Before and After

BEFORE

AFTER

Something to show that it really makes a world of a difference when it comes to picking the finishes in your home. When building this home, my client had picked a very small mosaic tile to use on the fireplace wall. Initially thinking that would make an impact, the grout colour that was chosen was the same as the tile and really made it all meld in, making it look like a painted feature wall rather than the tile.

I thought of re-cladding the feature wall in a gorgeous rectangular Carerra Marble tile. One of my all time favourite finishes to use because of it's timeless quality. We stacked the tile going all the way up and had the tiler mitre the corners to give a clean, finished edge.

The new look is fresh, clean, and definitely makes more of an impact than the old grey tile. Now wait until you see what else we are going to be doing with the space... simply delicious!!!!

Re-Think Romp- November 4th, 2010

In case you've missed it, the annual Rethink Romp will be taking place on Thursday November 4th, 2010! I'm excited to be participating in this super-sexy annual event by donating a silent auction item at the event: lunch with me at Taste to talk design! (bring your photos and ideas so that I can help you figure out your space and enjoy a fabulous lunch)

This year the Romp will call upon all Calgarians to support the battle against Breast cancer; a villain that is estimated to affect 23,200 Canadian women in 2010. Calgary partygoers, superheroes and their sidekicks will gather at Q Haute Cuisine for the 2010 Rethink Romp – Superheroes. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at www.rethinkromp.com.

At Rethink, they think differently about how to beat breast cancer. By continually rethinking a problem, they believe they will succeed. The Rethink Romp is one of their key fundraisers to help develop and maintain programs and events right here in Calgary. They are committed to rethinking just about everything they do, and the annual Rethink ‘Romp’, is no exception. Superheros will enjoy the following:

· Fuel up with yummy munchies and thirst quenching beverages
· Boost superhero powers with mini-makeovers
· Capture the night’s heroism in the Photo-booth
· Snack on a triple threat of chocolate, cupcakes and candy
· Dance the night away while bidding on fabulous silent auction items
· Fly off into the night with a fantastic goodie bag

By going to www.rethinkromp.com you can also create your own superhero avatar to share on Facebook and Twitter. I'll attach mine, it's a dead ringer.

I'll be there all night and would love to see you as well.

Have a great one, superheroes!

Vancouver Hot Spots (EATS)

One thing I love about Vancouver is the abundance of amazing restaurants!!! This trip was no exception and we hit up some unique places!! Not only do I have a love on for the food but also the interiors. Each place is unique and offers something new, a feast for the eyes and the mouth!

1. Medina Cafe- We had brunch at this stylish eatery in Gastown. Loved everything about it from the music, amazing lattes, and of course the delicious food. You MUST try their specialty waffles, seriously, the best I have ever tasted!!!

2. Judas Goat- Located in Blood Alley in Gastown, the place was small, packed, bustling and I loved it. The decor was an industrial mix of concrete, raw wood, and a bright hit of yellow! The wine was fabulous and the spanish influence tapas complimented it very nicely! :) You must try the meatballs and the manchengo cheese with fig.

3. Bin941- one of my all time fav restaurants in Vancouver. I have to make a stop each trip. This place does not take resos and gets jam packed. The food is to die for as is the vibe, interior, and atmosphere!!! There are 2 locations, my preference is the one on Davie.

4. L'Abattoire- We stopped in for some of their legendary cocktails and they were delish. Quite strong so be prepared. We also heard that the food is amazing and wished we had time to taste, next time!!!!

5. 100 Days- This place will only be around for 100 days however I had to post it. What a fantastic concept. Located on the main floor of the Opus Hotel in Yaletown this place was conceived as a post reno project. Because the owners were coming up with something new for the restaurant, they decided to bring some graffiti artists and let them WORK their magic on the space and keep it open for 100 days. The place is stunning and I loved everything about it. For those that enjoyed it, congrats... as it was truly a fabulous endeavor!

Bling Bling- The diamond Collection

Fiona Swarovski

There is a brand new type of custom stone out on the market called CRYSTALIZED- Swarovski Elements Collection. The collection is where timeless natural stone merges with the perfect mastery of the Swarovski crystal making process. Each slab is hand made, stone by stone and are all semi-precious. Every piece is unique and different and can be customized by the client/designer/architect. A very unique process which I have never heard of before. I think the possibilities are endless. Crystals embedded in natural stone, who knew?!

Please visit Icon Stone and Tile for more information on ordering this product.

IDS West Low Down

I was just in Vancouver this past weekend for IDSWest (Interior Design Show West). The show was filled with some amazing booths and I came back inspired and ready to incorporate some fabulous new products into my interiors. Here is a low down on my fave things that I saw:

1. Inside the Box- an exhibition that involved design companies creating spaces that were unique and inside the box. Loved the space made with cardboard tubes! What a great idea.

2. The inform booth was spectacular! An open concept space divided with feature walls and fabulous furniture. The kicker, was neon tape that covered the floors, walls, and furniture. Loved the lights designed by Tom Dixon over the organic wood table and the newest light fixtures by Bocci.

3. Designed by a good friend, Wes Thurn, the booth space for was all about dining rooms. The newest one in their line of custom table is this great one. I love the lines and the finish of the wood. It is a stunning grey wash and the sideboard is its perfect compliment with the white lacquer doors. Another stand out were the light fixtures by Jonathan Adler, delish!

4. Custom designed pieces by Christian Woo were a definate stand out. It was all in the details with the strips of neon metal incorporated into each piece! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

5. One thing about Europe that I loved was seeing all the fabulous chevron patterned floors. I just about fell over what I saw these samples.

6. The morroccan poofs were all the rage last season but this time around they are covered in a gorgeous woven wool carpet. Hand made in Morocco, these stunning pieces from Salari are perfect for extra seating or as coffee tables. Available in many sizes and colours.

7. Watching Karim Rashid present on stage for the second time in my life was amazing (and he was wearing all white both times). Having designed thousands of products and spaces, his way of thinking about designed is so forward and makes so much sense. He thinks beyond function and style and really thinks in depth about the spaces and products he creates. Great to watch him and be inspired about design!!

8. mth Woodworks is a company bases in Vancouver. The designer, takes reclaimed wood and makes this gorgeous tables out of them. So organic and unique. The process take a while but the results are stunning! Love it.

Joe Fresh Style

I was graciously invited to the Joe Fresh flagship store launch in Vancouver by TaraParkerTait PR. The store, the very first of it's kind in Canada opened it's doors earlier in the week. The launch happened on Saturday night with a huge street party with musical stars like Divine Brown and Marianas Trench.

The exclusive VIP party happened in the evening where the orange carpet saw the likes of creator Joe Mimram and his wife (Kim Mimram), Adrian Mainella (Fashion File) and Lisa Tant (Flare Magazine). The event was a buzz with other fashionable peeps from the Vancouver area and abroad. The store is gorgeous, an all white modern, 2 storey space that really showcases the fabulous clothes.

This party was a huge hit. The people, the music, and of course the clothes were all amazing and am sure that this store will do incredibly well. Who doesn't love great fashion at a great price?!

Vancouver Hot Spots (SHOP)

I just realized that with every city I visit comes along a blog post and for some reason, I didn't have one for Vancouver even though I have been here several times. So, this time around, I made sure to document all the great hot spots that we visited. This will be a two parter so here my fave shopping spots:

1. Peking Lounge- a store filled with amazing finds from China. Everything from accessories to large stainless steel ming style furniture. I loved the Spin pottery they carry, a simple and elegant line of ceramics.

2. Provide- A Gas Town must see. They carry everything from Martha Sturdy accessories for the home, a fabulous jewelry line, to custom hand stiched pillows. The clean cut felt pieces caught my eye, espeically the fabulous bags.

3. Bombast- located in the midst of chinatown, this gorgeous mid century hot spot is a must see. Filled with fabulous finds that the owner has collected and re-furbished. The items in the space are classics.

4. The Cross- Modern Eclectic Glamour is the only way I know how to describe this place. Located in Yaletown, this home furnishing and accessories boutique is out of this world. You can walk out with purchasing a whole new furnished bedroom to something as small as a box of matches. Love everything in this space.

5. Erin Templeton- A vintage boutique that opened its doors a few years ago. Erin creates her own line of leather accessories and handbags. So helpful and quirky, Erin filled us in all the hotspots in and around the area. You must stop and say hello to her and hopefully pick up a bag while you are there.

Room Makeover for $250

I just got a final copy of the shoot I did for Telus TV back in April. There were 2 concepts that we shot and the first one was on making over a room for $250. Now, most people would think that you cant do much with just $250, but like I have said time and again, accessories make the most impact.

We chose to tackle the spare room. Everyone has one and most don't end up doing anything with it. It can become a catch all for un-used items and a storage space. We wanted to create a wonderful guest room that would be welcoming and warm whilst remaining modern and keeping in with the rest of the scheme in the home.

Enjoy!

All bedding and accessories courtesy of PC Home (available at Superstore and Loblaws)

Trend Watch: Coral Craziness

Photo: Elle Decor

Photo: William Sonoma Home

Photo: www.interiordesign.net

Photo: Arktura

Photo: Williams Sonoma Home

As promised, the next few posts will be on some trends that I see emerging this fall. Now we all know that trends often take their que from the fashion runways, and there is no exception this time.

The first trend and one of my faves is Coral or Coral Craziness as I like to call it. What I love about this colour is its vibrancy. It can add some drama to any space and liven up a drab decor. There are so many ways to introduce this juicy colour via accessories, wallpaper, and dishes. The possibilities are endless. I love combining it with a dark grey, crisp white or even a turquoise blue for some under the sea action!

One of the easiest way to introduce an on trend colour is with paint. Feature walls have become a bit passe however it is all in how you work it out! A bold Coral behind a bed can really make a space come to life, especially if you have a large dramatic headboard, side tables, and artwork on either side of your bed. I think feature walls get boring when they are just painted and left alone, you still need to think of them like any other wall.

Now go Work Out that Coral!