Displaying posts from October, 2017

Jessica has sent over a few submissions to my Monday’s pets on furniture series lately of her dog Drava and has also kindly shared her condo that she has lovingly renovated and decorated, and shares with pooch and husband Marc. She cracked me up during our email convo, particularly when she used the phrase “balling on a budget”. LOL! Here is some info from Jessica: It can be best described as a labor of love, which has gradually evolved over the past 15 years.  Located in a small Western Pennsylvania town (West Middlesex), it was a study in the late 80s – early 90s……replete with multi patterned wall paper, borders, contractor cabinetry, and flat carpeting.  And since it is a small footprint (approximately 1600 square feet), I had to select a color palette which flowed from one area to the next.  I utilized various “pops of color” throughout the space, to achieve interest.  If I had to describe my taste, it would be light, airy, frothy, and oceanic……with Scandinavian and Midcentury Modern furnishings. I love this, especially the accents of blue and turquoise throughout the condo, those sweet dining chairs and the modernized bathroom. PLus, Jessica worked her ass off – including refinishing all of the kitchen cabinets herself, removing wallpaper that didn’t want to let go, and sanding and painting every inch of “oak” trim (which took every evening over an entire winter). Must point out too that Drava looks quite at home. Thanks Jessica!

Volume, light, proportion and materiality. These are the elements at the heart of designs by Toronto-based architectural studio Atelier Kastelic Buffey. What appears to be simple and minimal is, in fact, a beautifully balanced consideration of form and function resulting in a modern interpretation of a family ski chalet.

A charming country guesthouse with bare beams above and stone floors with Aubusson rugs underfoot. Think over-plump down-filled pillows on French Provençal chairs to lounge in, scrubbed long tables for dining and everywhere something pretty to catch your eye. Not my usual choice but then a bed and breakfast should be an escape from the everyday urban grind. Interior styling by Susan Burns.

On Sunday I featured some work by NAP from Poland. They also sent along photos of their architect’s showroom and workspace and I am absolutely blown away buy this space. Dark colours, a mix of vintage and modern, original architecture (original window joinery, doors, jambs, wooden floors and layout of the rooms were preserved in the renovation)…it’s a style I always gravitate towards. NAP decided to paint the wood floors and stairs dark, and this led to shades of grey, graphite and peach used throughout. All furnishings and accessories are available through their store – a mix of Vitra, DCW Editions, Gubi, Carl Hansen, Tom Dixon with EMU, Fatboy and Fermob in the garden space.

More and more of us are living in inner city apartment blocks. Developers relentlessly build more and more of what are often striking buildings on the outside or in the foyer but the apartments themselves are often bland, cookie cutter spaces. Not this West End apartment in Brisbane by Louise Walsh. Edgy and urban, its rich earth tones, layered textures and tribal touches warm the rooms and add personality and style.