Fireplace Help

I recently came across this image first and thought... for those of you who have a fireplace, but dont know how or want to make a fire, here are some useful tips on ways to create heat, light and flare to any existing "non-working" fireplace.

For all you IPad users..

I still don't see a need for the ipad in my life, but for those of you who do, this is a great accessory for any room in your home. It is practical, convenient and oh so stunning. Curated in Brooklyn, this hand crafted iPad stand is great when using the countless apps found on your iPad.

Get more info here.

THE BEST OF 2011

Here's my Top 11 for style-savy products of 2011. Everything I chose is practical, creative and of course, beautiful.

1. Natural Elements
Finally! People are using raw surfaces again, or what looks like it. I hope this continues.

2. John Derian Company

These trays can be found in tons of design stores / sections and are incredibly cute and functional. You can find virtually any size, shape, colour or design theme to suit your taste. A tad pricy, but will last forever. 

I keep this one on my nightstand for my rings and earrings. 

To search for more like this, click here. 

3. Suzani, Ikat and Zig Zag prints

Anyone who is interested in design knows how big Suzani and Ikat prints were this year. The nice thing about them, and what keeps them current is the fact that they are all somewhat unique and vary pending which cut you make.  I'm not as obsessed as I once was but imagine they will still be around in 2012. 

4. Exposed Lighting
This can be an inexpensive lighting / chandelier option should you source some caged lighting. An array of different shapes and sizes all hung at different lengths is super interesting and unique!

Can be found at abc home.

5. Geometric Shapes
Adding geometric patterns, either upholstered on a headboard, or on your carpet provides a strong bold pattern and allows you to go neutral with almost everything else in the room should you be scared of colour or going off the beaten track when designing your space.

David Hicks upholstered  day bed.

6. French Cane Back and Upholstered Chairs
Need I say more? These are featured and sold in just about every design store.

Can be found at abc home.

Can be found at Restoration Hardware.

 7. The colour GREY.
Pretty sure the design world has been taken over by all things grey. I definitely love it, but am hoping to see some more colour in 2012!

8. Everthing in 3's.
No longer in pairs, design savy elements are now being done in groups of 3. I see it in lighting, center pieces and wall art.

Can be found at abc home.

9. Dhurries

Seems as though we've had a lot of Indian influence in design this year. Flat woven dhurries have dominated empty floors in all rooms of the house. Particularly, Madeline Weinrib.

10. Gallery Walls
All unique and all generally amazing, these are a great way to display multiple images in any room of the house.

Taken from the set of Brothers  & Sisters via Hooked on Houses.

11. Antique Mirrors

An all time favorite of 2011. I am always pleased to see any kind of antique mirror when I enter a home. The bigger the better!

Can be found at abc home.

RECLAIMED: THE BENJAMIN COLLECTION

Im a huge sucker for recycling old pieces which is why I was delighted to have come across the brilliant artist, Benjamin Bullins. 

This crafty bathroom vanity is a must see, repurposed by artist Benjamin Bullins. It definitely makes me rethink getting rid of some things in my basement (which is actually an awful thing - no need to hoard). Nonetheless this bike turned vanity is super cute. Every detail in this bathroom is consistent in that all that can be has been salvaged - with an old trombone case making up the mirror's border, a vintage faucet and coach lights. I would have to say the handle basket turned towel holder is my favorite part about it.


Here's another great piece. Wouldn't you just love that bench in your front hall?

For more information on Benjamin Bullins, click here. 

CELEB STUFF: BEST CELEBRITY ROOMS FEATURED IN 2011

Check out some of my favorite Celebrity spaces featured this past year. All are super cozy, comfortable and make for a relaxed environment. Hopefully I'll be working on some exciting spaces like these in the coming year!

Nate Burkus - Dining Room

Kerri Russell - Living Room

- Elle Decor

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux - Great Room

Ralph Lauren - Montauk Bedroom

- Elle Decor

Ellen Degeneres and Portia De Rossi - Eating Area

- Architectural Digest 

Barefoot Contessa  - Barn Kitchen  

- House Beautiful

PIZZA LIBRETTO: ON THE DANFORTH

I just came from dining with my 2 best friends and the best friends BF at Pizza Libretto on the Danforth. It reminded me of The Meatball Shop in NY with it's simple but delicious menu, friendly wait staff and raw interior. I wasn't a fan of the light fixtures they chose, - thought they were a little too childlike and random, but overall liked the rest of the decor. Thoughts?

DIY : KITCHEN UPDATES

Inspired by many DIY projects I see online, I talked my sister into updating her nice, but outdated kitchen over the holidays. Luckily, she moved into a house with pretty decent bones so the updates while time ocnsuming wont be too hell-ish. We wanted to keep the kitchen light and contemporary, which is exactly what we did.
It began with a few trips to the paint store, but we finally landed on a colour. Since the cupboards are white laminate with wood trim, we dedided to keep the laminate as is (too daunting a DIY) and update the    trim. So we chose a nice soft grey - far away enough from the white so it didnt look like we were trying to match, but soft enough that there wasn't too much contrast. We landed on Benjamins Moores ...
For all you DIYers who are dying for an inexpensive kitchen update, follow these simple instructions, and you'll be fine.

1. remove all drawers and cupboards that are being painted
2. sand surface enough so that the surface is raw - then clean the surface with a damp cloth to ensure no dust particles are left to be painted on top of.
3. prime surface -my container said the leave the primer to dry for approx. 45 mins
4. paint - definitely 2 coats

Some nice and handy tips to note during the process:
- do not test paint colours on the actual cabinets. If you do, you'll spend a ton of unnecessary time sanding off the test colours before you start the project (once colour has been decided)
- be open to talking to more than 1 person in the paint store.. they all know different information
- its worth buying samples. Although the cost and countless trips are super annoying, its well worth finding the right colour. Colour ALWAYS changes in your light.
- remove all knobs and handles before painting

... have fun and play music. It'll make the time pass much quicker!! Any other tips and/or questions, let me know!!