Designing with Bold Murals

In 2015 Brian Gluckstein spearheaded the design for the Princess Margaret Showhome, and my favorite part was the large mural in the dining room that took up nearly the whole wall. It was a custom print made from a classic oil painting. Read more

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Chef’s Table

Have you ever made a reservation for a chef’s table at a restaurant? A chef’s table is a special table only available in some eatery’s that are located near or in the kitchen itself. It can be a thrilling and intimate dinning experience for the foodie in you. Many residential kitchen designs have this already; a dine-in kitchen with a corner banquette, or bistro table thoughtfully placed for the chef and one or a few other lucky ones.

The image above is a kitchen design by Frank Ponterio. See the use of a seductively darker paint colour to envelope the small dining area just steps away from the kitchen cabinets. The slipcovered linen chairs are brilliant, not only do they give an inviting feeling of plush furniture, but the slipcovers can be removed for easy cleaning. A great piece of art and pendant light fixture anchor the table to its designated spot. Read more

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Color Study: Hague Blue

The only blues I am feeling this cold January is this gorgeously grounding deep shade; Hague blue (pronounced h-AI-g).

How to use Hague blue: Read more

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2017 Wall Sconce Picks

Wall sconces are one of the best ways to add incredible visual impact to a room. Installed at eye level, they invite and welcome better than any other lighting source. Here are my top picks for 2017.

 

From top left to bottom right: Read more

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An Evening With Your Valentine

Sometimes Adam and I like to go out for Valentines the day before or after the 14th so we miss the packed out restaurants and parking lots. We still make Valentines day a special occasion as an extra special dinner is planned for enjoyment at home. The bonus is that you get two days to celebrate! Here is what your evening could look like chez moi:

From top left to bottom right:

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Project: eXtremesurf Office

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The office after renovation!

My husband and I decided that the time had come to purchase a building for his business office, we had been looking for quite a while when we discussed a cute 2 storey white sided building located on a corner in town. It just felt right and we could see the potential behind every wallpapered wall. All it needed was fresh paint, perhaps new flooring and a powder room on the main level for now; we could update the rest later so we wouldn’t strain the budget. But as the project unfolded, we quickly decided to skip the 10 year plan and just do it all now to get it over with. Yes, a complete gut, my heart leaped! The office was stripped back to studs and the fresh palette emerged. Here is a before picture of the Inkerman Office: Read more

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Chair Love Child

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The Masters Chair is the love child and silhouette of three iconic chairs by design greats; Arne Jacobsen (the Series 7 chair), Charles Eames (the Eiffel Chair), and by Eero Saarinen (the Tulip Armchair). Kartell has released the Masters Chair in the PRECIOUS series which is offered in copper, chrome and gold finishes.

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The fluidity of the lines on this chair make it an interesting and dreamy addition to any room! The black desk shown here is by Sigurd Larson.

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Good Gracious: Acacia Cake Stand

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Being a good and gracious hostess can mean many things, but for me it means you never forget dessert! Breaking bread is so much more enjoyable with a good cup of coffee and a tasty morsel at the end of the day. Present your fresh pastries on a cake stand like this pretty Acacia Cake Stand by Magnolia Market. The attractive grain of Acacia wood is softened with subtle smooth turnings. Dig in.

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Mad About Dad

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Father’s Day is just around the corner and here are our top picks with something to suit any dad.

Personalized Crystal Tumbler,Crystallize Online: $99.99 each

BBQ Basting Pot with Silicone Brush, Indigo: $40.00 $28.00

Compact Thermal Night Vision Camera, Flir: $2,579.99- $3,224.99CAD

Laser Projection Keyboard, Uncommon Goods: $204.52 CAD

White Ash Eames Chair and Ottoman, Hive Modern: $6,165.00

Golf Shoes Contour with BOA fit, Footjoy: $129.99

Warm Tobacco Pipe Candle, DW Home: $12.00

Beard Grooming Bib, Beard King: $29.99

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Woman Cave: Art Bar

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A woman needs her space, so ladies now is the time to convert your backyard shed into your own personal getaway! As a painter myself I would encourage you to get back to your creative roots. Place a painting easel in the corner with a comfy stool like the Camira Blue Wool Stool for hours of painting. Sip peppermint tea or cool lemonade from these sumptuous glasses and enjoy the sweet smell of fresh peonies. Of course a pretty chaise would be necessary for relaxing moments to refresh your inner artist.  Essentials would include jars of paint brushes ready at your fingertips and a bar cart to wheel outdoors to a stone patio to paint “en plein air”.

For unique finds like these, visit the Charish website which is devoted to impeccably curated vintage pieces. Check out their current bar stool collection to find the one that will suit your woman cave.

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