Moroccan influence at West Elm

West Elm is showcasing beautiful handcrafted items with a Moroccan influence that are simply stunning. You know by now how much I love anything handmade so you can imagine how happy I am to see a big retailer carry this type of ware. If you are longing for a warm, richness that is relaxed and earthy, this is the look for you. A few floor pillows, a kilim rug and some hammered metal accessories and you are on your way. These few changes will liven up a cool contemporary interior.  I am loving the deep orange/red tones.

Click here to enter a West Elm contest to win a trip to Marrakech!!

Make-it-yourself home decor ideas

How did you spend Family Day weekend? I picked up two great craft books filled with fantastic ideas for the home. I am planning a bunch of new projects – I hope these will inspire you to create something personal for your space too!

Simple Sewing with a French Twist by Celine Dupuy is a gorgeous book with photos and step-by-step hand drawn illustrations for each project. Even if you don’t sew, the photographs are so pretty that you will enjoy imagining yourself in these spaces.

Sew Charming by Cath Derksema and Kristen Junor amps it up a notch with detailed instructions for quilting and screen printing your own fabric!!! Fabulous – now all I need is a little courage to get started!

The Homemade Home by Sania Pell I have had for a while. It sits on my bookshelf with orange sticky notes poking out of the pages where there are projects I want to make (almost every page!) This one has simple ideas for every skill level – some projects take less than an hour.  On some of the sticky notes I have written how I would take some of the ideas in a different direction. This is what makes the projects truly personal.

I am totally making this!!!

 

H&M Home please come to Canada!

You may know H&M for their trendy, of the moment clothing but did you know they have a line of housewares? Not (yet) available in Canada, their home collection is chic and affordable. Check out their UK site. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to pick up a few fresh items like these?

2012 interior design show: trends and ideas

This year’s show is fabulous! The last day is today, so all design addicts, head down to the Metro Convention Centre for some eye candy.  Visit IDS 2012 for details.

Trends include:
handmade wood furniture – rustic mixed with modern – still going strong

industrial – mix an element or two into your space to add just a touch of edge

Canadiana – hitting it’s stride

I loved the creative use of metal shipping crates as the base for an innovative ‘treehouse’. each room very different from the last.

  

Can’t make it down today? Next year’s show will be held Jan 24 – 27, 2013

 

 

CB2 restores the old building

Of course I had to check out the grand opening! CB2 has done an amazing job with the restoration – I love the beautiful two toned brick outside, what a beauty! They have kept a few features that were landmarks i.e. the old Big Bop sign and part of a mural – I think it was in Holy Joe’s.  There is a section that is just a facade of brick a couple of feet away from a 2 story high wall of glass – pretty cool!

CB2 comes to Toronto!

I don’t know about you, but every time I see a building with paper on the windows, I hope for a new design shop. Taking over the old ‘Big Bop’ building at the corner of Bathurst and Queen (651 Queen St West), Crate & Barrel’s sister store will be opening tomorrow. CB2 is a the trendier, younger sister of Crate & Barrel. What a great way to rejuvenate this little stretch of downtown. I can’t wait to see the restoration of this old building!

While in the area also check out Design Republic at 639 Queen St West. A great mix of industrial materials and clean lines – my favourite is their custom tables and benches from reclaimed wood. Gorgeous!

 

rug tips from Anthropologie

I remember feeling lucky the day I found out Anthropologie was coming to Toronto, it is a favourite stop on my trips to NYC. They of course do boho chic better than anyone, whether it’s clothing or home decor. While cruising their site I found this little gift – tips on choosing the correct rug for your space. Take a peek if you are in need of a new rug or just in need of a bit of inspiration!

This is the Pliant Laurel Rug. Too bad they don’t ship them to Canada. I guess it’s just inspiration for me. (Or maybe another trip to NYC…)