Interiors

Hotel to Home: Luxury Travel with Singapore Airlines

I thought I’d go up in the air for today’s hotel to home – as in an actual airplane! I have yet to experience anything but economy class in my years of traveling (last time I tried to upgrade to a nearly-empty business class on a Copenhagen-Toronto flight, I actually couldn’t. As in, noone would help me process the upgrade. Story for another day…), so my jaw nearly dropped when I had a peek into Singapore Airlines’ stunning suites and first class cabins. Yes, I said suites…with actual doors! On an airplane! Want to see what I’m talking about? Read on.

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via FlightFox

So how do you create this look at home? With a simple colour palette, of course! Here’s what I’ve got in mind…

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white bedding with brown trim, storage bin, tray, champagne flutes, mirror, coasters, headphones

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Design: La Cornue in White

La Cornue is one of – or the – top of the top in the oven department (this one is $9,500 USD at Williams-Sonoma). The appliance is substantial and as gorgeous as a massive appliance could ever be.

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Chateau 120

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Grand Palais 180

cornueCornuFé 110

Just look at how great it looks in these rooms.

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via CocoCozy

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via House to Home

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via Style Me Pretty

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via Lori Paranjape

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via La Cornue

traditional-kitchen

via Yale

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via Jane Spencer Designs

Learn more at La Cornue.

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Hotel to Home: The Palladian, Seattle, WA

I came across The Palladian on Apartment 34 and my jaw dropped. The hotel is stunning. I’ve never been to Seattle…hmm…

I wanted to recreate so many of the rooms, but since I’ve done quite a few bedrooms recently, I thought I’d move into the bathroom for today’s hotel to home post.

The Palladian, A Kimpton Hotel, Seattle. Designed by Nicole Hollis.

The Palladian, A Kimpton Hotel, Seattle. Designed by Nicole Hollis.

photo via Apartment 34

White-Cabana-inspired by Palladian

mirror, faucet, vanity, towels, sconce, soap, art, easel

I just love the addition of the old portrait artwork, don’t you? It’s sort of unexpected in a bathroom, isn’t it?

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Hotel to Home: Hall Bed & Breakfast, Florence, Italy

The Hall bed and breakfast is a dream of a place for any lover of white design. Each room offers such beautiful design, and I’d easily move right on in. Living in white in Tuscany? How could anyone say no?

Let’s have a look at one of the rooms, shall we?

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Isn’t it serene? The elements in this space are easy to recreate in your home if it’s an aesthetic that pleases you. Below is my take on this room.

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headboard, wall light, blanket, night stand, grey pillow, beige pillow, chair, bar cart, art, tea cups

Hotel to Home: Design and Wine Hotel, Portugal

We’re heading over to Portugal today to check into the Design & Wine Hotel in Caminha.

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I do not know how they do this, but the room rotates with the sun! Isn’t that the coolest thing? It sounds pretty high-tech to me!

The room (I think it’s shown in black and white in the photo above) has a ridiculously simple design. The use of multiples (in the art, water) is very striking and easy to recreate at home. Here’s what it inspired me to put together:

White-Cabana-Inspired-by-Design-Wine-Hotel-Portugal

art, sheet set, blinds, water, glass

Catch up on all the posts in my Hotel to Home series.

The Friday Five: Faves from the One Room Challenge

If you’re in the design or blogging world, you’ve likely already heard of the One Room Challenge. The ORC, as it is also called, gives designers, bloggers, and design enthusiasts a challenge to make over a room in a 6-week period. Challenge is right. As an observer, I love to see the transformations. I think just about any before-and-after is dramatic, even if they don’t include professional photography sessions that sometimes happen with the ORC rooms.

There’s a select group of 20 designers/enthusiasts who are officially ORC participants, and then there are another 200 or so (I think) who are guest participants. It’s all very fascinating, if you ask me. People really get into it, and the participants are fairly open about sharing their design vision and process.

Here are five end products that really caught my attention, but I would encourage you to check out all the ORC featured designers and guest participants if you’re looking to be inspired by traditional/modern/interesting design!

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powder room, Wife in Progress (that floor!)

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sun porch, Worthwhile Domicile (those shelves! that ceiling height!)

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teen room, Vanessa Francis Design
(I love the addition of the trumpet and the story that goes with)

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bedroom, Love on Sunday (I love Amy’s use of textures in her white bedroom.)

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bathroom, Simplified Bee (such a luxurious shower space!)

A 6-week timeline for a room make-over…could you do it? Have you done it?

Hotel to Home: Stockholm, Sweden

I haven’t yet taken us to Scandinavia in this hotel-to-home series, have I? Let’s do it today, shall we? Grab your virtual passport and let’s head on over to the Görvälns Slott hotel 25km north of Stockholm, Sweden. It sits on the shores of Lake Mälaren at the heart of the Görväln Nature Reserve in Järfälla. Sounds pretty idyllic.

This bathroom is just about perfect, isn’t it?

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mirror, tiles, votives, sink, makeup mirror, candelabra, rug, towel, plant pot

Hotel-to-Home-Inspired by Gorvalns Slott-Sweden

I love the candelabra on the window sill. I hadn’t noticed it when I first pulled the photo. Isn’t it luxe?

Hotel to Home: Cobblers Cove, Barbados

I’ve only been to the Caribbean once on a cruise a few years ago. It was a glorious week-long vacation where my hardest decision was about what bikini I should wear. The trip was wonderful, and I’d definitely be open to cruisin’ again. Our itinerary on that trip led us to various places in the Caribbean – St. Lucia, Aruba, St. Kitts, and Curacao – which gave me a glimpse into the Caribbean way of island life.

Thinking about that part of the world, I have decided to take us to Cobblers Cove, which is a Relais & Chateaux hotel on the island of Barbados.

Cobblers Cove’s ocean-front suites look to be rich without being stuffy. As the hotel website announces, Cobblers Cove is where “cool colonial style meets gracious Caribbean living”. I mean, doesn’t that sound ideal? You wouldn’t have to twist my arm to have me stay in any of the rooms, but the Colleton at the Great House is my preferred suite, design-wise.

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Colleton suite, Cobblers Cove, Barbados

Using the Colleton suite as inspiration, here’s the room that I’ve put together for today’s hotel-to-home.

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bed, chaise, lamp, mirror, desk, chair, pineapple pillow, pineapple pillow, green pillow, plant, pineapple, rug, art, bed linens

Putting this room together has reminded me that I think I need a pineapple somewhere in my home.

Hotel to Home: The Mayflower Grace, Washington

We’ve traveled quite a ways already in this Hotel to Home series, but today we’re staying in North America. Let’s have a peek inside The Mayflower Grace, a Relais & Chateaux hotel in Washington.

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The Garden Room, The Mayflower Grace

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side table, chaise, orchids, doors, curtains, glasses

Hotel to Home: Palazzo Dama, Italy

Today, we’re entering the 5-star luxury hotel called the Palazzo Dama in Rome, Italy. I know, I know, it’s tough to be surrounded by such luxury. Let’s try our best, shall we?

The Palazzo Dama is a stunning property…

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Gorgeous, right? It’s stunning on the inside, too. Just look at these rooms!

Since I’ve featured so many bedrooms and living spaces since I began this Hotel to Home series, I thought it might be nice to feature a new space. As such, I’ve decided that we should head into one of Palazzo Dama’s marble-filled bathrooms.

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Here’s my how-to-do-it-home recreation:

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mirror, sink, towels, tiles, faucet, shower head, small mirror, sconce, toiletries

Travel: The Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto

Now that you’ve seen how my friend and I spent 28 hours in Toronto, I’d like to share some more detailed news about our reunion trip, and I’ll start with our hotel.

I booked us in for a night at The Omni King Edward Hotel (aka the King Eddy) at the south end of the city. Although I had never been to the King Eddy, I knew of its reputation of one of the top hotels in Toronto, so I was easily convinced that we should try it out. I’m happy to say that the hotel and its services did not disappoint (That’s the short version of the review. If you’d like to know more, read on!). We checked into the King Eddy a little later than anticipated because we were having so much fun on our casual shopping at Bloor/Yorkville. Both my friend and I were excited to check in and plop on our beds for a bit of a rest before dinner.

I booked us in for a night at The Omni King Edward Hotel (aka the King Eddy) at the south end of the city. Although I had never been to the King Eddy, I knew of its reputation of one of the top hotels in Toronto, so I was easily convinced that we should try it out. I’m happy to say that the hotel and its services did not disappoint (That’s the short version of the review. If you’d like to know more, read on!). We checked into the King Eddy a little later than anticipated because we were having so much fun on our casual shopping at Bloor/Yorkville. Both my friend and I were excited to check in and plop on our beds for a bit of a rest before dinner.

The King Eddy impresses right from the entrance. Valet parking is available as is a park-your-own-car public parking lot about a block away. Once inside, the grand lobby awaits your attention. The architectural details in the lobby – moldings, railings, ceilings – are full of history. The hotel recently completed a $40 million renovation (forty!), and the lobby is a reflection of that. The furniture is modern and elegant, and the design theme of the hotel (chess, crowns, grandeur) is set right at the front door.

I’m honestly always a tad cautious when I check into fancy hotels. I’m usually curious to know if the place is pretentious or welcoming. Luckily, the check-in staff at the King Eddy was very friendly (Hi D!) and was able to engage in an informal conversation while maintaining his professionalism and sense of hospitality. I am a very particular customer, so I pay attention to just about every detail of an experience (so tough, I am!).

We took the elevator up to our room, and when we opened the door, we were in awe. The room was large. The suite – yes, it was a suite – had a bedroom with two queen beds, dresser, TV, and closet (with robes and slippers, I must add); a living area with a couch, coffee table, arm chair, desk area, and dining/chess table, console and TV (why have one when you can have two?); and a bathroom with gorgeous marble and plush towels. The three large closets in the suite were more than we needed, but we used them (just because we could!). We also put our luggage racks to use, and I set up the chess board just in case we wanted to play.

Shortly after we arrived, D (from check-in) called to make sure we were happy with our suite. Happy? Of course! When I jokingly asked what the heck we were supposed to do with all the space, D said that the living area is a great place for thinking! Oh, amusing! It was then that I had regretted not booking us in for a 2-night stay! (In the end, we used the living area for magazine reading…and some thinking, too!)

Shortly after we threw on our King Eddy slippers, a server knocked on our door and ushered in plates of treats. What a delightful surprise! Shannon and I had the perfect afternoon snack (scones, tea, and Niagara’s Greaves jam) by the window. Details, people, I love these thoughtful details!

The beds in our suite were as comfy as you’d expect from a 5-star hotel, and there were plenty of pillows for added comfort. The black-our curtains darkened the room and added to our restful sleep.

The bathroom, oh, yes, the bathroom. The shower was my favourite part because it was large, had amazing pressure, and a couple of shower heads…you know, because one might not be enough. There wasn’t a tub in our room, but maybe some rooms have one.

I also wandered around this historic hotel to see what it had to offer outside of our gorgeous suite. I can definitely see why the King Eddy is a hot-spot for parties, weddings, and every sort of event. The venue has beautiful spaces that can be reconfigured to suit various events. The art and architecture serve as beautiful backdrops for photos, and the recurring design themes of chess, elegance, and royalty are consistent throughout the property.

King Eddy also houses a spa and multiple dining options. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to try either, but this just means that I’ll have to make a return trip!

Check out the rooms and rates at The Omni King Edward Hotel if you’re planning a visit to Toronto and would like to be surrounded by luxury!

Thanks to The Omni King Edward Hotel for sponsoring our stay. All opinions and photographs are mine.

Hotel to Home: San Giorgio in Mykonos

Feel like jetting off to Mykonos? Yeah, me too. Let’s go take a tour of the luxurious-bohemian-styled San Giorgio!

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San Giorgio – Mykonos

Oh, right, we can’t manage a trip to Mykonos at the moment, can we? Well, we can recreate the breezy bedroom look at home though. Here we go!

Inspired by San Giorgio-Mykonos

peacock chair, bench, round rug, gauze canopy, stool, curtains, bedspread, suzani pillow

Hotel to Home: Riad Mena in Marrakesh

Let’s travel to Marrakesh, Morocco today, shall we? The Riad Mena hotel is stunning, and I think it deserves a little White Cabana attention.

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Riad Mena

And here’s a look at my recreation of this serene bedroom:

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pagoda light, grey bench, pom pom pillow, pom pom throw, curtains, white linens, floor lamp

The shades of whites and greys with the pop of red really caught my attention.

See more photos of the gorgeous Riad Mena here.

Hotel to Home: Monochrome and Wood in Paris

Who wants to go to Paris? Oh, I do! I do! If I had an endless sum of money, I’d go once a month just to get a croissant and baguette!

The Hotel Panache in Paris isn’t a classic Parisan hotel, but it sure does impress. I love this unique bentwood headboard against monochromatic, subtle prints.

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Hotel Panache

And here’s what the room inspired me to create:

Hotel-Panache-WhiteCabana

headboard, pillow, bed linens, chandelier, wallpaper, shelf, chair

Hotel to Home: The Serras, Barcelona, Spain

We were in Florida in last week’s Hotel to Home series, but now we’re crossing the Atlantic and heading to Barcelona. The Serras Hotel‘s black and white decor is sharp and graphic, but the injection of wood-framed mirrors and wood side tables add a natural element, which many people appreciate.

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The Serras – Barcelona

White-Cabana-Barcelona-Serras-Hotel

mirror, side table, bed linens, sconce, door, bath accessory collection, towels, wallpaper

Hotel to Home: Four Seasons Palm Beach

Today, I’m taking you on a virtual trip to the Four Seasons in Palm Beach, Florida to check out the gorgeous creamy suites and to then offer a recreation of them.

The living room in this suite is done in shades of white with hints of wood and gold. The view is spectacular, too, isn’t it? I would never close those lush curtains if I stayed here.

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Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams Cooper swivel chair, Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams Vienna square table, Crate & Barrel console, CB2 planter, Minted mod garden art print, sofa, curtains

The bedroom is done in the same creamy palette, and the beachy artwork brings in the greenery from outside. The hints of wood and gold from the living room are brought into the bedroom through the desk and lamps.

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White-Cabana-Four-Seasons-Palm Springs

bed, table lamp, floor lamp, pillow, chair, desk, throw pillows, throw, nightstand, art

Thanks to Rox-Anne for suggesting the Four Seasons Palm Beach for my Hotel to Home series.

 

Hotel to Home: Stripes in Rio

How did you like the first edition of my new Hotel to Home series? Last week, we travelled to Portugal’s Farol Hotel. It has stunning views and fresh interiors, doesn’t it? Well, you might need to put your dream vacation to Portugal on hold while I take you to this bold hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

copacabana-by-dussolCopacabana By Dussol, Rio de Janeiro

Are you digging the stripes and the bold black and white? If so, here are some things you can do to transport this look into your own home:

White-Cabana-Hotel-to-home-Rio

striped wallpaper, pillows, lamp, side table, bed linens, art, art

What do you think of the stripes in this room design? Could you live with them? In your bedroom?

Hotel to Home: Introducing a New Thursday Series

Dear readers – As you know, I’ve let go of my 20 Below on Tuesdays and replaced it with Two for Tuesday. On Thursdays, I’m considering starting a hotel-to-home series.

As you may know, I love, love, love to travel, and I love staying in the best possible hotels that are friendly on my wallet. I love my real life, but I also like to escape it, and as soon as I enter an airport, get in the car for a drive, or walk through a hotel lobby, I always feel like I’m transported into another world. I will always make room for travel in my schedule and in my budget. (Yes, I know I over-used the word “love” here.)

Anyway, enough with the preamble. In this hotel-to-home series, I’m planning on first featuring a hotel, and then I’ll propose some ways to bring the same design feel into your home.

Let’s get right into it, shall we? Today, I’m taking you all the way to Portugal to the waterfront Farol Hotel.

farol_02_2Farol Hotel, Portugal

This Amor room is white-white-white, and the view looks to be quite spectacular. If you like this design, and would like to recreate it in your own home (with or without the view), here’s what you’ll need:

Inspired-by-Farol-hotel-White-Cabana

pendant light, chaise, Robert Indiana miniature LOVE sculpture, bed linens, console table, art print

What do you think about this series? Honestly, I’m not quite sure how it will work, but I imagine that if I do this for the remainder of 2016, I’ll be able to feature 30-40 hotels. So, if you know of one (high on the white/black/grey colour scheme) that I should feature, please let me know!

Design: Free Standing Bathtubs

I’m far off from my next bathroom renovation, but that won’t stop me from scouring the interweb in search of inspiration. Of late, I’ve had my eye on free-standing tubs, and this round-up – and their surroundings – are simply beautiful.

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photo by Brittany Ambridge, interior design by Gachot Studios

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via Stylowl

terri-shannons-bathroom

designed by Jatana Interiors

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via Chatelaine

free-standing-tub

via Laura Quattro

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via Style at Home

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The Crawford Hotel via Victoria & Albert

Design: From Home to Fashion

I love design, and I love fashion, so why not bring them together? Today, I took a room and turned it into an outfit by looking at some of the key elements in the space.

This living room has a strong, but light base with white walls, airy shelves, and a grey slouchy couch. A black leather egg chair and a pair of sleek side chairs inject the space with sleekness, and the round side table brings in welcomed warmth.

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via Behance

With the room analysis, it was easy enough to transform it into an outfit. I began with a light base of grey and white and brought in softness with the coat. The super sleek cut-out booties are reminiscent of the leather egg chair, and the necklace brings in the airiness of the bookshelf. The leather tote brings in the warmth just as the side table did in the living room.

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pants, shirt, coat, boots, bangle, necklace, bag

If you’re ever stuck on what to wear, go ahead and draw inspiration from your own living space (home design magazines work well, too!).

Two for Tuesday: Mirrored Backsplashes

Last week, I introduced the first post in my new Two for Tuesday series. It was a high/low feature (I love doing them!), so if you’re interested, click here.

Today, I’m sharing two gorgeous white kitchens that have a bit of sparkle. The backsplashes in each of these kitchens are mirrored and shiny and glam. Tiles were installed in a classic brick formation, but the size of the tiles differ.

Sth-Yarra-Kitchen-02Avia Desire to Inspire

w620_h800via Domino

The first kitchen, as you can see, mixes a lot of materials – wood floors, traditional wood table, and a bold copper light. All of these items magically work with the shiny silver backsplash.

The second kitchen has a slightly different look. The black counter and faucet are sleek and smooth, and the lighting is industrial. The tiles are small but mighty!

The Friday Five: Subway Tiles in the Bathroom

I am still a ways off from tearing out my basement bathroom and redoing it, but I’ve been collecting tons of inspiration photos. These days, I’m leaning toward white subway tile walls and dark flooring. The goal is to install a shower, invest in a more energy efficient washer/dryer combo, and injecting a whole bunch of sleek into the room.

Here are five of the photos from which I’m drawing inspiration and the features I like about each space:

1. I like that this bathroom is all-white. It’s so clean and bright and spa-like. I like the white subway tiles with white grout as well as the white floor. The shower head is sleek, and while I doubt I’ll be going with a full wet-room in my own space, I really like the idea of a seamless floor.

casa-na-bright-bathroom

via Dwell

2. The subway tiles are a little larger in the bathroom below than in the one above, and it looks like dark grey or black grout was used instead of white. This really highlights the shape of the brick pattern (and any imperfections, I’m sure, too). Again, I like the seamless floor in this bathroom. While I do have a thing for hex tiles (see my powder room and my fireplace), I’m thinking that in my bathroom, I’ll opt for something different.

 

 

3. Shannon’s basement bathroom below is just about what I want. Again, the seamless floor caught my eye in this space, and I think the glass divider was a wise design move. I appreciate the stacked subway tiles, but I don’t think it’s for me.

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via 8foot6

4. A double shower? Cool! My basement bathroom is much too small for this type of installation, but it’s really neat. I adore the shower heads in this bathroom, and the herringbone floor is pretty. Again with the seamless floor! I must figure out how to do this in my space, because I most definitely prefer it over the lipped shower install. When I see this space, I’m getting the feeling that I do not want the high white-black tile-grout contrast in my own bathroom.

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via Greige

5. I’ll take just about everything from the bathroom below. Add a larger sink and a washer/dryer, and this room would be perfect. The gold fixtures are divine, and the marble floor is beautiful. I love the larger subway tiles with white grout, and it looks like the shower door sort of swings out very neatly.

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via Nordic Design

Now all I need is to be showered with money so that I can get this project done! No big deal, right?

How about you? Which is your favourite from the five bathrooms above? Any advice to share in terms of a major basement bathroom redo?

Travel: A Luxurious Stay at Langdon Hall

Before 2015 ended, I wanted to take one last vacation. (I’m always up for a vacation!) By the end of December, I had honestly had it with the stresses of life, and I felt like an all-about-Jordana escape was in order. That said, considering my limited budget and free time over the Christmas break, there was no real way for me to travel very far for very long. So, I did what any logical luxury-seeking gal would do, and I spontaneously booked a night for myself at the grand Langdon Hall.

Brilliant idea, right?

You may remember that I took a tour of this gorgeous Relais & Chateaux property in the summer (here and here), and I loved absolutely everything about the place. Langdon Hall is located in Cambridge, which makes it easily accessible and convenient for people like me who want a change of scenery, but don’t necessarily need (or aren’t able) to take a flight to do so. Honestly, dear readers, I made the decision to book a stay quite quickly (I’m usually a thoughtful travel researcher!), and I was so excited about my “vacation” as soon as I finalized the reservation.

I took so many photos, so I’ve decided to share my experience with you in two parts. Today, I’ll focus on the design, and tomorrow, I’ll be sharing news about dining at Langdon Hall.

 My Cloister Room Tour

Entryway and dressing area:

Yes, I did just write entryway and dressing area. My room – it had both! I stayed in a Cloister room, and my large entryway had hooks for my coat, a carpet for my boots, and a large mirror to check myself before leaving my room.

White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-1Beyond the entryway, there was a foyer with a small console table where I could drop my keys and purse much like I do in my own home. Convenient! White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-2White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-7The large dressing room, located beside the foyer, had plenty of storage. It was a convenient place to house my luggage and spread out my clothes. The room has a drop-down ironing board as well as ready-to-wear robes (I love having a robe to wear when I’m on vacation!).

From a design perspective, I was impressed by how substantial the quality of the doors and knobs. They’re so substantial.

White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-3 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-4 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-5 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-6 Bedroom area:

Past the foyer and dressing room is the bedroom and living area. The decor is traditional and neutral, but updated. The bed’s high-quality St. Geneve (amazing feather top!) and Au Lit Fine white linens are complimented by some traditional plaid accents…

White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-31I couldn’t help but do a little White Cabana makeover when I arrived. I wanted the bright white embroidered linens to really shine, and I just had to see what the bed looked like without the plaid! And, yes, I did karate-chop the large square Euro pillows, too. White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-36 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-37 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-39White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-a White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-c White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-dLike some other hotels, Langdon Hall’s linens are available for purchase so that guests can recreate the same experience in their homes (I have my heart set on the feather top – heavenly, I tell ya!)

Living area:

The bed faces the windows that overlook the croquet lawn. Yes, I said croquet. Amazing. I already know I’d like to return in the summer to have a go at croquet! The living area has a couch, chair, desk, wood-burning fireplace, TV, and a beautiful view. The built-in cabinet neatly houses a convenient Nespresso machine and fridge.

Oh, one more thing about the wood-burning fireplace. It was fantastic! After I came in from my winter wagon ride (see below), I requested that my fireplace be lit. Within a minute or so, a young gentleman came to start it. I kept it going all night thanks to the stack of firewood that was in my room. Listening to and watching the fireplace in action made my night that much more relaxed and enjoyable. It was absolutely special.

White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-21White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-28White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-30 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-23 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-35White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-26White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-25      White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-32 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-33   White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-40

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White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-69 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-44One feature that I absolutely adored was the windows and the window closures. As you may already know, I lived in France twice, and whenever I see these windows, I think of my time there. I absolutely love these window fixtures, and they brought back many happy memories of my stays in France.

White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-24Bathroom:

Actually, I had 1.5 bathrooms. Yes. 1.5. How’s that for thoughtful design? Again, the tile work and overall bathroom design is traditional but updated. The walk-in shower is spacious, the bathtub is a deep soaker, and the bath items are from UK’s The White Company (how perfect for me, right? amazing!). The towels were plush and plentiful, and I was so happy to discover that the water pressure was strong (this is always a worry of mine when I stay in hotels…I hate low water pressure).

White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-8 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-9 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-10 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-11 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-12 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-13 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-14 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-15Here I am standing in the shower (hey, why not?) peeking out to the main part of the bathroom:White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-16 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-17 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-18 You can see the 1.5 baths in the photo below. On the left is a room with the toilet and pedestal sink; on the right is a room with a sink, counter, bathtub, and walk-in shower).White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-20

Langdon Hall

Beyond the cloister room where I stayed, I did pop in and out of the rooms in the main house. The holiday decorations were still up, and just about every fireplace was going. It was all very charming.

White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-eWhite-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-59 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-60 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-61Winter Wagon Ride

As if what I’ve already shown you wasn’t beautiful enough, right? Well, I have more to share!

During my stay, I had the opportunity to take a winter wagon ride through the forest trails on the property. Langdon Hall offers this free experience to guests who stay between Christmas and New Year’s, so I feel like I lucked out. It was especially nice to feel the crisp winter air after the afternoon tea (I’ll share an update about this tomorrow).

White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-63 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-64 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-65 White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-66 Isn’t this just so picturesque? It felt really quite magical. Turning the corner, coming out of the forest, and seeing Langdon Hall (in the photo above) really made me gasp in awe.  Absolutely gorgeous, isn’t it? It’s a magnificent building.

Before I leave you for today, I’m curious – Have you ever taken a vacation within your own city or region? Why did you do it? Will you do it again?

Come back tomorrow if you’re interested to learn about what I ate during my stay at Langdon Hall. Here’s a preview…

White-Cabana-Langdon-Hall-42

A collection of white mushroom meringues and macarons were waiting for me in my room when I arrived. This was just one of the many things that staff did to warmly welcome me. Everything, of course, was so delicious!

All photos by me.
I did receive a
discount on my stay at Langdon Hall. All opinions are my own.

News: Article #3 Now Published on Domino

My third article has been published over on Domino magazine, and I’d love for you to take a look (click here). Here’s a sneak peek:

Chapel-Hill-Powder-Room-After-1powder room in Chapel Hill, photo by me

White, black, and gold – how perfect for 2016!

Here’s my first article and my second article if you haven’t already read them.

Books: In Pursuit of Beauty by Timothy Whealan

We all know I’m a fan of books, right? Academic books, novels, design books, how-to guides…I love them! I still buy quite a few books (Bonnie Stern’s Essentials of Home Cooking cookbook was my latest purchase), but I take out a lot of books from the Waterloo Public Library (gosh, I love it there!).

On one of my recent visits, I picked up Timothy Whealan’s In Pursuit of Beauty, and I have to tell you that this book is full of the most gorgeous rooms!

51pQK1vOpTL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_photo via Amazon

Timothy Whealan’s interior design work was new to me, but it shouldn’t have been since his work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Veranda, and Elle Decor.

Here are some of the spaces that really grabbed my attention in In Pursuit of Beauty.

Early on in the book, the reader meets this crisp white kitchen. Marble, white, stainless, and chevron floors…what’s not to love?

Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-2I think the design of these bathrooms are just about perfect. I love the finishes and style.

Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-9Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-8I love how Timothy mixes refined wood pieces with white. It’s what I’m aiming to do in my own home in the next few years. These photos serve as perfect inspiration.

Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-10Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-4Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-5   Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-3   Words of wisdom…I agree, Timothy, I agree!

Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-11And here’s the designer and author, Timothy Whealan:

Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-1Obviously my iPhone photos of the book’s pages do not do any of the spaces full justice. I’d encourage you to look at the book to be fully inspired. The rooms are chic, comfortable, and while they may contain pricey pieces of furniture, a lot of the design elements can be recreated on a more moderate budget.

Images of In Pursuit of Beauty taken by me.

Design: Fireplace Log Storage

My fireplace remains unfinished (yes, it’s been almost 3 months…yikes!), but I hope to make progress in the weeks ahead…just in time for winter! For now, I’ve got my eye on fireplace accessories (not that I need any since my fireplace is gas, but still). Look how these log holders add instant charm and warmth to a home.

Luxury-Renovated-Farmhouse-couch-with-modern-fireplacevia Decoist

30462782_003_bforged hoop log holder

pb-found-olive-bucket-oPB found olive bucket

industrial-fireplace-large-log-holder-oindustrial fireplace log holder

The Friday Five: Nancy Meyers’s Pinterest Boards

Have you seen The Intern with Anne Hathaway and Robert DeNiro? I haven’t (yet), but it’s on my watch-this-movie-when-I-have-some-more-free-time list. For now, I’ve enjoyed a long browse on Director Nancy Meyers’s Pinterest account. It’s full of beauty!

I noticed quite a number of pins of spaces with exposed greyish brick and stone walls. I’m assuming that this design made it into the film. Yes? Secret’s out?

25f34972de1e3980549d9b05b4e065aathis from here

a0deb224f0ed0cd718d434e7127529e8this

Dana-Barnes-In-Knots-Fiber-Wall-Hangingthis from here

49aeba02c1136bdeb4dcaf579f78a308this from here

7b7135fd42f2a6b689417d1572e300e7this from here

Check out all of Nancy Meyers’s Pinterest boards for more gorgeous images of interiors, fashion, and style.

Have a wonderful (and spooky Halloween) weekend!

Design: White Paired with Refined Antiques

I feel like the next pieces of furniture I invest in are going to be more on the refined side. For a while now, I’ve been wanting to incorporate some traditional refined wood pieces into my home. I adore the contrast between modern, minimalist white and delicate, intricate antiques. This is sort of what I’m talking about:

Bathroom+Furniture+PB4 via

I’m on the lookout for great deals (obviously), so this design plan may take some time…

The Friday Five: PM Lotto Oakville Showhome + Brunch with Brian Gluckstein

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go on a tour of the Princess Margaret Lotto Oakville Showhome. As Canadian readers may already know, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre’s Welcome Home Sweepstakes is a huge fundraising event with incredible prizes to be won. Tickets are $100 each, $250 for 3, or $375 for 5. Each year, many local residents, Princess Margaret supporters, and the generally curious crowd anticipate the reveal of Oakville Showhome. The home is always in an exclusive Oakville neighbourhood (Oakville is about 30 minutes from Toronto, for the non-local readers of this blog), it includes top-of-the line electronics/appliances/gadgets, and it is designed by one of my all-time favourite Canadian designers, Mr. Brian Gluckstein.

For the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to preview the home, and each year, I’m blown away. This year was no exception. Mr. Gluckstein – or Brian, as I like to call him (um, first name basis with Brian!? Crazy!) – and his team worked magic once again. The house is beautiful. Rooms include traditional lines, soothing colour stories, beautiful artwork and objets, and a few surprises thrown into the mix as well.

I know I’m a day late with this week’s Friday Five, but here are five things that I learned about this year’s Princess Margaret Oakville Showhome:

1. A white bedroom is always in style, and when it includes a gorgeous lucite table, it becomes a little more special.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-1810 pillows – how many do you have on your bed? (I have 5)White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-17seating area with lucite coffee table in the master bedroom

2. Art is essential. Brian’s designs always include some stunning pieces. Here are some of the ones that caught my eye.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-12art in the kitchen

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-6art beside the massage room (see #3)

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-5art in the hallway

3. A massage room is a ridiculously luxurious room to have in a home. I have never had a massage myself, but if I had a room for it, you can bet I’d be taking advantage of it! I adored the fully-lined walls in this space. The wall curtains are made of terrycloth fabric, and Brian told me that it was only around $3 a yard. Adding texture to the wall in this way is brilliant, in my opinion.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-10the massage room

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-84. Brian makes interesting lighting selections for the Oakville Showhome each year. This year, three pieces caught my attention. First – the kitchen light was formerly black and brass, but Brian (or his people) sprayed in white. Yes! Second – the light in one of the bedrooms had a pretty scallop which made it a pretty addition to the already-delicate room. Third – the chandeliers that lined the entrance hall are light and airy. Floating cubes of goodness, really.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-11white pendant in the kitchen

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-13scalloped light in a bedroom

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-3airy chandelier in the entrance hall

5. I am the first to admit that wallpaper makes me nervous. I much prefer plain walls and art work to wallpaper. I’m pretty sure it’s because I was traumatized by the 80s wallpaper chaos that I had to deal with in my own home. The wallpaper designs that were included in some of the bathrooms in the Showhome, however, caught my attention.

In the jack-and-jill bathroom, the wallpaper is whimsical yet serene.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-14Hi there!

The blossoming wallpaper in the master bathroom creates a cozy nook around the stand-alone bathtub.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-21  White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-19 White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-20Bonus: Since it’s Saturday, I’m going to make the executive decision to add one more item to today’s list. I could not leave the living room out of today’s Showhome recap because it is such a magnificent space. The oversized windows mean that light fills the room, the walls are a beautiful tone of grey, and the furniture placement (in true Brian fashion) is symmetrical. This room also includes a mirrored coffee table with a perfectly-arranged collection of silver boxes and luxurious drapery to match the wall colour.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-1White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-23  White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-2There you have it – five six things I adore about this year’s Princess Margaret Oakville Showhome designed by Brian Gluckstein. The golf room and library fascinated me, too!

Photos by Jordana. For more photos of the preview event, check out #BrunchWithBrian on Instagram and Twitter. You can’t win this house if you don’t buy a ticket – tickets can be purchased here.

Travel: Luxurious Hotels in Charleston, South Carolina

Next month, I am going to be traveling to the southern United States, and I just cannot wait! It’s been a year since I’ve been to North Carolina, and I have several items on my agenda for this visit.

I’ll begin with a visit with my family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and then High Point Market in nearby High Point. In addition to these two stops, I’m planning on visiting Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Eek! So darn excited! Road trip, here I come!

One of the best parts of travel planning for me is researching hotels, and let me tell you, there are some amazingly beautiful ones in the south! Let me share with you where my Charleston research has taken me thus far.

Planters Inn is traditional and full of creams and whites. The tone-on-tone decor definitely works for me, and the poster beds are so very charming.

PlantersInn_RoomsGallery_9 PlantersInn_RoomsGallery_3 croppedGallery_GuestRoom_6 PlantersInn_RoomsGallery_6 PlantersInn_RoomsGallery_2 PlantersInn_RoomsGallery_5 SpoletoSuite_website2 PlantersInn_gallery7 croppedGallery_PlantersInn_5 PlantersInnThe Spectator promotes its rooms as being “spacious, gracious, and utterly unforgettable”. I’d agree.

the-spectator-hotel 2241284-The-Spectator-Hotel-Guest-Room-3-DEF CTH1519_Spectator_Premier_Suite_307_01-631x355The Market Pavillion Hotel is another stunning property in Charleston. The guestrooms look large, and the bathrooms seem to be the ultimate in luxury.

king_lgcornerbath_lg guestbath_lgUp next is the Belmond Charleston Place. Warning – it’s another stunner complete with classic wood furniture, luxe linens, and beautiful bathrooms.

ocha_1366x400_room_premier_luxury04 ocha_1366x400_room_premier_luxury01 ocha_1366x400_room_premier_bathroom01 ocha_1366x400_room_premier_room03 ocha_1366x400_room_premier_king_balcony01Zero George Street‘s website draws me in, and I’m sure the hotel would, too, in person. This property is modern, airy, but most definitely southern.

2013_Zero_George_08021-1100x514Zero-George-Veranda-King Zero-George-Harbor-Room-3 2013_Zero_George_0787-380x220 2013_Zero_George_0600-380x530 ZG-Anson-Suite-Web-1100x514Can you now see why I think hotel planning is so fun? So dreamy!

Design: Two Bathrooms That Caught My Attention

As I was browsing through some of my daily and weekly reads (cue blogroll), two bathrooms caught my attention. I thought I’d share them with you in case they haven’t yet made their way to your computer/laptop/other device. Feel free to weigh in on what you like or dislike about each space.

The first bathroom was featured on Sue’s The Zhush. The bathroom (and home) was designed by Irene Lovette of Designstiles. I adore the marble in this bathroom as well as all of the fixtures. The shower is stunning, and please hop on over to see the bathtub. Just gorgeous!

While the colour palette here is simple, neutral, and white, the space is interesting because of all the patterns of the various marble pieces. This bathroom does not shy away from mixing metals either, and I think we are going to continue to see this in interiors in the years ahead.

main.original.585x0-9(photo by Sabra Lattos Photography)

I spotted the second bathroom on Jacquelyn Clarke’s Lark and Linen. It’s one room (of many) in Calvin Klein’s Miami beach house, and it is very minimalist in design. It was designed with super straight lines, one colour scheme, and only faint lines of pattern (e.g., marble on the side table). The shower luxe curtain and black curtain rod certainly got my attention.

calvin-klein-beach-house_7-480x720Zillow via Lark & Linen

Design: Round Mirrors

Round mirrors are so versatile. They’re great above bathroom vanities, bedroom dressers, and foyer consoles. Perhaps these photos will inspire you to use one in your own home.

52938cbcdbfa3f634900c962._w.540_s.fit_via Apartment Therapy

decor+pad+(14)via Me and Alice

img86cKensington pivot round mirror, $249-$299, Pottery Barn

img84oShagreen round wall mirror, $995, Williams-Sonoma

iipsrvreflection round mirror, $149.99, Urban Barn

songe-mirror__0107577_PE257249_S4Songe mirror, $49.99, Ikea

ninna-white-wall-mirrorNinna white round wall mirror, $199, Crate & Barrel

Design: Manhattan vs. Chapel Hill House Tour

A few of my friends and loyal blog readers have been curious about my sister’s move (with her husband and four kids) to North Carolina last fall. Their Manhattan home was featured on Style Me Pretty Living a year ago (eek!), but since then, a lot has changed. They’ve been renting a home in Chapel Hill while they kept their eyes on the housing market. Since they were renting, my sister and brother-in-law didn’t make any drastic changes to the house. They did, however, change up the lighting and unpack just about all of their furnishings in order to make the house feel like a home (even if only a temporary one). I thought it would be interesting to show you how they translated their Manhattan style to their Chapel Hill home.

Living room: Manhattan

The Manhattan living room was fairly spacious, and it had to function as a very multi-purpose space (extra bedroom, play room, TV room, etc.).

53879e4d464ff$!900x Living room: Chapel Hill

In Chapel Hill, the living room is a proper living room. The kids play and watch shows in here, but the living room doesn’t have to be a multi-purpose space. My sister and brother-in-law didn’t purchase additional furniture for this large space, but they did make slight changes to their art and accessories collections.

24271178Kitchen: Manhattan

By Manhattan standards, the kitchen was large. They did a lot of cooking in here, and the kids made a lot (a lot!) of messes on these gorgeous wood floors. The kids climbed on the cabinets, opened and closed every drawer and door a thousand times each day. Thankfully, the carrara marble and the Ikea cabinets held up nicely. My sister made the art. Nice, right?

53879f55ca627$!900xKitchen: Chapel Hill

The Chapel Hill kitchen is large and bright! There’s a seat-up bar as well as an eat-in area. My sister and brother-in-law added new furniture to this room (stools, table, chairs, etc.) and installed a new pendant light.

2427118024271186Master Bedroom: Manhattan

Again, by Manhattan standards, the master bedroom was large. That’s a king size bed in there! Plus night stands! It’s pretty luxurious as far as Manhattan bedrooms go.

53879eef98afb$!900xBedroom: Chapel Hill

In Chapel Hill, my sister and brother-in-law hung the art from their Manhattan kitchen in the bedroom (the ceilings are so high!), and kept everything else the same as in their Manhattan bedroom. There is a lot more space to move around the bed in Chapel Hill!

24271205Kids’ Bedroom: Manhattan

In Manhattan, the kids’ room included many fun books and toys, and everything was so neatly organized (until the kids started taking everything out of the shelves…an every day occurrence!).

53879fb379af3$!900xKids’ Bedroom: Chapel Hill

In Chapel Hill, the kids have a lot more space in their bedroom…and they have a dedicated play room, too. As you may remember, the Land of Nod really helped my sister add some interesting pieces and decorations to personalize the room for the kids. The initial pillows are still a favourite of mine, and the kids do actually use the bench. Isn’t it cute? I think they added another crib since the Manhattan tour (who can keep track of all those kids!).

24271248Office: Manhattan

They transformed a deep walk-in closet into an office for my brother-in-law in Manhattan. While I was scared of the black walls at the beginning, I ended up really liking this small space. It looks really clean in the photo below, but, trust me, it didn’t always look this way.

5387a0362649c$!900xOffice: Chapel Hill

In Chapel Hill, my sister and brother-in-law converted the dining room into an office space, and they have been really happy with this decision. They each have a desk, and the new bookcase helps them stay organized. The mirror was originally in the Manhattan master bedroom, and the light and rug were in the Manhattan dining room.

24303508And that’s the tour for now. I think it’s really fun to draw the comparisons between the two homes. In New York, they really needed to think carefully about small space living, and in Chapel Hill, they have a bit more room to spread out. It’s so nice to sit together at the kitchen table (or on their outside deck), and I’m thrilled that there’s an actual guest room for me (and their other guests, too)!

My sister and brother-in-law will be moving again, and I have been excited to share some design advice (as if they need it) with them. The place is already beautiful, but there are going to be some really great changes ahead.

Design: Classic White in Chapel Hill

My sister recently sent me photos of her friend’s home in Chapel Hill. I nearly fell off of my chair when I saw them. It’s gorgeous! It is clear that the homeowners designed each and every room with thought and care. The colour combinations, the furniture pairings, and the rugs especially grabbed my attention. That said, the homeowners have kept some rooms (kitchen, laundry) very classic with the use of white. I think this was a smart move because full renovations to these spaces can be costly. While it’s relatively affordable to change furnishings and paint, kitchens are much more expensive to renovate.

Okay, enough of the chit chat. Let me show you what I’m talking about. kitchenkitchen3kitchen2laundryYou must check out the whole home. Aren’t the kids’ rooms beautiful? I’m also loving the rattan chair in the master. Such a beautifully designed home, don’t you think?

Photos by Corie.

Update: Yesterday, The New York Times published an article about Chapel Hill that may be of interest to those of you who have been to the area or who are planning to visit: 36 Hours in Chapel Hill-Carrboro, NC.

The Friday Five: Vaulted Ceilings

Okay…I’m a day late with this post…but hopefully the gorgeous interiors I’m featuring today will make everyone forget the fact that today’s Saturday.

I was planning on writing a post featuring stunning beach houses, but then I got distracted by vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. Check out the homes below and you’ll understand why my post plan altered.

jcs-esertsstudio-montecitoresidence-14Montecito, California, photo by Jessica Comingore

Winchelsea_023beach studio, East Sussex, UK

casa-sanchia-5Casa Sanchia, Cape Town, South Africa

dormitorio_principal_-_cama_484x519El Noque, Spain (via Inspiring Interiors)

b2lgThe Lighthouse, South Africa

Aren’t these spaces gorgeous? The high ceilings make them so breezy.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Design: Real Estate Toronto

After years of watching the Toronto housing market, I shouldn’t be surprised by what I see. But, I am.

This place in Toronto has some gorgeous bright white rooms. How much do you think it is listed for?

52-Shaver-Ave-Toronto-5 52-Shaver-Ave-Toronto-3 52-Shaver-Ave-Toronto-2 52-Shaver-Ave-Toronto-1 52-Shaver-Ave-Toronto-4 52-Shaver-Ave-Toronto-652 Shaver Ave. S., Toronto

This modern rebuild in Etobicoke (near Kipling subway station) is listed for just about $1.8 million. Yes, that’s right, almost $2 million dollars. How close was your guess?

Thanks to Daniela for sending this my way.

The Friday Five: Marble Herringbone Tiles in the Bathroom

I’ve been making progress on my foyer tiles. After quite a bit of thought, I ended up with my first choice: herringbone. I’m making good progress, and so far I’m loving the look. Since I’m doing this project on my own, I’m going pretty slow. I hope the foyer will be completely finished in a week or two.

In the meantime, let’s have a look at how marble herringbone looks in these gorgeous bathrooms.

8daf9722e52b8bfef73e487e6482f306via Home Adore

marble-herringbone-bathroomvia Decor Pad

herringbone-main-picvia PDTM

54c4a1a4af989_-_01-hbx-etoile-shower-system-0914-s2via House Beautiful

bath_1via MPression

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Interiors: What Do You Love about your Bedroom?

My bedroom is white, casual, comfortable, and full of things that I love. My collections include silver trays and platters, white ceramic bowls, and some crystal, too. I like to keep my bedroom clear of clutter (as much as possible), and full of little luxurious.

White-Cabana-bedroom-8A new bed is certainly on my wish list, but my existing bed is completely decent. My duvet might be the best part of my room. It’s thick, warm, and cozy. And, yes, these pink pillows have found their way into my home. For now.

White-Cabana-bedroom-6

I recently read this article in Rue, which led me to the Parachute bedding sets.

Parachute-DuvetParachute duvet

The Venice sheet set-parachute

Parachute sheet set

cashmere throw-parachute

Parachute cashmere throw

Isn’t the cashmere throw gorgeous? I would totally put that to good use! I’d probably end up wearing it as a scarf/cape/shawl/wrap in winter months.

 

Marketplace: Moroccan Wedding Blankets

I first posted about Moroccan wedding blankets back in 2010 (here) and then again here. They continue to hold a prominent place in people’s homes and in the design community.  At one time, they were nearly impossible to find, but now they’re available in blanket and other forms in mainstream stores like West Elm and Anthropologie, and there’s an incredible number of items available on Etsy.

tumblr_mfstqpxu8M1r7fsa9o1_500

via Bohemian Life

Suburban-Faux-Pas-Moroccan Wedding Blanket

via Krystin Lee

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Moroccan wedding blanket, $1349.07

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Moroccan wedding pouf, $298, Anthropologie

moroccan-blanket-basket-West-Elm

Moroccan wedding basket, $79, West Elm

img3oMoroccan wedding hamper, $149, West Elm

il_570xN.718392796_nnxo

Moroccan wedding blanket pillow, $165.82

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Moroccan wedding blanket, $1004.02

Travel: One Fine Stay

Hi again. I’m back. Hope you all had a great week. Did you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Spring? The International Day of Happiness? The last two weeks have been completely stressful for me, and I needed a full break from the blog last week, but I didn’t actually use my extra downtime for celebrations. Hmm…maybe I should have. I probably could use another week off, but I actually really missed blogging. So, I’m back at it, since it makes me happy to plan and write my posts and to connect with my blogging community.

Let’s start the week off with a bang, shall we? Today’s homes are all rentable places to stay via One Fine Stay.

new york - one fine stay

Scotts Alley – Manhattan apartment, One Fine Stay

802b4d3187ffd96f866a00c35c53dc3b7e20ba4e

d49601e3eb6c2b21e1be52c87e8427f6ddac2e7e 2e85cc1758c31ff960e2c17d60484c29922a3248

Woodland Creek – Catskill Mountains, One Fine Stay

mettacahonts-creek-one-fine-stay-1 mettacahonts-creek-one-fine-stay-4 mettacahonts-creek-one-fine-stay-3 mettacahonts-creek-one-fine-stay-2

Mettacahonts Creek – Hudson Valley, One Fine Stay

c835f81f6116dde91695a654a965780cf5985b0b

York Lake House – Hudson Valley, One Fine Stay

Purdy-Hollow-1 Purdy-Hollow-3 Purdy-Hollow-2

Purdy Hollow House – Catskills, One Fine Stay

EGE208-TAKE-02-42

Egerton Crescent – London, One Fine Stay

Argyll Road II - One Fine Stay - 1 Argyll Road II - One Fine Stay - 3 Argyll Road II - One Fine Stay - 2

Argyll Road II – London, One Fine Stay

So who wants to go on vacation now?

Uptown: A Look at My Bathroom

I put as little money as possible into my big bathroom makeover as I’m hoping to just tear it out one day and start fresh. The shower is too small, the jacuzzi tub is huge, and there’s so much unused floor space. Plus, there are two tile designs that make my brain hurt. The big bathroom, believe it or not, has come a long way. I can barely remember the silvery grey wallpaper, the excessive amount of towel bars, the rusty grey drop-in sink, or the grey smokey mirror. Barely. 

The new sink, vanity, mirror, lighting have refreshed the space as has the wall paint, the cabinet paint job, the inkblot wall, and a good ol’ fashion scrubbing.

White-Cabana-big-bathroom-2White-Cabana-big-bathroom-1

Sources:
ink blot paintings by me
frames – random
bamboo ladder/towel holder – vintage
vanity countertop – custom
sink – Habitat ReStore
Tommy faucet by Delta – c/o
mirror – HomeSense
vanity light – Home Depot

Design: Celebrating the Quatrefoil

Okay, so I know St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner and green-themed parties, foods, and decorations are dominating Pinterest and blogs, but around here, the green stays far away. While I wouldn’t paint my walls green, I do love greenery in my home. I absolutely love having living plants in every room around my home. If I lived in the French countryside (yeah, if), I’d definitely try to have a green house. I’d probably call it a conservatory or a garden room (look at all of these beautiful conservatories).

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Oak Leaf Conservatories

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via Julias Vita Dommar

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via Home & Garden

Okay, I’m now off topic. Let’s get back to what I really want to talk about today: quatrefoil. The quatrefoil is a four-leaf symbol that we see a lot in art and architecture. It was most popular in the gothic and renaissance eras (read more here). I’ve gathered some photos of quatrefoil products and gorgeous interiors with quatrefoil details.

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quatrefoil headboard, Christopher’s of Nantucket via DecorPad

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quatrefoil pillow cover, Decidedly Chic

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Suzanne Kasler’s home, via Architectural Digest

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quatrefoil mirror, Horchow

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quatrefoil detail in this gorgeous farmhouse kitchen, Magnolia Homes

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quatrefoil necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels

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via AM Dolce Vita

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Edward ottoman

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via Better Homes & Gardens

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quatrefoil photograph, via Posterjack

Real Estate: Multi-Million Dollar Canadian Homes

The latest issue of Toronto Life published another article about Toronto’s crazy real estate game. This time, the article was focused on a section of Forest Hill where home owners/developers/architects are basically one-upping neighbours/competitors and building monstrosities that may or may not fit in with the Forest Hill aesthetic (I guess it depends on who’s judging). The article honestly made me laugh out loud. Toronto real estate is ridiculous, and it blows my mind that a $3.25 million house comes with only 1 garage (for example). It also seems unbelievable that $1.5 million houses are torn down for new builds. Or, even when they’re not torn down, they require unbelievable amounts of money to bring them up-to-date.

The article – and my ongoing fascination with real estate – pushed me to browse the Toronto real estate listings. Here are some of the pricey properties that caught my attention.

500 Wellingston-Toronto 500 Wellingston-Toronto-2

500 Wellington St. PH1001, Toronto, $7.9 million

88 Davenport-Toronto-1 88 Davenport-Toronto-4 88 Davenport-Toronto-3 88 Davenport-Toronto-2 88 Davenport-Toronto-5

88 Davenport Rd. #2401, Toronto, $8.988 million

Glen Rd Toronto -4 Glen Rd Toronto -2 Glen Rd Toronto -5 Glen Rd Toronto -3 Glen Rd Toronto -1

100 Glen Rd., Toronto, $9.5 million

50 Yorkville-Toronto-3 50 Yorkville-Toronto-5 50 Yorkville-Toronto-1 50 Yorkville-Toronto-2 50 Yorkville-Toronto-4 50 Yorkville-Toronto-6

50 Yorkville Ave., Toronto SP 1, $11.9 million

50 Yorkville-2402-4 50 Yorkville-2402-3 50 Yorkville-2402-1 50 Yorkville-2402-2

50 Yorkville Ave., Toronto #2402, $12.995 million

118 Yorkville-901-5 118 Yorkville-901-3 118 Yorkville-901-2 118 Yorkville-901-1

118 Yorkville Ave., Toronto, PH901, $18.9 million

I also expanded my search to all of Canada to see what $10+ million dollar properties looked like elsewhere. Here’s a sample:

650 lowry Lane-N Vancouver-1 650 lowry Lane-N Vancouver-2

650 Lowry Ln., North Vancouver, $10,988,800

2156 marine Drive - Vancouver-1 2156 marine Drive - Vancouver-2 2156 marine Drive - Vancouver-3 2156 marine Drive - Vancouver-4

2156 SW Marine Dr., Vancouver, $11.9 million

13283 56th ave-surrey-5 13283 56th ave-surrey-6 13283 56th ave-surrey-7 13283 56th ave-surrey-3 13283 56th ave-surrey-1 13283 56th ave-surrey-2 13283 56th ave-surrey-4

13283 56th Ave., Surrey, $12.888 million

1116 Highland place West Vancouver 3 1116 Highland place West Vancouver 2 1116 Highland place West Vancouver 1

1116 Highland Place, West Vancouver, $19.7 million

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Magog, Quebec, $25 million (click the link – it’s basically a castle)

And, now, for something a little closer to home…this gem in Kitchener, Ontario is full of white, and it seems like a major deal at only $2.5 million!

12 Westgate-Kitchener-1 12 Westgate-Kitchener-2 12 Westgate-Kitchener-4 12 Westgate-Kitchener-7 12 Westgate-Kitchener-5 12 Westgate-Kitchener-8 12 Westgate-Kitchener-6

12 Westgate Walk, Kitchener, $2.5 million

What was that about “if I had a million dollars”? Seems like it can’t buy a whole heck of a lot in Toronto (besides Kraft Dinner, naturally).

The Friday Five: Laundry Room Details

I’ve got a bathroom/laundry room renovation on my mind these days. I would really like to start the reno this spring, but I’ve had little time to finalize the design plan. It’s not going to be anything too complicated as it is a small space, but every reno needs thoughtful consideration and planning. Am I right?

I’m looking at the design details of these laundry rooms and they’re making me wish I had a large enough space to incorporate all of them!

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drying rack drawer – via Eleven Gables

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sorting drawer – via Sunny Side Up

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clothes hanging rod – via Home Bunch

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closet fold-down ironing board – via Home Bunch

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Fornasetti overload – via Berkley Interior & Lifestyle Design

Uptown: A Look at My Kitchen

I have already shared photos of my main floor powder room. Today, I’m revealing the after photos of my kitchen. I took forever to finish up the last bit of grouting (there was a space that I was too lazy to fill), and I was putting off the photos until the backsplash was really fully complete. The before photos of my kitchen are pretty horrific. Honestly, I look back at them and I wonder what the heck I was thinking when I actually bought my house! They’re that bad!

So what did I do to my kitchen to get it white and bright? Here’s a list:
– primed and painted the walls and ceiling
– tore down a dividing wall beside the stove
– installed some new lighting
– installed some additional cabinetry
– installed a marble countertop
– installed a single basin sink
– installed a backsplash (I did it myself!)
– installed an over-the-range microwave
– changed the cabinet hardware

Yes, it was a lot of work! Still on the to do list? The floors are still on my wish list. I’d really love to install hardwood floors.

Okay, here are the after photos:

White-Cabana-kitchen-after-1 White-Cabana-kitchen-after-2 White-Cabana-kitchen-after-5 White-Cabana-kitchen-after-7 White-Cabana-kitchen-after-8 White-Cabana-kitchen-after-11 White-Cabana-kitchen-after-13 White-Cabana-kitchen-after-14 White-Cabana-kitchen-after-15 White-Cabana-kitchen-after-16 White-Cabana-kitchen-after-19 White-Cabana-kitchen-after-20

In case anyone is wondering – I generally do keep my kitchen this tidy. I took everything off of my fridge and the stack of papers/books/magazines off of the table for the photos, but other than that, my kitchen looks like this every day. The stove and floor could use a scrub, but c’est la vie.

Sources:
marble counter – Natural Stone City
sink – Vigo via Home Depot
microwave – KW Appliances
backsplash tiles via Kijiji (for only $10!)
toaster – Cuisinart
KitchenAid stand mixer
oil & vinegar bottles – Diane von Furstenberg
salt & paper shakers – Chapters Indigo
small tray – Crate & Barrel
large tray, milk glass, light fixture, embroidered cherries framed – vintage
tea towel, plant pot, table – IKEA
chairs – vintage, painted by me (inspired by Joan Miró)
black & white fridge magnet bottle openers – Alessi
watermelon art – painted by me (age 5)

Uptown: A Look at my Powder Room

I haven’t posted any photos of my home for quite some time. Most of the major work is done (yay!), although I always have something on my to do list (e.g., my basement bathroom). I am so proud of all that I have accomplished in the 1.5 years since I moved into my home. The house looks nothing like it did when I moved in. I slathered gallons and gallons of paint on every single wall, changed a bunch of light fixtures, cleaned for hours on end, tore down a wall, and so much more.

I haven’t taken after photos of every room, so this past weekend, I devoted some time to doing just this. I am just about ready to share a house tour. I really should post the before photos, too, to make things extra dramatic (maybe I will one day)!

For now, here’s a look at what my powder room. This space was completely gutted, and nothing (besides some of the walls) was salvageable (you can see some before photos here and here). It was a disgusting space, really, and that just sums up the before.

White-Cabana-Powder-Room-1 White-Cabana-Powder-Room-2 White-Cabana-Powder-Room-3 White-Cabana-Powder-Room-4 White-Cabana-Powder-Room-5I am so pleased with how this little room came together. Me and my family did the work ourselves, so the only cost was for supplies and fixtures. Little money, big impact. I especially love the floor in my powder room because I installed it myself. Who knew I would ever do such a thing!

Sources:
Tommy faucet – Delta c/o
cabinet & sink – IKEA
hex tiles – Twin City Tile
twin flush, energy efficient toilet – Costco
vintage Chanel poster – Les Puces flea market, Paris
mirror – HomeSense
towel bar – Umbra (it’s a paper towel holder)
linen towels – vintage
milk glass – vintage
light fixture – vintage
toilet roll holder – Bed Bath & Beyond
baseboards, light plates – Home Depot

Photos by me.