When I move to Italy or France in the future, I hope to have a place with at least one curved door/doorway. The same goes for my future potential cottage. A curved doorway would put a smile on my face.
Interiors
The September issue of Style at Home magazine arrived this week, and one of my favourite features in this magazine is the high-low article. In this issue, the Style at Home team designed two versions of an office – high/low, of course!
Before you scroll down, make your guess!
Did you guess correctly? What gave it away? The rooms are so similar, so it’s definitely hard to decipher between the two! I usually look at the lighting to help me determine which room is high and which one is low.
In this feature, the magazine writes, “We set up this chic home office on both a three-figure salary and a minimum wage budget.” You know I love Style at Home, but I have an issue with this statement. First, what’s a three-figure salary? Should it be a six-figure salary? Also, if you earn minimum wage ($14/hr in Ontario) and work 40 hours a week, your weekly earnings (before tax) is $560. Would you really then spend nearly $1000 for a home office?
So I wondered if it was possible to design a similar room at an even lower cost. When I spotted an $80 vase in the low version (compared to a $60 version in the high?), I thought I could do better. So I took on the project, and here’s what I came up with.
The total cost for this “extra low” version is $674 CAD. I know I could create an even lower cost version if I was shopping in actual stores (including second hand) rather than doing my shopping in online shops only. In this design, it was especially challenging to find a more affordable rug, so I opted for a slightly smaller size than the ones featured in the magazine.
I’ve been thinking about cottages for years now. I want one. I want to design one. Want. Want. Want. Yes, it’s true. I am back to dreaming about a cottage. These dreams are especially strong after spending the last two weekends at two friends’ cottages in two opposite ends of Ontario. My friends’ cottages are charming and have that cottage smell that I would love, too (not the musty cottage smell…the “come in, relax, take a load off” smell).
With the dreams, naturally, comes the design! Of course! Here’s what’s currently on my cottage design wish list.
The cottage would be small and cozy. It would have rocking chairs on the porch. I’d rock there with a cup of coffee in the morning. I could be lazy since I’d be on cottage time.
The kitchen would have some open shelving for dishes, serving pieces, and art. I’m not normally a fan of open shelving, but I think it’s a good option for a cottage kitchen (or at least part of it).
I would make stacks of pancakes for guests because a stack of pancakes looks so pretty.
The bedroom(s) would be sparse. A bed, a nightstand, and that’s about all.
The bedroom(s) would have vintage director chairs. There would be extra director chairs in the cottage that would fold neatly for storage, but could come out for extra seating.
The living room would have couches you could sink in to with slipcovers for easy care.
I don’t think I’d use blue as an accent colour. I’d use shades of white. Maybe grey. Even a touch of black. I’d have rocks in every shade in bowls around the cottage with white and grey paint available for guests to get creative.
Blankets would be in abundance for year-round cottage going.
And there would be a fireplace, too, for winter living.
The bathroom would be minimalist and white, white, white.
There would be wicker baskets placed strategically so I could easily grab them to load them up with market purchases or beach necessities.
I would have an outdoor shower because it seems like the best place to wash off sandy feet.
I’d also have an outdoor hammock for afternoon naps.
Books and magazines would be piled everywhere.
And I’d end evenings with an outdoor fire.
These are just a few of the design details I’m dreaming up for my future cottage! Do you have a cottage? Do you want one?
I love these bathrooms with their freestanding bathtubs.
When I find a neighbourhood that I like when I travel, I tend to look online at real estate websites. Does anyone else do this? I guess I’m curious about the real estate market and the design of homes. I think I also have the “Where could I live if I moved here?” question in my mind, too. You know how it is, right?
On my recent trip to Montreal, I became most curious about real estate in the Outremont area. Here’s one condo that has me dreaming of moving to Montreal and living the luxe life!
Have you seen an increase in dark kitchens floating around design sites and magazines? I’ve been seeing hunter green and black more than usual along with an increase in shades of blue on walls and cabinetry. While I do appreciate the moodier aesthetic, I think a white kitchen is the way to go (no surprise, right)? Just look at the kitchens here – they’re bright, clean, and inviting. Food looks great on white dishware…and it also looks perfect in white kitchens!
The first few kitchens below were part of the One Room Challenge Spring 2019 event, so I encourage you to click through to see the before photos of these spaces.
What are your thoughts about kitchen colours? Are you a fan of white, colour, or natural wood?
We all know I love a good hex tile. I have mini ones in my powder room and small ones in my laundry/bathroom. Love them! My final bathroom renovation is still a project for the future, but I wouldn’t hesitate to install more hex there. I’m inspired by these two spaces with their large, grey hex flooring.
One day I will stay in an a-frame cabin. Perhaps I’ll venture over to Trott Cottage in Muskoka, Ontario to try it out. It looks so pretty. Here are two images from Trott Cottage’s Instagram that really show the character of the letter A.
I am seeing caning everywhere these days. Online. In stores. High end. Low end. Even HomeSense had several caned chairs and tables in stock when I was there over the weekend.
This home. Oh my goodness. I have drooled over every photo of it. My friend Shannon spotted it first on Erin McLaughlin’s (Style at Home Editor) Instagram feed. I quickly hopped on to the listing, too. It’s just so beautiful!
It’s hard for me to choose a favourite room, but if you twisted my arm and I had to choose, I think it would be the kitchen as it’s hard to resits the brightness and the wall of windows. I also love the foyer because it’s dressed beautifully in white.
Would you like a tour? Here you go! You may recognize a space or two from Erin’s home as it was previously featured in Style at Home magazine.
I’ve been devouring Architectural Digest online lately. Articles, images, videos…I’m enjoying all of it! There’s inspiration at every click, but it was this image that definitely had been examining things up close.
To get the look, here are four things you’ll need:
I’m drooling over all of the gorgeous apartments for sale. I’ve been on realty sites far too often these days! This stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment is in the 7th arrondissement.
The price tag? 4.5million €.
All photos via Barnes International Realty.
Of course I still have Paris on my mind even though I’ve been home for a few days. Did you follow along my Instagram photos? Do you want to see more? I have much to share, so stay tuned for those posts in the weeks ahead. For now, here’s a gorgeous Parisian apartment in the 6th arrondissement that could be yours for just over 5 million euros.
All photos from Barnes.
I love when so many lovely spaces pop up on my Instagram. Here are the latest gems that have come across my screen.
And a great reminder, too.
I’m ending the week with five gorgeous, white bathrooms that are bright, airy, luxurious, and inviting.
Let’s go to Manhattan, shall we? More specifically, let’s go to this minimalist 2-bedroom home in Tribeca.
images via Dezeen
Much of my Internet travels lately has been focused on Paris. My trip is in a couple of months, yes, but it’s never too early to travel plan as far as I’m concerned. Plus, my trips around the web have brought me to some incredibly beautiful and interesting apartments and homes to rent.
Villa C̩sar Рa massive Parisian home Рis one of the gorgeous rental properties available on The Collectionist.
The Lower East Side home of Daphne Javitch and Pali Xisto Cornelsen is just too beautiful. From the custom couch to the wood beams to the quirky pottery, this home has plenty of charm.
photos Sarah Elliott via Jenni Kayne
I have been collecting images of interesting light fixtures for a little while now (beyond this ribbon lamp that I have loved for years), so I thought I’d finally share a few. Here are ten fixtures at various price points – and in many styles – that have caught my attention.
glass disc chandelier, $374USD (on sale), West Elm
Petite Friture x Daniel Emma, Cherry White Large, $402 Euros
Lauzet chandelier, $6299USD, Aerin via Circa Lighting
Eleonor table lamp, $105.99 CAD (on sale), Wayfair
Safavieh Pauley table lamp, $220CAD, Walmart
Hanna table lamp, $179USD,CB2
Castle Peak glass lamp, $949USD, Kate Spade via Circa Lighting
Darbon sconce, $489USD, Aerin
Selfoss sconce, $799USD, Aerin
Simpson floor lamp, $439CAD, Casalife
After looking at all of these photos, I want to fill my house with candles this Christmas.
Dear Readers,
I’m having an issue with WordPress, so I need a couple of days to sort some things out. I’ll be back in a jiffy!
In the meantime, have a look at this gorgeous kitchen.
via Elle Decor
The rest of Michael Bruno’s (of 1stdibs) home is equally spectacular.
These bright, white bathrooms have caught my attention. Whether it’s the leaded glass windows, the marble sink surround, a lovely curvy tub, or the view, each of these bathrooms comes with something unique.
via Style Files
Studio KO, via Home World Design
I love it when beautiful images of white spaces and objects come through my email. Over the weekend, my friend sent me a link to her brother’s Stockholm condo that is currently for sale. Naturally, I drooled. All the white! And in Stockholm! I am happy to share this sleek home here.
 images from Nestor Fastighetsmakleri
Thanks L.U. and I.S. for sending this my way.
It’s always interesting to see what catches my eye when I’m scrolling through Pinterest. Recently, cool credenzas were popping up everywhere. And just like that, I’m bringing them to White Cabana. Have a look.
Greg Natale, via Style Curator
One part of today’s pair is certainly Halloween inspired. I’m seeing diamonds (and not the sparkly kind) all around!
costume, H&M
Jessica Waks, via Style at Home
We’ve had another great month of #WhiteCabanaWearsPink. I hope you enjoyed the weekly infusion of pink. As you know, I do this every October to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer awareness.
To end the series this year, I’m sharing some amazing pink coloured spaces.
pink bedroom, My Beautiful Mess
Whether they’re real, faux, or DIY, cotton branches make an excellent centrepiece for fall and winter.
It’s #WhiteCabanaWearsPink month, which means, I can infuse pink into posts on days other than Monday, right? Yes!
Today I’m showing you two sweet designs that share elements of pink and brass. The first is a kids’ play kitchen and the second is a bathroom. You’ll quickly notice that the two photos have pink cabinets and brass globe lights in common.
After a weekend in Grey County with friends (#WhiteCabanaGoesToTheCountry), I’m enjoying a day in Toronto with family. Life is good. There’s a lot to be thankful for. Yes, even with all the not-so-great stuff that life has thrown at us, I am thankful. I hope the same is true for you.
I’m thrilled to share that I have already raised nearly $650 for the Canadian Cancer Society (see my personal page to donate). I’m grateful for family and friends who supported my 5K Run for the Cure and who continue to donate. I am appreciative of everyone’s generosity.
My #WhiteCabanaWearsPink series continues today. Since it is Thanksgiving, I’ve curated a collection of pink Thanksgiving table settings.
Christofle mood gold 24-piece canteen
Happy Thanksgiving!
Leopard! It’s one of my favourite patterns. I love to wear it, and I like its muted shades in home decor.
Chelsea boot, Cole Haan
Pacific Palisades, Studio McGee
Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian readers!
Some days, I really want to get rid of everything I own and start fresh as a minimalist. Yes, even though I do really love all of my collections! But just look at these spaces. Every piece, every fixture, every finish is placed and purchased so thoughtfully.
Many of us in the design community are used to seeing large round mirrors in hallways, foyers, bedrooms, and bathrooms, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for the classic rectangle. There is! Check out these beautiful spaces with rectangular mirrors.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Classic campaign style furniture goes well in modern, traditional, eclectic, and monochromatic spaces. In short, a campaign dresser (or writing desk) is a great investment piece because it can float around various spots in a home.
Kristie’s campaign dresser in the front hall (full house tour)
So what’s the brief history of campaign style? Well, Sarah Beaumont wrote,
“During the height of the British Empire, officers on lengthy military campaigns in India and South Africa needed lightweight, durable furniture that could easily be transported. But they also didn’t want to sacrifice the creature comforts they were accustomed to. So British furniture manufacturers like Chippendale started designing pieces specifically for the military that gave them all the rugged functionality they needed, and all the luxury they craved.”
Of the recognizable details of the furniture, she further explained, “Leather straps and canvas seats made objects lightweight and easy to fold up. Recessed brass handles were added to drawers and brass angle pieces were used on furniture corners to protect them from being damaged while in transit.”
It’s hard to resist those brass and leather details even today!
 campaign dresser, $1895 USD, Williams-Sonoma
campaign dresser, Dering Hall
campaign writing desk, $249 USD, All Modern
vintage campaign chest, $445 USD (on sale), Charish
campaign dresser, $949.51 CAD, Crate & Barrel
Source: Laurel & Wolf
Today’s two of a kind are chic kitchens that include a lot of white subway tile, black grout, black cabinets, wood, art, and a touch of gold.
Christine Dovey, Style at Home
These stone sinks are impressive vessels, aren’t they? While I can’t quite see one in a suburban home, I can definitely imagine a beautiful stone sink in a gorgeous Italian villa! Can’t you?
via My Paradissi
via Carla Aston
Coqui Coqui Residence and Spa, via Remodelista
via My Domaine
via One Kin Design
Have a great weekend!
If you’ve ever seen my house in person or really paid attention to my stories here on White Cabana, you probably know that I dislike my upstairs bathroom. It’s huge. It has a corner jacuzzi tub that I rarely use and the smallest corner shower. When I bought my house five years ago, I did a quick reno – removed the shiny grey wallpaper, painted the 80s wood trim on the cabinet, and replaced the counter, sink, faucet, and lighting. I also tried to draw the eye up from the grey tub and linoleum floor by crafting a giant inkblot art wall.
This was a good mini makeover, and it’s still serving me pretty well. And since I’ve spent my renovation budget on other things in my home – painting, tiling, doors, trim, and my laundry room – there has been no room in my renovation budget for the big bathroom.
So I’ve had to continue to get creative. With input from other creative people, of course!
When my sister was over a couple of weeks ago, she encouraged me to rip out the disgusting shower door and replace it with a pretty curtain. Just rip it out. Sure.
Yup. I thought this was a manageable DIY task.
  The Before
So, one morning, when I was still in my pajamas, I took out my tools and started removing a dozen or so screws. I chiseled, hammered, pushed, and pulled the door and frame out of place. It was gratifying.
The Tools (perfume optional)
I then scrubbed the built-up gunk off of the marble step. This made a huge difference. I felt like I had a brand new shower.
I filled all the old shower door screw holes with silicone, hung a shower curtain tension rod, and added a pretty curtain. Done and done.
The After
This was an easy DIY that has made a big difference. The whole project cost about $50 (for the rod, shower rings, shower curtain and liner). Yes, I still dislike the corner shower, but at least I don’t have a dirty door to look at every day. Much improved!
Books. Magazines. I love them stacked. I enjoy seeing my books and magazines (neatly) over-flowing all around my home. I tend to keep my stacks in my kitchen and office, but I also often have stacks of books and magazines in my bedroom. They make me happy. And it seems like these stacks make others happy, too.
via Domino
designed by Alexander White, via Home Adore
via Love Eva
Have a great weekend! Happy reading!
Serge Mouille was a French designer who is best known for his lighting. You may have seen his arm chandelier or sconces floating around design magazines and blogs for many years now.
Original Serge Mouille lights cost in the thousands of dollars, but as many iconic designs, there are plenty of reproductions online and in stores that cost a few hundred dollars. And you can see from the images below that Serge Mouille lighting looks great in a variety of interiors.
Julie Hillman, via The Decorista
Christine Dovey, via Style at Home
 via SF Girl By Bay
via Goop
Note to self: Find a wall to hang/lean a piece of oversized art. I do love a good gallery wall (see my office in Style at Home), but a wall featuring a massive photograph creates a “wow” moment, too.
Sun N Salt, Etsy
designer – Ashley Botten, via House & Home
If you’ve been to a design museum, then you may have come across Vico Magistretti’s Atollo table lamp. The lamp was designed in 1977, and many people would agree that it is as beautiful today as it was 30 years ago.
via Mohd
via Remodelista
If you have an extra Hermès in your closet that you no longer wear, you may consider framing it. Since each piece is a work of art, it would fit right into a home’s decor.
Tamara Eaton, Simply Framed
Sarah Blakely, Style at Home
Monika Hibbs, Photo by Tracy Ayton, via PopSugar
Tamara Eaton, Simply Framed
Yes, yes, cottages remain on my mind. I keep coming across some gorgeous cottages online that I hope you don’t mind that I keep sharing them here.
This place by la Shed is bright and airy, and it comes with incredible views.
I could move right on in!
I’m starting continuing to gather inspiration images for my dream bathroom renovation (which is still years away, I’m sure!). Specifically, I’ve had my eye on double vanities and the lovely double mirrors that go with them.
Vanessa Alexander, via Dering Hall
via Becki Owens
via Decorist
Are you a bathtub or shower person? And if you like bathtubs, what style do you have? If your tub sits on four ball and claw legs, then you have a traditional clawfoot tub.
Emily Chalmers, via SF Girl By Bay
This style reached popular stats in the late 19th century when it spread to England from Holland at a time when bathing became fashionable. Fashionable. Could you imagine living in a period where bathing was such a luxury. In some parts of the world, I know it still is!
In the 1880s, companies started manufacturing porcelain enameled cast-iron tubs. Nowadays, these tubs could be made of fiberglass or acrylic, which makes them much lighter than the traditional cast-iron version.
via Domino
via House and Home
via My Paradissi
Christian Liaigre, via Elle Decor
I recently learned of a design firm called Three Birds Renovations, and each project is absolutely stunning. You wouldn’t have to twist my arm to live in any of these spaces.
 
If you’ve been following along regularly, then you know that over a 6-week period, I shared the progress of my laundry/bathroom combo room makeover as part the the One Room Challenge event this spring. Last week, I shared five room reveals from the featured designers of the One Room Challenge. Today, I bring you five more gorgeous spaces, but this time, from the guest participants of the event..
Here’s a sneak peek at 5 rooms from the guest participants…
And one more for good luck:
And just a few more:
Decor Happy’s teen girl’s bathroom
The Posh Home’s modern living room
A House in the Wood’s shared girls’ bedroom
Wonderfully Made’s laundry room
Cait Waite’s bedroom
Deeply Southern Home’s library
Home Glow Design’s she-shed
Hartley Home’s laundry room
Jessica Devlin’s living room
My Pinecone Home’s guest bedroom
Have a great long weekend, everyone! See you back here on Tuesday!
p.s. In Royal Wedding news – this cake recipe!
Ladders in the home are not just for dark, moody libraries. They’re used in kitchens and closets to reach high shelves, and they’re used in living rooms and bedrooms for hanging blankets. In my own home, I have a couple of bamboo ladders – one for storing extra towels in my bathroom (well, “just for show” towels), and another that is decorative in my basement lounge.
These photos show the diversity of this decorative – and functional – piece.
 
I’ve had a look around shops online, and I found some great ladders that could work well in a variety of spaces.
ladder, $102.99 CAD, Wayfair
ladder, $214 CAD, Target
ladder, $98 USD, Anthropologie
ladder, $99 USD, The Home Outpost
ladders, $80-96 USD, West Elm