The design of the Collette side table is a stunning example of James Mangi’s “Global Modernism” that studs another star in his prestigious acclaim. Named as one of Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Designers list, James is known for his personal style and how that reflects some as elemental as this furniture design. The solid cast brass side table has organic and strongly weaved lines.
Lighting is everything. Functionality of a room, aesthetics, and appreciation for what goes into designing a room can all be lost if not for the case of well lighting. And these darling mirrors from Electric Mirror are a fantastic example of thoughtful design. A light placed above a mirror can cause your reflection to have an interrogation room feel, which is just great for first thing in the morning. Lights placed on wither side of a mirror cannot always be done if space will not allow for it, and that eats into the wall space you have allowed for a mirror. So build it in, have the light frame your face the way photographers use reflector panels to give proper exposure of light.
A sure fire way to add bold character to your living space is with a large print. Large prints are visually bold and interesting and can give your home as much character as Meryl herself. The Melinda fabric print by Alan Campbell is seen above in the sofa on which Miranda Priestly sits upon in “Devil Wears Prada” as she determines the next branch of fashion future.
There is something so elemental and solid to these simple desk accessories that are composed of concrete. Perhaps it is just that they are such simple pieces, or maybe we all like the idea of something weighty and stable in our office spaces. Whatever the case these desk pieces by Magnus Pettersen of Norway are on the verge of iconic.
Ah nightscaping, the art of illuminating the exterior of your home, pathways and endlessly manicured botanicals. The image above is a church in Toronto that has been converted into a home. The landscaper fortunately added pathway lighting that gives it a very welcoming feel. A few years ago we added a bricked shed in the furthest corner of our property and finished it with two hanging coach-house lights, a single flip of the switch instantly extends our property and view in the cool summer evenings. We have since added LED pot lights in our soffits to accentuate coffered corners on the exterior of our house. We have sincerely enjoyed our property so much more with this attention to light. If you have water features, consider underwater lighting, if you have lovely gardens and beautiful trees, you should consider back, down and/or up lighting to enhance and enjoy your property when the sun starts to set a little earlier.
The simplicity of this bath design by Laura Burton is quite pretty and clean. The trick is to treat the bathroom like any other room in your home; choose a fantastic mirror, a large base molding, and fashionable glass topped table for setting various bath needs. The floor was selected in a tight pattern to anchor the room, much like a patterned carpet would. The Hatbox Purist toilet shown here may be discontinued by Kohler, but the new Numi is a similar design.
The summer heat is coming, and if you are in need of a cool spot to enjoy this warmer weather, you should get under the canopy of a patio umbrella. Investing in beautiful patio chaise loungers and outdoor dining sets are not as enjoyable without a bit of shade. Lots of stores carry a plethora of wooden market umbrellas in vibrant and neutral colours.
Exactly a year ago, I had the fantastic opportunity to visit Belgium. With so many cultures (Belgium has three official languages; Dutch, French and German), history and undeniable character it was overwhelmingly beautiful. Above is a picture I took of an ornate passage way we went through while walking from our hotel to the Grand-Palace in Brussels. I travelled with a group of buyers from Canada to see a few flooring manufacturers. It was quite apparent that the quality and pride Belgians have for their country is well reflected in their products. In the evenings they were our hosts, taking us to all the places we just had to see, giving us an intimate view of the cities like Brussels and Ghent from an insider.
How fun is this?! The Flower Power Deco Vase comes comes with three fruit cutters, a melon baller and vase with eleven stems to skewer your tasty design. This would be great for children’s parties, or any casual fete that could use a bit of whimsy. Available here.
The Connaught Hotel is located in the fashionable district of Mayfair Village in London. The penthouse suite is The Apartment, an airy and inviting design by David Collins. The ombre curtains direct your eyes from the white painted cathedral ceilings to the comforts below like the indigo velvet sofa that anchors the room. Ombre allows you to pull from all the colors in between without having to add anything else. Gold accents polish this fabulous look.