life refresh

Sometimes we need to peek out from under our lives and make a move...

my cutie-pie niece

Wanted to let you know that I'm taking a little break in order to make a change in my life by moving to Ancaster, Ontario to take on an exciting new role in my "real career", that being university advancement. So while I am moving and getting set up in a new home and workplace, I'll be mostly absent from blogging. I'm sad to be leaving wonderful Calgary, but I'm looking forward to moving into my new home in the east, and bringing you lots more ideas and inspirations from there! Until then, enjoy the season of change! 

black & white day 21

Happy Wednesday peeps! Time for another gorgeous black and white space, this one being one of my favourite kitchens. I just love the simplicity of this white kitchen, taking advantage of the windows to allow for lots of light to come in, and keeping it open by not having a bulky metal exhaust or microwave distracting the eye above the stove. I also like the tiny bits of colour- pale blues and greens and bright reds and yellows. And of course that pendant lamp. Drool. 

BHG

monday refresh: cozy bedding

I don't know about the rest of you but we had a snowy, winter-y weekend here in Calgary. Ugh. But pretty. But a little early for me. However, it got me thinking about cozy winter bedding, and how it makes a nice refresh for the bedroom at this time of year. Think quilts, wool, texture, and layers. Here's some inspiration to get you going. Happy Monday! 

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Lonny

Lonny

Marion House Book

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Lonny

Apartment Therapy

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Country Living

more Fall wreaths...

My past posts on DIY wreaths and Organic Holiday wreaths Part 1 and Part 2 were such hits, I couldn't resist featuring more fabulous wreaths to take us through autumn and perhaps into the holiday season.  Feast your eyes folks. 

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Almost ready to think about holiday wreaths? Check out my lists of the best from last year here and here. 

monday refresh: a fresh welcome

Looking to add a little refresh to your front door. Hang a berry wreath - perfect for Fall and it will carry you through until holiday decorations come out. I love the orange ribbon on this one from Casabellawreaths, via Etsy. 

Happy Monday all! 

making a small galley kitchen work

Many of us are faced with small galley or one-wall kitchens in our homes, condos or apartments. There are a few tricks to making the most of a small kitchen space to create an efficient, open and beautiful room.

1. First, lighten up. If you have a small enclosed kitchen, go white or light on your cabinets.

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2. Or, go open. Opt for open shelving up top instead of cabinets that visually take up space.

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3. If you have room on one side, adding a small table allows for more a feeling of more usable space. 

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4. Finally, bust out one wall and open it up to living space, adding an island in for extra counter space. 

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Could you live small in one of these kitchens? Or maybe you have other tricks? I'd love to hear them!

black & white day 20

Wow, I came across this photo and of course stopped in my tracks since it is a fantastic example of a crisp yet welcoming black and white kitchen/living room space. But I was even more blown away by the whole portfolio of the design firm, Urrutia Design. I love their clean aesthetic, using neutrals as a backdrop to let good design and the personality of the homeowner shine through in a way that is warm but modern and uncluttered. Go check out their work. 

Urrutia Design

Need some ideas for designing or redesigning your home? Contact me about online design for only $150.

gratitude and happiness

This weekend I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends, health and happiness, and a beautiful country in which to live. Happy Thanksgiving my fellow Canadians! 

green idea: recycled propane tanks

Yup, you read that right. You know, 'cause everyone thinks of old rusted propane tanks for recycling and home decor, right? I know - it's odd - but I came across Fugitive Glue lately and it blew me away. This is the ultimate in recycling: turning decommissioned propane tanks into industrial-chic furniture and lighting. 

From the company:

"Through a design practice called “UPHOARDING”, FG develops it’s own products that require inventing, designing and manufacturing new lives for post-consumer waste materials." 

Cool, right?

sustainable space of the week: converted barn

Do you dream of one day converting an old barn to a home? Ok, maybe it's just me, but this picture re-ignited that dream. This home is made sustainable not only by building within an existing structure, but also because the leftover plywood and waste materials were used as furnishings. I like the repurposing idea, though if it was me I would be painting the plywood. Inspiring, nonetheless.

Dwell

more DIY headboard ideas

A while back I shared some easy and mostly inexpensive ideas for creating your own headboard (something I believe is a must in every bedroom). Here are 11 more ideas to inspire you to think creatively and sustainably. 

painted canvas or mdf headboard Home Depot

vintage shutter headboard via HGTV

art headboard via BHG

upholstered headboard via iVillage

painted headboard by Stacey Cohen via DecorPad

blanket headboard via Apartment Therapy

DIY board headboard by meringue designs

embroidered art via stylisheve

wood slat headboard via HGTV

rope headboard via Poppytalk

Buckets of Burlap

Check out even more ideas here.