STYLE ICON: Kelly Wearstler

A true icon in the interior design field and one person that I have always admired for her bold sense of style and a no holds barred way of looking at design. Having worked on many award winning spaces both residential and commercial, one that I love are the Viceroy Hotels. Kelly is known as a distinguished interior designer and tastemaker, has won many different accolades for her work, published several books giving her thoughts on design (Modern Glamour, HUE, Domicilium Decoratus), created product lines for companies such as The Rug Company, Sferra, Bergdorf Goodman and has a sense of style like no other. That is what makes her The Style Icon for this month.

In her interiors I love how she mixes bold colours, patterns and textures. She is not afraid of using materials that otherwise seem dated, but gives them a new lease by using them in ways that you would never have imagined. This is why I LOVE her as a designer.

Her sense of style is just as bold and outrageous. She is not afraid of anything. You can see that in her photos and when she appeared as a judge of the US show called Design Star. Mixing of patterns and textures is just as evident in her fashion sense as it is in her designs. No one else can get away with wearing a turban on national TV!!!

Check out:

Kelly Wearstler

Viceroy Hotels

Wondrous Wallpaper

Wallpaper has become a staple in my design process. I love to incorporate it in any way that I can. I find that it really provides something different in a space, adds texture and pattern, and really makes a space come together.

Having seen many trends come and go with wallpaper styles and companies, my most recent find was a company called Carl Robinson Inc. Based in the UK, they have the most exquisite styles I have ever seen. Luxurious is definitely the right word to describe these papers. The colours are vibrant and sophisticated.

What caught my eye were the grasscloth papers that were printed with the most fabulous trellis patterns and ones that had embroidered floral motifs on them, something that I have never seen before. Absolutely delicious! Stay tuned for pics of where I use this most amazing find!

Check out:

Crown Wallpapers

Carl Robinson Inc.

Tread- ECO Accessories

While in Japan a few years ago I came across these amazing stools that were made with recycled tires. I remember snapping a photo of them and they have been on the back of my mind ever since. They looked like carved wood from a far but I got closer I realized that they were made from old tires.

I recently came across this company called Tread while doing some research for a client. Based in the UK, this company is taking old tires and turning them into some gorge accessories for the home, mostly frames and pots. On their website there is mention that they do some bespoke custom work as well.

In any case, I love that this is an eco friendly product whilst remaining quite chic. My faves are the over scaled frames on the mirrors, the perfect juxtaposition in a modern space or the right addition in a traditional space!

Check out:

Tread

Fave Find

Shopping for a client at Crate and Barrel yesterday I came across this fabulous new find! The Turner Stool is not for every space for sure, however, I imagine a chic industrial style loft space with a massive island with the stools all around. I also think these would be great in a home that has a mid century feel, they would add some contrast to the space.

Think elements such as raw wood, concrete, felt, with whites and greys and then the stool thrown into the mix... DELISH!

Check out:

Crate and Barrel

Sparkling Hill Resort

The Sparkling Hill Resort opened its doors May 2010 and we were one of the first people to have the pleasure of staying there. It is owned by the Swarovski family and the crystals are everywhere in the space. From the extravagant chandelier that greets you when you enter the resort, the embedded crystals in signs through out, and the fabulous crystal fireplace in each of the rooms.

We were really taken aback by the serene beauty of the resort and the friendly staff. Here are some of the things I loved about the place and why it is a must stop for anyone visiting Vernon:

1. The location is perfect! Situated atop the ledge of a mountain and having views of the gorgeous lake, it seems that you are floating on top of the world.

2. The space is designed with details in mind. I love that! Every corner is thought of and I think that is very important, being a designer myself. The colour palette was soothing and the crystals really added to the space.

3. The rooms were FAB! Open concept bathrooms with walk through showers that had views of the mountains. There was a custom designed bathtub at the corner of every room designed in the shape of a crystal and that had a perfect view. The beds were over scaled and so comfortable, a must at any resort! The floor to ceiling windows made you feel like you were floating on air and you could even slide the window open, love that!

4. Boasting on being the first european spa in North America, their 7 room sauna and steam area has something for everyone. Open to guests of the resort, it is the perfect way to end the day. We also indulged in a massage and a mud wrap which was out of this world. The spa is offers up many different treatments and is a must for anyone staying at the resort.

5. The restaurant serves up a 3 course meal everyday. This was something that we loved as there were 3 options available for each course which were truly delicious. Situated so close to wine country, there wine list was spectacular and we definitely indulged! YUMMERS!

6. The outdoor infinity pool was fabulous! That is all that needs to be said about that.

Check out:

Sparkling Hill Resort

Seattle Sights

Our summer vacation this year involved a road trip, convertible, no plans, and a desire for some fun in the sun. Seattle was one of our stops and we ended up spending 3 days here. I have to be honest, I was expecting clear skies and summer like conditions: not the case, we were greeted with partially cloudy skies, brisk nights, and foggy mornings. So, the weather wasn't the greatest, however, we did manage to find some amazing shopping, sites, and sounds (obviously!) that are a must for anyone visiting Seattle. Here are my top 5 picks:

1. BARRIO : An amazing place to dine with a great atmosphere. Delicious mexican fare and cocktails concocted of tequilas, exotic herbs and spices. The interior is what I would call rustic chic. Heavy carved wooden doors that lead you into an open space that is lively and intimate at the same time. Be ready to wake up in a haze with all the amazing cocktails you will consume!!

2. Dahlia Bakery : Open for breakfast every morning, this is a MUST stop. There are tables set up outside but it is only take away. The best thing we had were there fried egg sandwiches served on a freshly baked english muffin with cheese and a tomatoe. Their baked good such as apple danishes and cookies of all sorts are also tres delish!!! p.s.. A polaroid camera is a great thing to have for any road trip!

3. IAN : A mens boutique filled with 2 floors of chic casual wear. We spent quite some time in this store, perusing their racks filled with brands such as Rogues Gallery and WRKROOM.

4. KUHLMAN : A boutique that carried both menswear and womenswear where they do custom tailoring and alterations. My fave were their accessories. I picked up a handsome pair of glasses for $25!!!! I also loved their necklaces and bracelets by local artists and large collection of belts.

5. NUBE Green : Filled with everything that is chic and eco friendly, from dishes and furniture made with old traffic signs to recycled plastic bag bags. The fabulous table pictured is all made with pieces of reclaimed wood and the lighting out of cardboard. LOVE IT!!!!

Handy Headboards

Ever since jumping on the Twitter bandwagon, I have come across some pretty amazing design minded people. I was recently introduced to a design company called Holley&Gill based out of Montreal. In checking out their website, I also found that they build custom headboards and immediately fell in love.

I can't tell you how many times I have gone into a client's home, especially in basement bedrooms or spare rooms and they just have a mattress sitting on a frame and nothing else. A headboard is such an easy way of creating a focal point and adding some pattern and texture.

Coming in 3 different motifs and 3 colour ways, these headboards are simply delicious and the perfect addition to any bedroom. From fabric design sketches, silkscreening and upholstery everything is done by hand in Montreal. Love that!

Check Out:

Holley&Gill

Shop

IKEA

My dear friend Maddie and I working it on the cover!

I was invited to view the new IKEA catalogue and all it's glory yesterday at a sneak peek at the Calgary store. I also jumped at the chance to have my very own personal cover made to my catalogue... of course!

Now, we all know that we all love IKEA, it is affordable, stylish, and quite chic. With the launch of their new catalogue also come some fabulous new products and lower prices(who knew their prices could get any lower?)!!!!

I will be the first one to tell you to hit up IKEA if you are decorating on a budget but also learn to mix and match your pieces. Not everything has to come from one store, so be choosey about the items you decide to work with and be sure to have their catalogue on hand for quick reference, I know I do!

Happy Shopping!!!

Check out:

IKEA

Vintage Finds

While out and about shopping for clients yesterday I found out that an antique mall that I had frequented had moved. I decided to visit the new space and was surprised at the modern space, unique items, and how organized the space was. There is nothing worse than having to rifle through dusty, old furniture!

One of my faves were the 60's cup and saucer set. I love the retro colour palette and think they would be the perfect thing to serve your guests tea or coffee in for Sunday brunch! Pieces like these are also great to display on open shelving, they are like accessories.

An outdoor patio set, from the 60's caught my eye as well. The vinyl turquoise upholstery job was in mint condition and the cast iron surround was as sturdy as ever! There was a 4 seater sofa and 3 accent chairs. How perfect for any retro chic outdoor space.

I am still keeping my eyes peeled for a pair of gorgeous midcentury chairs!

Check out:

Inside Avenue Antiques Inc.

Ann Sacks: Tantalizing Tiles

(Image courtesy of annsacks.com)

(Image courtesy of annsacks.com)

(Image courtesy of annsacks.com)

I recently visited the showroom of Ann Sacks in Seattle and was blown away! The types of tile that were available from mosaics, porcelain, stone, and metal and all available in any shape and size. My face seriously lit up and I spent a good hour in the store just checking out their samples and came home with a bunch of catalogues knowing I would be using their product in the near future.

Ann Sacks is a company based in the US and was started 23 years ago. Their goal is to provide new and innovative products in the tile and plumbing industry. They started with tiles imported from Mexico and now have expanded to carry tiles from all over the world. They work with amazing designers such as Barbara Barry who bring a new spin to their lines.

My faves are the mosaic tiles in bold colour combinations. I think they would be the perfect backsplash to any kitchen or create a stunning backdrop on a wall in a bathroom!

Tile it up!

Check it out:

Ann Sacks