Displaying posts from February, 2011

***Pets on furniture posts will resume in a couple weeks when I return from holidays! – Kim

The other day my sister called me and said “OMG Kim, you have GOT to blog Lexie’s house!!!”. Lexie is a furniture designer and her husband is an architect (his firm is Mork-Ulnes Design) – which explains why her house is so freaking amazing. In 2006 his firm was responsible for extensive renovations of this 1896 Victorian home located in San Francisco, which features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and is just over 2600 sq ft. I absolutely adore every square inch of this home, from the architecture to the decor. And for those who may house hunting in the area, this home can be YOURS, as the family is moving to Norway in the summer. This has got to be one of the top 5 homes I’ve ever blogged. (MANY more photos after the jump).

Yes you read right. A week of stalking. Either I have too much time on my hands or the real estate market is picking up. “…. formerly the stables of a Wheel-Wright, this 120 year old building is now a totally unique, uber cool, private and enchanting home. Enter via a security gate, down a meandering path to a private and secluded walled garden. Upon entering the stables you are presented with high vaulted ceilings and exposed trusses, huge open plan living and dining with open fireplace, entire 1st floor master suite, 2nd double bedroom or study/library, separate dressing room, chef’s kitchen with a massive 4 metre long American cherry wood bench and large master bathroom with elevated spa.” Well that’s what they say on the website and I always believe what I read when I’m real estate stalking. I just wish they hadn’t stretched the photographs. It would be cool to live in a stable though wouldn’t it? Link here while it lasts.

Got a problem? Need some help? Just stand there shaking your head? Don’t know what to do? You’re not alone. Send us a link to photos of your design quandary and let the Desire to Inspire design crew help you…. that’s you lot… the readers…. get to it! You did such a good job the last couple of weeks I know you can do it all over again. Besides I have a Saturday to enjoy.

“I am needing ideas for window treatments. I live in a townhouse without a lot of character except it has great windows that allow lots of light. But I also need privacy! so letting them be bare is not an option. I inherited custom made shades accordion kind made of some sort of felt like material?? do not know but they have to stay for a long while. I have two very large cathedral style windows and two windows that flank a faux wood burning stove on the outside wall. This wall also has a cathedral window it is the smaller one. I am not one for matchy match. I hung cream voile curtains that puddle to the floor on the two the cathedral windows. I was trying to come up with an idea for the other two windows that are much smaller that measure 32.5 x 62.5. Any ideas would be appreciated. I adore this blog and drool over the beautiful spaces… I have attached pic’s hope these are adequate.  I also attached photos of the yellow chairs I want to reupholster.  I can’t make up my mind on fabric.  Any feedback would be appreciated.” – Wendy

Here’s a taste of what Wendy has achieved so far. It’s shaping up to be a lovely room. After the jump you’ll see the problem with the room. She REALLY needs your help 😉

When this post publishes I will be madly cleaning house and doing last minute packing for my trip to one of my favourite places on earth (not that I’ve been to many), Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I worked my arse off to get some posts done to publish while I’m away (11 days – we leave tomorrow morning) so you won’t even notice I’m gone. While you’re not noticing I’m gone, I thought you’d enjoy some eye candy from one of my favourite magazines that I’ve mentioned on occasion (here, here and here), Décormag – which happens to be French Canadian. 🙂 (I saw those chairs above at Beige, and almost bought one for my desk…kicking myself now that I didn’t buy a whole set!)

Yes Vaucluse, Sydney house you had me at hello. You are fun and family orientated, perfectly positioned with a view that is just so sweet! Summer rooms and winter hang outs. Timber clad ceilings and too cool pool. If only you could be mine! I’ve stalked you. Perhaps I could woo you? No? OK I’ll just take your boathouse then. Yes? Maybe? No? Link to this fab home here while it lasts.