To all those concerned readers who politely told me I was insane for wanting white floors, fear not. We won’t be having white planks in our new home. But, I do love the aesthetic!
Here are some more photos to feed your appetite. Herringbone. We won’t be doing this either, but I think this style can look absolutely amazing. Think Parisian salon.
Above: Joseph Dirand Architecture
Above: RUM Magazine
Above: La Place & Co. Architecture + Design
Above: Ditte Isager Photography
I’m going to digress for a sec about talking about home stuff. It’s a rainy Sunday and I just spotted the perfect rain boots (and more) for my daughter. We have lots of striped clothing in this household and I’m a fan of unisex stuff, so it’s no great surprise that Swedish company Polarn O. Pyret caught my eye.
Now, there is one minor catch. The company doesn’t seem to ship to Canada – but I’m working on that. They do sell in the US. With a vacation States-bound next week, I might just be in luck.
I’ve never paid as much attention to the windows on houses I pass by as I have lately. I discretely (sort of) walk up to stranger’s homes and touch their frames to see if they’re wood or aluminum. I used to just notice a house and comment on aesthetics. Now I ask questions like “are those aluminum clad or anodized?”
In any event, I’ve discovered a new found love for steel / metal windows. They’re stunning. Take a peek:
Photo care of Remodelista
We want an industrial look, but we also don’t want to be freezing in the winter. I’ve been told that steel windows have come a long way, but given that we’re living in Toronto, we’ve decided to opt for something more practical / affordable. Exactly what, we’re unsure at this point. While we decide, why not check out these inspiring views:
Source unknown
Herzog & DeMeuron; Vitrahaus
Photo by Simon Watson
Before we thought about exterior sketches or what type of home we wanted, we started collecting images. Lots of images. The photos below are nothing like what we’re ultimately going to have (sigh), but I found inspiration in these shots.
I love the mix of old and new together. That will be our challenge – to build a new house with with the character of a lived in space.
Take a look at some of these incredible homes:
I also love traditional brownstones, particularly after living in New York. Here’s a shot that just makes me happy.
Plus another with a neat contemporary twist.
It’s official. We’ve started our new house build. The interior demolition began yesterday, the rest will come down shortly. There will be tons of decisions to be made along the way – lots of which I hope to share.
I thought picking floors was going to be one of the easy ones – wide plank, dark stain – but check out these stunning rooms with white floors.
Ah, decisions decisions…
Above: Photo by Pia Ulin care of Emmas Blog
Above: Photos by Ditte Isager
Above: Image via RUM magazine
The staircase featured in this Paris apartment by Ecole design group, is incredible. Personally, I’d be petrified to reach the second floor and this is definitely not a kid friendly place, but the aesthetic is amazing.
I also quite like the built-in bookshelves.
For more photos, visit Contemporist
I’m learning to travel vicariously (or virtually) these days. Trips overseas are few and far between as of late, so I do what I can do get my fix. Online roaming has brought me to some unexpected spots. Despite my love for Scandinavian design, I have yet to make it to that part of the world (I’ve been awfully close, though). Copenhagen has been on my list for ages. I’d love to visit Stockholm. I admit, Helsinki was not really on my radar until recently.
When I do make a visit, I’ll be sure to visit these amazing looking locales.
Shown above, My o My is a “lifestyle” store offering fashion, design objects, jewelry, etc. They call themselves a “homebase for all kinds of creativity.” I love that. The store itself looks like a gallery and (from what I can tell) reminds me of one of my favourite spots in New York – Moss.
Lunch at the Sis Deli and Café would be lovely (Discovered via Designworklife)
Perhaps a stay at the Klaus K hotel would be in order
Ah, it would be nice. But, until then, I’ll continue to fuel my wanderlust by visiting Nestled In, a great interiors blog by two Finns.
I could also do some serious damage at the Finnish Design Shop. I’ll leave you with a couple of my favourite on-site items (don’t hold it against me that both were designed by Arne Jacobsen, a Dane!).
Stelton Tea Pot
AJ Floor Lamp
Something must be in the air, but I’ve received tons of inquiries lately about the toddler bed featured in the photograph with my buttons rug on my site. I figured this would be as good a time as any to share the details.
The bed is by Nume and I have to agree it’s quite lovely. And hey, if I can be so bold, I think it looks particularly nice with the buttons rug. What do you think?
I love the room featured below in Time Out NY Kids Spring Issue. The space was designed by Jennifer Ward for her Park Slope based clients.
Check out the little drafting table equipped with art supplies. It would be a definite hit with my daughter (well, and for me!).
I love reading about the rise of entrepreneurial empires – people who started small, took a gamble, and went for it. So I was particularly jazzed when I read the recent New York Magazine article on Kate and Andy Spade.
How amazing. It all started with a simple rectangular tote – a bag that you probably wouldn’t blink at today. They’ve since sold their company. Andy is producing wine, getting into film, partnering with galleries, consulting for J.Crew, etc…Kate sounds happy to not have anything to do with the company and to spend tons of time with their daughter. Sounds like a pretty good gig.
Here are some shots of their Manhattan apartment care of Habitually Chic.
