Stylist's 100-year old home renovation

Happy Wednesday...or like I like to call it...Happy Second-to-last-class day!

I have long been obsessed with the following kitchen. In fact not only have I saved it in my inspiration files, but it was one of my jumping off points for my kitchen project in class. I just love the unexpected use of the unlacquered brass hardware, found in vintage shops and on eBay. It really makes this kitchen special.  And can you believe these cabinets are from Ikea!?!? Reinforces my desire to do a completely wonderful kitchen reno using Ikea cabinets and fabulous hardware!

So when I found out more about this gorgeous home, I had to share with you.

This newly renovated jewel is the home of Toronto props and food stylist Sasha Seymour. Check out the spectacular "after" photos, featured in House & Home, of this 100-year old home.

PS--I'm really digging roman shades lately. They aren't nearly as dramatic as floor to ceiling curtains, but they really show off a bold graphic print well without overwhelming the room.

Photos by Michael Graydon

Cottage Chic Guest Room

Happy Tuesday everyone! I have another exciting project in the works...I am helping a friend refine/reorganize her den/study, living room, and guest room. Besides the fact that her house is absolutely gorgeous (her and her husband recently finished huge renovations) she is so sweet and has great taste...let the fun begin!


I started with the guest room, as this is the simplest room as far as design so I figured it'd be a good place to start...

I normally don't like to source everything from one store, in this case Potterybarn, but I definitely knew the look I was going for and everything I had in mind just happened to be at Potterybarn. I wanted to do something charming and cottage-y while still being crisp and chic. I absolutely love Benjamin Moore's Woodlawn Blue, it is the perfect balance of country and modern. I thought the color combination of Woodlawn blue, white, cream and natural accents (with a pop of mirror) would be absolutely stunning!

Here is what I came up with...I'll let you know what we actually move forward with. 

Cottage Chic Sources

Stratton Bed & Baskets

·      Potterybarn, $999

·      Full/Queen Bed: 60" wide x 80" deep x 16" high

Charlotte Headboard

·      Potterybarn, $499

·      Queen: 62" wide x 2.5" deep x 63" high (I’m guessing it’s about 50” high at lowest point)

Charlotte Armoire

·      Potterybarn, $1149

·      46" wide x 26" deep x 72" high

Park Mirrored Bedside Table

·      Potterybarn, $399

·      24" wide x 18" deep x 28" high

Gilded Gold Frames

·      Potterybarn

Grace Duvet & Sham

·      Potterybarn, $129 queen duvet, $49 Euro Sham (x2)

Pick-Stitch Quilt & Shams

·      Potterybarn, Sandalwood, $159 queen, $25 Standard Sham (x2)

White Sheets with Monogram

·      Potterybarn, White with LightBlue/Porcelin Blue Monogramming, $89

Benjamin Moore paint in Woodlawn Blue

Natural Roman Shades for both windows (Smith & Noble or Next Day Blinds)

Botanical Calendar for art (we can frame with gilded frames)

·      Paper Source, $21.95

Navy + Orange Nursery

I'm back! I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. This has been the longest I've ever gone, and I've missed it every day! To say I've been a little overwhelmed is the understatement of the century! Between work, school, the holidays...oh yeah and did I forget to mention...I'm 5 1/2 months pregnant!! :)

That's right! I'm having a little boy, due in late March/early April. So exciting!!!

Which has made me focusing on nursery designs...I think I'm going to do a preppy navy/orange/white

Something like this...

I love when baby rooms are charming without being overly baby!

Check out some other super cool navy & orange spaces & ensembles...

And here's a photo of me preggers...

New Nov/Dec 2011 LONNY issue is live!

Happy 11.11.11 everyone!

Sorry I've been a little distracted the past couple weeks on my blog...I might be able to explain more next week!

In the meantime, today is one of my favorite days because...the new LONNY issue is here!

Check out some of their super cool images below.

If anyone needs a stocking stuffer idea for me...I am currently coveting this coffee table book!

This sofa looks great...and at only $699 from West Elm...if it's comfortable in person it's an absolute steal! 

Here is a great inspiration photo for Thanksgiving! I need to get my butt in gear and figure out how I'm setting my table this year!

My love for spray paint

I wanted to share a super cool contest going on over at Valspar...

So if you follow my blog you know that I am completely obsessed with Valspar (I only use Valspar paint and if I am dead set on a Benjamin Moore color I have the Valspar paint mixed to my color) as well as spray painting every piece of old furniture I buy.

So Valspar spray paint is like my mother ship!

Here is the last thing I sprayed...a table I bought for $11 and looks amazing!

After:

Before:

To celebrate the launch of their new Spray Paint Formula and Can Design they are giving their fans a chance to win a Valspar Spray Paint DIY Kit through their Facebook page.

Visit Valspar's Facebok page  and upload a photo of an item you want to "spray" on the Play to Spray Photo Contest--then get people to VOTE! The top ten voted items will win a kit, which includes five cans of spray.

The improved paint formula and intuitive design of the new Valspar Spray Paint minimizes common issues such as finger fatigue, dripping, and spitting.


I'm definitely finding a piece in need of a little TLC and submitting...I'm thinking of this piece...

A good window display

A good home window display will literally make me stop in my tracks and I instantly imagine what it would be like to live in this space! I remember when I was at Boston U and working retail on Newbury Street I would go into the Potterybarn on my break and sit and dream about what my "grown up" house would one day look like.

This weekend a super cute window display at Z Gallerie literally made me stop and take a photo, much to the mall walkers dismay. I love the winter rustic vibe with the charming numbered canisters, pewter plates, iron owl watching over and glass apothecary-like decanter...all set on top of a rustic dining room table with a white birch tree in the background...love!

Here are some other fabulous accessories I am loving from Z Gallerie

Loving Mercury Glass

Happy Friday everyone!

One of the easiest ways I spruce up my house around the Holidays is with Mercury Glass! I absolutely love Mercury Glass. Not only is it beautiful, but since it's not a true Holiday color you can put it out around Halloween and it looks perfect through the New Year! In my living room and dining room alone I currently have a pumpkin, 2 candle holders and a candle pot...all in Mercury Glass.

Take a look at some stunning Mercury Glass below...

I have one of these pumpkins displayed on the tray on my ottoman!

I bought this candle from Anthroplogie last week and it is divine. It's a Capri Blue hand poured candle in their signature Volcando sent and is absolutely beautiful!

All images via Pinterest.

Loving Camel + Gray

For a while now I have been totally focused on buying neutral solids as opposed to flashy prints. This really does make your wardrobe timeless as opposed to really trendy. Italians, who always look fabulous usually focus on buying just a few high-quality solids and then mixing, matching, and layering throughout the year...and you know how I love all things Italian.

My particular focus has been on camel--I can't stop buying camel colored pieces. Camel is warm and sophisticated, and always looks rich.

And I'm loving the combination of camel and Heather gray. Look how fabulous it looks...

It even looks amazing in home spaces:

These technically aren't camel and gray...but they are so pretty I had to include :)

PS--I am totally wearing gray with a camel plaid scarf today :)