Beautiful color inspiration from Design Seeds

I've been busy and bogged down with so much work, I've barely had anytime for this blog.
Put 2 kids in the equation, and it's like this place is at the bottom of my list... which brings me to this: how do people manage a full time job and writing a blog on a regular basis effectively?
I suppose it's all in the planning - and making a commitment to post. But honestly, it's so difficult when so many other things are higher priority.

I would love to get to a point one day when I could just blog and do design work for a living. Ah, that's my dream and I'm sure many also share that same vision.  I'm by no means an interior designer, but I just love decorating, reading design magazines and watching all those reno/decorating shows when time permits. It would be my dream to turn my hobby into something more - but I don't know how to. Actually, I do know what I need to do, but I haven't been able to follow through with my plan. I feel like I have all this knowledge and business skills, but I just don't have the time!

I work full time in a demanding high tech environment and have a pretty good thing going on. In fact, it would be very hard for me to walk away and I would only do it if it were to start my own thing. I love what I do, but I also long to break out on my own and be my own boss... This blog is supposed to act as a stepping stone for me to share my design aspirations and design boards, and connect with fellow bloggers, expand my network, and hopefully help make my dream a reality.  I feel like I'm failing miserably right now with the "connect" part.  The funny thing is that one of the main things holding me back is that I have an issue with sharing my identity. First off, I have a very unique name (trust me on this one!) and I don't want to be known... because well, it might ialso nterfere with my current job. Isn't that silly?  How am I supposed to connect without being transparent about who I am? Have you noticed I haven't included my name anywhere - that's exactly because of this fear of being know and identity theft and all. I might be nuts, but when you have a name as unique as mine, it becomes a bigger deal for me. Will I ever overcome this? Yes, in time I'm sure I'll have to accept this as a reality. Our world is so virtual now that it's almost impossible to remain private - which comes with some good and bad.

Anyway, I would love to hear from those of you who also work full time and have a blog. How do you manage? do you have any pointers to share?

Of course, after rambling on above, I couldn't possibly leave you without something visual, so here's what's I really wanted to share with you today. These beautiful color palettes from Design Seeds,  Autumn Chill & Color Breeze have captured my heart. Such liveable, soft and muted colors! I absolutely love. Now how to incoporate into my home...perhaps my master bedroom? :)

Nursery design board

My youngest daughter just turned 18 months last week, and it's time I tackle her bedroom. I've mentioned here before that we haven't done much in the past to her room, mainly because we didn't have time, and I didn't know which direction to take - but I finally feel ready to commit!

After looking through my inspiraton files, I've found a common thread, and I've totally been gravitating towards a combination of peach/coral, gold, grey/stone, and yellow. I love those colors together, and always thought it would be perfect for my little girl's room. Then I found this wallpaper, which totally sealed the deal, and set the wheels in motion. LOVE!

 source: walnutwallpaper.com

Here's what I have in mind:

 

I've put together this design board to help me visualize it all - and I must say, I'm even more excited now! doesn't it look amazing?  :)

 

The crib, billy bookcase, chair, and ikea dresser - we already have. We've also switched out the dresser knobs to clear glass ones for more sparkle a long time ago, and I think I will keep them, but I have been playing with the idea of using gold pull rings as well.

 

I love the crib bedding which has that animal print - but if I can't find something like that, I would use the grey fabric to make the crib skirt, the polka dot for pillows, and the soft peach paisley fabric for the crib sheet. The ikat-like fabric on the top right would be used for window coverings.

 

The wallpaper would be going up on one wall only - as a focal point, where the crib and dresser currently sit. On the opposite wall, where we have our chair + bookcase, I will be adding the gold pouf and similar style floor lamp and side table. I love that the side table has that gold rim and has 3 surfaces to put books, etc. I also want to do a wall of pictures/ art using frames of various sizes, and in tones of grey, gold, white, and black. Will probably get most of my frames from Target and Home Sense since they both have a wide selection.

 

I've added a rug above in the design, but since we already have light broadloom, I might skip it - though I love the added texture/ print it would bring to the room. A nice to have - we'll see.

 

Don't you love the accent pillows? they're so cute and can be found on Etsy. Ditto for the artwork: mr Fox, bunny, and A (first name initial of my babe).

 

Hopefully I can get this makeover done within the month. I'll be sure to share progress.

 

Let me know what you think, would love to hear from you!

J Crew necklaces - my best kept secret

When it comes to shopping, there are things that I'm willing to spend extra money on, and there are things like accessories, which I can't justify spending a fortune on. I have no issues with handbags, but for costume jewelry, I just can't bring myself to dish it out. But we all know how that extra piece of accessory can totally finish off your look like nothing else. Take J Crew for example, whenever I see their store displays, I'm mainly attracted to the jewelry that they coordinated with the outfits. If you take that piece out, the outfit becomes so plain, but add that statement necklace, and bam, you've got a completely different look, so chic and finished.

I've always coveted the J Crew necklaces, but never wanted to spend so much - especially being in Canada, it's ridiculous how much more the same item costs. For some months now, I've been on the hunt to find affordable alternatives, and today I'm about to share with you the 2 best sources for your J Crew statement necklaces. Turns out, there are a whole lot of people selling J Crew inspired necklaces online, and of course, at a bargain price! ;)

My 2 favorite sources are Etsy and Ali Express. Type in "statement necklace" or "J Crew necklace" and you'll see tons of results (you can even find Kate Spade, Stella & Dot, etc).You have to be careful though, there are different levels of quality for the same items, so it's really up to you to decide what you're comfortable with. I try to get the best/ most authentic ones, and even though the pieces are pricier than some other, you're still saving a bundle compared to the retail price in the store, and you're guaranteed a better quality. Some sellers on Ali Express are actually the OEM for the product and you can tell by their postings, pictures and descriptions. I got a few items and compared them to the ones in store, and seriously, there was NO difference. I could have paid $198 in store for this one necklace and instead scored it online for $34.99. Now that's a deal that won't burn a hole in your pocket book. But be warned, once you start buying, you can't stop! It's so addictive. They are truly worth it though - these are beautiful statement necklaces, and they also make a great birthday or holiday present.

Let me share with you some of my favorite pieces at the moment - and yes, I own most of them now ;)  and get tons of compliments all the time...

Tortoise & crystal - love! This is so trendy and now, yet so timeless.
This one makes you feel so sophisticated right away. Pair with black top and camel skirt -big hit!

Simply stunning - this picture doesn't do it justice. It's so beautiful

This one is still in store and is soo pretty!
It's a bit harder to pair I find, but would look awesome with any solid color top, black, white, denim, to add that punch.

Another one which the pic doesn't do justice. Also in some stores still.
It's definitely a statement and looks amazing.



This is one of the most popular J Crew necklace at the moment.
It looks beautiful in person. Has a vintage look that I adore and goes with so many things!



This one is so gorgeous too!
It has similar feel to the one above but this one incl. white stones with the crystals.

 

So tell me, do you have a favorite? Next time, I think I'll post how I pair these with my outfits.

Fall fashion lookbook

Since I've been back to work, I've taken the opportunity to rebuild my wardrobe. Part of it was necessity. I mean, my body is simply not the same as before, and after 2 kids, I kind of needed a few updates. Lucky for me, I'm actually smaller now than after I had my first child, but still... I also feel like I'm at this point in my life where I really want to invest in QUALITY over quantity. Must be something about being in my thrities now ;-) This means that I'd rather save up to buy investment / better quality pieces that will last me a long time, rather than shopping compulsively and buying simply because it's on sale. I know we're all guilty of that, and I'm going to have to try extra hard not to give in. I might have fewer items but I'll have ones which I will love for a longer period of time - and I'm referring in particular to items like handbags, shoes, and jewelry.

I love that Fall is just around the corner, because it's hands down my favorite fashion season. The temperatures have been particularly cold in the morning this week, and summer feels completely over, but I don't mind at all. I'm ready for the rich colors and the layers that come with Fall. Since I own many jackets, blazers, and coats, this is my favorite time of year to wear them all. I just have a real obsession with jackets/blazers.

Anyways, here are some looks I've saved on pinterest that I'm absolutely loving... there's definitely a common theme: tan, burgundy, greys... you can't ever go wrong with those. OMG, I can't get my mind off that short Burberry trench (3rd photo) with the leather belt!

 

I'm back

It feels like an eternity since my last blog post and I apologize. I figured now is a good time as ever to to get back on this blog, with back to school this week. There's nothing like a fresh start right? :)

I've been off the radar mainly because our summer has been quite busy, with vacation, home updates, social events, etc.  I mean it just flew by so fast! August came and went and now it's September! Wow. Seems like every year just goes by that much faster for some reason. Do you feel like that too?

I also went back to work as of August. It's been a big change for me since I've been on maternily leave and staying at home for a year and half.  So yeah things have been a bit busy around here. You can see why I've neglected the blog a little. I've had so many moments where I wanted to share this and that with you, but just couldn't get the energy and time to get to it. But now I'm back and I'm making a commitment to myself and my readers to write a lot more - and this means, miminum once a week. I love having this outlet and I can't wait to share some wonderful inspired interiors and fashion with you. Thanks for checking in and sticking around!

Happy Canada Day

 

Canada Day tulips

I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful long weekend. Today marks Canada's 146th anniversary, and I couldn't be more proud to be Canadian. I love this beautiful country, the people and the majestic geography from coast to coast. I first came to visit Canada as a young girl, in the middle of winter in 1986 in Montreal. All I could remember was the cold and snow. I had never seen so much snow in my life! My parents loved it, and two years later, in 1988, my family immigrated to Montreal (from France), and I've lived in Montreal, and now Toronto ever since. I am so thankful that my parents moved. Nothing compares to Canada and its people. It's an amazing place to live and I feel truly fortunate to call this place home.

In honour of Canada Day, I thought I'd share with you some beautiful spaces decked in red and white.
(All images are from Pinterest)

Gorgeous design by Windsor Smith - love the red lantern and chairs!

An understated, but fresh and crisp palette of red and white

Love the tub in red!

An inviting bed

Master bedroom nook in Sarah's Cottage (Sarah Richardson)
(red and white paired with touches of blue/gray)

A girls bedroom designed by Sarah Richardson
(the red and white mixed with the light blue is perfect!)

French Cafe Chairs

They seem to be everywhere I look, and I just can’t get them out of my mind. I love them, because they remind me of France, and they’re simply beautiful.  From Paris to the Cote d’Azur, these are the typical chairs that line every sidewalk cafe. Did I ever tell you I grew up in Paris? Yep, I’m French, and I immigrated to Canada when I was young, so I’ve got a real soft spot for these cafe chairs. Believe me, for the longest time, years ago, I’ve wanted to get some, but they were nowhere to be found since they weren’t popular at all, and definitely not in home environments.  All of a sudden, it’s like they’ve somehow become mainstream, and making their way inside (brilliantly I should add).

Check out how fabulous they look in almost any settings, inside or out, as chairs or barstools. I love that they are available in almost every colour and weave, and are super durable to tear and wear. No wonder they’ve been around for so long.  

(all images from Pinterest)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re in the hunt to find some, here are some options I found:

1) From Serena & Lily - the Riviera collection - my favorite! I like that you can mix and match the 2 styles and the colours are beautiful!

 

 

2) From Pottery Barn: French cafe side chairs

3) From Ikea: the Almsta chair (comes in black or natural - if you go for the natural, you could probably spray paint the seat and back for your own pop of colour!)

All this talk of cafe chairs...if only I could take a trip to Paris now...

Sarah Richardson Design: New website

I promised you some pictures of my new backyard last week, but unfortunately, we are bit delayed. The weather wasn't cooperating much last week, with rain most days, which stalled the project. Although there are only a few things to finish, I'd like to keep it a surprise until it's all done, so you'll just have to wait a little bit longer before I reveal the transformation. If all goes well, things are supposed to be all completed by this Saturday...almost there.

Moving on to some really great news, my fave designer, Sarah Richardson, just launched her newly redesigned website. Yay! The new site is sooo much better than the old one (although it was already one of the best sites), it features much bigger pictures, lots more of her portfolio (incl. all her shows), a new section for "getting inspired", where her articles and tips are all featured in one place, and the best, a new section about her team. It's so nice that they finally dedicated a section on them. They all deserve credit for making magic happen at her design firm and shows. But best of all, we can finally figure out how to get Sarah's signature design services! Perhaps my budget could afford some help from her super talented team? :)

The new site also includes videos, all in one place, and also imbedded with relevant articles. Overall, the new design is much more user friendly, and way better in terms of marketing her overall brand & anything Sarah-related. Well done. Sarah also has a new fabric collection coming up. I can't wait for that! I'm sure it will be a huge success. Next, I hope she also launches a lighting collection, how great would that be? I'd love to get the look of some of her vintage lighting finds without having to hunt for them all over the city. The one thing I noticed though, is that they left out her paint collection. Oversight? Not sure...

Anyway, here are some teasers for you...

From Sarah's new country residence - the living room:

(She did a series of webisodes about the renovation of this project, using Lowes products. You should definitely check out the webisodes, it was really good.)

This condo - from one of the Sarah 101 episodes - absolutely one my favorite transformations:

Well, what are you waiting for, head over to the new site and check out all the amazing pics from your favorite episodes and shows! It's full of eye candy. Thanks Sarah!

Backyard inspiration

It's been quite busy around here, so I haven't had a chance to blog last week. However, I have a big surprise to share with you soon... my backyard!!  They've been working on it for 3 weeks now and it's mainly done, except for some woodwork, like the pergola, and some other details. I can't wait to share with you the before and after transformation - photos coming up this week. It is quite amazing and I can't wait to use our new space this summer!

If you recall, I had a post on English gardens that represented the feel of garden/plants I wanted. But I never shared with you other elements... so here are some of the other things that gave me inspiration for our backyard design (all images via Houzz):

1) Woodwork to frame the bbq area:

 

2) A pergola with the pillars enclosed in stone, and a fountain of course!

 

 3) Variation on the bbq area woodwork - with lattice:

 4) A curved pergola - absolutely love it!

 

 

Stay tune for the photos of our backyard transformation. It should all be done this week! :)

 

 

A pop of sunshine

Hello, I hope you're enjoying your weekend. With the beautiful sunshine out, I was inspired to share with you some bedrooms that have just the same sunny disposition.

via

Wouldn't you be happy to wake up to this? What a great idea for a shared kids room or even guest's room. I love the bright pop of yellow and the great striped wall. And those beds back to back, with plenty of storage, just genius!

I also love this wonderful room below designed by Sarah Richardson (my all time favourite designer!!!). The headboard is so unique - as usual. Serioulsy, next time, I'll have to dedicate an entire post just on all her fabulous headboard designs alone.

via

And how about this room below. If that doesn't put you in a cheery mood, then I don't know what would. The artwork is a masterpiece. Bigger is better truly.

via pinterest

Breezy white

The weather has been amazing this week, and I can't tell you how happy that makes me feel. It's been so nice and warm, and I truly hope it stays this way, as I'm sooo ready for summer! I just can't wait to wear dresses and sandals, and get out my summer wardrobe - which actually needs a major makeover, since a lot of the stuff doesn't fit me anymore (that's what 2 kids will do!).

I love wearing white for summer, and these are two beautiful classic looks I want to re-create...effortlessly chic, simple and elegant - just as I like it.