friday favourites

I've come a across a few gorgeous bedrooms lately that make my favourites list for this week. The natural elements, neutral tones and unexpected hits of colour make these rooms really fresh and interesting.
 Enjoy and happy weekend. 

                                                                        Source: elledecor.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

                                                             Source: inastateofluxe.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

                                                                       Source: elledecor.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

                                                                             Source: marthastewart.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

                                                                Source: marthastewart.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

                                                                   Source: houseandhome.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

friday favourites: ultra cool green products

My picks of the week are these are totally creative and cool eco-friendly designs.

recycled book desk

reclaimed courtside desk

iphone sustainably harvested wood clock dock

cardboard drink package light

Have you seen any other sustainable or green home design products to share?

are books as a design element a thing of the past?

                                                                     Source: homedit.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Last week The Economist broke the story that IKEA will be revamping its classic Billy Bookshelf by making the shelves deeper. Perfect, the article states, for "ornaments, tchotchkes and the odd coffee-table tome—anything, that is, except books that are actually read." The article goes on to explain that e-books have overtaken hardcover sales and that the Swedish furniture company is adapting to a future with fewer physical books in our homes. 

Say it isn't so! OK, I can (maybe) understand why people are indeed opting for the convenience of an e-book while standing on a commuter train or crammed into a tiny airplane seat (though I still love the feel and smell of a real page), but I can not and will not accept that books will no longer serve as a prominent design element in our homes. Yes, I may be more of a bookshelf enthusiast than some, but you have to admit that books, whether stacked on the bedside table, organized masterfully in a bookcase, or piled precariously high on the floor beside a chair add a warm and interesting feel to a space. Displaying books is the easiest decoration trick in the book, and it personalizes a home. The colours and sizes and textures profuse a room with a cozy and comfy and welcoming feel. 

                                                                    Source: beautiful-libraries.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

                                                                            Source: google.ca via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

                                                                         Source: google.ca via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

So I was incredibly relieved to read Reluctant Habits' interview with IKEA PR gal Marty Marston, who said, "I hate to dispel those who think the bookcase is dead. We do not see it that way. We really see books as decorative. Books will still continue to be something used to adorn. They’re rich and they’re textured.”

Whew. Books in design are not a fading trend. OK, I guess I can fish my IKEA catalogue out of the recycle bin. Or I could just bookmark the online version.

green product roundup

It's becoming easier to find eco-friendly furniture and home products, especially online. I've recently come across some that are pretty interesting.

These "wall flats" from Inhabit are an interesting wall covering, and especially great to hide old panelled or wallpapered walls. They are made from a bi-product of sugar cane that would normally be sent to a landfill or burned as biomass. 

Mod Pieces offers vintage lighting that come in all kinds of wonderful shapes and colours. Both the bases and shades are refreshed vintage. 

The fantastic throw rugs from Fab Habitat are made from 100% recycled plastic - polypropylene straws to be exact. Makes for a great indoor or outdoor product. 

Such a cool idea: exhibiting photos and artwork on sustainably grown and harvested plywood panels from Plywerk. 

Room & Board makes these great indoor/outdoor end and coffee tables from 100% post-industrial and post-consumer recycled plastic. 

Finally, count on good old West Elm to give us eco-friendly bedding choices. This Organic Rice Pintuck duvet cover is 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS. 

Got any other green products to share? 

decorating according to home style - a home done right

In yesterday's post I wrote about my affinity for homes that in some way reflect the geographical area that they are in. Continuing with that thinking, I also believe that the interiors of homes should reflect the style of the outside of the home. It is always best to work with, not against, the architecture of your space. For example, if a house has modern architectural lines, decorating the inside with ornate and very traditional furnishings will make the home feel "off", no matter how well done. The flip side is tougher- many of us have older, traditional style homes but want to live in contemporary fashion. Updating to all the modern conveniences that we want can be done while still staying true to a home's architectural style - it just takes a little creativity. Use the architecture as a jumping off point, add in the modern and comfortable elements you want, and accent in a fashion suiting the house style.

A great example of this is the vacation home of my uncle and aunt in Eastern Canada.

They have a rustic log home, and though they live a modern and contemporary lifestyle, they renovated and decorated the interior in a way that stays true to a country log cabin aesthetic.

Red is an unexpected punch of colour and works well with the modern black appliances and the newly painted black hutch. The ceiling is clad with plank boards to keep the country-cozy feel, also accomplished by displaying antiques and collectibles on open shelving. Today's everyday kitchen things are out on display and easily accessible, but the old jars and baskets are mixed in with them to add charm.

Natural materials throughout are consistent with the logs used for the home's frame. Family items found in the house were brought out and used for decoration instead of buying new artwork or decorative items.

Trim around windows and floors needed replacing, and the new ones were square-cut and stained to keep the wood look. Even needed new furniture like this side table keeps the look of the rest of the home. 

The bathroom counter was made by hand from wood. The rich dark colour is amazing and complements the modern nickel accents. Check back tomorrow to see how it was done!

Isn't this a fabulous reno? Do you agree that a home's decor should stay true to its roots?

Thanks Larry and Jill for giving us a glimpse into your wonderful home!

hometown style influences

It's always interesting to see homes and interiors around the world that are influenced by the geography and history of the area. Even within North America there are subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) differences in home and decorating styles according to the city or region. Everyone, of course, has their own favourite style - modern, traditional, rustic, retro, etc. - but within those styles it's nice to try to give a nod to the town in which you live.

My hometown at the moment is Calgary, Alberta, Canada, one of the most energetic and fastest-growing cities in North America.

Calgary is situated in the heart of the western prairies at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and it is also now one of the biggest oil and gas centers in the world. The history of ranchers, farmers and cowboys mixed with the new world of energy entrepreneurs makes for a really exciting and interesting city.

I love the fast-paced downtown with its trendy urban restaurants and shops, but also enjoy the relaxed weekend vibe, when everyone day-trips to hike or ski in the mountains or explore the wide-open spaces that surround the city on all sides. Despite its exponential growth over the last couple of decades, Calgary retains a warm, small-town feel that pays homage to its wild west roots.

Home and building design in Calgary reflects all of its history, old and new. There are modern skyscrapers with minimalist urban condos, as well as very large ranch-style homes set on acreages that overlook the fields and mountains. And there are also cozy ski lodges and homes in the mountains that reflect the beauty that sits at their doorsteps.

Calgarians lead a  "work hard, play hard" kind of lifestyle, and most homes in this area reflect that. Modern conveniences and simple, clean-lined styles are the norm, but always with a reflection of nature that adds a comfortable and welcoming vibe.

Wooden elements, including floors, exposed beams, doors and walls are a common design element.

Open-plan living is popular, reflecting the wide-open spaces of the prairies.

High ceilings and lots of windows let in natural light and views of the mountains.

Don't you love Calgary now? If you ever visit, give me a shout!

I hope you will also jump over to Centsational Girl, where you will find a bunch of other hometown stories like mine.

5 essentials in designer kitchens

Well-designed kitchens make a home, so you really need to consider the essential details when planning. Take a look at these fantastic kitchens in the homes of top designers. Notice the similarities:

1. Good lighting.  This includes both natural light through ample windows plus task lighting. There is a focus on ample stylish pendants over islands, tables and work areas. Lighting needs to be super-functional in kitchens, but can also be the place to make a style statement.

2. Lots of prep space. Again, function is key here, but counters are another place that can make or break a kitchen. Countertops are such a great way to make an impact. See my previous post on choosing stylish eco-friendly countertops.

3. Taking advantage of vertical space.  In addition to extra storage, cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling are more visually appealing and give a custom look. Or forgo upper cabinets for open shelving that also takes advantage of the full height of your walls.

4. In-kitchen eating areas. Whether at islands or tables, well-designed kitchens have comfortable spots for the family and guests to mingle with the cook and do everything from have a glass of wine to finish homework. Check out my previous post on eat-in kitchens.

 5. Personality. Whether through collectibles, colour, interesting lighting or unique and unexpected accessories, designers know how to inject personality and character into rooms, even kitchens.

So do you have these elements in your own kitchen?
(All photos courtesty of House Beautiful, where you can see even more designer kitchens).

weekend finds

You may know by now that I love painted furniture. I think that old, discarded pieces from the past that are stuck in basements or dark corners of a room (or given to a thrift store) are so much fresher when painted. Why buy a new dresser or table or chair when great ones already exist?

So I was thrilled to come across a terrific design shop in Calgary this weekend that not only features furniture and art by local and international artists, but also believes in refinishing old pieces of furniture. DaDe Art & Design Lab has these great pieces that have a modern feel due to the high gloss finish and the hardware painted out the same colour. Love them!

So are you a fan of painting old pieces of furniture?

friday favourites!

I just love the rustic modern style and I'm so glad that it is making a big splashy return all over the world of design. Just look at this fantastic renovated Spanish farmhouse, posted by The Style Files. I am in love and booking my ticket to Spain...