Being Banquette

I have decided. A breakfast nook/area is a must for me. While I have a fancy schmancy dining room it hardly ever gets used. Honest. It becomes the dumping ground for mail, bags, jackets and dog treats. Isn't that tragic? It is gorg but just doesn't suit the everyday, every meal use that I am looking for. Enter the banquette. I mean what is not to love? Multiple person seating while still having a fabulous furniture piece in the kitchen. Who would have ever thought? That is my favorite part about the banquette. It is functional but also incredibly stylish. Get it in any size and any shape. 

Get the Look: Natural Banquette/Green Banquette/Striped Banquette/Ikat banquette/Toile Banquette/Button Back/Pink Ikat Banquette/Navy Banquette/Teal Banquette

Whatcha think? I plan on pairing it with a medium sized table and maybe two wishbone chairs. Can I get a witness? XOXO

Favorite Room Feature: Pure Style Home

My loveliest of lovelies. Today we have a very special guest. Very, very special. Lauren from one of my favorite blogs, Pure Style Home is sharing one of her favorite designs she has implemented for a client. I love a finished product. Lemmetellyariiightnow. This project includes black trim, exposed brick and super clean lines. Like everything Lauren is and does, she nailed it. Naturally. Lauren has an earthy eclectic yet modern aesthetic and I cannot help but want to reside in each and every one of her spaces. You'll see what I mean!

I am Lauren Leiss from Pure Style Home I was so excited when Lindsay asked me to be a part of of her Favorite Room Feature & have to thank her for being so patient with me as I sloooowly put it together. (!!)

One of my favorite rooms is a living room I did in a client's home this past year:

It's a light-filled two-story great room with the most amazing (& MASSIVE!) Bradford pear tree growing outside behind it.  Honestly, it was beautiful before I even touched it.

My clients wanted the space to feel natural & light and airy with a modern vibe.  They love to entertain (and throw huge parties!) so there needed be enough floor space as well as seating.  One of the first things we did was paint:  The doors went black and the walls went a soft ivory.   We thought the black doors would really pull out the blacks throughout the rest of the room & frame the views outside.

One of my favorite elements in the room is the exposed brick wall...

{Dark brown & white pillow fabric & ottoman fabric by Raoul Textiles, and center paisley pillow is one of mine, "live paisley."} 

The bricks add patina & history and the mix of boho-esque fabric makes the room feel a bit more fun.

We flanked the existing sofa with two large iron & cement tables to hold loads of books & magazines.  (And to stash toys!! ;) ;)

Even though the room looks big, it's actually pretty small, so we had to make the most of the space with things like the Mies Van der Rohe daybed, upright wing chairs (way less deep than the typical upholstered chair) and a glass table:
The photographs on the wall were taken from the oversized German Magazine, The Manipulator.  I wanted them hung so that they intersected slightly with the wing chairs for a more layered, relaxed look.  I love how the little kitty is peeking out from between the two chairs. 

In the pic above you can spy a little corner of my clients' tiny living room workspace:

{It's the tiniest spot but gets the job done...  We kept the furniture light & airy so it wouldn't feel crowded.  I COVET the vintage BRNO chair we had covered in a hairy cowhide ;)}

And finally, here's the view of the living room from the loft bedroom above, which I really love. The wood floors transition to the deck floors just outside & you really get a feel for the space:

Thank you so much for checking out one of my favorite rooms & I hope you enjoyed!!

Lindsay-  Thank you so much for including me in your series & I'm honored!!

xoxo,

Lauren

A preppy glam dining room

Today I am sharing one of my newest spaces that I am designing for a client, her dining room. My client loves preppy, clean and fresh spaces and that is just what I am going to give her. Her living room design, which is adjacent to this space, has a lot of pink in it and I decided it was necessary to incorporate that into this space. Pair that with a traditional navy, and you have the most preppy glam space that anyone could ask for. Tell me you don't agree. Just do it. 

Over the buffet area, I located the most whimsical and amazing wallpaper that will be framed into wallpaper panels. Is it art? Or is it wallpaper? Both, folks. Both. I am beyond excited for this space to come to life. The mixture of patterns in a subtle manner is going to be everything. 

Care for me to interpret your room into your dream space? I will certainly do it. Email me and let's get started. No project too small or too large. I will move interior design mountains for you. Let's be real. XOXO

Monday Musings: Wishbone

Hola. Como estas? Did you all have a fine weekend? The weather has been frigid here and I have been sporting garb that would indicate that I live at a ski lodge. Truthfully. That is the beauty about living in the South, is when the temperature is even slightly cool, everyone breaks their winter jackets and snow boots out. I am in good company. 

Today I am musing about chairs that are definitely a blast from the past. The wishbone chair. Oooohhh and ahhhhh. The wishbone chair was made by a Danish designer back in the day, and let me tell you, Mr. Wegner was totally on to something. While its shape and craftsmanship is a little more modern than my normal style, it absolutely fits in any eclectic space. Pair them with a traditional table and lighting, and you instantly have a sophisticated and collected space. I am not sure why I did not think about this sooner. Slow on the uptake. 

SFGirlbybay

Commune Design

Ish and Chi

Real Living

So if you are like me, and are totally digging this oldie but goody, getcha some. A little ROYGBIV happening this morning. They come in a variety of colors and a variety of price ranges. I am thinking these would be perfect for a little kitchen nook. Who is with me?

Blue Wishbone/Pink Wishbone/Green Wishbone/Black Wishbone/Lilac Wishbone/Yellow Wishbone/Red Wishbone/Orange Wishbone

Color Combo: Mint & Yellow

I have always adored the colors mint and yellow, but certainly not together. Boy times, they are a changin'. I have recently come across a few spaces that have totally rocked my face off. As a design enthusiast, I tire of things quickly. For those of you who have followed along for some time now, you will remember my office that I finished in the One Room Challenge. I love it, but I am ready for a change up. Enter mint and yellow. What say you?

Quintessence

The Peak of Chic

Tell me this color combo isn't everything. Just do it. Here is the plan for my new office. What you will not see here, chair rail will be implemented with millwork design throughout. Part of my New Year's Resolutions, member? Anyhow, I am seeing dramatic yellow dupioni silk drapery, dual drum chandelier lighting, mint walls, geometric flooring and some serious abstract art. Are we in love?

Get the Look: Drapes/Chandeliers/Paint/Rug/Desk/Art/Baskets/Chair

Have a wonderful weekend my sweets. We may be buried here if the meteorologists are actually correct in their predictions. Which, let's face it, their accuracy level is probably at 32%. We will give 'em a chance though. What are you all getting into this weekend? Do share. XOXO 

What's been up...

Guten tag my lovelies. No. I do not speak German. I fooled you. So things have been hectic around here lately. To say the least. More on that later. I will tell you, I have purchased some fabulous new things for some fabulous new spaces that I just must share with you all. You know I love a good show and tell. 

My new eSale rug. Isn't she a beaut? I mean seriously. If I were you all, I would be jealous. She arrived late last week and I have been so enamored and smitten with her, that I am too distracted to even think about where she will reside. Sigh. 

The loveliest painting that I scored on major sale at Home Goods. They had many others just like this and of a different variety at the store. So if you love, I would suggest getting in your car and high tailing it to your nearest Home Goods. I am talking blowing through traffic signs, speeding and being up on two wheels while rounding a corner. It is worth it. Here is my thought on this. I am going to do a kelly green trellis wallpaper in my guest bathroom and there she will live. Perfect juxtaposition of super traditional/feminine and modern glam. 

Another Home Goods score for me. Seriously. They are on fire. You will NEVER guess what I paid for this lamp. Just guess. Wrong. I am not even sure what you guessed but I am certain it was wrong. $39.99. I know. Your socks are blown off. I have seen similar pieces that retailed for $199+. Nothing excites me more than a deal. Well, maybe a Real Housewives marathon. 

Ok. This is actually my favorite find that I have encountered. So you all know that I am obsessed with my dogs. To put it mildly. I have always wanted to get paintings of my girls but it is just so damn expensive. Well my loves. I have the solution to all of our problems. This one is going to solve world hunger. Per chance. I found Lamanda Designs and she will paint your pet for $30.00. I am not even kidding. Praise baby Jesus. I mean I am getting e'erbody's pet that I know painted for them. I cannot even tell you how spot on these paintings are. Not only does she capture their look, she captures their personality. It is all in the eyes. 

Billie

Stella

Lamanda Designs

I am sure you all have been wondering what has been happening in the way of fashion for me lately. Well. I am here to tell you, big things. Big things have been happening. Some may shy away from the gold and silver combination but not this girl. I rock it all day long. I recently found The Way We Are and they graciously sent over their Clear Pave Chain Bracelet which has quickly become a part of my everyday stack that I sport. It is the last one to the left in this stack. As they say, save the best for last. 

Clear Pave Chain Bracelet

Have you all found any goods lately? You know I hate when you don't share with me. Love you. Mean it. XOXO

Favorite Room Feature: Gracefully Searching

I try to keep up on the latest and greatest in the blogworld but I must admit, sometimes it is impossible discovering all of the new, or new to me, talent out there. Recently I tripped across Gracefully Searching, obviously not so gracefully, but I could not be happier that I did. Laura is just another Canadian, damn you Canadian designers and your freakishly awesome interior design gifts, doing her thing. Oh Canada. Girl creates well styled, airy and refreshing spaces and I am absolutely smitten with her. Go for it kitty cat! 

I am so thrilled to be sharing "My Favorite Room" with you all today! Sadie and Stella fills my design heart with so much inspiration on a daily basis. I am so excited to be participating in this fab design series! As a decorator I love to see how other people live and where they source their goods from.

A little bit about me: Born in Montreal, I currently reside in Toronto in a renovated 1920’s townhouse with my boyfriend, Blayre, and our cute little ‘bugg’ Bruce. Along with my design work, Blayre and I have a wedding cinematography company called Elle & Be

I chose our living room as "My Favorite Space" as it’s where we spend the majority of our time, and has been a real labor of love! Our home is open concept flowing from the kitchen to the dining area to the living space. Most of the décor you will see is sourced from websites such as Kijiji, Craigslist, E-bay and ETSY. 

I love styling so it’s no wonder that I am always changing things up. I’m a huge fan of coffee table books, which are in a constant rotation, as they create visual interest and perfect display area for our decorative objects. I wanted to create a space where we could gather as a family, or with friends, and all be cozy. While my style isn't totally laid back, I wanted to have a big comfy sofa, soft easy-care fabrics (helps with muddy paws), and a place where Bruce could race around with his toys.

I am really influenced by Asian design so I wanted to incorporate that into our space without being too literal, while still including all other things I love into our room. I would call our space eclectic/traditional. 

We are still in the process of finishing this room (roman blinds are needed and we might hang more art) but here are some pics of my favorite room!

Source List:
All Books: Indigo/ Barnes & Noble(USA)
Chairs with Orange upholstery: Purchased from friend
Coffee Table: CL
Side Tables: CL
Book Shelves: Ikea- Expedit
Picture Frames: Ikea- Ribba
Pillows: Polka Dot(Ikea), Striped(Ralph Lauren), Palm( Whitlock & Co. Etsy), Greek Key( Loubella. Etsy) Light Blue, (Loubella -Etsy)
Foo Dogs: China
Chinoserie Display Cabinet: Thrifted
Sofa: CL- I think it is from the Art Shoppe in TO
Apothecary Lamp: Lumiray
Pineapple Lamp: Home Sense ( Home Good in USA)
White Console: Ikea
2 Mercury Lamps: Homes Sense  ( Home Good in USA)
Topiary: Home Sense  ( Home Good in USA)
Magazine Folders/Boxes: Ikea

All Decorative Objects; Thrifted, Handed down, From our Travels, Indigo or Home Goods

* Contact me if there is a specific item you would like to know about!

Design Crush: Lara Spencer

I have to tell you, I have a big crush. A big, big designer girl crush. Ever heard of the name Lara Spencer? Maybe you have seen the book I Brake for Garage Sales...? I know that I have briefly mentioned my mom from time to time on this blog, but she is the person to credit for the discovery of this fabulous designer. Months ago, she mentioned Lara and her awesome aesthetic and her unique talent for picking up old and dated furniture and transforming them into completely custom and glam pieces. I neglected to research any further, sorry Mom. Until this weekend when Lara's show graced the screens of HGTV. I was blown away and definitely was sent to kick rocks. As they always say, Mom is always right. 

One Kings Lane

Elle Decor

Does that trellis entryway make anyone else need a defibrillator? Pretty sure my heart stopped. Remind you of a certain trellis wall stencil we discussed last week? Now I am for sure implementing that stencil somewhere in my home. Eat your heart out Kelly Wearstler. So who else is crushing on Lara's bright and collected aesthetic? You know you love her. Don't deny your feelings. XOXO

Monday Musings: Staffordshire Dogs

Larvelies. How art thou? Anyone who knows me, knows that I live and breathe for dogs. Dogs of any kind, really. When I recently stumbled across the Staffordshire dog statues that have trail blazed their way through the interior design world, I decided to add those dogs to my love list as well. I mean why not? I am a chinoiserie girl at heart, and these ceramic pooches add just that to any space. Muse with me. 

 Lonny

Gracefully Searching

Mimosa Lane 

What do we think kitty cats? Are we smitten as a kitten? Or maybe that is an oxymoron since we are speaking about the dog. Are you musing with me or what? Love you. Mean it.