Displaying posts from April, 2019

A study of light and shadow, of old and new, of the expressive and the minimalist, of public and private. It’s about enhancing the everyday, of bringing modern luxury living to a heritage property through a respectful balance between authentic preservation and contemporary design. Albert Park Residence by Melbourne-based interior design studio GOLDEN.

Crisp, white and contemporary with light flowing in through high walls of glass. A seamless connection between inside and out. Warmth from just enough texture and wood. What more could you want in a modern home? You certainly don’t need more words from me. Just drink in the inspiration from the pictures. The White House by Melbourne-based architectural and interior design firm Robson Rak.

Photography by Shannon McGrath,

I was delighted to receive an email the other day from a friend and arguably the most talented designer here in Ottawa, Henrietta Southam, on a project she recently completed. This apartment is iconic in a few ways – it was previously owned by an iconic Canadian singer, and her love of Asian-style architecture and Hindu temples was and still is evident throughout and is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in this city. And lastly, the views of the Ottawa River and the Parliament buildings from its windows are unparalleled. I had seen photos of this home in its previous incarnation and what Henrietta has done to “de-wood” some of the structure and make it more contemporary and less temple-like is astonishing. (To note: the sale of the apartment included the contents but there was a caveat that nothing was to be sold. Henrietta helped the new homeowner decide on what should stay and what should be gifted away). Against all odds in a home with so much dark woods and global sensibilities, blue and silver were chosen as primary colour and metal (Henrietta’s creativity knows no bounds) and hence the name Cloud Nine was coined. Henrietta wrote a beautiful article on this home for Luxe Magazine which I would highly recommend having a read, and she shared with me some of the photos by photographer Marc Fowler (Metropolis Studio). I’ll share more on Thursday.

This Notting Hill townhouse was designed by Barlow & Barlow – Lucy Barlow who studied in fashion and interiors, and her brother Max, a lighting designer. I would have guessed Lucy has a background in fashion as she has some serious audacious skills when it comes to mixing colour and pattern. Boldly eclectic, with a mix of modern and antiques, makes for a really unique home. To note: the bathrooms in this townhouse are fantastic!!

Who needs a large getaway house in the Hamptons for summer? I don’t … but you do. How else am I to squat in your pool room for the season especially if it looks like this one designed by Mike Moser of MStudio? I promise I’m the perfect beach house guest.