Janine wrote us with a particular request: “With all the creativity in modern design–angles, curves, patterns, and textures–why do the shapes of area rugs always seem to be rectangular? I’m looking for an interestingly shaped rug, something asymmetrical perhaps. I have, of course, seen nicely shaped animal hide rugs and would love to find photographs using that idea but, please, not striped or spotted. Seen anything like that?” After searching through MANY photographs to find non-rectangular rugs, I came up with only round and animal hide. But considering all the different colours of animal rugs you can get these days, I think that’s a great option. I bought one for my living room because it’s such a small and narrow space – rectangular would have made it seem even more narrow. And, well, rectangular is boring. I’m not sure why stripes and spots (my favs) are not an option for Janine, but here are some ideas…

Bolig Magasinet	Ken Hayden
House Beautiful	Alternative Design
Domino	Santos-Diez
Pieter Estersohn	Frances Janisch
Apartment Therapy	Diamond Baratta Design
House of Pictures	Inreda
Ken Hayden	Skonahem
Studio Ilse	Oak Management

Rickita wrote us recently looking for ideas: “I currently live in an approximately 450 sq studio apartment. I’ve been trying to find inspiring decorating ideas for small spaces. Do you have any pictures of studio apartments: specifically wall decoration and storage ideas? I would appreciate the help!” 450 sq ft is pretty small but I am a firm believer that living in a small space doesn’t mean it has to be filled with small stuff. My favourite small spaces include walls painted in bold colours or covered in fun wallpaper, some large furnishings, and oversized artwork (or large groupings of artwork). Hopefully the following photos inspire anyone living in a small space.

Clive Tompsett	Domino
Robert Stilin	Domino
Joe Serrins	Domino
James Merrell	Gaelle Le Boulicaut
Markham Roberts	Domino
Domino	Domino
Minh Wass	mlk studio
Johnny Bouchier	Marie Claire Maison

Because I was stuck at work well into the evening yesterday, I didn’t have time to get a post ready for this afternoon. And since I just got back from the upholsterer, I figured maybe I could get away with just posting my chairs with their new cushions I picked up. It was a bit costly, but OMG soooo worth it. She did an amazing job. Now if I can just keep the damn cats off them…

Like Jo, I have been so busy the last week or so trying to get some work done in my house. There are some exciting things coming up that involve my place and Jo’s that we’ll tell you about when we can. But in the meantime instead of doing a regular post (since I am lacking in time) I thought I’d post what I’ve been working on, and purchasing, lately.

For starters, I spent a few hours yesterday (with some help…thanks Jeff!!) putting up a forest mural in my living room. It was painstaking, and worrisome because we ended up with alot of bubbling, but this morning when I went downstairs, I was relieved to find out they pretty much all flattened out once it dried. PHEW. I love the result. It’s kind of wacky, and that’s my style. The cat on the couch is a pillow I bought on Etsy. Nah, just kidding, that’s Jo’s favourite cat Lucky.

Now for the office. Last weekend I painted the office floor-to-ceiling white. I finally said buh bye to pale blue walls, and ugly light oak hardwood. The room is SO MUCH BRIGHTER now. It gets alot of sunlight throughout the day, and with everything white, it’s just such a nice room to spend time in, as I do…ALOT. My desk was super long, so I cut it down and covered it in some eBay fabric I’ve had for a while. Jo suggested I paint the door leading to the back deck yellow, and it looks awesome. I have a ton more work to do in there but it’s a good start.

I’ve gone a little nuts lately on eBay and Etsy (and local shops) looking for trinkets and furniture to finish off some rooms with. Today I received 3 parcels, and am waiting for a bunch more. They included the pincushion chair, the resin grapes and the metal tray. The lamp I bought yesterday at a mid-century modern store here, and the table I bought last week at Value Village. It really needs a coat of paint, and I’m not sure what to do with it. I also have 2 chair cushions at an upholsterer so more photos to come hopefully later in the week.

Kim wrote us hoping we could help her with a design dilemma: “I am a uni student living on campus. My uni room is quite large and easily fits a king sized bed, a bar fridge, a bedside table and two tables. I am looking for an ethnic and minimal look (if that even exists). The walls are the real ugly dorm room walls. I have tried covering two of them up with pictures but am left with one really large blank wall. Any more pictures will definitively defeat the minimal look I’m going for. Any suggestions?? The room currently has a burgundy Thai bedspread with silk cushions, Turkish carpet and a Moroccan inspired lantern. Any help is appreciated!!”

Kim – your room sounds gorgeous so far! I have a couple of suggestions for you – an ornate wood mirror, carved wooden panels, a fab piece of fabric simply tacked up, or a big (but flat) tropical plant. Below are some photos of ethnic bedrooms and a couple living rooms for inspiration. We’d love to see photos of the room once completed!

Gaelle Le Boulicaut	Gaelle Le Boulicaut
PointClickHome	indigo design
Selina Lake	Canadian House and Home
Muriel Brandolini	Heather Cameron
Gaelle Le Boulicaut	House of Pictures
Living at Home	Domino
Johnny Bouchier	Marie Claire Maison