Displaying posts from February, 2010

Help for a chick’s pad

Posted on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 by KiM

This reader request comes from Lia: “I take possession next week of a little urban cottage in Overbrook. I have pretty much no cash to do much of anything, but have to do some renos (redo hardwood throughout; upgrade electrical; paint, of course). I had a designer give me a hour’s consulation re: colours, but beyond that… I’m on my own. I’d like the place to reflect my artsy bent and be a sanctuary for my daughter and I. Do you have any ideas for a space of about 800 square feet, including an eat-in kitchen (70’s style brown wood-type cabinets, I’ll keep the linoleum for now, 10 by 14 feet), 12 by 14 foot living with with non-functional fireplace (brown brick and slate), the smallest bathroom possible (with pink and black tiles with white toilet and walk-in bath – that will have to be replaced), and a bedroom for myself (12 by 9) and for my three-year-old (10 by 9)? Do you have any images of cottage-sized, girl-pretty places?” What dug around my photo stash and found all sorts of small-ish spaces with a girly touch, which hopefully will inspire Lia to create a gorgeous little home for her and her daughter. A chick pad. 🙂 I found enough photos for 2 posts so here are some living rooms and bathrooms and tomorrow will be kitchens and bedrooms.

Bolig Magasinet design*sponge
Sally Conran Martha Stewart

jj Locations
The Cross Decor & Design
Domino
Marie Claire MaisonHouse to Home
House to Home
House to Home
Tara Larkin
Living Etc.

The New York Times Bolig Magasinet
Apartment Therapy Domino

Domino
House to Home

(where Canadians kicked Russian ass I might add), I had to amuse myself in between goals so I painted my toenails for the first time since September-ish and was surfing the net a bit when I came across the site for French Canadian shelter mag Décormag, which I hadn’t visited in some time. I was pleasantly surprised to find an eclectic and funky pad which is unlike the usual style of this magazine. It’s the downtown Vancouver apartment of designers Chad Farquharson and Wayne McGill of We Live Like This Design and Styling. LOVE THIS.

Helen Green

Posted on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 by midcenturyjo

Reserved, stiff upper lip, conservative, carry on. Everything British. No try instead refined, elegant, modern with traditional references. London interior designer Helen Green creates spaces with a subtle luxury, establishment with a contemporary take. Careful though. She won’t be boxed in by tradition.

Extreme gingerbread

Posted on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 by KiM

As I promised yesterday, here is another project by Priscilla Glover and Ivan Spaller of Urban Nature Inc., thanks to Tammy, their realtor. This time it’s a Victorian home built in 1890 that was moved from Marlin, Texas to the heart of Austin – which explains why Tammy calls it “extreme gingerbread”. The entire home was restored and updated in just over a year, maintaining much of the classical architecture while adding modern touches. I’m completely smitten with the exterior. Who cares what the inside looks like – I’d be sold on it while pulling up out front. (See more photos here and check out more of their work here).

  
  

Stalking in Sweden (again)

Posted on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 by midcenturyjo

I couldn’t stay away. I just had to go stalking through Swedish real estate sites. From Alvhem Mäkleri & Interiör  – the look is almost their brand. White floors, cute accessories, the pop/splash/flash/dash and dollop of colour, a classic scandi piece or two and the obligatory pair of discarded fashionable shoes and dress on the hanger. The story that the styling tells lures you in. You want the lifestyle as much as the apartment. If you could you’d buy this home, live this life. Mission accomplished.