John Paul Thurlow- COVERS

"It's the end of the world, one magazine at a time... I'm part of the generation that never made anything new. Supposedly." - John Paul Thurlow

I was reading the Globe and Mail Style section as I do most Saturdays and came across the most amazing pencil drawings I had ever seen. The feature was on an artist by the name of John Paul Thurlow who is re-creating every great magazine and cover in his massive personal collection. Finishing his 100th cover, he is celebrating with an exhibition (KK Outlet) and with a book (available on his website).

Why, you ask? Well, it is all about re-creating these popular magazine covers and adding his own spin on them. Making them unique and one of a kind once again.

I absolutely love each drawing. The detail in each one is out of this world and with Thurlow putting his own spin on each one makes this art project, one that sticks out!

Check out:

John Paul Thurlow

NIBA Home

While vacationing in Miami a few years back, I came across a store called NIBA Home. The minute I walked in, I fell in love (obvs). There are a few things that made me love the store: the way that it was merchandised, the items that were carried, and meeting the owner (so accommodating and happy to help). Everything in the store is unique and almost one of a kind. When I see a piece I love, I can imagine incorporating into a design however, many of the pieces at NIBA can have a room designed around them.

Owner Nisi Berrymen, a self confessed design junkie opened NIBA Home in December 2004. She has worked in the design industry for quite a few years before for furniture designer Dakota Jackson, opening his first New York showroom, then the Holly Hunt showroom in Miami, and being the Miami City Editor for Metropolitan Home magazine.

The use of bold colour, exclusive art pieces, fabulous furniture, and impeccable taste makes this store a must see. Well done Nisi!

Check out:

NIBA Home

Bowl Bling

Apparently I have this new thing for dishware. I came across Sarah Cihats website while doing some research on the net. Not only does she recycle old dishes into fabulous one of a kind must haves but also collaborates with Michael Miller (one in ceramics and the other in metals) to create these gorge bowls from her line called TAKEN.

I LOVE THEM! They almost have a punk like quality with the metal chain detail and spikes. I can just picture a grouping of these fab bowls on a dining table or as a stand alone piece. Coming in matte black and white versions, they are like the studded leather jacket of home accessories.

Check out:

Sarah Cihat

TOP FIVE: Dishware

I have decided to introduce something new to my Blog, My Top Five. Once a month I will round up my top 5 fave things from furniture to accessories to wallpaper and share them with you.

This month, I wanted to talk about table ware. Every season is entertaining season for me but when it comes to Christmas, it's all about having people over for dinner. I am a huge fan of having simple white plates for my table but every year I vamp up those plates with other more colorful dishes and mix it up. The white is a nice neutral base to work with and these 5 dishes will do the trick in creating the perfect tablescape for your next dinner party!

1. Sarah Cihat- I simply love the seahorse motif on this plate by Sarah Cihat. Taking old dishes and breathing new life into them. The collection is called Rehab (Rehabilitated Dishware) and it is a fabulous way to stay eco and chic!

2. Urban Soule: for a more modern approach, these gorgeous charcoal plates will make a statement and create some conversation around your dinner table.

3. Vintage- dig out your grandmas old dishes and incorporate them in your next table setting. These add a really great vintage element to the table and can be mixed with more modern, white plates.

4. Kate Spade: Love the floral motif and the bold hit of Turquoise. The scalloped details add a fabulous traditional touch.

5. Hermes: these gorgeous plates will not go unnoticed on any table. Love the graphic patterns in Red.

Judy Ross Pillows

I have been in LOVE with the Judy Ross Textiles pillow collection ever since I first laid eyes on it quite a few years back. I have incorporated these into my interiors as I think they make such a great statement whilst not being over the top. I have often said that pillows are a great way of adding some colour, pattern and texture into a space and these do just that.

Judy Ross entered the home decor market with a line of pillows and rugs in 1995 after a visit to India in 1989 and being inspired by the age old technique of chain stitching. She feels that the stitch gives the design another edge, as well as an organic, living quality. I could not agree more. The use of a the subtle colour palette with her organic designs is spectacular.

What I love even more is that she has built relationships with the artisans in India that meticulously hand embroider each pillow. She is not only creating fabulous pillows but also helping the artisans keep their craft alive by promoting the work they do. It is one positive relationship! LOVE!

Check out:

Judy Ross Textiles

Mexican Inspiration

I was in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for the last week, hence the delay in a post (sorry!). We went for a friends birthday and stayed at an amazing villa overlooking the city and the ocean. We stayed in Old Vallarta which was stunning: terraced homes, terra cotta roofs, lush greenery and of course the ocean.

Colours, textures, and smells all really inspire me when I travel so I thought to post some photos that inspired me during this trip. Taking things that may seem so ordinary to locals but to me, really made a statement or have a beautiful quality.

Enjoy!

Handmade Luxury

I had to do a post about these yummy tiles. Handmade on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, this high end line of tiles is exclusive to ICON Stone and Tile in Calgary. Coming in many different sizes and juicy colours, I can just picture these being used as a feature in a walk in shower or as a backsplash in a fun laundry room.

Suitable for both wall and floor applications the possibilities are really endless of how you can incorporate these amazing tiles into your next project.

Check out:

ICON Stone and Tile

Musicality

Ever think about a song and it reminds you of a certain time in your life or a memory?! Well, I am all about music and have a song that reminds me of my fondest and not so fond memories. Music is a huge part of my life and I love listening to a great song no matter what the genre, but if I had to pick my fave, it would have to be R&B, the likes of Mary J Blige, SWV, and SaltNPeppa anything that has a bit of ghetto flava as I like to call it.

I thought to share with you 2 CD's that I have been listening to non stop while working or in the car:

1. Jazmine Sullivan (Love me Back)

This gorgeous 23 year old Philedelphia native has an amazing voice. Its sultry and delicious. This is her second release, her whole album has not been released yet but one song from her album that has is called Holding you down (going in circles) and it is amazing. A great beat that you can groove to anytime of the day!

2. Fantasia (Back to Me)

Winner of American Idol, this is her second release and it too is a fab mix of ballads to songs that really make you want to get up and dance. I thought she had disappeared after her stint in the Colour Purple but then I came across this CD and fell in love with her all over again. The songs that I put on repeat: Collard Greens and Cornbread (Oh yes, that is what the song is called... HOW GREAT!!!???) and I'm Doin' Me. Welcome back Fantasia!

Enjoy!!!

Imperial Trellis

I had to blog about this as I just used this amazing pattern from Shumacher for a clients master bedroom in a black on black colour way. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, my FAVE, the Imperial Trellis pattern is here to stay and has really made an impact in the design world. What I love about it is that it can be used in any space, masculine/feminine, traditional/modern.

I love the use of pattern in a space because it can amp up any space. Whether it is through fabrics or wallpapers, patterns make a space come to life and I MUST introduce it in any interior that I design. It would be a shame to create a space with no pattern, seems like a waste.

Yaan Haute Patisserie

While going to the bank out of all things yesterday I came across this wonderful new patisserie called Yaan. The gorgeous yellow and black exterior begged me to go in and check it out and I couldn't resist. I walked into a simple all white space, nothing grand or over the top, but the pastries and baked good spoke for themselves. I had to buy some treats of course and they were DELICIOUS! If anyone knows me, I am sucker for a good ol' croissant!

I absolutely LOVE it when I come across these great treasures when I am least expecting it and am happy to report that this place is cute, quaint, and haut! Well done.

Check out:

Yaan Haute Patisserie

329, 23rd Ave SW

403.244.8091

info@yaanboutique.com