your new room to make it easier through the design process.



• This week on WINKS we are featuring some talented photographers. The first is Barb Ziemer. “A week or so ago, I captured a mesmerizing trio of reflections while on a weekend hike. With Spring upon us, I offer these for your review. A representation of tranquillity.” You can see more of Barb’s work at her etsy store. Don’t miss her gritty industrial snaps!
• Pam from the absolutely fabulous Retro Renovation has embarked on a gargantuan series – 61 Mamie Pink kitchens! That is, mid century kitchens in that classic color launched by first lady Mamie Eisenhower. OMG! Kim take note you are not the trend setter you think you are. So much fun!!!
• Jennifer Squires emailed. “I’ve just launched some new flower photographs in time for spring. Currently the collection includes roses, calla lilies, tulips, and gerberas. Images are available as large as 24×30 inches or as small as 4×6 inches.” Jennifer’s work can be viewed at her website and purchased at her etsy shop. I couldn’t just show you her beautiful flowers I had to give you just a little taste of her other photos.



• Jen Khoshbin emailed to introduce her artwork and her etsy shop Ruby’s Lounge. Her book projects are stunning (too many beautiful images to share here)and her deer heads continue the love affair with all things wilderness. Thanks Jen!



• New blog alert! Lisa Backus has “recently started a blog about interior design and am hoping to start getting my name out there and gaining readers. I’m a sophomore at Michigan State University studying interior design and I hope to give readers insight into the student world of interior design as well as inspire.” Great start! Head on over to Juxtaposition Design and say hi to Lisa!



• Janet Amon from The Showroom Collections emailed to introduce her discount designer furniture portal. She offers 3 types of services. As the website explains… “The first is helping self-directed customers, who know exactly what they’re after, to purchase those items in a way that saves them time and money. All items are priced at 20% over designer cost, excluding shipping. This represents a considerable savings (approximately half) of the design industry markups of these same items. The second is a design consulting service, for those who would like some help in finding items for their homes. You tell us what you’re looking for and we do the research and show you what’s available. There is no fee for this service. The third is a comprehensive design service. Under all three options, you have entrée to truly remarkable furnishings and accessories – most of which are available only through design professionals.” Definitely one to check out!
• Hello Kim,
  Bemz, the Swedish company that sells slipcovers for IKEA armchairs and sofas, has just changed the way people can view and select Bemz slipcovers with “Lifestyles” — different collections of Bemz’ gorgeous fabrics, patterns and textures, combined to convey unique “design languages” for the home. Bemz is the brainchild of Lesley Pennington, Canadian national and a former Apple marketing evangelist… Big plans for this year – I’ll be keeping you posted! Now, it’s easy for everyone to get their sofas out of the doldrums!
  Tim

Sally McEwan knows how to style a room to draw attention to it’s best features. And I learned a lesson here (see photo #1): pair an absolutely FABULOUS light fixture in an otherwise unassuming room and POW – instant glamour!