A Divine Decision

A decision must be made: two divine sets of drapes, one living room window. The turquoise will lighten things up but the dark ones are ooh so exquisite. Oh, what to do...

Photos © Anthropologie

Sensational Stripes

Lately I've had stripes on the brain (which is evidenced by my latest About.com article). I'm particularly drawn to wide horizontal stripes, especially when used in large expanses like on walls or window treatments. I find they add a nice hit of graphic pattern without overwhelming a space. They're kind of like the neutral colour of patterns. They work with anything and everything, anywhere and everywhere!

  

 

                                         

Photos courtesey of Dash and Albert Rug Company, The Yellow Cape Cod House, Dwellings, RTR Media, Roost Blog

Shop Like the Pros

Do you ever watch design shows on HGTV and wonder where they got all the fabulous products? Well you're not the only one. Check any show forum and you're pretty much guaranteed to see comments asking where such and such product is from. Most shows provide shopping guides to HGTV that get posted on their website, but they're often buried deep within the site. It can make it a little tricky to find quick answers.

For the last few months I've been working on some shows, and the products and services we've used have been amazing. So I want to make sure that everyone can find them easily. For Income Property, starring Scott McGillivray, click on this link. It will take you to the episode galleries for all five seasons. You'll see in the text above the photo a link that says Get the Shopping Guide. Just click and voila! 

The other show I worked on last summer will be airing in this spring so I'll be sure to post all the links as soon as they're up.

If you want the best products use what the pros use. After all, isn't that why we all watch these shows in the first place? 

Photo © RTR Media, Design by Melissa Davis

Let the Merriment Begin

You knew it was coming. When the mercury drops and the leaves start to rust you know the Christmas onslaught isn't far behind. It might still be October but the holiday season is upon us. There's no point in fighting it so you may as well hop on the bandwagon. I suggest you start by picking up Style at Home's 100+ Favorite Holiday Ideas, a special issue that can olny be purchased on newsstands until December 31st. It's jampacked full of great decor and entertaining ideas and, oh yeah, a lovely interiors story written by yours truly (p. 54). Happy holidays!

Photo courtesey of Style at Home

Modern Global Continues...

Not too long ago I wrote a piece for Style at Home about Modern Global style (as interpreted by the brilliant Christine Hanlon). I've never been one for traditionally "ethnic" styles like African, Morrocan, or Asian. I think my style has always leaned more towards European. That said, after researching and writing the story I found a new appreciation for global style and the ways it can be intigrated into other looks.

 

I love that this look can be taken in so many different directions. Pretty and playful or deliciusly luxe.

Just remember the rules: incorporate some worldly accessories, include some organic materials, use a few two-tone patterns (preferably geometric designs), and don't be afraid to layer. There's tons of room for interpretation so let your personal style dictate where you take it.

Photos courtesey of Lauren Flanagan (items through Homesense), Elle Decor, Snob, Hautekhuuture