I’d like to introduce you all to the wonderful world of interior design by Canadian Jessica Kelly. She lays the groundwork for contemporary spaces in cool, calm neutrals and then all the homeowners have to do is personalize with photos of their dog, a stack of favourite coffee table books, a pair of Hunter boots at the front door and they’re all set. 😉

Butler Armsden Architects, based out of San Francisco, creates homes that make me want to weep – for joy. Spectacular modern design yet comfortable and casual. I love that they can modernize a home yet keep traditional touches intact as a reference to its history. (I think they had me at the chartreuse Saarinen Womb chair). 

The other day we received the following email from Jennifer: As a long time follower of your blog, I know you do real estate stalkings. This is my home that I just finished restoring last year. It was built in 1917, nothing had been done to it, well I think, ever!!. It was scheduled for demolition when we bought it. Completely dilapidated, falling over….It took us almost 2 years to renovate it. The tears, the joy, the work….ugh…but the end product I am pretty proud of. We have just put it on the market today and I would love it if you would post some photos or the link! Any of your followers up for a move to Texas??? Now, it takes alot for me to be rendered speechless when it comes to interiors. This one did just that. And when I came to I made my husband come over to my laptop and showed him each and every photo while gasping and pointing. I’m not sure what I’m more shocked about – that this house was supposed to be levelled or that Jen is selling it. (Although she says they just finished one across the street and will send photos when they’re moved in and have it all decked out – can’t wait!). Listing link HERE. 

I thought those of you looking for a little kitchen inspiration might enjoy the following kitchens from the folks at Dovetail~Workers in Wood. They are based in Hampshire, UK, and obviously take pride in their work and create dream kitchens for each one of their clients. I love the details they’ve included in some of their kitchens – from a compost drawer to a little niche for trays. Check those out after the jump. First up, some kitchens that caught my eye.

If you’d like to send us photos to include in next week’s “pets on furniture” post, please ensure your photos follow our basic rules: First, the pet must be on a piece of furniture. And said piece of furniture must be clearly visible in the photo, so it takes center stage rather than your pet. Think of it more of a photo of a great piece of furniture that you want to show off…and your pet happens to be sitting on it. And second, the photo must be of decent quality. If it’s dark or fuzzy (from a camera phone) then it may not make the cut. Thanks! (Photos, your name, location and a brief description can be sent to  desiretoinspirekim[@]hotmail[.]com and PLEASE don’t send closeups of your pet!)

This is my Miniature Poodle (Mr.) Darcy soaking up the morning sun. He was looking towards the window and likely thinking of heading for the large armchair that he uses as his viewing spot.
– Jenn (Toronto)

I’m attaching a photo of a daybed that my husband made, using reclaimed wood.  We just upgraded to a flat screen (better late than never) and I wanted a daybed to place underneath the tv, so the wall can be used, not just watched! It is covered in our old organic unbleached cotton duvet cover.  Ikea lamp behind and 3 of our photos.  Chair under the photos is early 1900’s french.  Oh, and the cat is Smokey.
– Sylvie (Bellingham, Washington, originally from BC)

This is Mango our 8 month old Golden Doodle. Her favorite spot is your favorite spot!
– Monica (Brea, CA)

– Sharon (Bloomington, IN)

i normally don’t take many photos of my own dogs…but diego was just too cute as a puppy & we had a break on this particular shoot…so i put him up on the stool & snapped a few pics…the last one is of diego now
– Robyn

I would like to send you some images of my dog in my house. He is a lhasa-apso and his name is Zulu. I’m an plastic artist and I love colours and dogs.
– Isabel (Londrina/Pr/Brazil)

This is our cat, Mojo. She’s tiny — she weighs about 6 pounds. We call her “the koala” because of the way she grips things while she’s sleeping. I bought this butterscotch colored loveseat for $100 on eBay from a shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana a couple years ago. It’s a great piece of living room furniture and so easy to clean when you have pets! (We have another cat and a dog.)
– Katherine

A freak October snowstorm kept Cooper and Addie close to the fire on their favorite perch, a Barcelona ottoman.
– Cathy & Bruce

All of our animals are rescues- Bailey is the larger brown/white beagle/pointer mix. She recently lost her front right leg to a tumor and is doing wonderfully! The little white furball is Tank- I adopted him in April of this year! He is a pekingese, his mother was rescued from a puppy mill when she was pregnant. The one of him on the red towel all fluffed up was the first night home with us! I like the other one of him even more- his underbite is poking out and he looks like a very pensive man. Lastly the furry kitty is Gizmo- I couldn’t find many non-grainy pictures of her because she is always moving! I love that picture because she’s all snuggled up in the corner.
– Julia

I get this email from my wife with the subject line…. Monster created.  I figured it was one of our dogs, Molly or Ace doing something.  Turns out that after 6 years, Ace thinks he has free reign over all the furniture in the house.  In this case, it’s our bed.  Indeed, a monster has been created!!!
– Glenn (Rockville, MD)

Chloe the cat, “Yoga cat”, on our old sofa and having a merry Christmas on our piano.  
– Anne (Rochester, NY)

This is my mums cornish rex, India, she’s got a fabulous elegance about her, even while watching the other animals outside (she’s not allowed out because she’s got light skin and white fur sue she’d get sun burn) she sits on a chair. The second photo of her is on the food bin, with her “please feed me” face.
– Katie (Yarra Valley, Australia)