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And, we're back.

2010-06-23T16:02:00.005-04:00

Took a bit of a break there due to a total lack of inspiration but now I'm all atwitter to be helping the other brother decorate his new loftish bach space.

I found some pics of Valerie Pasquiou's apartment on Loftlife and the vibe was very, very close to what I had in mind for him:

Some of the key elements:

Basic white walls and neutral flooring
Mainly neutrals (black/white/brown) with some subtle flashes of colour (throw pillows, chair, etc.)
Mix of modern basics (couch, bed, coffee table) with some vintage pieces (desk, chairs, bench, sideboard
Additional pieces: cowhide rug, large mirror, lots of art/books, misc. lighting

The only main element I'd change would be to have the dining table wood rather than white. And I think the giant floor mirror might be a tad "done".

I'd definitely take my time finding a some used interesting chairs for the dining room and living room. As well as a desk and sideboard. For the basics, some initial ideas:

Karlstad sofa

Koldby rug

Something like the Klubbo coffee table.

Malm bed

Classic steel Tanker desk and chair

Art - the kid is a great photographer so he should definitely blowup and frame a couple like this one:

Bedding - clean and simple in greys/whites like the Unison Porter duvet cover:

Pillows - a couple of these Fluf Wool Punch pillows for the bed and couch:

You get me, you really get me

2010-03-18T19:09:00.003-04:00

I love the work of Mike Monteiro and this new one available at 20x200 is so perfect it scares me:

The kitchen: before and inspiration

2010-03-09T09:41:00.010-05:00

The next/last big project to tackle around this place is the kitchen. Although the bathroom reno has left me feeling a bit less terrified, I'd be lying if I said I was looking forward to the process of the kitchen reno. This is not a big house and the kitchen though tiny is the still the activity hub of the house. I have no idea how we'll manage with relocating everything. Plus the thought of living off take-out and microwaveable "food" for any period of time is also unappealing.

Since we're planning on selling in a couple of years, there's not much room for expansion/re-configuring and because our neighbourhood is not going to attract upscale buyers anytime soon, we're not going nuts with highend upgrades.

Basically I'm looking at lower-end Ikea for almost everything: white cabinets, perhaps some glass on the uppers to make it look a touch above builder-grade, dark counter tops, single sink with a built-in drainboard, white subway tile backsplash and new vinyl flooring.

I've been collecting some inspiration pics of small white Ikea galley kitchens to get me motivated:

Chai modern

2010-02-07T14:22:00.028-05:00

One of my little bros will soon be shacking-up with his lovely fiance in an open, modern, loft-type apartment. For some reason he thinks I might be able to help him come up with a decorating scheme.

So, based on the preferences he indicated, I've taken a stab at some basics for creating a modern, warm, ethnic, eclectic, organic feel:

Livingroom

Key components:

Neutral basics (walls white, dark grey or cream; low-slung sectional in grey or off-white soft fabric
Square low coffee table (to accommodate casual dining while sitting on pillows)
Natural fiber area rug (jute, seagrass, etc.)
Focal point of bright yellow sideboard for media storage
Lots of bright ikat and kilim print throw and floor pillows

Dining/Kitchen

Key components:

Simple dark kitchen with bright yellow backsplash
Round, dark, old-fashioned table
Assorted modern chairs

Bedroom

Key components:

Warm neutral walls
Low simple modern bed
Rustic bedside tables
Warm, layered, textured bedding

Bathroom

Key Components:

Warm neutral pallet of whites and creams
Raw materials: seagrass, unbleached cotton, bamboo, wicker, wood
Large, ornate silver mirror

Outside

Key Components:

Lots of lush plants in rustic, assorted containers
Low comfortable seating

Hot damn

2010-01-20T21:15:00.002-05:00

It's like someone reached into my brain and plucked out my dream space.

Source: The workspace for Parliament Design as shot by Lincoln Barbour via Design Sponge

Heart Breaker

2010-01-09T14:30:00.006-05:00

Valentine's Day is the one time of year I can freely indulge my love of all things anatomical heart. A selection of Etsy's finest offerings:

Truly Sanctuary

Shannon Gerard

letterhappy

Foldedpigs

Evolution Now

blockpartyprints

Gorgeous.

2010-01-07T22:08:00.002-05:00

Beautiful images from a wonderful new-to-me blog. Bonus points for the capture and taming of a House Hippo.

Petits Bonheurs via Bloesem Kids

Drygoods.

2010-01-05T21:36:00.003-05:00

Looking for a pic of the black HBC Point Blanket I staggered across Selvedge drygoods. So many lovely things and beautiful images:

Point Blanket love.

2010-01-05T21:10:00.007-05:00

When in the Hudson's Bay yesterday hitting their white sale armed with a $250 gift card with the goal of procuring a king-sized down duvet (so RW and I will have more duvet to fight over in bed), I was very sorely tempted to pick up a black and cream Point Blanket instead. I stand to inherit a beautiful traditional one but the black and cream one would look so perfect in my house.

Bathroom: Improved

2010-01-05T12:49:00.002-05:00

Never did take any pictures of the "before" for fear of breaking the camera but this is a vast improvement to be sure.

Another resolution.

2009-12-29T19:03:00.004-05:00

In addition to curbing the spending and swearing, I'm out to try new recipes.

Tonight's Lentil Soup a la Martha Stewart was tres tasty. I recommend a couple of tweaks for those not afraid of a little flavour: use more bacon (I used a half pack) and don't drain any of the bacon fat before cooking the onions and carrots. I also left out the tomato paste and didn't feel it would have made a difference.

Pic via Martha.

The After-Christmas Wish I Could Have Bought It List

2009-12-29T09:48:00.012-05:00

I've only recently discovered that one of the dangers of doing Christmas shopping online is that you never get that "shopped-out" feeling that keeps you from coveting more stuff right away or wanting to buy more gifts for the people you love.

Bikes Without Borders baby hoodie.

Curse Your Sudden But Inevitable Betrayal T-Shirt from Think Geek

Moop Messenger Bag in Gunmetal

Monsieur III by Blanca Gomez at Poster Cabaret

KidO Colored Cubes

Kitty/Bird Visits Nest from me.la.bo

Who?

2009-12-28T16:00:00.005-05:00

Gorgeous 11 x 14 art print entitled "Moments When My Gaze Goes Vacant" available on Etsy from The Mincing Mockingbird

Masculine minimal.

2009-12-28T13:11:00.002-05:00

Love this image of the work of Susanna Zacke (via Desire to Inspire)

Stumbled upon.

2009-12-28T13:01:00.003-05:00

I love the Internet. I recently was searching for vintage eye charts and found Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. I'd pretty much love to purchase their entire website. They even make booze. Incidentally, they do not sell vintage eye charts.

Slightly Toasted

2009-12-22T13:11:00.005-05:00

Love the colours and textures in these pics by Ragnar Omarsson. They remind me of the feel of Toast's catalogues.

Via Desire to Inspire.

So envious.

2009-12-18T21:24:00.004-05:00

The home (and beautiful pitbull pup) of Dan Martensen and Shannan Click from The Selby:

Bunks

2009-12-06T21:18:00.003-05:00

Great bunk room from the 2009 Seawatch Idea House via anh-minh.

Perfect kitchen

2009-12-02T11:25:00.002-05:00

Black wall, exposed brick, industrial elements... yum.

Courtney's Home via Darling Dexter

Textiles and textures

2009-12-02T11:22:00.004-05:00

Love the very outdoor-living-friendly materials in this home:

Via Desire to Inspire

Another lovely family home

2009-10-15T22:39:00.005-04:00

I adore the Design Sponge tour of the home of Jenna and Mark from Whimsy and Spice/Sweet Fine Day. Such an elegant and cozy home. So much great inspiration:

So much great art, so little money

2009-09-23T17:04:00.006-04:00

Damn, for a long time I haven't really liked much of the stuff coming from 20x200 and now I like it all. Smaller sizes of these prints are extremely affordable but I'm all about the big art which puts them out of my league.

iSketch802 by J orge Colombo

iSketch837 by Jorge Colombo

Bowlers, Martinez, CA by Geoffrey Ellis

I'll take it.

2009-08-27T20:27:00.002-04:00

Love everything about this art arrangement from 20x200:

FYI for anyone who's feeling guilty about not getting me a birthday gift, it's on sale for $1200.

Minimal family.

2009-07-23T08:45:00.004-04:00

I really like this warm, minimal-modern family home. Proof that a house can look lovely and still be child-friendly. Well, when the cameras are out anyway but a girl can dream right?

Source: Apartment Therapy.

For Stink.

2009-07-14T13:47:00.006-04:00

My poor whippet-girl Haley got a chunk taken out of her butt by another dog at the park last night so she's now spending some quality time on the couch recuperating. I think she'd feel much better sooner if she was as lucky as this whippie with such a gorgeous spot to recline:

Source: Angus Fergusson via Desire to Inspire.

On a roll.

2009-07-10T09:29:00.002-04:00

More pics of a beautiful cabin to torture myself with:

Source: Platt Dana Architects via Remodelista.

More cabin torture.

2009-07-08T09:02:00.003-04:00

Since spending part of the weekend at a cabin on a beautiful lake in Quebec, I've been scouring real estate listings looking for affordable little places I can dream about owning someday. I'd also love to build my own cabin, something very similar to this gorgeous place on Orcas Island:

Via Decorno.

Yard envy.

2009-07-06T15:04:00.003-04:00

So beautiful! I especially adore the "hole" in the decking filled with river rocks.

Sigh, have I mentioned lately how much I loath my own poor sad yard?

And, in quasi-related news: I would really, really like to do this to the evil little rodents that keep digging up my poor nasturtiums. Does anyone know a good taxidermist?

Source for all pics: Roland Bello.

Cabin kamp.

2009-07-02T14:31:00.003-04:00

Love these retro camping decor pics from Country Living:

Concrete floors.

2009-06-24T12:37:00.007-04:00

Concrete floors with radiant heating are the type of thing I'd happily do just because it's somehow so decadent that the floors would be warm to walk on in bare feet in the middle of winter. It's a crazy added bonus that they're also an efficient way to heat a house and look gorgeous too.

Desire to Inspire.

Purple Area.

50 danska kradrat .

Purple Area.

Desire to Inspire.

Anglophile.

2009-06-22T14:31:00.005-04:00

Really loving the home of Lucy Chadwick and Duffy from The Selby:

Aptly named.

2009-06-22T14:10:00.002-04:00

Love the gray and orange combination.

From flickr member orange door via Apartment Therapy:

Kids dwellings.

2009-06-19T08:53:00.001-04:00

I'm not normally a big fan of Dwell but they did have a couple of kids room that caught my eye while I was checking out their selection of slideshows:

Why yes, it is outdoor shower time again.

2009-06-19T08:27:00.003-04:00

Why do you ask?

Top 3 pics: Dwell via Apartment Therapy.

Michaela Scherrer via DTI.

Hot-rolled steel.

2009-06-17T07:41:00.004-04:00

The Delano table from Stylegarage: now available in "hot-rolled steel".

Just say that a couple of times and tell me it doesn't make you happy.

I also wouldn't kick the "Richard Shelf" (also available in hot-rolled steel) out of my bedroom... or living room...

Ticked.

2009-06-04T07:51:00.003-04:00

Such a cute little clock! Sadly it doesn't look like they have it anymore in their shop (though the squirrel is really great too). And I realized that I bought an almost identical small cutting board from Daiso that I still haven't found a real use for so maybe a conversion is in the future.

Source: Decoylab via Kid Haus

Yes please.

2009-06-02T13:23:00.002-04:00

A sweet little lake cabin:

Source: Chicago Home Mag via simplesong

String Theory

2009-06-01T11:40:00.004-04:00

Love, love, love this quilt (even the name is great):

Source: On sale at the Sundance Outlet via Stephmodo.

Classy like that.

2009-05-28T11:07:00.004-04:00

Wow, almost a month between posts. Luckily, it's likely that my lack of contributions to the Internet aren't breaking any hearts. Right? All of you? Anyone miss me?

So, moving on, here's some pictures of my mostest favourite hotel chain ever lifted from a much more talented and prolific blogger than I:

Source: Ace Hotels via SFGirlByBay.

Still looking for a Domino replacement.

2009-04-30T09:08:00.002-04:00

Canadian House and Home has renovated their website which makes it much easier to track down great pics like this:

Deja Vu.

2009-04-30T08:47:00.005-04:00

Normally I'm much too skeptical to let myself believe in past lives. However, these pictures struck me instantly as very familiar and intimately personal. As though I'd been there or some place very similar before. Maybe in my previous incarnations I was a gold miner or share cropper... or dance-hall girl.

Source: J Morgan Puette via Design Sponge.

DIY inspiration.

2009-04-24T08:28:00.002-04:00

Design Sponge is on a role - I adore this wallpapered medicine cabinet:

Horrible pun not really intended. I apologize.

Pure genius.

2009-04-24T08:23:00.003-04:00

If I had sufficient counter space I'd do this in a minute.

"To create my work space in the kitchen I had the bottom of the cabinets cut out and set on the counter. My appliances slide in and out easily and look neat when they are “away.”"

Source: Design Sponge - Alexandra Hedin.

Shiny.

2009-04-23T09:10:00.001-04:00

I'm forever mocking poor RW for being easily distracted by shiny-type objects. Apparently the colour red is my shiny.

Source: LivingEtc.

Anatomically correct.

2009-04-22T13:20:00.003-04:00

A very cool poster from Ork Posters:

I'm also a big fan of the Great Lakes Poster:

Gorgeous grey and white.

2009-04-16T12:19:00.002-04:00

Source: Jac de Villiers via Desire to Inspire.

15 degrees and sunny.

2009-04-15T10:27:00.004-04:00

Brilliant outdoor pics lifted from Designers' Brew:

Not the greatest pic.

2009-04-09T13:49:00.002-04:00

But I love this bathroom, especially the way the old-style tub sits on those beautiful wooden blocks instead of legs. So gorgeous.

Source: Bernard's Light and Bright - Apartment Therapy.

Slightly less satanic.

2009-04-07T10:12:00.004-04:00

Forgot to mention that I also picked up this cute little Wary Meyers print at Urban Outfitters (no longer on their site):

I'd like to think the dear anthropomorphic raccoon will balance out the evil whale but now that I look at it again, perhaps his spyglass sends a message of suspicious surveillance. Ah well, perhaps this is a good way to prepare the kid for being a teenager.

Satan in the nursery.

2009-04-06T13:35:00.006-04:00

Well, I was looking for unique art for the kids' room and I found a really great print at Urban Outfitters this weekend. It's not as big as I had wanted but I thought it was interesting, a touch surreal and still child-friendly.

However, apparently my taste is children's art is a little off because I just found out that the title of the work is "The Devil Whale" by Jen Lobo. I thought he seemed friendly and perhaps a little mischievous but I guess I was blind to his purely evil intentions for that ship and its poor crew.

Oh well, it's still going up and hopefully won't cause any (lasting) trauma for the poor kid.

Black and white nursery.

2009-03-27T10:45:00.002-04:00

Gorgeous.

Boopalina + bebe via Kenzie Poo via Tutus and Turtles.

Integrating children into homes.

2009-03-20T14:29:00.007-04:00

This is something I know I'm going to get laughed at for my naivety by my friends with kids, but I really liked this picture because it was a nice example of creating a nice living room with a designated child zone.

Image from AT:LA.

I've always thought this rug from Ikea was a cute and reasonably-priced at $30. It would make a nice designated play area in a larger room.
Add a couple of Tubtrugs for storage and it would be a child-friendly and adult-tolerable space.
I'm going to try people, I really am, even if I end up giving up and using the Trugs to chill beer.

Fun/calm kids rooms.

2009-03-19T11:53:00.005-04:00

From the Apartment Therapy home tour of the founder/owner of Dwell Studio:

And some great adult rooms from the Dwell website:

Wish I could remember where I found this.

2009-03-19T07:11:00.003-04:00

Discovered this saved on my desktop without a reference:

I particularly love all the subtle natural textures.

Restoration Hardware stole my coffee table.

2009-03-17T11:05:00.003-04:00

Great, now I look like a total hipster poser. I'd just like everyone to know that I've had mine for years - that's right, I'm ahead of all the trends bitches, bow before me!

Actually, I'm just delighted that RW managed to score my (legit, non-reproduction) foundry cart for hundreds less than what they're charging. That makes my little stingy Scottish-Virgo heart swell with joy. Of course, legit comes with its own issues, such as how to balance the front and back wheels to that it doesn't tip over constantly.

Source: Apartment Therapy.

Bach guilt.

2009-03-10T12:52:00.003-04:00

Between feeling hungover for three months straight, general winter malaise and conflicting schedules, I've terribly neglected the bach for the last few months. This weekend saw a few steps being taken to getting this project going again and I'm determined that it will be in much better shape by the spring. Before I have to devote myself entirely to rearranging all my furniture, repainting all my walls, cleaning every cranny and completing the backyard in anticipation of the arrival of a little person who will not give a shit about any of it. Ah yes, the profound logic of nesting...

Anyway, pictures like this definitely help get me back in the mood.

Source: Inspace Locations via Bliss.

Daylight savings denial.

2009-03-10T09:11:00.002-04:00

Since the time change on Saturday/Sunday, I've been blissfully trying to ignore all signs that winter has not finished abusing us (e.g., the snow yesterday, the minus 9 degrees this morning, etc.).

I've moved the bed into it's official summer position and now I'm starting to plan the finishing touches for the backyard. I'm so excited to have a beautiful proper deck and yard to enjoy this summer!

Source: Ashe + Leandro via Desire to Inspire.

The Red Balloon.

2009-03-09T14:27:00.001-04:00

Such a cute image. Would be great for a kid's room.

Via Camilla Engman.

Unique indeed.

2009-03-06T13:12:00.002-05:00

$59 "UNIQUE ADORONDACK CHAIR & SIDE TABLE ONE OF KIND. DIFFERENT-ARTISTIC SET VG COND."

Source.

Literary posters.

2009-03-05T13:01:00.004-05:00

These please and tempt me:

For sale for a very reasonable $24.99 at: Whigby via Design Sponge.

Affordable in Belgium.

2009-03-04T09:53:00.004-05:00

You know the global economy is in the tank when a place like this in Brussels is listed for only $1 million US:

Blog crush inspiration.

2009-03-02T08:51:00.004-05:00

I would love to hire Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day to come and be my life-coach. I can only imagine how beautiful and organized everything would be.

At the very least I'd love to be able to have her design the kid's room. Her blog is most definitely my favourite of all the blogs I stalk daily.

The search is on.

2009-02-27T11:09:00.004-05:00

Looking for interesting, oversized, affordable art for a child's room. Much harder than it should be.

Some black-and-white photography picks:

The winner so far is the rabbit serving the kittens. Surreal, mildly disturbing yet still somehow adorable.

Source: art.com.

Dream closet.

2009-02-26T13:13:00.003-05:00

Just looking at this makes me feel all calm and zen-like.

Of course, that could just be the Indian-buffet-induced-carb-overload talking.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens via ApartmentTherapy.

Lovely neutrals.

2009-02-25T13:15:00.005-05:00

I've been having a love-hate relationship with my shag/flokati since I got it. I love the texture and warmth it adds to the living room but it sheds more than the dogs and permanently attracts little bits of crap like a magnet.

Plus, looking that this first pic, I'm thinking that my poor rug is suffering visually from being under an oversized coffee table. Sadly, I may have to choose between them.

Photographer Dana Gallagher's NYC apartment via Refueled.

Craving white.

2009-02-24T13:58:00.003-05:00

I really like the look of the white couches with the rustic coffee table and fiber rugs. I'm thinking my livingroom needs a serious face-lift.

Could just be the hormones...

2009-02-23T09:16:00.004-05:00

but right now I want to tear apart my whole house and rearrange everything.

Of course, it being February doesn't help either. Definitely getting a tad shack-wacky. I find pictures like these calming:

Source: Toast.

Mmmm, brick.

2009-02-23T08:48:00.003-05:00

cheri and david's apartment:

Source: The Selby.

Laundry room.

2009-02-04T08:41:00.003-05:00

Images: my Beautiful via Graphic-ExchanGE.

An ode to Domino.

2009-01-29T08:02:00.010-05:00

Nasty stories are floating around that Domino is going tits-up. Although the mag was frequently hit or miss for me, I appreciated that they always had more diverse and interesting decor pics than the other house porn offerings. I guess now I get to horde my existing collection and occasionally get all wistful and sentimental about it.

And, because I hear the website is also going to disappear, I present a collection of previously unposted (by me... I think) pilfered pics for your enjoyment:

This winter is officially sucking my soul.

2009-01-26T14:11:00.003-05:00

Getting out of bed this morning required heroic effort.

I'm going home to eat grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup while trying to ignore the fact that I'm trapped indoors avoiding the insane -30 degree weather with a couple of increasingly shack-wacky, under-exercised whippets.

Image source: Martha Stewart.

Amsterdam bound.

2008-12-18T07:36:00.004-05:00

Been busy trying to get work done before we jet off to visit R's family in Holland for Christmas on Saturday. I'm looking forward to stuffing myself full of sugary snacks and checking out all the fabulous design - both of which the Dutch are famous for.... in addition to the more mundane things they're known for like legal euthanasia, hookers and pot. It's bound to be a good time!

Source for beautiful pics: pia jane bijkerk

Faded beauty.

2008-12-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

Stunning images of Cuba, 50 years after Castro's revolution:

Source: NYTimes

Bookshelf love.

2008-12-03T08:40:00.002-05:00

I love the sturdy industrial-yet-somehow-elegant look of this bookshelf.

Source: Rena Tom on Design Sponge

This one's for B.

2008-12-01T10:39:00.002-05:00

Your punishment for making me feel bad for not posting.

Paris Pied-a-Terre, Paris 7th Arrondissement 12 Shares OwnershipOffered at $279,000/ShareLocated on Paris's desirable Left Bank, the spacious three-bedroom apartment is steps away from the lively cafes and movie theaters of the Champs-Elysees and the rue Cler market, one of the city's best open-air food markets.

How's that impending Ottawa winter looking now smartarse?

Too busy to post.

2008-11-28T14:48:00.002-05:00

The Selby

More Ace

2008-11-24T10:34:00.004-05:00

Ace Hotel NY via Remodelista.

If I got extremely rich I'd live in this hotel like an aestheic OCD hermit... so very "New York" eh?

Previous post on the Portland Ace.

I'm not just showing off for the new people.

2008-11-10T15:08:00.005-05:00

It's been a slow work day.

I absolutely love, LOVE the work of Tebe Interesno (via Graphic Exchange):

Living the dream.

2008-11-10T10:00:00.004-05:00

In Chatsworth, Ontario: "Private, romantic, off-grid, carbon-negative 1840s log home nestled in a 47-acre managed forest. Gorgeous trails throughout, life-giving pond and spectacular night sky viewing." Asking price: $297,900.

Now if only I could figure out how to move it all to BC.

If I knew how to get site stats I'd probably be even more thankful.

2008-11-10T09:19:00.002-05:00

In my bleary-eyed state trolling through blogs this morning I got the lovely double-take shock of seeing my little budget banner linked on Desire to Inspire.

So, ya, wow, um, so this is a little awkward: I would have tidied up the place a bit and maybe baked cookies if I'd known people were coming over.

Anyway, enjoy my extremely random collection of decor clippings and pardon the occasionally off-colour language.

A big thanks to the DTI ladies for the shout-out!

Black like my heart.

2008-11-05T13:45:00.002-05:00

Yes, more black. Perhaps the impending Ottawa winter is influencing me eh? Maybe I need to take more Vitamin D, or I could just start painting walls...

Source: Airspace via Desire to Inspire.

Let the painting begin.

2008-10-28T20:20:00.006-04:00

This house tour from Domino is clearly God's way of telling me I really should paint some walls black.

And could someone please tell me why I was deprived of even one fireplace when others have so many? Life is simply not fair.

Apparently I also love the Scottish.

2008-10-22T12:36:00.004-04:00

Happened across these gorgeous pics today.

Source: Wilderness Cottages via Remodelista.

I love the Dutch.

2008-10-16T14:10:00.002-04:00

This picture is perfect: simple, cozy, interesting... and cheap. It's a good thing I married me a Dutchman.

Insidesign via Desire to Inspire.

Bach break.

2008-10-10T09:32:00.003-04:00

I have this weird issue with side tables. Basically I loath almost all of them.

But this is great, especially how it works with the very feminine, traditional decor. I am most definitely been inspired to try this.

Source: Apartment Therapy.

Sick of the bach yet?

2008-10-03T13:45:00.002-04:00

How about now?

Images: Domino (I think)

The befores.

2008-09-30T07:52:00.003-04:00

Let's all just keep our fingers crossed that the afters look like an improvement.

And I've already spoken to him about putting the damn lid down.

All bach pad, all the time.

2008-09-26T10:39:00.003-04:00

Ron Marvin is another designer that does a great job of mixing antiques and modern to create classy living spaces:

Just need to find a way in incorporate the beer bottle.

2008-09-25T09:31:00.003-04:00

Digging through the archives of Desire to Inspire looking for good ways to incorporate mixed antiques into a more modern style for the bach pad, I came across the work of Pappas Miron:

I really like the simple and not-overly-butch-yet-masculine style they've captured.

My first victim.

2008-09-24T12:51:00.006-04:00

So it looks like my good friend B may have bought into all my decor bravado and decided to let me give him a hand fixing up his new apartment. Of course the budget is slightly less than zero but that just makes it more fun. My goal is to give him a warm beautiful place he actually wants to spend time in. If I can accomplish that I'll be very happy.

I want to go for: warmth and masculinity to play off the light coloured walls; lots of art and books but avoiding clutter; working in his family antiques with a clean modern feel while creating a child-friendly space. It may take a while but I'm positively giddy with excitement at a chance to use my brain to do something beautiful.

Some inspirational pics to get us started:

So, what do you think B? Sound/look good?

A great source for bach pad pics is the blog Habitually Chic who's author is similarly helping a friend fix up his place.

As close to a zen state as I'm ever likely to experience.

2008-09-24T11:04:00.003-04:00

A couple of lovely simple spaces from photographer Michael Wells:

Pay no attention to me.

2008-09-23T08:12:00.005-04:00

You'd think having three dogs once again (albeit temporarily) would have distracted by uterus from its incessant whining and complaining about its empty state. But no. So, in yet another futile effort to appease the feminine-organ gods, may I present a bunch of cute simple kids rooms:

Pics 1, 3 and 4 from Nesting. Pic 2 via Hop Skip Jump.

And a gratuitous shot of my sweet foster puppy:

If he started a cult, I'd join.

2008-09-17T13:48:00.004-04:00

James Merrell's portfolio is stunning. I want to live in every photo. Of course, the obvious appreciation for the artistic form of the whippet just sweetens my perception of his work.

Simple kitchen.

2008-09-16T09:58:00.002-04:00

Lifted from Prince of Petworth via Apartment Therapy:

Love the natural light and the spice rack.

The monochrome continues.

2008-09-11T10:08:00.004-04:00

Image: Living Etc.

Fun with font.

2008-09-11T09:32:00.009-04:00

Came across this image (above is just a piece of it) the other day via boing boing, printed it off on my work printer, did a little scissors-and-tape job (my crafting skills thereby stretched to their limit), glued it onto a sheet of brown paper package wrap, tossed it into an oversized Ikea frame, hung it in my bathroom and called it art.

Apparently, poor RW has been quite distracted reading it while peeing. From what I can tell, the great prose is taken from the writing of HP Lovecraft.

New blog love.

2008-09-10T11:49:00.001-04:00

Just discovered Graphic-ExchanGE:

Minimalism meets hobbit.

2008-09-09T11:05:00.002-04:00

Images of a a stunning hotel in Greece via The Style Files:

Pretty monochrome.

2008-09-03T15:08:00.002-04:00

Pictures from the home of designer Jill Malik on Design Sponge.

Someday I will have a red house.

2008-09-03T14:25:00.001-04:00

Image: Le Sophie via Posie Gets Cozy.